Walking out of the blacksmith, I held a rectangular case at my side. Sora swung a slender box over her shoulder, with a strap latched onto either end. We strode down the road, in the direction of the guildhall. The blacksmith didn’t seem happy when we stopped by, but that’s because he couldn’t keep working with destroyed tools. The attack had reached his workplace, no doubt the cause of the crater where his anvil and forge once rested. As he had turned over his incomplete commissions, Arce had messaged me through my communication stone.

Saelseris wishes to speak with you. Come by when you can. Arce didn’t seem shaken or nervous, but upon hearing the guild master’s name, I knew that I shouldn’t make her wait too long.

As I replied, though, the dwarf handed something to Sora. “If yer ever in Kohinoor, give this to the Quartermaster at the Craftsman Hub. They’ll set you straight with some equipment.”

“Will you return to Kohinoor?” Sora asked him, sliding the object into the folds of her cloth dress.

He grunted and shook his head, pushing a hand through his beard. “To replace mah tools. Those damn freaks blew it up.” He glared at the crater.

With that, we continued our trek through the remnants of Xadria, towards the guildhall. As we neared the building, I couldn’t help but notice several armored individuals running around, carrying a variety of items. The walked around fallen walls and broken carriages, escorting civilians to and from the hall. Various eyes flickered over to us before going about their day and continuing their tasks. When one of the adventurers walked near Sora and me, I waved him down towards me. “Hey, I got word that Saelseris wants to meet with me. Is she in?”

Clearly, in a rush, he nodded and said, “Yeah. First floor in the center of the hall. Can’t miss her.” He then raced away, a small box held under his arm.

We continued down the ruined path, stepping around fallen debris that still laid in the route. When we happened upon the guildhall, I saw that the building had been devastated, the top three stories gone with wooden and stone pillars pointed up and out, a tent stretched over them. People moved around, carrying rocks and stacks of wood to the side and into a pile, while others continued to move in and out of the building, carrying objects. As we approached, Arce slipped by a pair of runners and caught sight of Sora and me, waving us towards her. I led Sora and me up the damaged steps to the entrance as Arce turned to enter the guildhall.

Upended chairs and broken tables decorated the cracked and cratered floors. The counter was cracked in two, torn from the floor and lodged into the far wall. I recognized Aspen amongst the working clerks, organizing papers and ledgers next to the remnants of the counter. Her gaze flicked up as if acknowledging my study of her, and she smiled in relief, her shoulders falling. She nodded to me before focusing back on her task.

“When I checked in, Saelseris asked if she could speak with you,” Arce explained as we approached a circular table near the back of the main hall, covered in maps and papers, surrounded by a people clad in scuffed and broken armor. Chatter filled the air, arguments, and debates giving the atmosphere a heady, thick feeling.

“Did she say about what?” I said to her as I looked around the table, searching for the elven guild master.

Arce shook her head, not saying anything else.

Sora grabbed my arm, causing me to turn towards her. “I’ll step out and do some of my investigations. See if Alba knows anything more of Variak’s modus operandi.” I nodded to her and watched as she exited the guildhall. A brush against my leg pulled my attention downwards. Marishka prodded her nose against the side of my knee. She looked up to me, eyes twinkling with intelligence.

Crouching down, I ruffled the fur atop her head and resumed following Arce with Marishka following closely. As we approached, I noticed that a familiar head of salt and pepper hair turned towards me. Leaf green eyes narrowed, and she turned back to the person next to her, speaking a few words, before speaking to the group. Without another word, she turned from the table and approached me, the person next to her fell into step with her. As they walked towards us, the woman next to the guild master filled me with a sense of nostalgia. Reddish-orange, sunset-colored hair, a tan complexion, and her pale green eyes narrowed as they studied me.

Saelseris wore a set of flowing grey robes with chainmail hanging from her shoulders and a pair of bracers on her forearms. Bandages wrapped around her neck and covered her right cheek as well as dried flecks of reddish-brown peppered her robes.

The other woman wore leather and linen topped with a formfitting chest-plate and a thigh-length chain-mail skirt. A folded staff hung from the left side of her hip along with a matching cape that fell over her left arm. She seemed…familiar.

“Joseph,” Saelseris said, her voice barely above a whisper. “First, allow me to thank you for your intervention earlier today.” She inclined her head towards me, eyes closed as she did so. “Morale rose exponentially with your declaration.” The corners of her mouth twitched upwards as she hummed. “It seemed hearing of the Fallen Hero appearing from the air to aid them pushed all of our people to fight harder.”

I couldn’t help the churn in my gut as I grimaced, shaking my head. “People still died. All I could do was pull attention to me.”

If anything, Saelseris’ smile only widened, turning her head towards the woman next to her. “It seems your estimation of his character wasn’t far off.” The woman didn’t reply, just staring at me unblinkingly. Upon getting no answer, she shook her head and continued. “Anyway, let’s break away to a more private room. There are some things we need to speak of.” I nodded, and we made our way towards the broken counter. As we reached it, one of the clerks, an older man, rose to meet her gaze. “If anyone needs me, I’m in a meeting. Direct them towards the group up front.” He gave her a stern nod, and we continued.

The rest of the building proved no less damaged from the attack, with the roof missing and the cloudy sky bearing down us. We entered one of the rooms, also affected by the attack, with a broken table and several shattered chairs. For a moment, Saelseris stared at the office, lips pursed, and curled downwards. Her brows furrowed as her lips twitched before she masked her expression and walked further inside. Arce shut the door behind us as the guild master turned to face us, the armored standing off to the side.

“The Xadria branch of the Adventurer’s Guild will likely have to close down.” She started and crossed her arms. “I’d hoped to start you on a few specialty quests, Sir Blaine, but that’s not possible at the moment.”

I arched a brow at her. “Wouldn’t that be favoritism? I figured the Guild master of all people would try to prevent that.”

The elf rolled her eyes, her professional mask falling as she sighed. “Please. Trying to keep a ‘Hero’ of all people on a standard track is asking for a skewed growth.” She shook her head and speared with a stern frown. “I’m sure you’ve noticed, especially with what’s happened. You and your fellow ‘students’ are all extraordinary existences.” She narrowed her eyes. “The average adventurer has up to, at least, three years of training and combat experience, preparing them for any struggle they're thrust into during their journey.” She motioned toward me. “For twelve of the Heroes, they’ve had approximately fourteen months to adapt to Verum. That’s counting for living in a new culture and how to fight. You?” Saelseris pointed to me. “You’ve been ‘dead’ for a year, only to return recently. How? I won’t ask. But, by all rights, you’ve only had two, maybe three, months to grow as a ‘Hero’ on Verum.”

She scoffed and lowered her hand. “Someone with your age and experience born on Verum? They would die within days without the potential and intellect you’ve shown, regardless of Affinity. That is a fact for all summoned Heroes.” She waved to the side, exhaling in disgust. “Keeping any of you on the standard track for rising adventures is an act of futility. Complaints of favoritism be damned.”

“Okay, then,” I said with a shrug. “I can understand what you’re saying. Where is this going?”

Saelseris huffed through her nose, lips pursed and twitching up at my answer. “This branch cannot offer the recommended accelerated track anymore, for obvious reasons.” She reached into the folds of her dress and pulled out a blood-red stone. “What we can offer, though, is a chance to open dialogue on your terms.” She held it out to me.

I took it from her and allowed the smooth ruby-like gem to roll around my palm. “A communication stone?”

She hummed and nodded. “It’s keyed to connect with the nearest registered guild master.” She pulled at a chain wrapped around her neck, lifting a similar red stone from beneath her collar. “At the moment, that is me. But when you leave, it could connect to another.”

“Do the others have one?” I asked as I studied it for a moment, before sliding it into the palm of my left glove. I’d find a better place to put such an essential item later.

Saelseris shook her head. “No. Each of them is either already with an organization that serves their needs or cannot be reached. At the moment, you are the only unaffiliated, independently active Hero.” At my accepting grunt, she smiled faintly and turned towards the silent woman next to her. “There’s more we can speak on later, but there’s someone who’s wanted to meet you as soon as possible.”

I turned to the woman, still unable to realize why she seemed so familiar. The woman stared at me for a few seconds longer before she huffed through her nose. “I see you haven’t changed in that way. Even when you succeed, you always see a failure, Joey. You would have made a great Knight.”

The woman’s words struck a chord. My eyes widened as I met her gaze, my heart quickening. Finally, I put the name to her face. “Valeri?”

Her stern visage crumbled as her lips curled into a kind smile, like an older sister showing pride in her younger sibling. “I’m honestly disappointed that you didn’t remember me. Am I that forgettable?” Her voice cracked as she studied me, a combination of joy and grief playing in her gaze.

I coughed out a laugh. “No, never. I guess I had a lot on my mind.”

“I would assume so,” Valeri said, her voice low as she raked her gaze over me. “We've missed you, Joey.” I didn’t answer, trying not to fidget beneath the weight of her stare. When she closed her eyes and shook her head, I felt my shoulders fall, as if I tried to stand taller under her stare. “Guild master Saelseris instructed Her Highness in commerce when she spent time in Xadria a few years prior.” She looked over to the elf, inclining her head in thanks. “Due to that, they became friends and still communicate to this day.”

Saelseris nodded to Valeri’s words. “I did not offer your name or identity, but when I contacted Lade Emelina, I told her of a Hero’s entry into Xadria.”

Valeri smiled, facing me once more. “While your classmates have broken apart, Her Highness tries to keep track of all of them, if only to know if they’re well.” Her expression fell, but she squared her shoulders. “We’ve lost track of a few of them, but we know of their last known locations.” She focused on me intently. “None of them were anywhere near Xadria.”

“To everyone, I was dead. How did you conclude that it was me?”

“Several stories of ages past have legends of Heroes rising from death, greater than before.” Valeri smiled widely, laughter escaping her. “Her Highness always proved herself able to see beyond the obvious. We had to put together the information we gathered, but she was able to realize that it could have only been you.” She shook her head. “Unfortunately, Her Highness had a prior appointment she couldn’t ignore, so she sent me here along with Lady Abigail’s delegation. I broke from them upon arrival and came here to speak with Saelseris.”

The guild master nodded. “I had planned on organizing a meeting, but I learned of the sudden job that you had taken with Arce and Soralynn.” Her eyes narrowed as she studied me. “Imagine my surprise when I had learned you fell from the sky when you were supposed to be too far from Xadria to return during the attack.”

I didn’t want to let her know that Sora could trick the teleportation defenses protecting Xadria, so I decided to omit a few things. “The homunculi that attacked, they must have teleported in with one-use artifacts, considering their numbers. When they attacked my party and me, I picked one up from the one I killed. Unfortunately, the others had been too vicious with their opponents and destroyed their tools.” I glanced over to Arce, smirking playfully. Arce looked away from me with a sheepish blush, fidgeting in place.

“It made you appear in the air?” Saelseris asked me, disbelief coloring her tone.

I shrugged, not having to fake my disbelief. “I couldn't use it at first, but my Affinity allows me to force things like that. Had I more time to work with it? It could’ve been a better result.”

Saelseris frowned but nodded regardless. “Still. Thank you for returning, especially with how you arrived.”

Valeri chuckled as she crossed her arms. “I have to admit, a part of me wasn’t surprised when I heard of not only of your arrival but how you arrived.” She gave me an askance look, lips quirked. “A kick from the skies? How did it not kill you?”

“I’m awesome like that?” I said with a playful smile. I didn’t want to talk about my abilities, especially considering I still wanted to learn more about my limits.

The Knight’s smile did not fall as she laughed, shaking your head. “Keep your secrets.” Then she exhaled through her nose. “Would you be willing to return to Veracity with me? Lady Abigail had no doubt made her wish to return with you known by now.”

I kept the dread that surfaced in my stomach from showing as I nodded towards Valeri. “I suppose I must. I’ll have to finish some tasks in Xadria, though.”

Valeri smiled at that, crossing her arms. “Good. We’ll approach Miss Kacee soon as well. Her company has made itself invaluable in defense of Xadria’s citizens. His Majesty will want to reward all those who acted in Xadria’s defense.”

“What will happen when we return to Veracity?”

The Knight closed her eyes and considered to herself. “Firstly, His Majesty will want to meet with you again. To reconnect with Miss Kacee and to ask about your revival. Afterward…?” She then shrugged. “I’m not entirely sure. He’d want to celebrate, of course, but I don’t know how large he’d make it.”

“I’d rather it not be too big,” I grumbled as I rubbed the back of my head. “I’ve never liked being forced to mingle with people I don’t know.”

Saelseris snorted, lips curling into a smile. “Welcome to the life of an adventurer, Joseph Blaine. To thrive, you’ll have to network. It’s all about your connections.” Her smile turned sharp, eyes narrowing into a glare. “Your fame will only get you so far.”

I grimaced at her deep regard. “I know. I don’t like the idea of having my path influenced by others.”

“Tis the life of an adventurer,” Saelseris said, her voice low but soft. “You choose a life of freedom, at the cost of stability. The only thing you must do is make sure the chains you forge from your career don’t hold you down.”

Chains. Her words resonated with me, and I couldn’t help the clench of my fist. I decided I’d be free, that I’d live my life the way I wished, regardless of what others thought or did. I’d fight to keep the right to live how I wanted, even if it made others enemies of me. If going to meet the king made things difficult, no matter what I tried, then I’d succeed at this trial too.

“What’s next, then, Valeri? When do we leave? Because I’m not going anywhere without my group.” I said sternly, meeting her gaze with defiance.

“Of course,” Valeri answered with a nod, just as stern. “I’d love to meet the rest of the group that you’ve gathered.” She turned her gaze onto the silent Arce, who took a post at my left flank and behind me. “Arce no last name, a three-year running scout employed by the Adventurers Guild. An impeccable record backed by a variety of skills that complement your profession.” The corner of her mouth quirked upwards as Arce offered no reaction. “Our Intelligence Division has created dossiers on all notable Adventurers. Yours is one we’ve paid special attention to maintaining.”

Arce’s stoicism did not falter as she nodded her head, posture still stiff as she stared at Valeri. “I’m honored by your attention, Knight-Captain.” Her answer caused the Knight to smile widely, taken aback by her response.

“I see.” She nodded and faced me once more. “I look forward to meeting the rest of your party, Joseph.” With that, we finally decided to end the meeting and free Saelseris so she could resume her meeting. As we reached the main hall, Valeri turned towards me and smiled. “Go rest for the next few hours. Abigail and I will send for you when it’s time for us to leave.”

I…did not know how to feel about that statement, regardless of her happy expression. The fact that she wanted me to wait on her to call me rubbed me so wrongly. I didn’t want to be on call by these people. It contradicted everything I believed in to let them do this; otherwise, I’d likely start a pointless fight with people who only want to help me. So, with that in mind, I couldn’t help the forced smile that spread on my face. “Sure. I’ll wait. Try not to take too long, though. I’d rather not stay inactive for long.”

Valeri chuckled, something flickering in her gaze. “Don’t worry. It’s been a tough day for us all. Nothing wrong with catching our breath.” She nodded and turned to follow Saelseris back to the round table.

With Arce and Marishka in tow, I left the guildhall and began the walk back to the inn. “Do you have any errands to finish in Xadria, Arce?”

“No.” She said as she fell in step at my side. “I’m ready to leave whenever you are.”

“What about you?” I looked down at Marishka. She lifted her head and gave me this deadpan stare. I snorted out a laugh as a smile finally escaped me. “I guess not. Let’s get the others and gather our things. I want to be ready when it’s time to leave.”