Alistern Atahchi smiled as he talked with various prominent merchant families. He was introduced to several would-be heirs and he bantered about frivolous expenditures of fashion and taste. All the while, he seethed on the inside. He hated being surrounded by such useless people.

The Winter Ball was a custom among the upper tier. Once a year they would gather and boast their wealth like peacocks while squabbling in back room deals. Alistern loathed such needless posturing but aside from making an appearance as all wealthy families did, he had another reason for being here.

Towards the upper floors, a well-guarded room held the true powers of the upper tier. While the lesser merchants attempted to gain potential dealings and status, the five leading families would make their yearly reports. While none of these families worked together and rivalries were common, it helped to prevent any major feuds from escalating into all-out war. The Tower Council would not turn a blind eye to something so disastrous. The Atahchi family had been a part of such meetings since their founding, meeting under a flag of truce to conduct any business that was needed.

Alistern stepped passed the guards and through the doors and was met with open hostility. The glares of the individuals amused him. He sat at the table, ignoring their annoyance. He had made it a habit to show up late, which bothered the other powerful family heads, much to Alistern’s amusement.

The wizened old Mage with bright sapphire eyes, Head Gregor Booth, broke the silence with a dry cough. His sapphire eyes burned with annoyance at Head Atahchi’s disrespectful manner.

“Now that Head Atahchi has graced us with his presence, we may proceed.” Head Booth announced. “The rumors have run rampant about the appearance of an Essence Mage. I am sure several of you have done your own surveillance, but it has been confirmed of as today. The Academy has released a statement declaring that an Essence Mage has indeed been attending.”

Head Felina Buchman scoffed loudly. She was the youngest Mage in the room at fifty-four, but she was easily the most powerful in terms of her magic abilities. Her ruby red eyes flashed with amusement at Head Booths statement.

“And it only took them two years to confirm.” She said laughingly. “I thought students weren’t to be treated favorably, no matter who or what they are.”

Francis Castellas, or Head Castellas, had not taken his eyes off Alistern since he entered. Ever since he learned the truth of his granddaughters’ fate, a fire had rekindled in his soul. He felt that fire flare when he saw the man that had orchestrated his families murder walk into the room.

“I’m sure they would have shared the news much sooner, but apparently someone has been trying to kidnap the young Mage.” Francis said easily.

A flicker of annoyance touched Alistern’s golden eyes but it faded away quickly as he looked to the only other golden eyed man in the room.

“What are you insinuating Head Castellas?” Alistern said evenly. “I would hate to think you would slander someone’s good name again.”

Francis kept his calm demeanor, not showing a hint of his true feelings. When his son and daughter-in-law were killed, he had not openly accused Alistern but he had spread several rumors to the fact. But rumors were not enough to take down Alistern and Francis’ short sightedness had cost him dearly in standing. Besmirching someone’s name, especially if they were as influential as Alistern Atahchi, only worked if you had proof.

Francis smiled easily at the man across the table. “I wouldn’t dream of it. I was simply stating that someone has sent several people, including a team of ex-Adventurer’s, to abduct the boy.”

Zala Prelus look at Francis with a brow raised over her amber eyes. Her family led the trade in Alchemy. Head Prelus was a genius and had created more new elixirs than any other known Alchemist in the Tower of Metris.

“Interesting.” Zala said. “A whole team of ex-Adventurers. Essence Mages are undoubtedly the greatest mystery of Kahlea but to send a full team to extract him from the Academy seems a bit, forceful.”

Head Booth coughed again, rather loudly.

“Unless any proof is brought forth, let us leave it for now.” The others in the room conceded and he continued. “Reports have also started to filter in that the Essence Mage and his team have been missing for close to a month. I am sure you all know this as well but what you might not have heard is that this morning, the team known as Serist De and three Academy Instructors were seen exiting the Kobal Dungeon.”

Silence filled the room as the Heads of the wealthiest families realized what that meant. A booming laugh filled the room, breaking the silence.

Francis wiped the tears from his eyes. “So, they have taken the Advancement Trials! Did they pass?”

Head Booth shook his head. “We don’t know. If they have, it will be announced at the end of the Academy Tournament.”

Head Buchman had lost her previous amusement. “They are trying to push the boy into the Adventurer’s Guild. The Academy has gone too far.” Steam could be seen rising from Felina.

Alistern did not disagree with her. The Academy was trying to put the Essence Mage out of their reach. Even Alistern didn’t cross the Adventure’s Guild. He would have to set plans in motion once again. And quickly.

The moment Dante and the others stepped out of the dungeon; he felt the sudden lack in Essence. The others hadn’t felt the difference in pressure that Dante had and it consumed his thoughts as they made their way back to the Academy.

Kelsi and Ferris were talking excitedly about becoming Adventurers soon, while Jasmi and Gretta talked about finally taking a hot shower, something Dante tried not to think about as he felt his cheeks heat up. Dante had decided to ask Historian Louis since she wanted more factual data on Essence Mages.

“Historian Louis?” Dante asked. “I notice a large change in Essence density compared to inside and outside of the dungeon.”

Historian looked at her student. “Many people notice slight changes but not much. How affected were your spells?”

Dante told her about his Essence Pulse almost doubling in range and the odd humming vibration that his weapons gave off. The old Mage’s eyes twinkled as she pulled out her tablet to take notes.

“Fascinating Dante.” She said as she wrote it all down. “This is very good information. When we get back to the Academy, I will cross reference this in the archives. Maybe I can dig a little more truth out of the legends.”

She continued to ask him questions which he did his best to answer. Historian Louis always seemed in a better mood when it came to research. Dante had promised to keep records for her when he left for the Guild.

“What will we do once we get to the Adventurer’s Guild?” Dante asked her. “Will they at least give us some lodging until we can take on a few quests?”

The Historian cackled. “Ah, I felt the same way when I first went there. No one ever seems to tell the students how they were going to eat or where they would live when they become Adventurers. Personally, I think the Academy does it on purpose, to keep the young ones on their toes. The Adventurer’s Guild will house incoming Adventures free of charge.” She paused a moment. “In fact, since you all are teamed up, you might be able to get a suite. It’s basically just a bigger apartment to accommodate a team. Make sure you ask when you sign up at the Guild.”

Dante nodded as the Historian continued.

“They will put you and your teams through some evaluations. Depending on how your evaluations go, you will receive a monthly stipend. The more you impress them, the more your stipend will be. All Adventurer’s get a stipend to make sure that they can take care of our injured Adventurer’s that might not be able to work for a while. It’s usually not much, just enough for food, drinks and repairing gear. But if you can get a larger stipend then it will help you out in the long run. Make sure you share that with the team.

Dante nodded again, thanking the Historian for her advice. It would seem they still had a lot to learn.

Once they made it to the Academy, they were released for the day. They had to meet with the Instructors in the morning but had to use the training field since the Tournament had just started. They quickly headed to the dorms to take a well needed shower and to put on their uniforms. They had been wearing their armor for a month and would not miss the extra weight.

The dorms were expectantly empty since most students would be at the arena. The group decided that they needed to see Miss Telis and ask her to look at their new enchanted necklaces. They also made sure to each store a dagger in their storage rings since they couldn’t walk around the Academy fully armed. After a quick lunch which they enjoyed immensely, they headed to the Workshop.

The Workshop was surprisingly busy considering the Tournament was in progress. They quickly headed upstairs to Miss Telis’ office. When she had opened her door, she hadn’t been expecting them and hugged her ex-students fiercely, obviously worried for them. The students were more than surprised at the show of concern and more than one tear was shed as they hugged her back. Once they were all ushered into the room, she shut the door for privacy.

“Did you pass?” Miss Telis asked them. She didn’t know if she was more worried that they did or didn’t pass. Really, all that mattered to her was that they made it back safely and in one piece. After confirming that they had passed the Trial, they pulled out their necklaces to show her.

“What are these?” She asked with awe as she studied the intricate carvings.

Kelsi didn’t hesitate to answer. “We fought Kobal, the Dungeon Boss. These were in an iron chest. Historian Louis told us what she could but said we had better ask you.”

Miss Telis looked up at them and then shook her head. “You children don’t do things half way.” She spread out the enchanted necklaces on her desk. “Dungeons often give out enchanted items when you defeat a Dungeon Boss. What makes them wonderful and frustrating is that you can’t get these particular enchantments anywhere else.”

Gretta looked at her confused. “Can’t you just copy the symbols down and recreate it?”

Telis shook her head. “It doesn’t work like that. When enchanting, I am placing magic while I’m working on it. Which symbol do I carve and inlay first? How much magic do I need to put in? It is very exacting. It is the same with Alchemists. They can’t just throw things in a pot without knowing when to add their magic and how much to feed it.”

Gretta and the others nodded as Miss Telis continued.

“You said the Historian told you about these but I am guessing she couldn’t give you the full description. First, each of these has an exponential limit. Ferris can’t fly to his hearts content but he can fly for a small amount of time, it’s the same for the others. The amazing thing is that it doesn’t use your magic.” The groups eyes widened at that. Large enchantments used essence crystals in order to power the enchantments. Things much smaller like, their storage rings, used a smaller crystal and their own magic, but it was a relatively small amount. So, something like flying without using an essence crystal or your own magic was very rare.

“These enchantments will pull in Essence but can only do so for short periods of time. Try to go too long and you risk burning out the enchantment.”

“Got it.” Ferris said quickly. “No flying to the top of the tower.”

The group laughed quietly but Miss Telis was focusing on the fifth necklace.

“Dante, did Historian Louis tell you what your necklace does?”

Dante shook his head. Miss Telis nodded.

“I’m not surprised. I have never seen anything like it, but then again, how often do you see enchantments made specifically for Essence Mages? The necklace focuses your Empathy.”

Dante frowned. “But I went through my training and have a decent hold on my Empathy. It doesn’t seem very useful to me now.”

“No Dante, that’s not what I mean. It focuses your Empathy to a direct target.” She thought for a moment and then handed Dante the necklace. “Here, I want you to activate the enchantment. Focus only on me.

Dante shrugged and put on the necklace. He felt the enchantment in the necklace and activated it with a thought. He watched Miss Telis closely, not sure what he was waiting for.

“Can you hear me Dante?”

Dante jumped back in his chair, nearly falling over. The rest of the group looked on in anticipation.

“I could hear your thoughts!” Dante said, almost shouting.

Miss Telis nodded. “That is a very dangerous enchantment.” She said, pointing at the necklace. “Make sure you keep it hidden under your clothes at all times.” She looked at the rest of the group. “That goes for all of you. People would kill for them just because they are made of mithril.” They nodded and she ushered them out of her office, promising to see them before they left the Academy.

Once they left the workshop, they headed towards the arena to watch the tournament. Dante realized that Jasmi was eyeing him, along with Gretta, Kelsi and Ferris.

“What?” Dante asked.

Jasmi pressed her lips together. “You better not read our minds without permission.” The rest nodded emphatically.

Dante rolled his eyes at them and continued walking. He could hear them snickering behind his back. He would never read his friends minds without permission. Although he might decide to get a little revenge on their teasing. He could feel the smile pull at the corners of his mouth.

The Arena was full and loud. The second years were fighting and the team watched some of their former classmates fought.

“I wish we could participate.” Jasmi said. Dante smiled at Jasmi and her competitive nature.

“It would be nice to get a little more practice.” Kelsi said. “Maybe we can find other Adventuring Teams that would help us duel?”

“We could always sign up for the professional arena!” Ferris added.

Dante shook his head. “I don’t think we should draw more attention to ourselves than we already have. When word gets out about us graduating two years early, it will cause a stir among the tower.”

“That’s very true.” Gretta added. “Bards will be coming up with stories and songs for the new Essence Mage. We might be hounded left and right for stories.”

“Does that mean we can’t go to taverns?” Ferris asked sadly.

“And why would you need to go to a tavern?” Kelsi asked pointedly. “There are plenty of restaurants to eat at.”

“Oh, come on!” Ferris whined. “It’s a tradition for Adventurers to go to a tavern!”

Kelsi rolled her eyes. “A tradition to get drunk with a bunch of strangers. How is that important.”

Ferris looked at Dante. “Dante, can you explain it?”

Dante patted Ferris on the shoulder and turned to Kelsi.

“Ferris wants to get drunk with a bunch of strangers.” He said evenly.

Ferris scowled at Dante who was now laughing at his friend’s expense.

“Uh oh.” Jasmi said.

The group looked up and saw Teron and his team entering the arena. He was staring at them. Dante could feel the intense hatred that Teron felt.

“Why does he hate us so much?” Dante asked. He actually couldn’t understand where it all stemmed from.

“It’s probably the way he was brought up.” Jasmi said. “His grandfather is the scariest person I have ever met.” She shuddered slightly.

The watched the match closely. Teron’s team finished the match quickly and brutally. Teron’s ferocity and swordsmanship surprised them.

“It looks like someone’s been training.” Ferris said.

Jasmi nodded. “He was not that fast last year. Was he using his Light magic?”

“No.” Dante said. “I looked for it and couldn’t find a trace.”

“So, he might be holding a little grudge?” Ferris asked as Teron looked their way again before exiting the arena.

Kelsi rolled her eyes. “Gee, what made you think that?”

The watched the rest of the days matches but Dante kept thinking over the feelings Teron had projected. It was enough to make him worry well after the matches had finished.

The next morning, they walked to the training field as instructed. Instructor Perez was already waiting for them.

“Good morning Serist De.” Perez said happily. “I need to inform you of the proceeding for the Tournament. At the end of the Tournament, they will award those who came in first.” Sante and the others were familiar since they had won the previous year. Perez continued. “After the victors have been rewarded, you will then be addressed on the arena floor. It’s a little ceremonial but you will be announced as passing the Advancement Trials. After that, you will be considered graduates of the Academy. One of the Instructor will guide you to the Guild and make sure your all signed up properly and by then you will be proper Adventurers.

The group cheered and Instructor Perez smiled but cut their celebration short.

“Enjoy yourselves for the rest of the Tournament but be careful. There could still be groups who would try to kidnap you or worse.”

Their smiles faded, remembering clearly the previous attempts on Dante and Jasmi. They had been close friends before but since the Advancement Trial, they had bonded even closer. They were family now, and nothing would tear them apart. Perez watched the students faces gradually turn into looks fierce determination. He dismissed them and shook his head in amusement. “May the Gods grant pity on anyone who crosses that group.”