“Ten mind gems,” Knut repeated for what felt like the hundredth time, gesturing with his beer mug for emphasis. He slumped against the workbench, staring at me with narrowed eyes. “Ten! How you do it? Tell me secret or I squeeze again!”

  I shrugged, feeling the weight of his stare.

  “I can't really explain it. It's just...” I made a vague gesture with my hands. “When I touch them, I can sometimes tell. Like feeling the warmth of a forge through thick leather, maybe? I'm not quite sure how it works, Knut.”

  “Oh, come now!” Roq complained. “Give me SOME credit at least! Tell him you need to tap the monsters with your hammer! Yes, that's it! A love tap!”

  Knut took another long pull from his mug, foam clinging to his beard.

  “How many gems you need more?” he asked, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “For next level?”

  “Just one more to hit level eight,” I said and shifted my weight. “Then, well, you know.”

  Knut nodded.

  “Nine gems after. Ten more for final push for class. Twenty together.” Knut winked and even wiggled his eyebrows. “See? Big strong man do numbers! And you have nine from today.”

  His gaze dropped to the mind gem lying in his calloused palm, the payment for the last hunt. Something flickered across his face. Determination maybe? Or calculation? He nodded to himself, then pushed away from the workbench.

  “Here.” Knut pressed the gem into my hand, then reached into the leather pouch at his belt. “This also.” Another perfect oval joined the first. “No fee before you and pretty healer get class. After?” His grin spread wide. “Give equal share on missions. Partner and friend. We make all much gold, so fast.”

  I started to protest but Knut held up a massive hand.

  “Need you level up. Stronger.” His expression grew serious. “So you not die in combat. Must keep golden bird alive, yes?” He winked at Eryn, who rolled her eyes but smiled.

  “Well!” Roq declared. “At least the large one recognizes your potential even without knowing it comes from me. It is something, I guess. And bird? Yes, I will call you my birdling from now on. Go, my steed!”

  “Want a trip to the storage?”

  “Fine.”

  “Thank you, Knut,” I said. “And, yes, we are in agreement. Gems from carcasses will be split equally once Eryn and I have become classed adventurers. It's only fair.”

  The wealth I held in my hands still staggered me. Eleven mind gems, each worth ten gold. Upstairs I had a class gem worth two hundred. And hooked on my belt was Roq, who was... invaluable?

  “Go on!” Knut urged. “Grow, golden bird!”

  I nodded and placed a gem on my tongue. It dissolved, sending the familiar warmth spreading through my limbs, my skin tingling as I closed my eyes and let the sensations wash over me.

  I smiled and discreetly touched my tattoo, bringing up my soul chart. Mentally removing Roq’s bonus and the gear’s my natural stats were still amazing, thanks to the fighting. I’d gained another vitality after the fights with the Glowcaps and Golems, and one agility from the Shardfang hunting we’d done with Knut.

  NAME: Ash Aldrich

  LEVEL: 8 (0/9)

  Unmodified stats:

  STRENGTH: 15

  AGILITY: 13 (+1)

  VITALITY: 15 (+1)

  MIND: 11

  TOTAL STATS: 54

  With my equipment, my stats were outstanding, with seventeen in strength, buffed to twenty-two by Roq.

  Stats with equipment:

  STRENGTH: 22

  AGILITY: 15

  VITALITY: 18

  MIND: 12

  TOTAL STATS: 67

  I had thirteen points in total from my equipment.

  “Ding!” I said, smiling. “Level eight, with ten gems left to consume!”

  “Congratulations, son,” Pa said and clapped, as Eryn got up and kissed me firmly on the lips.

  “Great job, handsome.” She patted my chest and nuzzled her face up against my neck.

  Knut held out his beer mug and I accepted it with a nod, and took a big gulp.

  “Strong man,” Knut said as I returned the mug, wiping foam from my lips. “Soon we can hunt long riftside.”

  “I guess congratulations are in order, though you are now ahead of me again!” Roq said, with a hint of pride in his voice. “Most unfair, but I suppose I shall simply have to make you work me harder to catch up.”

  “This isn't a competition, Roq. It's us against the world. I won't tolerate complaints about my level as you and I both know what happens when you're ahead of me.” There was a moment of silence in my mind.

  “Hmm. You make an interesting point. Very well! We shall focus on crushing our enemies instead of each other! Though I still expect proper recognition of my contributions.”

  “Ash?” Knut's voice broke through my internal dialogue. “Always zone out like so?” He looked at Pa. “Is normal?”

  Pa's rich laughter filled the smithy.

  “Don't worry about it,” he said, wiping his hands on his apron. “He pays attention when it matters. Like right now.”

  I nodded, pushing away from the wall.

  “We need a plan,” I said. “Not just for the nine gems I still need, but for Eryn too. Commander Edwin's deal of letting me lead a group into the Twisted Titan was if both of us were classed up.”

  Pa's expression grew serious.

  “Three days until the dungeon run,” he said quietly. “That's not much time even if you had a second class gem, which you do not.”

  “Can't we just go hunting again?” Eryn asked, putting her arm around me. “One or two more hunts like yesterday and you'd be classed. If Pa forges in the meantime, we might just make it.”

  Knut and I exchanged glances while Pa fell silent. I could feel his eyes on me, giving me space to make my own decision.

  “What's wrong?” Eryn asked.

  Knut cleared his throat.

  “I leave choice to you,” he rumbled. “But can share thoughts, if want?”

  “Please, Knut,” I said, nodding, recognizing this for what it was – a test. Knut wanted to see what kind of leader—no, not just leader, but what kind of person I was. “Go ahead.”

  “Attack yesterday change everything,” Knut said. “But which way?”

  “We got lucky,” I said slowly. “If we'd returned to Sentinel Station just half an hour earlier, we would have been fighting, too.” I let the words hang in the air. “The monsters aren't acting the same anymore. Not just the wave, but also the lightning-casting creature the guard mentioned. What if it was what killed the scouts?”

  “That makes sense,” Eryn said quietly, her fingers twisting in her lap.

  “We should have enough resources now to get me to level ten, and our first priority is to do so since we already have a class gem. Getting me past it will considerably improve our odds when we're outside, too. Once I'm done, we can look at risking another hunt.”

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  Pa's shoulders relaxed and he smiled, nodding slightly. Knut's broad face split in a grin.

  “This!” he declared. “This wise leadership. Not let greed and impatience cloud mind.”

  He raised his mug and nodded.

  “We will spend two days crafting and trading, which, if we are lucky, should net us enough gems to see me classed in time for one final hunt before the raid.”

  “Any ideas what we should be working on?” Eryn asked. “And what about those Glowcap carcasses? Can we even do anything with those?”

  “Could make something fun from glowcaps!” Knut's eyes lit up. “Very fun! Boom!” He spread his hands wide to mimic an explosion.

  “Finally,” Roq said, “A solid idea! Place the carcass on the anvil and let me hit it until it explodes!”

  Pa's face darkened.

  “No.” His voice was sharp as a blade. “Absolutely not. I will NOT have you bring those fire bombs out in my smithy.” He moved to the forge, hands clenched. “They will be stored out back until we get rid of them. I will not see my life's work go up in flames a second time.”

  The silence stretched uncomfortably until Eryn cleared her throat.

  “We could sell them to Victor,” she suggested. “The alchemist should pay well for something so unique. Somehow I don’t think there are many people going out there and killing the stuff we are.”

  Knut stroked his beard thoughtfully.

  “Good thought, but be smart. Sell only for premium price. When price drops from too many, stop selling. I take rest to Adventurer's Guild, trade for mind gems.”

  “Hold on,” I said, snapping my fingers. Everyone turned to look at me. “I had a talk with Edwin earlier about the Glowcaps. Told him about their explosive properties and how they might help defend against monster waves.” I started pacing. “What if we play this smarter? Eryn sells just a couple to Victor at top price after dropping hints about their unique properties,” I said and glanced at Knut. “Then you talk to Edwin and Harold and negotiate a bulk deal with the Guild for the project. If they’re willing to pay up.”

  Knut's lips curled up into a massive grin.

  “Ha!” He slapped his knee. “Golden bird not only craps gold but make gold idea too!”

  Pa and Eryn burst out laughing while I felt my face heat up.

  “While crude,” Roq commented, “He's not entirely wrong. Though I maintain that I am the true source of our brilliance!”

  “And Ironroot Golems?” Knut asked once the laughter died down. “Outsides make good armor, yes?”

  Pa's expression grew troubled.

  “The sap inside is problematic. Highly flammable, though not explosive like the Glowcaps.” He moved to his workbench. “Could potentially use it for fire-enchanted weapons, but the research would take time unless,” he said, trailing off and glancing at Knut.

  “Unless there's a recipe in your secret blacksmith guide, you mean, Pa?” I cut in smoothly, understanding he was talking of Roq's feeling for crafting.

  “Exactly.” Pa nodded, catching on. “The guide.”

  Knut's eyes widened.

  “Must be very valuable thing, blacksmith guide.” He nodded sagely. “Very powerful.”

  Pa just smiled mysteriously and said nothing.

  “Actually,” Eryn said, “Would you talk to the fletcher and wand maker, Pa? Trade them a carcass or two? If either could make me some fire arrows or a magical fire-starter, I wouldn't need to waste time with flint and steel. Be a lot more useful against fire-vulnerable monsters. Also, I keep running out of arrows. We need some made from steelhusk or something else. The wood ones keep breaking.”

  “Good thought,” Pa said. “I'll do that. And then we'll need to make several pieces to sell for enough gold to get the gems. I've got plans for a medium armor set from Shardfang leather, reinforced with leftover Scuttler parts.” He looked at me. “But I'll need your help with those, Ash.”

  “That's fine, but why?”

  Pa shrugged.

  “Still don't have a magical hammer, do I? Haven't had time to make a new one. These sets have strong potential for stats.” He smiled. “Besides, I got a secret project to work on. You and Eryn will need to handle the armor.”

  “Secret project?” I raised an eyebrow. “What is it?”

  “Not telling.”

  “Ooh, mysteries!” Roq exclaimed. “I do love a good secret. Could it be a new spike for me? Flame bombs for my shaft?”

  “What is it, Mr. Tharen?” Eryn asked sweetly.

  Pa's resistance crumbled instantly.

  “A proper helmet for Ash,” he admitted. “That leather cap won't cut it much longer. Been dreaming up a design using Platemaw parts.”

  “But,” Eryn's brow furrowed as she spoke. “Didn't you use the Platemaw for two sets of plate mail already?”

  Pa nodded.

  “We did, but I kept the skull and jaw for something special. A few choice pieces from other carcasses, too.”

  I shared an excited look with Knut, imagining the possibilities if he went all out with smithing. Then I clapped my hands together.

  “Well then, time to get to work!”

  “Finally!” Roq declared. “Though I must say, if anyone's going to be helping forge magical items around here, it really should be—wait, did he say he kept the skull? Ooh, this could be interesting! I do love a good skull-crushing!”

  * * *

  I lay in the darkness on my cot, feeling the rough wooden floorboards against the back of my hand, my arm stretched out from under the blanket and over to where my fingertips brushed Eryn's. I could barely make out her face in the darkness and the gentle smile playing on her lips.

  Pa and Knut's snoring echoed through the loft, the two of them locked in what sounded like a competition to see who could shake more dust from the rafters. Ma's steady, quiet breathing was barely audible beneath their rumbling chorus.

  “This is nauseating,” Roq grumbled from where I'd propped him against the wall. “Must we endure this tenderness?”

  I ignored him, too focused on Eryn's touch, on the way her fingers danced against mine in the darkness. My heart felt so full it might burst, and I wished our second floor wasn't one single room, so we could have had some privacy.

  “I keep thinking about what we said,” I whispered, barely audible over the snoring duet. “In the Bone Cathedral.”

  Her smile widened.

  “Me too,” she whispered back. “Those words have been echoing in my head ever since.” She paused, her fingers stilling against mine. “I never imagined being so happy to hear them.”

  Something in her voice made my chest tighten.

  “Did you really mean it?” she asked. “Or was it something you said just because we might have died?”

  I gave her palm a gentle slap.

  “Don't be silly,” I said.

  She pulled her hand back in mock offense, but immediately reached out again, our fingers interlocking. Even in the dim light, I could see her trying not to grin.

  “And I mean it more every day,” I whispered. “Every moment with you is joy. You're beautiful, and brave, and strong.” My thumb traced circles on her palm. “And loyal, and caring, and everything I ever wished for in a girlfriend.”

  “Oh, please,” Roq muttered. “If you're going to be this sentimental, at least add something about her impressive kill count. Don't start off with physical appearances, you scatterbrained fake golden bird.”

  “I'm the lucky one,” Eryn whispered, ignoring my stifled chuckle at Roq's comment. “To have found someone like you.”

  I couldn't help grinning.

  “Doesn't hurt that you're really sexy, too,” I said.

  She slapped my fingers lightly, but I could see her fighting back a smile.

  “We should get some sleep,” she said after a moment. “Tomorrow we find out how many mind gems the guild will give Knut for those Glowcaps, and we have to finish the three armor sets.”

  I chuckled quietly.

  “Don't worry about me. I'm on a steady diet of mind gems these days. I'll be fresh as a stallion come morning.”

  Even in the darkness, I caught her eye roll.

  “It must feel insane,” she whispered. “Consuming so many so quickly.”

  “It does,” I admitted. “Like there's this giddy energy constantly coursing through me and I feel on edge all the time. It's not a good feeling, but it will pass soon enough.” I stroked her fingers. “And then there's the energy I get from you.”

  Her soft laugh made my heart skip.

  “Stop it, you flirt,” she whispered. “You'll get us in trouble.”

  Ma clearing her throat cut through the darkness, and we froze.

  “While I do hope for grandchildren someday,” she said dryly, “This probably isn't the best time for it.”

  Eryn yanked her hand away like she'd been burned.

  “Uh... good night?” I managed weakly.

  “Good night!” Pa, Ma, and Knut chorused together.

  Eryn groaned and pulled her quilt over her head.

  “Well!” Roq's mental voice dripped with amusement. “That was entertaining. Though I must say, if you're going to engage in such activities, perhaps we should discuss some ground rules about MY presence?”

  I pulled my own blanket up, groaning under my breath, and tried very hard to pretend I was already asleep, but failed miserably. Sleep just wouldn’t take hold of me.

  * * *

  A while later, I was still staring up at the ceiling, unable to sleep due to the mind gems and my excitement at how close I was to becoming a classed adventurer. The others' breathing had settled into the steady rhythms of slumber, but my mind raced with possibilities.

  Level ten. I was so close now that I could feel it.

  What would it be like when I finally consumed the class gem? How would I change as the stored energy from the mind gems reacted all at once? The thought made my skin tingle with anticipation.

  “Getting ahead of yourself,” Roq said. “Though I must admit, I too wonder how you will change. How much harder you will strike me upon our enemies.”

  I shifted on my cot, careful not to make too much noise, though if Eryn could sleep through Pa and Knut's snoring, I should be safe. The stories and warnings about class gems echoed in my mind. How the first adventurers had discovered the hard way that consuming one before reaching level ten drove them mad with power, turning them into mindless killing machines that attacked friend and foe alike. Only a properly prepared body could safely channel that kind of power.

  Would my senses change? Would food taste different? Would colors seem brighter? Would Eryn's scent become even more intoxicating than it already was? Speaking of which...

  I sniffed the air, frowning.

  “When did Eryn start smelling of smoke?”

  “That's... not her,” Roq said slowly.

  My frown deepened. Pa was always careful with the forge, making sure everything was properly banked before bed. Could one of the neighbors be cooking? Many had been awake at odd hours since the monster attack.

  Attack.

  My heart stuttered as realization hit. That wasn't cooking smoke.

  “Fire!” I bolted upright, shouting into the darkness. “Everyone up! There's a fire!”

  “Enemies?”

  Groans and confused mumbles answered as I scrambled from my cot.

  “Wha...?” Eryn's sleepy voice.

  “Up! Now!”

  I rushed to the window, throwing back the shutters—or I tried to. They wouldn't budge.

  “Enar!” I called out into the night. “Enar!”

  No response.

  “Ash?” Pa asked, his voice sharp with concern. “What's wrong?”

  “Smoke,” I said, still wrestling with the shutters. “I smell smoke and riftrotten windows won't open!”

  Knut's massive form appeared beside me, shoving me aside.

  “Let me!” He slammed his shoulder against the wooden shutters. They didn't even creak. They'd been crafted to withstand monsters, and someone or something had blocked them from outside. “Rift-cursed things!” He hit them again. Nothing.

  “The stairs!” Ma said, voice tinged with fear. I spun around. Thin tendrils of grey smoke curled up through the gaps around the retracted staircase. Pa stood by it, shaking it furiously.

  “Well,” Roq said with forced cheerfulness. “I suppose this answers the question of whether House Domitius would actually try to burn down another smithy.”

  “We're trapped,” Eryn whispered, and I could hear the terror in her voice.

  Below us, something crackled hungrily in the darkness.