Daniel woke Orrin up a few hours later. The night was heavy and moonlight streamed though the open window.

“Wake up.”

“Mahh, what?" Orrin sat up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "Daniel, it’s gotta be midnight.”

“Sorry, but this could not wait.” Daniel practically bounced as he sat on the bed. “I figured it out.”

Orrin struggled to get a hold of the conversation. He had really been out.

“Orrin, do you hear me? I figured out what the entire book actually means. I know what my moniker should be!” Daniel looked more alive than he had in days.

“You look hyped. Did you drink more coffee?” Orrin finally pulled his head off the pillow and sat up.

“Two cups. You are missing the point.” Daniel paused for effect. “I can get us home.”

Orrin paused and then focused on coming fully awake. “What? How? What do you mean by ‘what the book actually means?' How long until we can go?”

Daniel pulled the different sheets of paper they had written their notes on and separated a few into a stack.

He handed the stack to Orrin and asked, “What do these have in common?”

Orrin pulled the papers close and started flipping through them. They were the notes on the different heroes that had written the book. Orrin had started a list of their names, then of the skills and spells they used, before finally just giving each one a page with all the information they could gather pertaining not to the advice, but the status and abilities of each [Hero].

“These are some of the [Hero] profiles I tried putting together,” Orrin started but Daniel shook his head.

“No. Well. Yes but not. What do these particular profiles have in common?”

Orrin looked through them again. Both male and female heroes. The Magic Hero was here, but so was the Metal Hero. A Fire Hero and an Ice Hero. No stat heroes, just a handful of elemental monikers.

“I don’t get it,” Orrin gave up.

Daniel frowned but explained, “These are the best ones. The ones who didn’t plateau. The other heroes would choose the same name, based on the success of one of these guys. But it did not always help. Like, the other Ice Hero. He tried to replicate the earlier Ice Hero but his notes complained that he could not get the same spells as her. He ended up just giving up towards the last of his notes in the book and went back to using his bow and arrow, remember?”

“And?” Orrin asked.

“That was the problem. That is THE problem. I can’t choose something based on what others have done. Your class shows that there should be other options out there.” Daniel stood and began to pace. “So I started thinking about why each one of these heroes had chosen their particular moniker. Look.”

Daniel turned back around and pulled the notes from Orrin’s hands. He rifled through until he found the Metal Hero notes.

“This guy. I went back and looked at some of his sections. He complained early on that he just hated using anything but his ax remember? There was an entire section before he hit level ten on discussing whether it was worth it to take fire or wind?”

Orrin nodded. The Metal Hero’s early notes had been rambling and fell into logic loops as the guy had tried convincing himself to take one name after the other.

“He decided to take Metal as his name because he just was so over thinking about it. But it worked perfectly for him. Because that was what he was actually focused on. Do you get it?”

“You woke me up for a lecture? Get to the point Daniel.”

Daniel frowned. “Yeah. Sorry. I’m going to be the Dimensional Hero and get us home.”

Orrin tried to process what he’d just heard.

“Huh?”

“I’m picking Dimensional as my moniker at level ten.”

“I still don’t get it.”

“I’ll be able to create a wormhole or something and get us back home.” Daniel was smiling ear to ear.

Orrin chose his words carefully, “You are an idiot.”

Daniel’s smiled slipped.

“You woke me up to tell me you want to pick wormhole hero, so that you might get a skill to get us home?”

Daniel was full on scowling now.

“Dimensional Hero. And yes, basically. What the Magic Hero got wrong is intent. The reason behind the moniker makes it more powerful. It has to line up with what you want.”

“How do you think the system is going to react to you essentially saying ‘fuck off with that hero shit’,” Orrin asked.

“No. That’s the genius of it,” Daniel began. “It will also help with how I want to fight. Blipping around the battlefield, swatting down monsters left and right.”

Orrin pulled up his store and search for Blink, Dimension, and a half dozen other words he thought of.

Nothing.

“I don’t think something like Blink exists. Or at least, I can’t find anything in the store for that.”

“That doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist,” Daniel argued.

“That’s true,” Orrin conceded. “I agree with your theory that the name probably goes further if it jives with you as a person. I just don’t see you as... dimensional.”

“That almost sounds like an insult.” Daniel folded his hands over his chest.

“Woah, no.” Orrin shook his head. “I’m still waking up. Let me pick a better sentence.”

He paused and spoke, “I really do like your theory. I actually think it’s totally on the money. But I’m not sure the word you picked describes you. Sure, it describes what you want to do but... how do I say this. It just feels off.”

Daniel went into full pout mode. “Well that’s what I’m choosing.”

“Then great,” Orrin said. “It’s your choice. I’m just trying to be a soundboard for you. I support you one hundred percent.”

“Now you are just being an asshole,” Daniel complained. “You come up with something better then.”

Orrin shrugged. “No really. If that is what you choose, I support you. I don’t know how this all works. I’m flying blind just like you. But maybe we can brainstorm some other things, just in case Dimensional isn’t allowed?”

Daniel paused at that. “That would be okay. I actually had already considered Time Hero too. Because you know... time travel and maybe I could pause time.”

Orrin doubted that would work any better than ‘dimensional’ but did not want to piss off his friend further. “There you go. Having options is fine. The book said you have ten minutes to choose a good moniker, anyways. One of those could work.”

Daniel nodded along as Orrin agreed with him finally.

“Daniel, you really should get some sleep,” Orrin suggested. “I think you’re going a little manic.”

“Just a few more hours, I want to double-chec-“ Daniel stopped talking when Orrin threw a pillow at him.

“That was not a suggestion. Shut up and sleep,” Orrin demanded. “You are not level ten yet. We can discuss this tomorrow. You look like shit and I know how crabby you are when you don’t sleep.”

“I am not crab-“ Daniel dodged another pillow. “Ok, fine.”

Daniel crawled into his bed and gave Orrin the cold shoulder for being the responsible one.

Dimensional or Time Hero? Orrin thought as he tried to get comfortable again. I do like the idea that it should be tied to his abilities or fighting style. Or even just who he is as a person. But what would work?

Orrin thought about it as he closed his eyes. Daniel was his friend but he was also popular. People liked him and were naturally drawn to him. He excelled in most everything he put his mind to, like a force of nature hurtling towards his target.

The last thought he had before sleep took him again was: What would I choose if I were the hero?

Orrin woke before Daniel the next morning. Daniel grumbled and pulled the covers over his head.

“This is why I made you go to sleep,” Orrin said loudly and very close to Daniel’s head. “Come get some breakfast when you wake up.”

Orrin walked to the door and felt his body move to the side. Daniel had thrown a pillow at his back.

[Side Steps] -94/100

I COULD HAVE BEEN DODGING PILLOWS!

Orrin took a few of the books he’d squirrelled away and found Brandt and Madi finishing some pastries and coffee in the smaller dining room. The larger dining room was only used for political dinners and such.

“Morning you two,” Orrin greeted them as he piled a few different cinnamon buns and a side of bacon on his plate. He took the entire pitcher of coffee. It might be enough for him.

“Good morning, sir,” Brandt responded.

“Good morning, Orrin,” Madi smiled his way. “Is Daniel still sleeping?”

“Brandt, I’ve told you already. I’m not a sir, just call me Orrin,” he poured the first of many cups of coffee to come. A small dash of cream and he sipped. “And yes, Madi. The Sleepy Hero is not up yet.”

Madi snickered at the joke.

“What are you reading, si- Orrin,” Brandt asked.

Orrin pushed the two books he’d brought down across the table. “Just an alchemy book and a spatial magic book.”

Spatial Magics and Alchemy and You were two of many books he’d picked up at the library. He had gotten the alchemy book to look up more on potions, health and mana. Spatial Magics was in case there was some hidden path to getting [Teleport] powered up to interplanar travel. He and Daniel still needed to get home somehow.

“Are you interested in alchemy?” Brandt asked eagerly.

“A bit.” Orrin talked around mouthfuls of almond croissant, “I’m not sure I would ever pick it up but I was interested in how potions work. Mostly mana potions to be honest. There are benefits to knowing how things work, especially when those things go into your body.”

Brandt nodded along.

“You know, Sir Bennett here is an amateur alchemist himself,” Madi teased the knight. He blushed and ducked his head.

“Really? I didn’t see that on- know that about you,” Orrin corrected his mistake. [Identify]ing people wasn’t something you just admitted to.

“No, Lady Catanzano jests,” Brandt mumbled. “It is just a hobby. I have no skills, nor would I waste them for such an endeavor. [Alchemist]s take few apprentices, and books such as these-” he pointed to the book. “-are for beginners only. The true knowledge is hidden behind years of training.”

“So, save me some time,” Orrin segued to keep the conversation going. He hadn’t heard Brandt speak this much. “What’s in a mana potion? Why can we only use a few of them a day? Can I make one if I have the ingredients?”

“Hmm. Well, the ingredients are easy enough for low-tier mana potions, but each [Alchemist] adds their own something. For instance, I could mix up a mana potion myself but it would restore only about ten mana points if I were lucky. To take a side-trip, you can only use two or three potions a day. And that is inclusive, so two or three mana or health potions combined. The reason being, your body is taking on somebody else’s mana or health.”

“Wait, what?” Orrin had not gotten past the introduction paragraphs yet. This was all new to him.

“When you make a potion, you infuse a bit of your own mana or health into it. It’s how you get the ingredients to merge and store residual mana or health, the natural mana and health that permeate the air and earth.”

“Is that how we gain our mana and health back with rest?” Orrin was learning more from Brandt than he had in multiple books.

“Yes. [Alchemist]s tap into that potential residual mana and use their own mana along with the ingredients, to capture more. Depending on where you bought the potion, you might have more residual mana than personal mana, which results in being able to use an extra potion or two. You’ll feel it when you drink the third potion in one day. It’s like a small animal is inside your stomach, trying to claw its way out. You will not want to drink a fourth.”

“What happens if you do?”

“If you are lucky, you die,” Madi said seriously. “Some people lose the ability to do magic or activate a skill. Others go blind or have lifetime ailments that no healing can cure.”

Brandt continued, “One squire I knew drank an extra health potion during an expedition. He had taken point to prove himself and kept getting hurt. He had hidden a reserve and started screaming. He hallucinated dark figures coming from the trees. He never recovered and lives in an asylum now.”

“Damn.” Orrin felt shaken. He’d been lucky his cycling hadn’t ended the same way. “But wouldn’t making your own potions mean you could take more? With less foreign mana in your body, it would make sense right?”

Brandt smiled. “Exactly. That is why I considered taking a few skills at first. But even with the best efficiency, an [Alchemist] can only take an extra two potions a day.”

Orrin took the carafe and filled his cup with coffee again. “Why? Wouldn’t that just be like drinking your own mana?”

“Are you sure you haven’t read this book?” Brandt laughed. “You’re asking questions that took me years to think of.”

Orrin shook his head.

“The way it was explained to me was like this...” Brandt leaned across the table. “Do you know what dust is?”

“Dead skin mostly, right?” Orrin responded as he took another pastry off the plate.

“Um... yes actually,” Brandt stumbled. “How did- nevermind. So our bodies are constantly shedding. You are not the same person today that you are tomorrow. So your mana is actually different from day to day. Of course, the longer between making and using a potion with your own mana, the more it essentially becomes the same as a regular store-bought potion.”

“I guess that makes sense,” Orrin scarfed the last pastry and sat back with his third cup of coffee. “Thanks for the primer.”

Brandt had really come out of his shell talking with Orrin.

“Morning all,” the door opened and Daniel shuffled in. “Any food left for me?”

“Of course, sir.” Brandt stood and hurried around to pull a chair out for Daniel. “Would you like a pastry? Or I could have the kitchen make you something?”

“No Brandt, a pastry is fine.” Daniel sat. “I can get it.”

Brandt looked around and half-bowed. “I better get to work. If you both would like, we can go out today. I have pinned down another litter of cloudsabers.”

Daniel looked at Madi and Orrin for confirmation. Both nodded.

“Sure, do we have someone else for our fifth?” Daniel asked as he dug in.

“Sir DeGuis has volunteered his time, if that is acceptable?” Brandt answered.

Daniel responded, “I think that would be great.”

While Orrin sipped his third cup of coffee, savoring the taste, Madi explained the strategy they had created. Daniel listened and nodded along.

“That sounds perfect,” he commented after she finished. “It leaves me free to focus on kiting and killing without needing to worry about everyone else. I trust you and Orrin to direct us.”

Madi’s pride at the compliment was evident in her smile. “I already explained everything to Brandt too. He was hesitant to leave me unguarded but I put my foot down. But- what is kiting?”

Daniel had just stuffed the last bit of breakfast in his mouth and tried to talk but choked. Orrin answered for him as he poured water down his throat.

“Basically, kiting is getting a monster to follow him without actually being able to attack him. Kind of playing keep-away while someone else does damage. If D can keep a few monsters targeting him, then that is even less we need to worry about.”

Madi smirked. “You two really do make a good team. I’m glad this worked out.”

Daniel finally choked down the rest of the food. “Yeah, I guess we can keep him around.”

After breakfast, Orrin got dressed in his armor and cleared out his [Dimension Hole]. Now that they had a place to stay, he put the extra clothes in a drawer and condensed what he was bringing.

“Hey Daniel, do you think I have time to grab a few mana potions? And maybe try and find those mushrooms for the Regen potion?”

“Yes, you have time.” Daniel was strapping his leg armor on. “I won’t let them start without you. Do you want me to come with?”

“No, I need to stretch my legs anyways.” Orrin punched his friend as he passed him. “You would just slow me down.”

Daniel rolled his eyes. “Just meet us by the southern gate in about two hours?”

Orrin gave a thumbs up as he left. He left the Catanzano house and made his way back towards the merchant street.

He asked a random person who had the best mana potions and was pointed to one store. However, somebody else heard him ask and offered another suggestion. Within a minute, four people were arguing about the benefits of lower cost versus higher mana payout. Orrin snuck off with [Camouflage].

He ended up at The Alchemist’s Friend. The old lady behind the counter pointed out the different costs of mana potions, with different amounts of MP restoration of each. For five silver, a mana potion could restore 50 MP. One gold would restore 100 MP. Every additional 50 MP costs another gold piece.

Orrin didn’t feel the need to shop around too much. It was a weird feeling having so much wealth. He had not grown up poor but with his mom working long hours to keep up after his dad left, he’d learned to budget pretty quickly.

He bought ten 100 MP potions. The vials were small test tubes, and the lady explained that they could be kept on a thin belt with clasps for easy drinking. The glass was magically tempered to not break and he could get a small discount if he used them over and over. The belt was only two silver, so he bought one.

Ten gold and two silver poorer, Orrin asked, “Do you stock Penidrop mushrooms?”

The lady peered over her glasses. “Are you an [Alchemist]?”

“No, ma’am.” Orrin gave his best innocent smile. “I just dabble a bit on the side for fun.”

“Penidrops aren’t used in too many things, but I think I have a few in the back. Would you want a certain amount of clippings or a mothershroom?”

“Um. I don’t know,” Orrin answered truthfully.

“A mothershroom will let you grow more Penidrops, but it’ll take a few weeks before you can start clipping for use. I’m pretty sure I have an extra one that I could sell for three gold. If you just want some clippings, I can sell you about four ounces for three silver.”

Orrin was tempted to just buy both, but he had a full day of fighting ahead of him.

“Just the clippings for now,” he decided. “And if you have a mortar, pestle, and some spare vials, I’ll take them, too.”

Orrin ended up spending a gold piece total for the Penidrops, ten vials, and a nice mortar and pestle set. He would try and make the Regen potion later. Orrin hurried towards the southernmost gate.

He didn’t notice he was being followed.