Chapter 35 Party

"It's almost morning," Nathaniel muttered, peeking through the heavy drapes of the common room. It was still dark, but a bit of orange was beginning to show in the sky. Beyond the iron gates, he could see the dull lights of the streetlamps in the distance.

His eyes weren't on the beautiful sunrise or the intricate purple circuits occasionally pulsing along the walk. No, his focus was on the animated orange and red hovering, flickering only a handful of miles away.

A deep sigh sounded behind him, and he turned to scrutinize Aurora's sleeping figure. She hadn't wanted to be left alone, so she moved from her room to the sofa, and Nathaniel agreed to stay nearby as she slept.

The woman had tossed and turned in her sleep, waking often…but that all stopped about an hour earlier. Now, her peaceful breaths were the only sound within the manor that didn't come from the wind or Nathaniel's periodic musings.

He turned back to the window and looked toward the flames. They were spreading fast, and with his enhanced Perception, he could faintly see a few colors flashing where, presumably, some locals were using their skills to fight down the blaze.

Where was Rowan? He'd mentioned heading back to Origin City today, yet here it was, almost morning. Nathaniel frowned. He wouldn't have uprooted and brought his belongings here if he doubted his soon-to-be companion. Still, Nathaniel felt it unusual that he wouldn't be home resting when they planned to begin their ascent in less than forty-eight hours.

There was movement in the distance. Nathaniel narrowed his eyes, unable to detect what lurked beyond the gates. Remembering Rowan's warning, he flicked his wrist, and a long, silver glaive appeared in his left hand.

The glaive vibrated in his hand, its intricately carved circuits seeming to move while emitting a dim purple glow. A Relic purchased from York, crafted by one of the best craftsmen in the city, Greybeard. It wasn't his real name, and no one knew his association with the Yorks, but they regularly conducted business with the man.

Nathaniel noticed the movement again, closer to the gate now. He gripped his weapon tighter, feeling its response as the vibrations intensified. This Relic was unique, something commonly referred to as a living weapon, though that wasn't the term the Yorks used. It could Level like a Card, though it came at a cost. Half of the Essence contained in any monster would be absorbed into the weapon if it delivered the final blow, causing the crystals found within to be less valuable.

At that moment, the gates slowly swung open, and in the light caused by the energy used, Nathaniel could see Rowan casually strolling through. The walk lit up to guide the man, his cane tapping methodically against the stone.

Nathaniel sighed in relief. He released his glaive, but rather than fall to the floor, it simply vanished. Quietly opening and closing the front door, he moved to meet his companion on the veranda.

"Nathaniel." Rowan nodded as he approached.

"Rowan," the young man responded in kind, though quietly. He tapped a finger to his lip. "Aurora is sleeping in the common room. Said she felt uneasy."

"Thank you for informing me," Rowan whispered. "She's had a turbulent few days. It's best to let her rest. Anyway, I'm glad you're up. Care to join me for tea?"

"Sure thing." Nathaniel chuckled.

***

I prepared the tea before joining Nathaniel on the back patio, where I'd sent him so our conversation wouldn't disturb our slumbering guest. Nathaniel took his cup gratefully, and I could see the bags forming under his eyes.

"Just how long have you been up?" I asked.

"A while, but it's nothing to be concerned with." He waved it off. "A few hours' rest on the locomotive, and I'll be good as new."

"Glad to hear it." Motioning back toward the manor, I asked, "How is she holding up? Did she talk much before falling asleep again?"

"She's better, I think." He went on to tell me about her breathing patterns, describing how just an hour or so earlier, she had become peaceful.

Right after Zachary's death… Does that imply that she was still on his mind during our battle? Or maybe it simply meant that he was still a danger to her in the short term if left alive. I never did find out what it was Zachary wanted.

Initially, I'd assumed he was just after her Sacred Enhancement, which was why I asked Crook questions about it to lure him out. I still felt that was part of it, but his motivations seemed to lean toward something more profound than simply coveting a Card…

And his status as an Anchor… What in Tara's name is an Anchor?

I grimaced as I thought of the reward I'd received. A Promotion Relic similar to that I'd received from the final Achievement, though it only held five charges.

I wasn't complaining about the compensation, but it felt wrong to be rewarded so greatly for killing a child, regardless of the suffering he'd cause in the future. There were already so many differences between this life and my last… Couldn't I have changed him, too?

Sighing, I looked toward the nearby wall, recalling the devastation that would burst in from the other side. I did what I had to do to pursue a better future, but I couldn't keep myself from wondering if there was more than one way to go about it.

Thinking of Aurora, I smiled sadly. Maybe there had been another way if I'd acted sooner, but it was too late. I was sure he'd killed the banker and had already targeted Aurora, who was perfectly innocent.

As for the rumors about him murdering his sister…I had a hunch that they weren't true. David said that he'd been witness to Zachary's final moments, but he wouldn't share the details. Still, the look on the young spirit's face gave it away.

"Rowan!"

I looked to my right, shocked to find Nathaniel waving his hand right next to my face. He frowned and sat back in his chair.

"I've called your name nearly a dozen times," Nathaniel stated, seeming neither annoyed nor bitter at my ignoring him. "Did something happen in the slums to have you worried? I can smell the smoke on you."

Wow. Such high Perception… Maybe Enhancements that compliment it?

I glanced at my new suit, not finding a speck of dirt or ash. Throughout my walk, I'd cast Cleanse several times to wash away the bits of blood and grime that had accumulated during the fight. It seemed keeping a vial of Infernal Wash around would be necessary until I'd Leveled Cleanse some more.

"Everything is fine." I circled my thumb around the knob of my cane, tracing the intricate design. "Aurora's problem has been dealt with, and we are free to move from here."

"I see." Surprisingly, Nathaniel didn't seem taken aback by this news. "Speaking of Aurora, do you plan to invite her to our party? I believe she would be a dependable addition. Having that Card alone would make her a great asset."

So, he's not going to probe further? As for his question…

He was right. Aurora wasn't top of the class for nothing, but she sorely lacked proficiency in controlling her Cards. That wasn't something taught in the Academy, seeing as the Plagued Energy on the First Floor was low, and interacting with that energy was the first step in learning to do so.

One of the classes I offered on the Tenth Floor covered that subject, so it wouldn't be hard to teach her during our ascent. As for Nathaniel, I found it unlikely that he hadn't been trained with a Relic or in an appropriately Circuited room from a young age.

Well, I wanted to build a team that would have the most negligible impact on the future. Nathaniel was held back for years by his family, meaning pushing him forward would only benefit humanity. As for Aurora, she had been deceased, so I wouldn't be stealing a great hero from a top Guild or some renowned political figure.

"Okay. Let's wake her when the sun finishes rising and make our proposal," I decided, patting Nathaniel on the shoulder.

He nodded in agreement, and we sat back, sipping our tea in silence and watching the dawn form an assortment of colors on the rolling hills between us and the Tower's wall. It was peaceful, reminding me of my early days before I'd committed myself to instructing humanity's future.

When the show was over, we proceeded to the common room, where Aurora was still fast asleep. One of her arms hung limply off the sofa while the other was tossed over her head. Her mouth was wide open, and a bit of drool ran down her cheek.

I couldn't help but laugh. She reminded me a lot of Lyla, my friend Crole's youngest daughter. Briefly, I mulled over whether the changes I made would keep Crole from meeting his wife. I'd introduced the pair, so I noted that I would need to make that happen again in a few decades.

Gently, I shook Aurora's shoulder for more than a minute, trying to stir her awake. It didn't work, so I eventually cast Cleanse on her, which certainly got her attention. She jumped involuntarily, turning this way and that, but relaxed when she realized where she was.

"Rowan?" she questioned, yawning heavily. She rubbed her eyes, then turned to find Nathaniel sitting quietly in the chair across from her. Her eyes widened, and she quickly wiped the drool from the corner of her lips and attempted to rake out her disheveled hair.

Nathaniel looked away rather than stare at her, and I couldn't help but chuckle, earning a sharp glare from the young woman. Aurora stopped fussing about her appearance after that and scrunched her brow. After a moment, she closed her eyes and frowned.

"That feeling…" she muttered, not opening her eyes.

I sat in the chair beside Nathaniel and waited patiently. For a young woman who'd never left her home or the Academy, I could only imagine what she'd been through. The abrupt return to normalcy now that no one planned to kill her was likely a shock.

Feeling it would help, I stood and drew back the curtain, drowning the room in the dim light of the early morning sun. Her eyes opened, and she shifted from confused to stunned.

"But…Precognition…it's not…" Her eyes darted between Nathaniel and me as I reclaimed my seat.

"Not to worry, child." I smiled warmly. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Nathaniel looking at me with a raised brow and a sly smile. That seemed a bit out of character, but I was still learning about the young man. There was much more to him than just a stony visage.

"But…" Aurora started again, but I held up a hand.

"You're safe. From here, you can do as you wish."

She looked to Nathaniel for confirmation, and though I hadn't told him what had happened, he nodded in agreement. Aurora's eyes started to tear up, though, unlike when she was under duress, not a tear fell. The woman wiped at her eyes and nodded, seeming to resolve herself not to ask any questions.

She took a deep breath before speaking. "So…what now?"

"Nathaniel and I will be making our final preparations here in the manor, and then we will be heading to the Second Floor," I answered.

She raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? Isn't it a bit early? Most graduates take the time to apply to Guilds before ascending."

"Is that what you plan to do?" I asked.

"I'm…not sure…" She spoke reluctantly, her voice gaining pitch as she went. "There would be less risk in ascending, but the contracts can be strict. I might not be able to—"

Aurora's voice caught. Whatever she was going to say seemed to make her uncomfortable. Before I could stop her from forcing herself, she blurted, "—find out what happened to my father! He disappeared…during his ascent. I just…need to know."

So…that's what drives her. If that man hadn't brought the news of my father's death back to me…

There wasn't a need for me to consider. I glanced at the young man to my right to ensure we were on the same page. He nodded almost imperceptibly.

"Aurora…Nathaniel and I spoke earlier this morning…" I said slowly. "Would you like to join our party as an official member? For now, it's just the two of us. We can't promise the safety of a Guild, but you'll have the freedom to do as you please, providing it doesn't put anyone in danger. If you need help in your search, we would be glad to dedicate some of the party's resources toward that goal."

She inhaled sharply. Forming a group was commonplace, and most Climbers would do so since there was safety in numbers. They would usually disband before moving to the next Floor or backstab each other before making it to the stairs.

Being asked to become an official party member was much more significant. Much like a Guild, it entailed signing a binding contract through a Relic that would mark each party member. It allowed Cards like my Amalgamate Agility to register the members, provided some light protection from betrayal, and stipulated loot division or other terms.

"I…accept your offer," Aurora breathed out.

"You don't care to hear the terms first?" I asked.

She shook her head and clenched her fists. "If you are willing to help me…the terms don't matter."

"Well then!" I shot up, startling both of my guests. "That settles that. Aurora. Nathaniel. Pack the essentials, make any final preparations, and let's leave the Origin Floor!"

"Right now?" Aurora was taken aback. Nathaniel merely nodded and made his way toward his room.

"That's right." I chuckled. "Time is precious. It won't be long before we're all old and gray if we don't clear a few Floors."

Aurora chewed her lip before nodding. "Just…can I visit home before we leave? I'd like to tell my mom and Raymond goodbye."

"Raymond?" I asked curiously.

"He's my dad—well, stepdad," she explained. "He gave everything to get me into the Academy and always supported my goal to find my father. Even more than Mom did."

"Raymond sounds like an extraordinary gentleman." I grinned. "We'll head to York first, then. Now, head on up and get yourself cleaned up. You'll find my mother's old wardrobe in the last room to the right on the second floor."

"I'll take my leave, then." Aurora walked to the stairs before pausing and looking back. "Thank you, Rowan."

I smiled and waved her on before heading toward the hub. I still intended to return monthly for the first Ten Floors to dump the loot with Crook and monitor any changes in the timeline. Still, before leaving, I wanted to check the Essence consumption and ensure there would be enough to power the defenses for at least half a year in case the climb dragged on. It was better to be safe than sorry, and Crook still didn't have any further information on the squatter in the attic.

I wonder…

Once I reached the hub and estimated that the Essence on the pedestal would likely be enough for close to eight months, I opened the safe in the corner and pulled out the banker's Ledger. It was unlikely, but I wanted to read the info from the beginning to see if there were any hints about the offer on my estate. A bid that large would have to go through the top brass.

If they have any connection with the squatter, then there's a chance the offer was made within the last month. Sometime before my run-in with the burglar…but likely after my regression since I hadn't been given that deal when making this month's payment in my previous life. There's a chance it's there.

Once I was finished in the hub, I pocketed the Ledger in one of my hidden pockets and returned to the kitchen. The others weren't down yet, so I pulled the Promotion Relics from my waist and began to think over my options.

Ten uses…and although I'm not sure what needs to be done to eliminate another Anchor, I know it's possible to get more.

There was no longer a reason to be so selective with how I used the Relic. It still wouldn't do to be wasteful, but I didn't have to hold back on Cards that I knew would stay in my Deck for the long haul.

Condense, once. Luck, twice. Amalgamate Agility, twice. Amalgamate Intelligence, twice. Golem once. Appraisal, once…what?

[Card Name: Appraising Eye]

[Class: Enhancement]

[Rank: Holy]

[Level: 3]

[Essence: 0/100,000]

[Description: Observe more than just what's on the surface.]

[Effect 1: The Wielder can see information on most items or Relics. The amount of data shown is determined by the Wielder's Will and Perception versus the Rank of the object.]

[Effect 2: The Wielder can see the information of any Plagued Beast. The amount of data shown is determined by the Wielder's Will and Perception versus the Will and Level of the Beast.]

[Effect 3: The Wielder can see the information of any other Wielder. The amount of data shown is determined by the Wielder's Will and Perception versus the Will of the Wielder.]

A Spell morphing into an Enhancement? That's news to me. And this…

The moment the skill was Promoted, I began to see details about everything around me. Tables, chairs, the Relics acting as light fixtures, the Relic I still held in my hand. All of it was available at a glance.

Looking at my cane, I found the same description as before, meaning that the Enhancement likely didn't give more information than its Spell form. Even if that were the case, it was much more convenient and had the added bonus of providing information on other Wielders. Once I was finished admiring the skill, I returned to what I was doing.

I stared at the final use of Promotion for some time, wondering if I should use it. It may have seemed silly, but I also wanted to Promote Francis, the Beetle. David had grown attached to the little guy, so I didn't want to let him go.

"Are you just now using that?" a voice asked somewhere behind me. I turned my head to find Nathaniel standing in the kitchen entryway, purposely looking down so as not to stare at the Card that lay on the table.

[Name: Nathaniel Syward]

[Class: Wielder]

[Deck Count: ???]

[Total Foundation Level: ???]

[Skills: ???]

Well, I guess that I know whose Will is higher.

He really was a good lad, but damn, were his movements quiet. The only Card on the table currently was my Beetle, and I didn't feel any need to hide my Summon from Nathaniel. He'd be seeing them for himself soon enough.

"Something like that." I kicked out the chair next to me. "Have a seat. There's no reason to be so formal. You'll see my Cards in use during our ascent, anyway."

He accepted my invitation and looked at the Card, his brows raising slightly. "That's a lucky find. That Relic wouldn't be wasted on a Summon. You have eight uses, right?"

"Just one." I flipped the Relic around to show him. "Most of the uses went toward Enhancements or Spells. Better for the party."

"I see…" Nathaniel fished around in his jacket before pulling out his Promotion Relic. Then…he slid it across the table. "Here. Feel free to use one of these on it."

"Are…you sure?"

Nathaniel just nodded. "Of course. It will make the party stronger. Besides, it's useless on the rest of my Cards."

I glanced at the Relic and saw that it was down to four from what should have been five. After inspecting the Relic, I looked back up at Nathaniel, who gestured to go ahead.

"How can I refuse?" The Card glowed as I tapped it once with both Relics. My Relic crumbled to dust, and I slid the other back to Nathaniel. "Thank you."

"No problem." He pocketed the item. "So, where do we go from here?"

"We head to York this morning. Aurora would like to say her goodbyes before our departure." I thumbed my cane thoughtfully. "Aside from that, we're ready to go. We can take the overnight train back to Origin City and be on the Second Floor first thing tomorrow morning."

Nathaniel grunted in acceptance just as Aurora walked into the kitchen. She wore a plain green dress with white trim and black lace around the sleeves and collar. For it not being sized perfectly for her, it fit her nicely. The flush on Nathaniel's cheeks told me that he thought so as well.

[Name: Aurora Price]

[Class: Wielder]

[Deck Count: 32]

[Total Foundation Level: 23]

[Skills: ???]

It stood to reason that she would have the exact amount of Cards recommended by the Academy. They regularly reminded the students that they should only equip the necessary Foundations and Enhancements for survival and a few Cards that suited the Wielder. It was advised to leave twenty slots open to build around one's Origin Card.

"I'm sorry." Aurora looked at the floor, embarrassed. "I didn't see any blouses or leathers."

"My mother wasn't a Climber." I chuckled. "In any case, the color suits you. Are you ready to go?"

"I am," she replied quickly. "Other than my bag, nothing made it out of the alley. I can't even tell you where the luggage is that I arrived with."

Nathaniel stood, walked to the second entrance, and pulled a large pack from the hallway. It was similar to my own, though his was slightly larger and appeared to be made of sturdier material.

"All right then. Meet me on the back patio in five minutes." I jogged through the hallway and up the stairs, grabbing my pack from my room before heading to the attic. There, I looked carefully around the room.

No more chests appeared. No notes scrawled on the wall or extra Circuits on the floor. Seeing this, I was more convinced that Appraising Eye didn't lower the requirements needed to view information. I was okay with playing the long game.

It didn't take long to join the others in the backyard, where they followed me down the cobbled path to the small fence that housed my parents' graves. I leaped over the barrier carefully and placed my hands on their headstones.

"Mom. Dad. I'll be leaving again. Don't worry. This time, I'm not alone." I knelt down between the two and clasped my hands together before pressing them against my brow. For a few minutes, I sat there, not minding the morning dew that was seeping through my slacks. When I stood, I patted my father's stone again and beamed.

"I'll give it my all. I promise."

***

Aurora stood silently beside Nathaniel, her heart weighing heavy in her gut while watching the man kneeling in front of them. She felt ashamed. She'd thought so poorly of Rowan for so many years, yet he still offered to help her achieve her goal.

Seeing him now, mourning for his absent parents, she wanted to slap herself. Not once had she wondered about the weight he carried. It wasn't just Rowan. She had never once thought about anyone's hardships but her own.

Rowan opened his eyes and stood, grinning. At that moment, it felt like she was buffeted by a wave of conviction. Without knowing why she also smiled, and the weight in her heart lifted as she resolved to be a better person.

Beside her, Nathaniel gripped his fists tightly, determination showing clearly in his eyes. Looking at Rowan, standing tall even with so much weight on his shoulders, the corners of his lips twitched upward. This was the man he'd chosen to follow.

Rowan stepped out of the small cemetery and placed a hand on both of their shoulders. With a light squeeze, he walked between them, his cane tapping lightly against the cobblestone path.

***

A loud whistle pierced the air, asserting its dominance over the sound of the wheels chugging along the track. I looked out of the window toward the swiftly approaching York.

From this distance, the black-and-purple haze above the city was evident. Massive stacks rose into the sky, spewing the fog into the air. I wasn't particularly fond of the place. The outskirts smelled of metal, smoke, and decay.

We didn't have to wait long for the train to reach the station. Unlike Grandhardt, where there were four stations, each a specific distance into the city, York had one central station. It wasn't as large as the central station of Origin City, but it was just as impressive.

After stepping off the train, the first thing that drew most tourists' attention was a giant balloon hovering well above the station's center. Adorning the craft was the unmistakable insignia of the York Family. Similar, smaller balloons were parked along the outskirts of the station, each marked with a number and prepared to transport paying passengers to different areas within York.

There weren't many of these creations, each having been crafted from materials found only above the Fiftieth Floor. In total, I could spot six crafts, including the largest on display in the center.

"Amazing…" Aurora stared at the contraption with a gleam in her eyes. She turned excitedly toward us and pointed skyward. "Aren't they incredible?! Sir William came up with the design shortly after the united push past the Fiftieth Floor."

"They are." Nathaniel chuckled. "I've been on board one of them."

Aurora stepped directly in front of Nathaniel. "How?"

"One of the Family gatherings was held aboard the big one." Nathaniel frowned. "It's an extraordinary craft, to be sure, but I prefer to keep my feet on the ground."

Aurora seemed about to ask another question, but seeing the frown on Nathaniel's face, I cut in, "We should get moving. Would you mind leading the way, Aurora?"

"Ah!" she exclaimed. "My apologies. I let my excitement get the better of me. It's this way."

Nathaniel looked at me gratefully as Aurora turned and began to lead us through the crowd. I gave him a sad smile, knowing he didn't care to talk about his family. Considering that, I decided we would need to discuss boundaries while establishing the terms of the contract.

We all had skeletons, and it wouldn't do to go digging them up before we were ready. Aurora walked swiftly and stepped off of the platform onto Tungsten Boulevard. As we walked, I admired the unique structures.

The buildings weren't much different from that of Grandhardt, having pitched rooftops and spires jutting out here and there. What made them remarkable were the thousands of tubes and spinning cogs fastening one structure to another.

Everything was in motion. Rather than Circuits powering every light, bubbling tubes sent liquid Essence back and forth between varying machines. I'd visited a few times in my prior life, but it was still a sight to behold.

Though the York Family provided the city with lights and other conveniences through Relics and technology, the usual Circuits of the Church of Liberation running along the walks still existed, dampening the powers of the Wielders as they rushed to and fro. My eyes were wide open, observing and memorizing the descriptions of every item I could read.

Appraising Eye is remarkable. All of these secrets. I wonder if this is what Miss Striker used to read me or if that was something more effective.

The eccentricities of the clothing worn by the citizens were comparable to the distinctive style of the city. Hats with glued-on cogs. Bracelets with liquid Essence glowing and bubbling inside of them. Masks with dissimilar pieces of metal attached. This place wasn't known as the City of Creation for nothing.

Aurora spoke proudly about the different buildings and Relics we saw, describing their functions in detail as we followed behind. It was clear that she was proud of her city's culture. I only hoped she didn't start wearing clanking metal contraptions now that she was out of the Academy. If she did, I would have to reconsider my offer.

Still, she had a right to be proud. The Yorks and the O'Connels were likely the two largest contributors to humanity aside from the government. I wasn't the biggest fan of the Families, but those two deserved the credit.

Before long, we stopped at a gated house. The house stood out from the others on the block, and there was a small but well-kept garden in the front. Aurora took a deep breath before pressing one of her rings to the gate and pushing it open.

"You should come in. My parents will want to meet you." She spoke so softly that I almost couldn't hear her.

Aurora opened the door and asked us to make ourselves comfortable in the common room while she went to fetch her parents. I looked around curiously at the pictures that seemed to take up every inch of free wall space.

Almost every one was of Aurora at a different age. In some, she was a toddler playing in the small field, while in others, she wore her uniform or other simple outfits, looking embarrassed and trying to hide her face.

Studying these photographs, I quickly found the ones with the rest of her family. In some of her childhood photos, there was a man she bore a striking resemblance to. She clung to him tightly in most while they played in others.

Her more recent photos included a different man, though he didn't look any less caring. He was tussling her hair in one while in another, she and a woman I presumed to be her mother ran from him as he sprayed them with some water Spell.

I did note the jump. There were hundreds of pictures, but it seemed there were a couple of years missing. If I had to guess, her father went missing while she was a toddler, and her stepfather and mother married when she was around seven.

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of laughter. I turned to see Aurora walking in with an embarrassed look. Following her, a beautiful woman with disheveled hair and flushed cheeks stepped into the room. An enormous, bulky man brought up the rear, a broad grin on his face.

"Oh? You should have mentioned we have guests!" the woman exclaimed embarrassedly. "Let me put on the kettle. I'll be right back!"

She bustled off before Aurora could catch her. The man entered the room, his massive frame touching either side of the doorway. For all the man's size, it was hard to find him intimidating with the goofy smile he kept on his face.

"So, which one is planning on courting you?" he asked teasingly.

"Daaad!"

"Hey, I'm just looking out for my baby girl. How do I know whose head I have to bash if you don't tell me?" He scrutinized Nathaniel and then turned to me. "I hope it's the scrawny one here. I'm not sure if I can push this big fellow around. If it's both of them, you're on your own."

Aurora covered her face with both of her hands, and I busted out laughing. Nathaniel sat in his seat, his characteristic solemn expression holding firm.

I held out a hand. "Rowan Wilder. It's nice to meet you, Raymond. I'm sorry if we caught you unawares."

"Raymond Price. And you weren't interrupting anything we can't make up for later." The man chuckled and took my hand. Aurora groaned and turned to face the wall.

While Raymond laughed at his own joke, Aurora's mother walked in, holding a tray with five steaming cups. Her hair had been quickly brushed, and her cheeks weren't quite as red.

"Mom. Dad." Aurora gestured to each of us in turn. "This is Rowan, and this is Nathaniel. We've decided to form a party for our ascension…"

Raymond's smile broke, and his face looked stricken. "You…you're really going?"

"I am," Aurora confirmed. "This is what I've been working for. You know that."

"When do you plan to leave?" her mom asked. The woman's lips were quivering, and she was already holding back tears.

This is…awkward. I didn't think we would broach the topic so swiftly.

"You two…" Raymond moved forward in his seat to get a better look. "I trust my girl's judgment when it comes to character. So you get a pass for that, but how do I know that you can keep her safe?"

Aurora tried to speak, but I held up a hand, cutting her off. Raymond raised a brow and glanced at his daughter, then Nathaniel, before settling back on me.

"Mister Price." I sighed and leaned forward on my cane. "The truth is that I cannot guarantee Aurora's safety."

"I see." Raymond sat back and reached for his wife's hand; the life was returning to his eyes, and he was boasting a half smile. "That's an acceptable answer. Had you promised that you could, I would have had to throw the two of you out.

"That said," he continued, "I would like to know more about you. Your answer may be correct, but I won't send my daughter off with a group of weaklings who think she can carry them because of her number one status in the Academy."

"Dad." It was Aurora's turn to laugh. "Both of them also ranked in the top ten. Rowan was the student who received the only perfect score on the written exam, while Nathaniel received full marks on the practical."

"I see." Raymond looked toward Nathaniel. "I'm sorry, young man. I don't believe I caught your name."

"Nathaniel Syward," Nathaniel replied plainly, reaching his hand to grasp the large man's. As for Raymond…he spat out the tea he'd just been sipping.

"Syward? As in…the Sywards?" he asked.

Nathaniel gave a forced smile. "Yes, sir. That is correct."

Aurora's mom, who'd been silent this entire time, spoke up. "Aurora…do you have to leave so soon?"

"Mom…" Aurora hesitated, then bent down and wrapped her arms around the older woman. "Don't worry, Mom. I'll be safe, and we'll return at least once every month for Rowan to check on his business."

"Your business?" Raymond looked in my direction.

"Yes, sir." I nodded. "Wielder's Wonders. Just opened up in Grandhardt recently."

"I've heard of it. It was the talk of the local Merchant's Guild for a couple of days." Raymond nodded approvingly. "All right then. Not that I have much choice, but I'll trust you boys to take care of our Aurora.

"If you need Relics for your journey, don't hesitate to ask. My business may be struggling, but I know every craftsman in the city, including some of the Yorks. We can get anything you need, but it may take some time to craft."

"Is that so?" I twirled my cane thoughtfully. "I've asked my associate to acquire a few items for me. Reach out to the shop and get in touch with Crook. I believe the two of you can help each other out. I'll write a letter explaining the situation before we leave, along with a list of items I've asked him to purchase."

Raymond lit up at that, and we spent the next hour talking business while Aurora and her mother talked and prepared an early dinner. Eventually, time ran short, and it was time for us to return to the station.

We stood on the small veranda in front of the house, saying our goodbyes. Aurora produced a pouch from her satchel and passed it to Raymond, who looked at her questioningly.

"Thank you for everything. Just take it and don't ask." Her eyes started to water, and she wrapped the giant man in a hug, her fingers barely reaching the man's back. He returned the gesture before handing the pouch off to Aurora's mom and then looked directly at me.

"You're making the decisions, so I'm holding you responsible if something happens to her." Raymond spoke in a not-so-menacing voice. Then, even softer, "Take care of her, will ya?"

I only nodded. There was nothing else to say.

With that, we were off. Nathaniel lifted Aurora's pack before she could protest and carried it alongside his own. Just as we hit the walk, I heard a woman's gasp of surprise. Glancing back, I saw the woman holding the bag out for Raymond to see.

I laughed as we rounded the corner. "How much of that did you give to them?"

"Most of it," she responded sullenly. "There were only two Cards I felt I should add."

"That's a shame." I gripped her shoulder lightly. "You going to be okay?"

"Yes…" Aurora wiped at her eyes. "When I left for the Academy, I was so young. Over the past ten years, I spent a lot of time wishing I could see my parents more. Now that I've seen them…it's hard to leave."

Her words brought back memories. I watched as my old friends said goodbye to their children. It was never easy.

I patted her head softly, surprising her. She looked up, and I gave her a confident smile. "Don't you worry. You'll see your parents again. Nathaniel. You. Me. We're going to do great things together. When we get back, you'll have loads of stories to tell them. It all starts on the Second Floor."

Aurora was stunned for a moment, but my job was done. She stopped sulking and dried her eyes. Nathaniel slowed down to walk beside us just in time to hear my motivational speech.

"All right…" Aurora took a deep breath. "Let's get started."

Nathaniel gave a slight smile, and I grinned broadly.

"Yes…let's get started."