Dante floated near the ball of silvery light. He breathed in deep, the cold sea of Essence filling him with warmth. Dante couldn’t help but smile as he remembered the first time he found himself within these dreams. Scared and alone, afraid of drowning in the silvery depths. Now, he couldn’t imagine a place where he felt safer.

“Welcome Dante.” The voice of Essence herself floated through his mind and was soothing and inviting.

“Hello Essence.” Dante said with a bow. This caused the silver globe to bounce in what looked to be amusement.

“Bowing? Are we on such a formal basis?” She asked.

Dante shook his head. “No Essence. I wanted to apologize about before. When Miss Telis passed, I wasn’t in my right mind and I had no reason to take it out on you.”

“Thank you, Dante, but no apology is needed.” The orb floated closer. “It is I who should apologize. Being an Essence Mage is to invite hardship. It is unfair but then life rarely is.”

Dante nodded slowly, wondering what she was getting to. “I understand that Essence Mages face difficulties but why would that be your fault?”

The orb pulsed softly for a moment. “Do you remember when I told you that the affinity of a Mage is based on certain traits?”

Dante nodded his head.

“People become Mages based on their life experience and their choices. Your friend Ferris, for example, is a curious sole. He would change his mind about the affinities he wanted but always had information to the positive and negative about each affinity. When the time came, he had already chosen to be a Wind Mage. His nature is to discover, much like a Water Mage, but he also is passionate about protecting his friends which is pronounced in every Fire Mage. His choice came from understanding what it means to be both. He holds every affinity as a blessing and so his indecision became his choice.”

Dante was certain he knew what Essence was talking about but he was still confused. She continued anyways.

“The people of Kahlea choose their affinity. All except for Essence Mages. They are my choice, Dante. They are my Champions. Unfortunately, it means that I must take away the power of choice when it comes to their affinity. That is what I apologize for.”

Dante took a deep breath, then another. He was shocked by what Essence had told him but also confused. He had made several choices that he thought were his own. Was Essence guiding his whole life? Was every choice an illusion? Dante considered the possibilities but couldn’t accept that she had done all of this without his knowledge.

“Essence?” Dante asked. “What do you mean exactly? I feel like every choice I have made has been mine alone. I understand you making the choice for who becomes an Essence Mage. It would answer why no one has figured out how Essence Mages come to be. But other than that, I have made too many mistakes to believe you made them for me.”

“Yes, the only choice I took from you was your affinity. Your path through life was altered by me but it remains your path. Every other choice you have made before or after has been yours and yours alone.”

Dante felt himself relax a little. He was still himself and, in all honesty, he had wanted to become an Essence Mage in the first place. Could he fault Essence for anything that has happened? No, he couldn’t. She didn’t make people try to kidnap him. She made him into a Mage that would be wanted but that was more about people’s greed than anything else. He smiled at Essence who floated before him.

“I accept your apology, Essence. I cannot find any fault in your actions.” Dante paused a moment as he realized something that she had just said. “What did you mean by Champion?”

Essence pulsed and the feeling of pride was sent through, Dante.

“Champions are my agents in mortal form. I cannot and would not violate the laws I have laid down, but I would also never leave those of my creation to fend for themselves against overwhelming odds. You are such an agent. Whether you choose to act is your choice. There are people of this world and many others scattered across the stars that would destroy all that I have tried to preserve. Whether knowingly or not, humans are the greatest threat amongst themselves.

“The first Essence Mage of this world was King Mason. A man of great ability to turn his dreams to reality. The towers across Kahlea were his dream. I chose him to save the human race and he chose these towers. His dream was not without consequence. These towers are as much a prison as they are a safe haven.”

Dante shook his head. “How could anyone think these towers were a prison? Our ability to thrive is evident in the history books.”

Essence giggled; the soft pearls of laughter sent vibrations through Dante which tickled fiercely.

“The world has grown while the towers stood. The wilderness has grown vast and dangerous. No one travels anymore. Most of the people in this tower will never see an ocean or sea. They will never see the tundra, a vast frozen land filled with wonders. They will never see the dunes of the desserts to the south, with scorching heat and lack of water. And you must not forget Dante, there are other dungeons out there that have gone unnoticed. They grow and possess treasure and danger alike.”

Dante felt excited about the idea of discovering everything that Essence spoke of. What would it be like to search the world? His musings were interrupted as Essence spoke again.

“Do you know what the greatest flaw of these towers are, Dante?”

Dante again, shook his head.

“They rely upon the Essence of the dungeons. If those dungeons were to die, the towers would fall. They are strengthened by Essence. Without that Essence, the towers could not support their own size and weight. They would crumble down, destroying the land around them. Others are trying at this very moment to destroy the dungeons. Whether they know or not, they are going to kill several million people.”

“But why would anyone do that?!” Dante said in shock. “How would anyone do that?!”

“The how, you already know. If a dungeons core is removed, the dungeon will cease to exist. As for why, it is simple. Greed. Whether they know or even care about the consequences, several of your fellow humans have taken it upon themselves to steal the cores of several dungeons. Many towers will fall.”

“But can’t you stop them?” Dante asked. “You’re Essence after all.”

“I am limited in what I can and will do, Dante. This is why I have Champions. If the world is to be taken apart by mortals, then it must be protected by mortals as well.”

Dante gulped audibly. “But I’m just one person. I don’t have the experience. I’m a kid.”

“No, Dante. You are not just one person. You have made friends and enemies. Both will help you if you are clever enough. Your story is just beginning. Remember, you are not infallible. You will make mistakes along the way. People might die from your choices alone. Do not let doubt consume you. You have people you can go to for advice, friends that will walk beside you and several enemies who will act predictably. You still have much to learn. Keep growing and push those close to you to grow as well.”

Dante was well passed overwhelmed at this point. He just looked at Essence with a dumb look on his face. What was he suppose to do? How was he suppose to do it? Questions flooded through him but he didn’t have the capacity to ask them.

“It is time to wake, Dante. Remember, doubt will cause you to hesitate.”

The dream started to fade and Dante felt himself start to wake, but in the back of his mind, he could hear Essence say one last thing.

“Dante, you are my Champion of this world. You are the Thirteenth Essence.”

“What’s the Thirteenth Essence.” Dante thought as he was greeted to the sound of birds singing.

Dante sat up from his cot, rubbing his head, trying to alleviate the massive headache he was suffering from.

“What is the Thirteenth Essence?” Dante grumbled as he pulled his canteen from his bag and drank it quickly. He shuffled off to the bathroom to deal with his morning business and then quickly dressed in his armor. The sounds outside let him know that the camp was already stirring.

Mal greeted him just as he stepped outside. “Good morning, Dante.”

“Good morning, Expedition Leader Mal.” Dante answered.

Mal laughed at the boy’s use of his full title. “It’s just Mal. We are calling it quits and heading back into the tower. Gretta was not the only one injured and I rather not risk the expedition at half strength.”

Dante nodded. He had really wanted to continue the trip since the outdoors were so new to him still but he couldn’t fault Mal for taking the lack of combat strength seriously.

“No use in inviting trouble, I guess.” Dante said a little sadly.

Mal nodded. “That’s exactly right, Go tell your team that we leave after breakfast.”

Serist De took the news easily and Kelsi mentioned that they should come out again on the next expedition if they could. That helped Dante’s mood considerably as they ate with the others, swapping stories and asking about what they were planning to make with the components and ingredients they had harvested.

An hour later and the camp and bunkers were cleaned up with the expedition moving up the ramp to the entrance of the tower. Once they entered and were moving towards the teleport pad, the ground started to shake. Several people fell and a few shouts and screams could be heard as crates had tumbled over onto an unfortunate Mage, trapping his legs. Another Mage was trampled by a large carriage which broke loose of its harness. The group quickly helped where they could and healers such as Kelsi, provided their magic. Thankfully, no one had died that they saw but the tower was large and who knew what kind of devastation could have happened on the upper districts.

“What in the name of the Gods was that?” Ferris asked.

“I don’t know.” Dante said quickly. “But we need to get back to our apartment and talk. I had another dream last night.”

Dante said the last part quietly and the group nodded. Only a few people knew that he talked to Essence sometimes in his dreams and they wanted to keep that fact to themselves. After confirming with Mal that they were all right, they headed to the tenth district to turn in their quest and then head to their rooms.

The tenth district didn’t look too bad considering what they had witnessed in the first district. There were a few people that were being cared for and a few windows broken but nothing severe that they could see. When they finally were safe in their apartment, they sat at their table as Dante told them everything that Essence had told him.

“So that earth shake could have been caused by the someone taking the dungeon cores?” Kelsi asked.

Dante shook his head. “Maybe one of them. I think the others haven’t been taken yet.”

“How do you know?” Gretta asked.

Dante shrugged. “I’m not really sure. It just feels like it would be a lot worse if more were taken.”

Kelsi breathed in deeply. “We need to go to Historian Louis immediately. We also need to talk to Mrs. Bell, the head of the guild.”

Dante nodded. “I will grab the Historian as well as Senior Instructor Williams and bring them down to the guild. You get a hold of Mrs. Bell and tell her I’m bringing others as well.”

“I will go with you.” Ferris said quickly, to Dante. “Remember, people are still after you.”

“You think they would still be after him? Even when he is an official member of the guild?” Jasmi asked.

“Better safe than sorry.” Ferris said, earning a grin from Dante and the others.

They left the apartments shortly after and Dante and Ferris teleported to the sixteenth district. The crowds were talking adamantly about the earth shake and Dante was immediately bombarded with strong emotions of fear.

“We need to hurry.” Dante said to Ferris. “The crowd is close to panic.”

Ferris nodded and moved forward quickly, his large frame creating an easy path through the crowded streets. Dante followed closely, not wanting to draw attention since he had left his cloak in the apartment and couldn’t hide his eyes. They were let through the gates by a pair of guards that recognized them instantly. Dante headed for the Historian while Ferris went looking for Senior Instructor Williams.

Dante knocked urgently at the Historian’s door which she opened quickly to his surprise.

“I have been expecting you.” The Historian said as she turned to head inside the library.

“You have?” Dante asked, following her in.

She cackled. “Of course, boy. A tremendous earth shake which I have never experienced and the first Essence Mage in centuries. It has to be connected.”

Dante ignored her poke at him and explained that he had information he needed to share. She followed him when he mentioned that Mrs. Bell and Senior Instructor Williams needed to hear what he had to share as well.

Dante and the Historian waited at the front gates when Ferris, Senior Instructor Williams and Magnus and Dean Marcus walked up.

“Apologies.” The Dean stated as he saw the look of confusion on Dante’s face. “If this event is in anyway related to you, Dante, then we can offer assistance.”

Dante didn’t have time to answer as the Historian pulled him towards the teleport pad.

“Talk later boy. We need to get to the guild now.” She said.

Dante and the rest followed the Historian and half an hour later, they were seated in a conference room with a large rectangular table and enchantments engraved into the walls. The head of the guild, Lucinda Bell and the rest of Serist De were already sitting at the table when they arrived.

Mrs. Bell arched her eyebrow when the Dean of the Academy and two of the Senior Instructors followed the Historian and Dante into the room.

“Well, this seems quite serious indeed.” Mrs. Bell stated as she motioned for them to take a seat. “Alright Dante, you have us all here and this room is heavily enchanted so no one will be prying in on our conversation.”

Dante nodded and told them about his dreams with Essence. He didn’t leave out any detail and explained the last dream as best as he could remember. When he was finally finished, the group sat in stunned silence.

“Well, shit.” Mrs. Bell commented a short while later.

“As eloquent as ever, Lucinda.” The Dean said with a smile. She snorted and winked at the old Mage.

“It’s clear we need to warn the council.” The Dean stated clearly. “We also need to send Adventures in to stop whoever is trying to destroy the dungeons.”

Mrs. Bell nodded. “I will call the guild to arms and send raiding parties immediately. Our best guess is that Kobal dungeon was the one with its core removed so we need to send a party there to intercept them with all haste. Excuse me a moment while I see to that.” She left the room quickly, leaving the rest to form a plan.

“Myself and Louis will need to talk to the Council.” The Dean announced. “Williams and Magnus will head back to the Academy and inform the other Instructors. Put the Academy on lockdown.” Both Instructors nodded. “The rest of you should wait in your apartment where we can find you. Dante, you will accompany Alexandra and I to the Council incase they have any other questions.”

Dante looked nervous but nodded. The group departed and Dante followed the Dean and the Historian to the highest tier of the tower.

They arrived on a teleport pad that looked the same as all the others except that before them stood several guards with weapons pointed at them.

“Halt!” Stated the first guard. “Your name and purpose if you will.”

The Dean nodded casually, showing no hint of nervousness that Dante felt.

“I am Dean Marcus of the Academy. With me are Head Historian Louis and Dante Velis, Essence Mage. We have news for the Council.”

The guard who previously spoke nodded and stepped back through the doorway. The other guards stayed in position, not moving an inch. Dante worriedly thought that a simple sneeze might cause him to become a shish kebab. Of course, as soon as he thought about it, he suddenly had the urge to sneeze.

The same guard came back through the doorway.

“You have been granted access to the Council. Please follow me.”

The other guards put their weapons away and allowed them to pass. They followed the guard down a long corridor that was covered with enchantments and murder holes. Dante could feel the eyes following him and he had started to sweat. The corridor ended in a beautiful looking door. It was made of wood almost black and the enchantment covered the door with smooth, winding lines of gold. The guard opened the door for them and shut it behind them causing Dante to jump.

The Historian cackled. “Don’t be so nervous. These are just precautions. The Council is older than the Dean and I put together.”

“We are not that old, Alexandra.” Came a voice sounded before them. Thirteen Mages sat around a large circular table in the middle of the room. The Lady who spoke was fairly old. She had grey hair tied up in a bun and paper like skin, wrinkled and weathered, but her eyes were bright sapphire and a friendly smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.

The Historian smiled at the woman. “Evelyn. I haven’t seen you in two decades. You look good for a fancy council member.”

Evelyn’s smile widened. “You are welcome to take my place on the council, dear friend.”

The Historian cackled again. “Then I would never get to beat up on young Mages.”

The table laughed, easing Dante’s nerves considerably. The Council had been a mystery to most of the orphans he grew up with and they pictured them being titans of powerful magic that could strike down Mages with one blow. But here, Dante saw a group of old Mages who resembled grandparents who doted shamelessly on their grandchildren.

A Mage placed his hands in the air calling for silence. His voice was strong and deep and seemed to vibrate the very stone under Dante’s feet. His dark skin made his bright Violet eyes stand out, confirming he was a Song Mage.

“It is always good to see old friends, but I sense there are important events unfolding. Please, share with us your news.”

The Dean explained what Dante had told him almost word for word. The Council listened patiently, processing every little detail. When the Dean had finished, they sat in silence, seemingly weighing the words and the situation they found themselves in. After a few brief minutes, the Song Mage spoke again.

“It seems that we require your assistance, Dante. The Council sits as judge and jury for actions against the tower that are too large to be handled by bias parties. This situation however, is best handled by the guild. We will start writing up an evacuation process should we fail to stop the dungeon cores from being stolen and we will root our those who are behind it, but you have been chosen by Essence and you must become the Champion she needs.”

Dante felt the beads of sweat run down his brow. How could they expect so much from him?

The Dean spoke before Dante could delve further into the enormity of the situation.

“I fear that this is much bigger than our young Essence Mage can handle on his own.” The Dean said easily. “Lucinda is already calling raid parties to form. They will head into the Dungeons and stop or intercept those that are trying to take the dungeon cores. We believe the first core has been taken from Kobal so we need to intercept them first.”

The Mages of the Council nodded and Evelyn spoke.

“We will send half of the guards to the dungeons entrances. They will be the last line of defense.”

Dante raised his hand which made a few of the Council chuckle at the boy.

“Apologies, but what of the other towers? Is there a way to warn them?”

The Council looked on in shock. The Song Mage cursed under his breath as he shook his head.

“That is sage advice young Mage. We will contact every tower immediately. Leave that to us.”

They were escorted back to the teleport pad where the Historian patted Dante’s shoulder.

“You did very well, Dante.” The Historian said with a small amount of pride. Dante stood a little straighter from her praise. “Now, go home and take a shower, you stink.” She cackled as she watched Dante blush.

“They believed me though.” Dante stated in confusion. “I’m not sure I could ever believe what they just heard without experiencing what I have.”

The Dean laughed. “Dante, the Council is not omniscient. They know better than most that they will never understand the will of Essence but they do believe in her.” Dean Marcus looked into Dante’s silvery eyes. “There are always mysteries that will be left unsolved but we are not foolish to take an Essence Mage’s words lightly.”

Dante was still feeling a little overwhelmed but he nodded. “I will try not to let anyone down.”

The Dean nodded. “That is what it means to be a Mage.”