The next day he awoke early, full of energy. He wanted to unpack his alchemy set but realized he didn't have a table to do anything with!390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8EONWZRcp
He'd never thought much about how sparse his room was before. He was always adventuring, never staying inside long enough to care.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiZTwW7KuY
He just had his bed, a small shelf for books, a chest where he stored things, and an end table beside the small desk. But the desk wouldn't be good enough for alchemy. He needed another table to spread out his supplies. His room was big enough—he'd just never cared to fill it before.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsP8I1xaZc
Maybe the desk could work for now. But it would end up being an area more for writing than doing experiments.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFK5W4BSxea
He needed both, upon further thought.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAM08EChSrt
He sighed. He also needed money.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVGaS1aqWt
It was all fun and games when he thought nothing of making money. But now? He really needed it. He wondered in passing if his dad had been saving anything for him thus far. He was probably spending it too, not even noticing.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxClci4e0s
Just like a child.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhRkoDtKtl
He scowled at himself.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEYN2ZnXjX
Despite him getting up early, it seemed the family started the work day earlier. Mom was still home and Nina stopped by to visit, but Len and Dad already left for work.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfypA2L0I5l
Nina was happy to see him and asked how he'd been. He told her of his apprenticeship in alchemy, but now he was struggling for new items like a table and maybe a bigger desk.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuct1tbMCyl
Nina insisted she buy them for him.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyELoZVEotY
He panicked. "No!"390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbqYUh6Scg
She didn't understand. "Are we not family?"390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVW77XJoTWo
"It's not like that..." He closed his eyes, thinking. "This is something I want to earn. To prove I'm not a kid."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUfQ60I5Vl
Nina pouted, ears dropping a bit. "How can I help you, kiddo, if you don't let me?"390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwX3UhlaTcP
Mom interrupted before the back-and-forth could continue. "You do have some money saved from your father. Why don't you both go see him and see what he says before you plan what you need?"390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6v2dxvZVMM
They both nodded and said, "Okay."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAUC5qZJbp
Neither one of them felt satisfied with the outcome. But as they set off on their adventure, he forgot how excited Nina could be. Seeing her joy over wanting to buy him items—as if they were new things for her—made him smile.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3odZjTYUu
As they went, it seemed she couldn't wait to ask random questions. "What kind of potions can you make? Things for sleep? What about hunger? Maybe more energy!"390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJb7RmaNIH
He denied the last one quickly. "NO. You would run laps in the forest and carry me away while doing it."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0u3zak6Hn
She laughed. "That would be amazing! You have to do it."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63DFbEiuds
He couldn't help but laugh, picturing her small form carrying him, running through town, probably even yelling Move, I got to go! as she flew by everyone.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpybBkA71qE
It was a crazy thought. She'd probably make it true if he wasn't careful.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZK4wCVSCUv
She hugged him. "Don't forget me when you're famous, kiddo. Your big sister will miss you. Although I'll probably visit every day even if you left for the city!"390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHYxJBSgG0
"I'm sure you would." He pushed her away with a smile. "I won't forget. You're always nice to me. Maybe a little much, but I do care about you."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DmLAa9l7H
She beamed at that. "With me, you'll always be safe. Don't forget—I'm strong!" She puffed out her chest and made a pose.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mcGspRdB5
"I won't." He replied.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNolJcKf13u
Then he remembered he'd never once seen her use magic. Warily, he asked, "Hey, Nina... um... can I ask about your magic?"390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6t85p4ADr
She got quiet for a second, then relented. "Long as you keep it secret, ask away. I trust you, little brother."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmULnQVb8Q
He smiled sadly at that. He wasn't sure why it was such a burden. Well, he knew what she'd said, but he couldn't understand it.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBUqF6FkFE
"Um... you say you're strong, and I believe you. But I've never seen your magic. Much less a level four power. So it's hard for me to believe you're that strong."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ822MJcR0BW
She laughed nervously at that—but it came out sounding more bitter than happy. She looked at her hand. "I guess I can see that. From your view, I'm just a foxkin you accepted as your sister. Nothing more, right?"390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUG7yQnC31R
He felt a bit ashamed at those words. That was true.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYQIcw15gw
She brushed his hair. "That's good. That makes me happy. That's how I want you to see me. Not as a strong object to be used as a weapon. Or a pawn to marry away. Or even if I ruled, it'd be as a slave."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghpBb8zBre
She kept slowly brushing his hair.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7A7K4siq8
He didn't realize this was where the words would take them. He thought back to when she said magic was a burden, and he'd said she was wrong.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwiHL0PRTL
Indeed a child's logic.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZBf83y1kr
He rubbed her back. "It's okay. That's enough."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5m2YiLqN0
As he watched her, she had tears in her eyes. He wasn't sure how much he'd hurt her, but he was hoping this would make things right.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8Hqe3vnkj
She looked around. There were people in the distance walking, but they minded their own business, unaware of the events that had just transpired.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsruehoKyXG
She held him close and presented her hand. Empty. From nothing, her hand became stone.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9GhNJePZP
Shocking him.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pnWc9dOwY
It was even more shocking as she moved the hand of stone like it was a glove.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuwWdq6DkY
"Amazing." He couldn't stop himself from touching the stone. It was so thick and solid, yet she could move it as easily as he breathed.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmk7X5OJhgA
Slowly, the stone faded back into flesh.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqB0BjGzsr3
"Around level two," she said, "stone—or any element really—is still rigid and hard to control. Needs a lot of practice. But at three? You have power and options even with no practice."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDrloCIm7o
"But level four?" She paused. "You are the closest to the element without being the element. It is you, and you are it. It's not hard to use. Almost too easy. It's why people fear level four."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpr4syAk7i
"They can hurt others on a whim. Require no effort."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUr6Uuzqj4y
He shivered at that last part.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItCEt7PC4I
"I heard there's level five?" He asked, absorbed in the moment.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTUTUxgL07
"Just legends, kiddo. Maybe in old times level five walked among us. But anyone with that power would break the world and reshape it on whims."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOp4GbaQJ3
It was hard for him to picture or believe. He stuck out his hand.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylqKq0fLiR
Nothing. Not even a small feeling of power.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFgLw7RDU1
It was a bit depressing. He had the same level of power, but it did not flow freely in him.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLPObxUm3F
Both were lost in the moment. Nina recovered first, wiping away even the remnants of any tears. "Let's go, kiddo. We want that table for potions, right? We can't change the world crying about the past."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCDQbH0HH3
He nodded at that. It made sense. He wanted to move forward, so he had to be like Nina—always trying, lest he lose sight of his goals.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0eQGL7iNR
The rest of the trip was mostly quiet. Nina still poked and teased him, but it was more subdued and less joyful.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIZsWl407S
When at the shop, Len was surprised to see them both but happy all the same. She hugged them and asked, "Why are you here so early? It's a nice surprise but different. Are you looking for work?"390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4K9XGDMLd
He flinched at that. Both his sisters laughed, knowing his true thoughts.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaM7dvBp9x2
"Is Dad here? I need a bigger desk and table for alchemy."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdl8DCnrmk
Len thought for a bit. "He was getting ready for a shipment, but I'm sure we can order those for you. Although it takes about a week."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHCldScS4P
"A week!" He groaned.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHN0fK0sRVS
"Yes," Len replied. "Things take time."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbWqvhu2BB
He belatedly realized—"Um... the cost?"390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSOoKWYuHb
Len laughed. "I have money. Don't worry. I never spend it, so I'll get it for you."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1LIVaFU0T
"Thanks, Len." He felt relieved.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBt3mQHWugj
Nina shouted at that. "THAT'S NOT FAIR! I offered the same, and you said NO!"390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdEmw3uDxB
Her ears were flat, tail swishing. Why was she so mad he was saying yes to his sister?390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRZesixlMi
He realized his mistake but wasn't sure how to explain. He didn't think twice and was drawing a blank.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoJfkur55n
Len saved him once more with a gentle statement. "Maybe he wanted you to help buy him herbs to do the alchemy, since he knew I had money for the desk and table."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mqqcjoVas
"YES, THAT'S IT!" He grasped what he could to smooth things over. "I trust you both, but I can't do alchemy without herbs, so I was afraid to ask you. I swear!"390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmy7IPrakO
Nina glared a bit longer, but then her ears perked up. Her tail stopped.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DY3zIO7KA
"Okay. I understand. You see me as your second sister, so I can't be jealous when you won't pick me for help."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSEnr52FSf
Len smiled. "It's not a competition. We're family. We all help in different ways."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdd1HEdw6Gn
"THAT'S RIGHT!" He shouted, before calming down and sighing. "I planned to give freely many of my potions, so I didn't want any money to help till I was sure I was making something worth selling. I mean, I would never charge family. It's not right, me taking money you earn for my whims."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ewdmZtADO
Nina started wagging her tail. "I'm still mad at you, so you better make me something good that is mine."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8osvii2iT
He nodded, happy this was resolved.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFLdVTC7Z1
"I'm thankful for the potion you already made, brother. Those can be hard to come by, so having more in reserve lets us live easier. That was enough for me and Mom, I'm sure."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmU5SWCYlh
He was thoughtful. "Maybe I can do more, but I need time and supplies. Till then, I'll wait for you two to help me."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzYWlJFIRN
He wanted to find Dad and asked if Nina wanted to go. She said no—Len needed help, and she wanted to make sure they got the herbs added in the next supplies.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZm5bCk0Od
When roaming the back, he heard his dad speaking. "The guild hall is already making a building? But there's no dungeon."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkeyco37Kt
"I know, Justin, but they want to expand first and then inform people as it happens versus trying to play catch up," said an unknown voice, followed by a sigh from his dad before he heard his voice once more.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHEXgyWIPS
"Listen, Victor, you know I trust you. You've been leading this town fine so far. But we need to be mindful of how we expand. I'm already swamped in work trying to oversee supplies, trades, and routes."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhNjerg9aR
The other voice spoke again. "And I'm trying to send more labor your way. Everyone's busy with building or supplies."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYVdovrirC
He wasn't able to handle not knowing who was talking, so he stepped out the door. He saw a wagon nearby being loaded by people, and his dad standing next to a little man—smaller than him as a kid.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGB762SxdP
It was a gnome.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8Hvmid6al
He'd heard stories from his sister. They were little people. But seeing one in person was different.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAVv0xHNNv
His dad's back was to him, but the gnome was facing him.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnu5O2qnmp
"Oh, you didn't tell me your son was working here! It's been a while. I would've said hi." His dad, not knowing he was behind him, turned around. "Son?" He frowned. "What are you doing here?"390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rjtgYnn6Y
"Sorry, Dad. I need something and was hoping you could get it. Um... who is he?"390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEulG2vx4R
The gnome was shocked. "You don't remember me? I bounced you on my knee when you were three! Heavy thing you were. We even ran around the shop... think it was when you were four? I often meet with your dad here, and your sister even does deliveries for me. And you don't remember!"390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNwfpo11Ig
"I'm sorry. I didn't leave the house much till recently, and I... don't remember you," he confessed nervously.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZ527ahz4T
He watched as the gnome went from a shocked look to a stern face.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjx9mOti2Mo
"Is this how you raise your kids, Thorn-blade? To not even know those that help raise them?"390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6UkP4HFeT
"It's not like..." his dad said. "He's just sheltered. And like most kids, only remembers those they see the most. He was a baby when you were around. We've both been busy, so he never really sees you."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1bkpPg6Km
The gnome deflated. "I suppose the way things are going, I do fear we're drifting apart. That's why I keep pushing for you to become an official part of the council. You already do it unofficially, so sit in it and enjoy the pay."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdk9H2vJBF0
His dad shrugged. "I'll consider it. But I want to do this delivery sometime today."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7F5kABB0A
"Yes, yes..." the gnome said, waving his hand. Then he focused on him. "Come here, boy. Give your uncle a hug. It's been too long."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvs7eebQ4wb
"UNCLE?!" He was shocked and couldn't help himself.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhPn5YPgXG
The gnome jerked back at the shouting, then got upset. "You really don't remember me?"390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxEAOIDWDF
He felt ashamed that this was someone important, but he had no memories.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp86hBiLMOY
His dad spoke up. "He's been with me for fifteen years, give or take a few, as a close friend. We were in the same adventuring party back in the day. He was there when your mom was pregnant and helped us move here when we needed a place to stay beyond the city."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTOa3B2Nhv
As if summoned by the noise, Nina and his sister Len showed up.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTl7SaWTt9
"Is everything okay, Wolf? I heard you yelling. Oh, Uncle, what are you doing here?" Len replied casually to the gnome.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkrIBZU4Rj
"It's good to see you, niece." The gnome beamed at her. "At least little Len remembers me. My poor heart couldn't handle both of you forgetting me."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLGSsrjfmM
"What?! How could we forget you?" She was confused.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBZZGl0BGF
"He did," Uncle replied sourly, pointing at Wolf.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGOs1g1pu0
"Wolf!" Len said disapprovingly. "How do you not remember Uncle?!"390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwt3ewqV3kd
"I never see him," he protested. "And how could I forget that?" He pointed to the gnome as if he was an oddity.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1kjxUCOIP
Everyone was stunned and silent at those words. His dad a moment later was trying to hold back a laugh but looked stern at him.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGezXKxct2K
"Wolf, that's rude."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBD0ewOh75i
The gnome got a dark glint in his eye. "Oh, see me as just a short nobody, do you?"390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFk2CObZdbX
He was scared as he saw that look, fearing the worst.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0nTnHJPk8
"You do know I'm a master of wind magic."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkVsCAQ87v
He was confused about what that was supposed to mean. The gnome pulled up both his hands and said, "Come to Uncle," with a manic grin.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50DxxT35e5
Against his will, he was pulled forward by an unknown wind. Before he could scream in terror, he started bursting out laughing as little hands tickled his body, and he was forced to the floor.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMkWffWQf0
"Not so big now, are you?" The gnome proudly climbed on him as he kept tickling him.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFv3GofSJoG
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" He gasped out between laughs.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxe8wy9MsT
It was odd torture—being afraid and laughing all while it was being done by a little man overwhelming him.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJS5NFsbvG
The gnome relented and helped him up, then embraced him. "Even if you never remember me, boy, I'll always love you like my son."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WP3Qe131c
He felt saddened at that. "Sorry, Uncle."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2MIlGmgrI
"It's okay, my boy. I blame your father, not you."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lia4JR3nP
"Hey," his dad said. "We've been busy, and I'm sure we mentioned you before. Maybe Wolf just doesn't listen."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMy01huWr1i
He flinched. Those words did ring some truth.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQfdZtjkh2
Len held him in comfort now, while Nina just grinned, having watched it all unfold. Then she broke the silence. "So it all worked out? And everything is okay?" Her tail passively wagging.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0nkhUlN0i
"Everything's fine," his dad said. "Victor was just overseeing a shipment and asking me about the guild's plans. Nothing to concern yourself over."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2dz7QsNyf
Both sisters just nodded, but he was lost. "What guild plan?"390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpZHPaLsZG
Victor looked at his dad, and his dad just shrugged his shoulders. "It's not a secret, and even if it was, news would spread."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwS1QsLH2dH
Victor nodded. "There's a dungeon growing, and adventure parties will come. They'll need to be regulated, and what they find bought and sold. A guild hall helps with that."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvfHwRT7sI
"They also keep a balance with the church. Since the church does many things that are free but focuses on the poor with their efforts, the guild hall is for those with money needing things done or to sell with."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yL4CCAg1f
He nodded. He knew some of that, but more info was always good. He stared at Victor, unsure what to do. Though he was told they were close, he felt distant.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GsPxbH09O
Victor saw the look. "It's okay, my boy. I'll make more of an effort to visit the family so you can't forget me again. But if you do..." He shifted his hands, and Wolf was pulled a little forward before the wind stopped. "I'll get you in my grasp and make you remember," he said with a smile.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2zbMaSIN8
Feeling exasperated at the turn of events, he nodded and slowly backed up till he was behind his sister Len. She smiled while shielding him, with Nina and Dad amused but just observing.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQE7B6NPII
Victor was amused. "Okay, Justin, you're busy, I'm busy. We'll talk more another time." He turned to the kids. "Stay safe, kids. Things are changing."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6HKOmk5J6
As he was leaving, Len shouted to him, "Bye, Uncle!"390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYwgCMPro6
Still wary, his sister turned to him with a smile, then a frown. "Hmmm. Maybe you were too young, but Uncle was over a lot in the beginning. It's just as more people entered town and trade improved, he had to stay in office more. That's why he asked Dad to help with overseeing trades to free him up a bit."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wj76SvG7K
He nodded. It made sense, but there was still too much all at once.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1Oiss13Kl
"Well," his dad said from behind them, "you're causing a ruckus and pestering your sisters."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBYx9U6wFo
"SISTERS!" Nina shouted.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qWWKHycl2
Dad looked confused. "Sorry for yelling. I was made his second sister. So I like to be included."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAN7sOw7m5E
Dad nodded approvingly. "Right, I forgot. Sisters. You're stopping them from working, so what did you need?"390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGanH6KB3PS
He was about to speak when Len went first. "Dad, Wolf asked me to help him with a few items. A bigger desk to do research and study, and a long table to do alchemy. He can't work without them."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrTv9exlht
"AND herbs!" Nina chimed in. "I said I would get those to help his craft."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyvlkPJGM8
Dad was torn. He needed the space for trade goods. "I suppose I can see about getting another wagon. Maybe Nebo can help with this delivery since it won't fit everything in one trip." He sighed. "Maybe I can add a few gifts for your mother on the side. The house can use a few things. I've just been putting it off."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLx6AnDNkK
He looked at his son. "Was that everything?"390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXD1X4woc5R
"Yeah, Dad. Thank you!" He was happy things were going his way.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwFx3HYiXu
"Well, if that's all, work hasn't stopped. Unless you want to help, we got things to do."390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4JBpeh4ss
He felt guilty. He was always offloading the work. He agreed to help today.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP28HGCnbT9
Both sisters were happy to have him and made a game out of it—each taking turns working and playing on the side. Dad didn't like it at first but knew everyone needed time to relax, so was happy in the end. The work was going smoothly and people were happy.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAxF8ieHa9
The day ended with everyone happy and Wolf worn down. He couldn't figure out how they had so much energy.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdVAcRO7ez
Dinner was pleasant with the family, and he called it an early night. Hoping to read to pass the time, he looked at his books and thought about trying the dungeon one since people kept saying it was coming.
The Dungeons and What They Bring by the Church390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFEx6460Ab
First, understand that although dungeons have long since been conquered in cities, new dungeons present unknown factors. As well, ancient dungeons hold unknown depths. That said, what we do know so far is that dungeons tend to follow a pattern, and we believe that is by design of the gods.
Dungeons Curse the Weak in Magic390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HLvCFfWKT
It is debated if this is a test for us to help each other, or a test the gods want the weak to overcome.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBfye3zHcn
It is agreed the weak are not being punished. The current theory: magic alters the world, and those with little magic cannot handle the change, so it weakens them. They can be cured, and since this writing, nobody has died from the curse—just suffered weakness.
Weak Monsters and Few Spawns390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5I05BFNt8
In the beginning of a dungeon, monsters are very rare to appear. You must travel deeper to see even one monster. Do note: the deeper you go and the lower the level, they spawn more and faster. But they are no longer weak after a certain point.
Monster Spawn390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4ic6BkfSM
Monsters just appear. To add to the first part: monsters don't breed in dungeons. There is a belief they can in the wild, but the understanding all agree to as of now is they are born of magic. This is why they crave mana or magic above everything and have a core.
There Are Always Levels to Explore390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdYVaGrdde
So far, the current theory is more levels can spawn like monsters, but it is unknown what allows them to grow. It is also agreed: anything beyond the first level is a threat, and it grows deeper the further you go. You should never take dungeons lightly.
Rewards390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnOEMKpG5e
The gods are fickle. You cannot skin dungeon monsters nor harvest their parts—they always fade and can leave a core. That said, the gods balance this with an abundance of rare resources to gather, mine, or cut, as trees can exist inside.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczaxGmLZYD
There have been reports of old dungeons having loot such as armor, weapons, books, etc. However, it is unknown if it was lost treasure from old adventurers of the past or rewards from the gods. As of now, no new known dungeons have gear, loot, trinkets, or books. They only offer mana crystals. But we cannot say, in time, if things could change.
Mana Crystals390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72NAObOJ00
These are key in many things: magic gear, refining magic glass, or items of a magic nature. Purifying areas are just a few uses. They can also be consumed to power your magic.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl07jykc9Qv
Yes, a level zero can become a level five in time. But the number of crystals would be staggering, and the higher your level, the stronger the crystal needed. So the God of Balance already saw the greed of man and stopped it.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3xTS2Y8Au
Thus, it can help you understand the sheer variety of uses for mana crystals. And the slow respawn of monsters keeps it from being an endless supply of empowering new mages who wish to gain magic or strengthen their own.
Dungeons Are Not Bound by Our Laws of Nature390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9Bu2FoYGk
It is very important to note that dungeons are set and follow some rules—they are not just random caves. They can be a sunny plain never to see night. It could even be an endless snowing winter. Or a dark graveyard never to know the warmth of a day. Endless forest, desert—and there are rare reports of lava and endless water floors that exist.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleDbVetxG1
The gods are not cruel. They can be left, and there are safe areas. But as always, never assume. New places are reported, and we update when we can. See guild books for more info.
Monsters Have Their Own Magic390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXjMOy4yRC
This was often debated, but none could agree why. But the key importance is they can do things humans and beastkin cannot: lightning, illusion, curse, and poison, to name a few.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMchLynFqk
Monsters can use those gifts to varying degrees. Some focus on strengthening their body or their allies. There have been attempts to capture and steal that magic, but it is forbidden knowledge.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjSmXnDlr0
At this point, it is best not to try to pursue that power, as it leads to corruption and the gods' disapproval. If they wanted us to have those gifts, they would make it known.
Final Note390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNMltP6vnJ
Dungeons do offer endless wealth and growth to any who pursue them. Some floors can be safe and only offer a bounty of rare things to gather. But never assume you are safe in a dungeon. They are a test from the gods, and what is inside is the reward.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHeMPwPvSB
Never forget: the balance is between risk and reward.
He closed the book.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTzC2CoeDG
That was a lot of info, and still, he had a lot of questions. Why can't we work with the monsters? Are they all mindless beasts? Why do they get magic we don't? Can we not learn it? Why are we bound to one magic type when Balance exists? Why can't the gods agree to give more types to others?390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nLWdSzlRr
He was a bit tired, and these were just random thoughts.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy29QJjoyMi
He was also wondering how Teva was doing. He missed her. Which made him think about Coby. He knew he was hunting, but he never really knew how he hunted.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEA2l1FLXJs
That was part of growing up. Not always knowing what was happening.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMd4i22xdE
He let those idle thoughts fade as he slept.390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1HUx7I75p
Tomorrow would be a new day.
390Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6OIecYNYr
and then Add to home screen.