The jeep was parked alongside a variety of vehicles in a lot. Some were for more off terrain exploits while others were even limousines. After going through the maze of cars, the three were able to head inside one of the largest buildings of the complex.

The inside was a waiting room, consisting of whites and greys. It was reminiscent of the waiting room for hospitals, even with two tvs on adjacent sides with minimal volume. Connor and Marcus were chatting with the receptionist for a while, before she picked up a phone and began dialing a number. While doing so, Connor walked up to Leoric with a pen and a clipboard in hand. He handed over the clipboard and asked him to fill it out and wait here. And before Leoric could ask another question, his two escorts left.

Sitting down in a plastic covered chair, he reviewed the clipboard. With even just a glance, it really did remind him of a hospital waiting room. The plastic seats, the paperwork, even the clanging of a bulky phone when the receptionist hangs up. All those memories were returning to him, and even the monotony of it all brought him joy. Snapping out of his daze, he looked back down to the papers before him and began working away at it.

They were simple questions, such as his name, race, etcetera, but became more interesting as time went on. It had asked him about the world he resided in beforehand, his aptitudes of magic, and any accommodations his race needed like certain foods and temperatures. It was appreciated since Leoric couldn’t handle extreme heats. It was a downside of being an Ice Elf, even his skin could only tan slightly, even though it was currently summer back where he was.

The final page consisted of information about his past identity. Such as his original name, and the contact information of his family members. He began filling it out steadily before stopping at the contact information. He tried to recollect, but the address and phone numbers just weren’t coming back to him. He knew they had recently moved to California before being brought here, but nothing else. Giving up, he just drew a line through those parts finished with the rest.

The receptionist watched the Ice Elf return the clipboard to her, before walking back to the chairs. Instead of sitting, however, he began walking about the room, inspecting and reminiscing. He was quiet for a while, before once more walking up to the desk.

“Excuse me, but do you mind if I change the channel?” He asked calmly. She seemed surprised, as most of the Heroes that come here for the first time are impatient, or just sit in silence. She’s talked to a few before, but those ones were complete chatter boxes and didn’t even acknowledge the tv. “Uh, sure. You’ll have to reach for it though, since we aren’t allowed to give out the remotes.”

Leoric nodded and thanked her for her time, before going back and reaching for the manual buttons. After a few button clicks, he stopped it on a channel showing old cartoons. Tom and Jerry was on, and satisfied, he sat down and watched quietly, giving out a low chuckle every once and awhile.

Leoric watched the brown mouse assault the blue cat in about four different instances before someone in scrubs came to collect him. She seemed to be middle aged, and called out to him with his past name. Without saying a word, he stood up, changed the channel back to its previous station, and went with the middle aged woman.

Much like a doctor’s appointment, she took him to an area with a scale and a blood pressure machine. And as they went through the routine checkup, she began the usual smalltalk that nurses perform.

“So, it says you’re from a world called Durria? What’s that like?” She asked, sliding the cold blood pressure cuff on his arm.

“Oh, it's a remarkable place, miss. I lived in a beautiful city with all sorts of people and enough ambient magic to let the whole city perform magic.”

Leoric continued to talk about Alder, the city he was from. About all of the races there, his students whom he taught the arcane to, and even some of the holidays he’d attend. The nurse sat there attentively, listening to it all while still guiding him through the check up. It even made it easier to give him a variety of shots, such as vaccines and flu shots. She did stop his storytelling to inform him he may feel sick or in pain due to these, but he just waved it off before continuing. Though he looked younger than the nurse, he was still old, and she knew from her parents how the elderly loved their stories.

The medical procedures ended with a change of clothes. From what he interpreted, they may be comparing materials and even cultural aspects to other civilizations and taken clothes, so he agreed and changed. His new clothes reminded him much of pajamas. The soft and baggy pajama pants with a white shirt. With his new clothes, they took him to a more formal office with a camera inside. And after a picture, he was taken to yet another room. The room hopping started to get to him, but from the looks of this one, he’d be there for a while.

Inside was a steel table, with two chairs sitting across from each other. An entire wall was made of a mirror, so a one way glass from what he could remember from police movies. The most eerie part was the lack of ambient magic. Even other places had some, but this was entirely vacant. Very few phenomena could create a vacancy, which means the ambient magic was dragged out intentionally by Mages. He’s seen the same thing done before, hell he’s even utilized it. This was an interrogation room. That or a prison.

His lax demeanor stayed while he sat down, but it was obvious that Leoric was being serious. He had to prepare for anything, since these were the best spots to execute Mages. Soon following him in was another middle aged woman. This one had brunette hair in a single braid, with cold and calculating hazel eyes. Her body was muscled, much like a warrior’s. He had never seen her, or heard of a description, but he was positive that this was who Marcus was referring to. The Hammer.

“Mr. Leoric, I’m glad that I could meet another Hero. My name is Marianne, but you can call me Marie.” She stated firmly, “Would you like to be called Leoric or would you prefer Caden?”

“Either will do, nice to meet you, Ms. Marie.” He sent a nonchalant wave at her question while responding, causing her to narrow her eyes a little. “Now,” he started, now sitting upright in his chair, “Could you please tell me what’s going on.”

Marie sat up even further, trying to match the Elf’s posture. “Well, Leoric, we don’t really know everything going on either. One day, strange people began returning to Earth, saying how they once lived here, but ended up in another world in one way or another. The only thing that aligns with each case is that the disappearances started around five years ago and the returns about four months ago, and that each one was a Hero in that world before returning.”

Both parts aligned with Leoric’s case, and he inspected the room once more. “You’ve done a lot with this place, hard to think the first case was only four months ago.”

Not faltering, she took out his clipboard from earlier and began reviewing it. “We work quickly, Mr. Leoric. Especially if it means protecting our country from foreign powers. No matter how foreign.” She flips a few pages and looks at the one with his information relating to magic. “I noticed that you crossed out the section asking for your aptitudes in magic. Is it because you lack such ability or don’t understand what aptitudes are?”

He chuckled, “No, I have magic ability and know the aptitudes, I just didn’t want to write it down. You shouldn’t reveal information such as that without reason after all.”

She clicked her tongue at that. “I understand your concern, but the information is very helpful. It helps to understand the capabilities of Heroes and if the types and systems of magic align with other worlds. So if you’d please, share with us your aptitudes.” She insisted, leaning over the table slightly.

Marie gave off a pressure towards Leoric, which was confirmed when she began to flex a little and stand from her chair, however, Leoric remained unphased by the attempt, and motioned at the symbol on her own uniform. This was the first he’s clearly seen it: a jagged ring around a curved rune. “I’ll answer your question if you answer me who you are and why your symbol is the Rune of the Hero.”

She looked at her symbol and smirked back at him, “So, that’s what it's called to you. Every Hero has a different name for it. We use it as our symbol because that’s our job, protection related to Heroes.” She narrowed her eyes, “Both them and others from them.”

“And what is your branch of the military called anyway?” Leoric questioned, now tapping his finger on the metal desk.

“And who said anything about the military?” Marie interrogated, leaning further down the table. Her eyes seemed as if she’d jump over and attack him instantly.

“You mentioned protecting the country, so I happened to guess. Was I right?” Leoric had a wide grin plastered on his face as he seemed to hit the nail right on the head.

Marie’s fist slammed down onto the table, resonating a sound akin to metal slamming against metal. “You’re evading the question again.” She gritted through her teeth, “What… are… your… aptitudes?”

“All of them.” Leoric flatly responded, still not phased by her threatening voice and demeanor.

“What?” She coldy asked, her eyebrow twitching a little at that.

“You heard me, I said all of them.” Leoric looked up, “Will this be all?”

Fury grew inside of Marianne, but after a few breaths, she returned to her normal attitude. She sat back down and wrote something onto that page. The silence during that time was suffocating, and made worse by the slight noise of pen against paper. As she finished writing down his answer, she sent a signal towards the camera. And a few minutes after, the man who took Leoric’s picture came in with an ID card.

The laminated card had the picture Leoric took on it with both of his names printed, along with the race of Ice Elf and a number: 0119. Attached to the card was a thin red lanyard. Leoric plucked up the card and examined it a bit further before placing the lanyard upon his neck.

“Someone will be outside to take you towards your quarters. I do hope you enjoy your time here. And I wish you well on tomorrow’s assessment.” Spitting that final word, she took the clipboard and marched out of the room.

Leoric thought for a second if he played with her a bit too much, but then brushed off the thought. After all, she was prying for quite a bit of information, and definitely wasn’t kind about it. Rubbing his ear a little, he felt around his earrings for a minute until he relaxed. He’s always hated politics, especially whenever they tried to get him involved. Sure, it's fun to mess with them a bit, but one wrong statement, and they have their information.

A minute or so later, a light knocking was heard by the metal door. As Leoric looked up, he saw the familiar reptilian visage of Marcus. He was still in uniform, but this time his ID was visible on a violet lanyard. “Hey, hopefully your first day wasn’t too bad. Those check-ins can be a bitch!” Marcus called out, walking into the room. “I’m here to take you towards your living quarters.”

With a nod, Leoric stood up and followed him out. The hallways all looked the same, lacking any color or defining features. After a few hallways, they were both outside of the building. The fresh air and slight ambient magic were refreshing to Leoric, but it didn’t last long as they approached another building, one with a main section that seemed to spread out into two wings.

“This here’s the living quarters.” Marcus explained, pointing at the left wing. “The left side is where you’re at, and the right side’s the women's wing. You’ll be sharing the floor and restrooms with some other Heroes, but you’ll have your own bedroom.”

“Aren’t you staying here as well? I thought you’re a Hero?” Leoric questioned. Marcus gave a boastful smirk while pulling up his ID card. “I’m a violet, which means I joined the organizations that are protecting us. So I get a different place. If you do well enough on your assessment tomorrow, they may ask you to join them also.”

“What is the assessment anyways?” He’s heard it mentioned twice now, but still didn’t know.

“It's simple enough. You answer some questions and spar with a fellow Hero. They’ll give you your lanyard after it's done. For now though, you’re red, which means untested.” Leoric then thanked Marcus for the information, before parting ways once more at the entrance of the living area.

The feeling he got upon entering was college dormitory. He’s visited his cousin a few times while they were going to school, so it wasn’t that foreign of a concept to him. Plus, it was like a castle since everyone had their own rooms. Better yet, a castle with indoor plumbing. After checking in with someone at the front, he was told that he had the room on the first floor, second wing.

After thanking the man, he followed the signs down to near the end of the men’s side, which was considered the second wing. Thankfully, he didn’t have to take the stairs, be he did find a door without a lock or a handle. All he saw before him was a door with 0119 inscribed and some sort of device near where the handle should be. He stared at it for a few minutes, before starting to get irritated at this door. Should he knock on the door of someone else and ask for help? But how ridiculous would that be? He’s over 300 years old and the Venerable Arch-Mage of Alder, yet he can’t open a door?

Should I just use magic to open it? Or perhaps just teleport inside? I could even destroy it but that definitely wouldn’t be the best first impression. As Leoric contemplated using the very scarce ambient magic to open this door, the one next to him slid open.

Stepping out was a hulking furred figure. Pure molten black fur covered this towering lupine creature. Volcanic eyes peered down at the archmage, not ones of ferocity, but actually just those of confusion.

“Hey, are you new here or something?” The creature asked. To Leoric’s surprise, this beast’s tone wasn’t deep or guttural, but that much like a young boy’s. Upon further inspection, he only stood a few inches taller, about 6’6” in total, and was wearing similar attire to Leoric. Even on the neck of this one had an ID card on a yellow lanyard.

“Yes, I am.” Leoric muttered, some of the shock still hitting him. There were bestial people on Durria, but mostly just humanoids with bestial eyes or another appendage, like antlers, at most. The lanyard alone showed he was a Hero, so he definitely was sentient as well.

The large beast cracked its neck, and afterwards a few body parts began to pop alongside it. As the popping ensued, Leoric felt the ambient magic begin to fill itself in the creature he was talking to. It was then very clear what was happening: Transmutation.

Now, before him was an older teen who was only an inch smaller than himself. He had black hair and a scruffy complexion. Plus, the eyes still appeared red and volcanic, like lava flowing in the iris.

“I hope that helps, I’m Alex.” He extended a hand outwards and smiled.

“Leoric.” The Ice Elf shook Alex’s hand, and used the time to peer at the ID. Greater Hellhound was written in the spot for race. He hadn’t heard of it before, but it made sense with the appearance.

“That’s a pretty strong appearance you got there. This is my first time seeing a Greater Hellhound.” Leoric pointed out. Alex laughed a little, but looked away after he mentioned that. “Thanks, I try to use this form, but the ambient arcana is really bad here.”

“Tell me about it, I’m even worried about casting small stuff here. It’s remarkable how you don’t need much for a Transmutation like that.”

“Oh it took some practice, also it helps that-”

Before Alex could finish explaining, one of the doors swung open aggressively. Outside of it was a blonde haired human in sweatpants. He was glaring in Alex and Leoric’s direction. Leoric looked confused, but all Alex did was roll his eyes. To him, this was a regular occurrence.

“How many times do I have to say to stop using ambient magic!? I’m trying to train here.” The blonde lectured, marching over while his door slid shut automatically.

“Apologies, you highness,” Alex gave a dramatic bow, “But you don’t own all the ambient magic on this wing. Plus, I don’t take much to transform, you know that.”

The blonde scoffed, “Well I’m the only one trying to use it properly around here. Besides, Transmutation won’t help hide it. Once a mutt always a mutt.”

Alex growled in response, which didn’t help his case to the blonde, who just laughed. They stared off for a while before Leoric could feel the ambient magic between the two stirring. To him, it was an obvious sign that they’re about to fight. However, it would most likely end terrible for the two youths to fight in an enclosed space. More importantly, they were too close for him to leave without a scratch.

The two continued to stare each other down while preparing for combat. Alex released the Transmutation magic on his arms to return them to their bestial power, while the blonde produced a blade in his hand.

“Okay, I think that’s enough.” Leoric stated calmly. As he did, the ambient magic in the air halted. No longer was it about to be used for upcoming spells, but now free reign once more. The two combatants were stunned in shock as their preparations were gone. Sure the claws and blade were visible, but everything else they were about to do couldn’t be reached. It was as if the ambient magic resisted them.

Although Leoric called out to the two, their anger prevented them from hearing. So now with their preparations gone, and rages subsided, all the two did were turn away from each other and walk off. Alex slowly shifted back, heading towards the exit to the building, while the blonde marched over to his door, and scanned the ID card. As it scanned, the door slid open before shutting again on its own.

Now, with the potential fight stopped, Leoric turned to his door and smiled.

“So that’s how you open the door.”