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!421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaT06yrTsRA
He'd never thought much about how sparse his room was before. He was always adventuring, never staying inside long enough to care.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNuisRJCO8
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5im07Cw9Y4
Maybe the desk could work for now. But it would end up being an area more for writing than doing experiments.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkyGbo0BXE
He needed both, upon further thought.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrublwZpJ4
He sighed. He also needed money.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3H8cbBdVP
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RJxjFMvyA
Just like a child.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFK4hNKaTs7
He scowled at himself.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRHvrcTrCj
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsjLJUTTky
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSNWcuQ6ft
Nina insisted she buy them for him.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJVllRtqo7
He panicked. "No!"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqETd2u1vvY
She didn't understand. "Are we not family?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHWIvOTOas
"It's not like that..." He closed his eyes, thinking. "This is something I want to earn. To prove I'm not a kid."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUn9Bg1koRT
Nina pouted, ears dropping a bit. "How can I help you, kiddo, if you don't let me?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08SlCTFJkj
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?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKWGSO6aKL
They both nodded and said, "Okay."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAPfLQCbC7
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQclCM1vHi
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!"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHeoB7cZY6
He denied the last one quickly. "NO. You would run laps in the forest and carry me away while doing it."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67Ypan6jSZ
She laughed. "That would be amazing! You have to do it."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfRDcsHtw8
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheALOcEenr
It was a crazy thought. She'd probably make it true if he wasn't careful.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IfxHl6ff9
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!"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ120vyw8Z7y
"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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxS7f6wmbS
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡus2z3f7L3P
"I won't." He replied.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZtm3FPqo9
Then he remembered he'd never once seen her use magic. Warily, he asked, "Hey, Nina... um... can I ask about your magic?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbrAUkB5te
She got quiet for a second, then relented. "Long as you keep it secret, ask away. I trust you, little brother."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhdKXI9JWs
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ924EqOjkkG
"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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBH7FYjgtR
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?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbLT8fsWGZ
He felt a bit ashamed at those words. That was true.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTET2D2I7U
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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgVD8hMTPn
She kept slowly brushing his hair.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLZka77XSP
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRs7iQeXzT
Indeed a child's logic.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqd1CvOf0H
He rubbed her back. "It's okay. That's enough."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSksh3kbRI9
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGn60DANbuU
She looked around. There were people in the distance walking, but they minded their own business, unaware of the events that had just transpired.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrlMssAYfp
She held him close and presented her hand. Empty. From nothing, her hand became stone.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUWItibbuw
Shocking him.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwpVTsWQyJ
It was even more shocking as she moved the hand of stone like it was a glove.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRmGLhuqGE
"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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwKeGD6MEE
Slowly, the stone faded back into flesh.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32aYAPpOXV
"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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPtKOfFINP
"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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2COwLBlkpr
"They can hurt others on a whim. Require no effort."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmx1TZ3NER
He shivered at that last part.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyW5CuMqDwL
"I heard there's level five?" He asked, absorbed in the moment.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgdFaA6q7z
"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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVumoFEYnJW
It was hard for him to picture or believe. He stuck out his hand.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6gr2zpFo8
Nothing. Not even a small feeling of power.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGlU9BiKRw
It was a bit depressing. He had the same level of power, but it did not flow freely in him.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXnTXbNEIa
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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTY9d8k9uWo
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6oUsoH8w6
The rest of the trip was mostly quiet. Nina still poked and teased him, but it was more subdued and less joyful.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvb7DygsIQ
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?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM70v0G2QeK
He flinched at that. Both his sisters laughed, knowing his true thoughts.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXULWrlpGR
"Is Dad here? I need a bigger desk and table for alchemy."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwgYxrPVzZ
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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsVMB5dAHK
"A week!" He groaned.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJTlrKTtZ3
"Yes," Len replied. "Things take time."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBOMMC3JRa
He belatedly realized—"Um... the cost?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi31p6oRs6G
Len laughed. "I have money. Don't worry. I never spend it, so I'll get it for you."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSQv2Dv3Jl
"Thanks, Len." He felt relieved.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5IARgLvI2
Nina shouted at that. "THAT'S NOT FAIR! I offered the same, and you said NO!"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZfVh79EYf
Her ears were flat, tail swishing. Why was she so mad he was saying yes to his sister?421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfL8ueYoJAQ
He realized his mistake but wasn't sure how to explain. He didn't think twice and was drawing a blank.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykbiqzNI4O
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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qZwVbogr8
"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!"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHNlwGzUXv
Nina glared a bit longer, but then her ears perked up. Her tail stopped.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xLxXVwAmA
"Okay. I understand. You see me as your second sister, so I can't be jealous when you won't pick me for help."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHVuN8X88Y
Len smiled. "It's not a competition. We're family. We all help in different ways."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrGnsna82d
"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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJr7dRf2SCe
Nina started wagging her tail. "I'm still mad at you, so you better make me something good that is mine."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbItKjjjTC
He nodded, happy this was resolved.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBUzSJP8Zn
"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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDUXxoFptD
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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NqlsECFj5
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXY6DCSSHtU
When roaming the back, he heard his dad speaking. "The guild hall is already making a building? But there's no dungeon."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19IINFLKf3
"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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMQxvattF0
"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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0LH0Ug8Xy
The other voice spoke again. "And I'm trying to send more labor your way. Everyone's busy with building or supplies."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBZBaa4Dzg
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSCjNZFb5s
It was a gnome.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Pxl3TWKHh
He'd heard stories from his sister. They were little people. But seeing one in person was different.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkHL6QwMTH
His dad's back was to him, but the gnome was facing him.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqhQh8y5ps
"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?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymWdGLbGok
"Sorry, Dad. I need something and was hoping you could get it. Um... who is he?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVy3KHoPfQ
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!"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKpkoHEkUf
"I'm sorry. I didn't leave the house much till recently, and I... don't remember you," he confessed nervously.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqUoWXuwiH
He watched as the gnome went from a shocked look to a stern face.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaOmsUzRBm
"Is this how you raise your kids, Thorn-blade? To not even know those that help raise them?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0R2q1V7VTC
"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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyGyGiiIGD
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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOKIYJqc4q
His dad shrugged. "I'll consider it. But I want to do this delivery sometime today."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUvD6FTmh2
"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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4ivZJ5Ejl
"UNCLE?!" He was shocked and couldn't help himself.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSeqBqo2xP
The gnome jerked back at the shouting, then got upset. "You really don't remember me?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsuYWK9THq
He felt ashamed that this was someone important, but he had no memories.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvXXHXZnex
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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3aLGUF5WV
As if summoned by the noise, Nina and his sister Len showed up.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyj7nvQqHq
"Is everything okay, Wolf? I heard you yelling. Oh, Uncle, what are you doing here?" Len replied casually to the gnome.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2WavWB8WX
"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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwL7ohD8Ry
"What?! How could we forget you?" She was confused.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vqNPoYBW2
"He did," Uncle replied sourly, pointing at Wolf.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ937fZYIbpS
"Wolf!" Len said disapprovingly. "How do you not remember Uncle?!"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBFNg0TE1v
"I never see him," he protested. "And how could I forget that?" He pointed to the gnome as if he was an oddity.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQKJpBmMtd
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlD4WpftDo
"Wolf, that's rude."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpuqBEbjPo
The gnome got a dark glint in his eye. "Oh, see me as just a short nobody, do you?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5s8gOGcbj
He was scared as he saw that look, fearing the worst.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgPGnsOvMm
"You do know I'm a master of wind magic."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86zYWjSxRz
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3zcy8EMOC
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1DRl4bTj6
"Not so big now, are you?" The gnome proudly climbed on him as he kept tickling him.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtVyWh65eH
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" He gasped out between laughs.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡul0684vibn
It was odd torture—being afraid and laughing all while it was being done by a little man overwhelming him.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GQyakEib3
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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy668t8DoZD
He felt saddened at that. "Sorry, Uncle."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0L7nND6TPp
"It's okay, my boy. I blame your father, not you."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhVYwtRiib
"Hey," his dad said. "We've been busy, and I'm sure we mentioned you before. Maybe Wolf just doesn't listen."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQPkQpdoYe
He flinched. Those words did ring some truth.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vLtWj5L4F
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnD2hCAvQW
"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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCgXv5Ecb8
Both sisters just nodded, but he was lost. "What guild plan?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYpluwzJaH
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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0p02uRQMN
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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rGvnbAb4D
"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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjki2TO0ne
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTqkoextNu
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPApQTSnsKr
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0b7Xdl9In
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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KUNPIP4bv
As he was leaving, Len shouted to him, "Bye, Uncle!"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEdsYlZnOR
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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGYUMadsp9
He nodded. It made sense, but there was still too much all at once.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JGJMu87Hs
"Well," his dad said from behind them, "you're causing a ruckus and pestering your sisters."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxs8PTtqv2
"SISTERS!" Nina shouted.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6r3XtvoiP
Dad looked confused. "Sorry for yelling. I was made his second sister. So I like to be included."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LAAG1eZr1
Dad nodded approvingly. "Right, I forgot. Sisters. You're stopping them from working, so what did you need?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACiOXEMs09
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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfInQ5FBZz
"AND herbs!" Nina chimed in. "I said I would get those to help his craft."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gUur7nZWd
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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lqxXUJs8Y
He looked at his son. "Was that everything?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡby9NyLaNqA
"Yeah, Dad. Thank you!" He was happy things were going his way.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeb4lELDjZP
"Well, if that's all, work hasn't stopped. Unless you want to help, we got things to do."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvf1CwY5S69
He felt guilty. He was always offloading the work. He agreed to help today.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fU8uDexgU
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1GFd9kSkI
The day ended with everyone happy and Wolf worn down. He couldn't figure out how they had so much energy.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDj1eztd7V
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 Church421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yhQOGVNr1
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 Magic421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3nfQLq0k6
It is debated if this is a test for us to help each other, or a test the gods want the weak to overcome.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQdEJd7CAn
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 Spawns421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcjQGhLzH0
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 Spawn421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbo3OvUDuY
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 Explore421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVeYrUduah
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.
Rewards421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iQFm9AbM6
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkh9WuWDoj
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 Crystals421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWHetJgPc6
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtgiLcurAx
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTvOThqb79
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 Nature421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaypBYhhIZ
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjj6NBDAmZ
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 Magic421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2LL9j29F0
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadWQhFuqct
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1G0VlOnYMQ
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 Note421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmqFuDjkHt
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdbu7b0uaf
Never forget: the balance is between risk and reward.
He closed the book.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGXgHck2Mo
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?421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiSKNKRdQh
He was a bit tired, and these were just random thoughts.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshHrxEWy7F
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvozqLn1oJI
That was part of growing up. Not always knowing what was happening.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2asXM8q9ir
He let those idle thoughts fade as he slept.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IeBVr2bqg
Tomorrow would be a new day.
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTvHd0CAlP
and then Add to home screen.