Eric could only focus on dreams of conquest and the financial mecca he’d made this world’s New York for so long before he was distracted by Richard’s stories and his friend’s laughter filling the car. It wasn’t that he was scowling, or didn’t appreciate a good tale. But how many times could he hear tales of absolutely everything going according to plan and Richard enjoying one flawless victory after another without getting a massive migraine?

  He was almost hurt by Morlekai’s bemused smirk when he whispered his complaint.

  Which of course earned a perked ear from his bunny.

  “Really, Eric? You’re thinking of jumping ship, or levi, literally, and letting this Bronze-tier boy wonder, who technically hasn’t actually surrendered, steal the show entirely?”

  Eric’s cheeks heated before his familiar’s too-knowing look. “It’s complicated.”

  His rabbit snorted. “Complicated, right? Okay, let me see if I can break it down for you, fearless leader. You’re upset because you got an unexpected addition to your party and he’s smart, friendly, charming, always sees the good in every situation, and actually manages to bring the best out of the people he’s around?”

  “Okay, now you’re making me feel like the jealous extra.” he frowned down at the rabbit in his arms before closing his eyes, enjoying the taste of the fragrant evening breeze smelling so strongly of wildflowers and sun-kissed apples. The wind to caressed his once-more golden locks as he leaned back in the levi, ears filled with the near-hypnotic enthusiasm of their latest addition regaling the entire crew with his adventures, which somehow sounded so much more exciting and engaging than Eric’s own adventures, never mind that Richard had technically done nothing more arduous than clear out White-tier threats that were 20th level at worst, and earn multiple titles for heroic rescues, diplomatic wins, and of course, unlocking the long lost Feng Ren Wind Cultivation technique which he somehow had a double affinity with.

  A double affinity.

  “So, I received twice as many points as normal which each level I earned, and now it’s locked in forever with a Pristine Bronze ascension! Isn’t that awesome, Eric? Eric!”

  Eric had forced a smile and nod when Rich had dropped that little info bomb, knowing that he really had no right to complain. Not one tiny excuse to complain! His own stats were beyond awesome.

  And so what if this kid had had the perfect storybook start that so many young adventurers had so hoped would be there own, only to die the most horrific deaths with goblin sneers and mockery the final sounds to caress their ears, save for the awful bubble of molten iron and the screams of countless tormented souls.

  Eric knew it was unfair. So fucking unfair for him to complain even the tiniest bit. His own boons were even more absurd and he was GLAD Richard had somehow lucked into a happy slice-of-life intro to this savage realm. A golden boy aura that clearly still shown bright, even thrust into the world Eric knew so painfully well. Or perhaps…

  Bunbun chuckled wickedly. “Perhaps those mercs were the last of his golden start, Eric? Maybe the next idealistic move he makes will end in tragedy worthy of a goblin tale, if there isn’t some hard-bitten vigilante sidekick who always keeps his own incredible powers in firm check so he never outshines the lead man. And we all know and love the secret badass saving our idealistic hero’s hide, episode after episode, for countless seasons to come!”

  Bunbun’s eyes twinkled mischievously as she gazed up at her master from his lap. “Oh come on, Eric. You know you secretly want to play the brooding rebel number two that all the series fans love just as much as our lead golden boy!”

  “Pass,” Eric said with a snort, having no problem at all with Lilly reading him so well, his smile turning wistful as he gazed out at the peaceful storybook villages and towns they passed on their way back to New Arcadia’s capital. “Even Caliban was falling under this kid’s charm. Multiple chests that belonged in sixteenth century galleons somehow in our possession. Over a three billion credits’ worth of jewels and gold. And Rich insisted on messaging Elonia, asking her what she wanted to do with it all! Even though Ashland is technically not mine, only the Ascension centers that still respond solely to my will. And I can’t complain. How can I complain? It was a complete fucking bluff, and Caliban is absolutely thrilled because Elonia insisted on letting our bank manage all the Ashland delves and the cities that will spring up around each and every one of them for a way too modest profit share for herself.”

  Eric shook his head in disbelief. “She even insisted on depositing what should be her share, one and a half billion credits worth of gold, right into funding our chartered bank, under my account! So we’d have even more capital to get started on all our development projects. She basically just gave me her share, what should have been her share, at least, in return for a very modest tax rate which we were going to pay her anyway. Only now, I’m not even sure how much of this happy ending is me, or…”

  “Our boy Richie Li pulling the strings of fate?”

  Eric shrugged. “Well… yeah? Because with all the gold Caliban can now pour into our Ashland projects, how can we not start with developing a feng shui-friendly city complete with cultivation parks and training fields, right next to the delve that just ‘feels right’ to our unexpected patron? Which of course is going to be the one filled with spirit beasts, hidden cultivation techniques, and lost heritage libraries and all the cultivation goodies. And now Richard’s going to have unlimited delving opportunities to level up all 667 of his recruits. Because the difference between good and evil can be a single life, all of them cultivating on the razor thin margin of excellence… which sounds so badass for a kid who enjoyed such a sweet, idealistic start.”

  Bunbun snorted. “Yeah, it is pretty absurd, alright. Bringing the best out of hard-bitten mercenaries. Finding treasure where we least expect it, and somehow realizing it had been there all along. Retroactive causality in full effect! Orcs and elves and humans and your otaku fantasies now all close buddies, all 667 of them, and we actually getting to enjoy a happy adventure without wading in blood.”

  Lilly gave Eric a pointed look. “And it’s enough to get under your skin. So much that your murmuring to your familiar while your friends are having the time of their lives with their super high Charisma friend in what’s now a mini magic school bus-sized levimobile.”

  “Well, yeah.”

  Lilly’s gaze grew more pointed. “You’re pouting about a young hero’s lucky find and legendary diplomacy skill while we drive through a magical kingdom filled with how many reborn souls enjoying their perfectly sweet, storybook lives?”

  Eric froze at those words, truly taking in the natural wonder they were so casually driving through. A land of golden fields of barley and wheat and millions of reborn souls desperate for happiness. The pristine fields lining the perfectly straight highway broken up by apple orchards and pear trees along with fields of daisies, marigolds, and a riot of other flowers blooming under the gentle silvery light of twin full moons as Richard, still in the driver’s seat, regaled his friends with yet another wild tale.

  His heart began to pound.

  He closed his eyes.

  Knowing that just beneath the surface of pitiless probability were howling desert winds, the clank of steel cages, and countless panicked screams.

  “Eric!”

  Eric gasped, jolting awake. He turned to gaze at Marsha, now petting his perfectly innocuous looking rabbit.

  “Yeah, sorry. I guess I dozed off.”

  Marsha’s expression was an odd mixture of concern and consternation. “So, when were you going to tell us?”

  Eric blinked. “Tell you what?”

  Her gaze hardened. “Richard told us what happened.”

  Eric had the grace to flush. “Oh, that.”

  She smirked. “He painted you as a right, proper hero. A persuasive diplomat and accomplished wizard who managed to avert tragedy. But Eric… we’re not stupid.”

  Eric winced.

  “I talked to Arnie who was holding his kids like my dad used to. And sure, he looked like an active duty soldier spending time with the fam, but he no longer radiated those killer vibes that had scared the crap out of us. And his eyes were so awkward and apologetic and he reminded me so much of my own father that I’m so glad things worked out the way the did. But Eric… He both apologized and explained things to us.”

  “He did?”

  Marsha nodded. “He did. While you were outside. Pouting with your ex-con friends.”

  “That’s not a very nice thing to say.”

  She snorted. “Their words, not mine. According to them, though, you were involved in a heist way more epic than a simple treasure hunt. Point is, Arny was awed by just how deadly a Contender you turned out to be, and he was swearing off the game for good, now that he had his family back. Now that he knew just how perilous life here on Earth could be. Especially now that Richard has made them all welcome as disciples of his cultivation academy. And somehow, all six of them have rare Wind affinities, and that’s how and why they managed to become such good friends for all these years and were so well suited to anti-grav power armor.”

  Marsha’s eyes positively twinkled. “And now they all have a far better path to take with their lives. A path that let’s them basically double their stat pools, even if taking cultivator’s paths will require them to surrender all their old System perks as they cleanse their meridians eager to reforge themselves into something even better, in the years to come. Something that’s normally impossible… except on ascending worlds where all the rules and guidelines can be bent like taffy to a Contender’s will. And, coincidentally, they’re suddenly totally okay with you keeping all of their powered sets of high tech armor and hyperion blasters and sniper rifles, because their cultivation path precludes their use in any case. So just how much are you worth now, Eric Silver?”

  Eric smirked. He couldn’t help it. “Yeah, that sounds some like serious PC Protag bullshit. Not that I don’t mind a happy ending.”

  Marsha gave him a look. “You’re jealous. Even if you’re up a fortune in gold and high tech gear.”

  Eric winced. “Well, if I am, I really shouldn’t be. Not very cool of me.”

  Marsha slowly shook her head, her haunted gaze never leaving his own. “No, you shouldn’t. And we both know why.”

  Eric swallowed. “Marsha…”

  “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” She turned, gazing at the beautiful starry night sky, twinkling like a million jewels overhead. “It’s so much prettier than the stars we used to have. And instead of the smell of hot blacktop and exhaust and the sound of traffic and drunk screaming assholes, the air smells like my mother’s old garden. And if you listen really hard, you can hear singing carried by the wind.”

  Eric nodded, lips curving in a gentle smile. “It is a treasure.”

  Marsha nodded, the hand that wasn’t stroking a purring Bunbun now clasping his own.

  “So, just how strong are you?”

  Eric chuckled softly. “Pretty strong.”

  “Over a hundred?”

  Eric shrugged. “Could be.”

  She snorted. “Have to be. Arnor didn’t even act like he was bragging when he confessed to all of his physical stats being 300 or better.” Her eyes widened in disbelief. “300! That’s fucking insane! Incredible! Three times over the hundred that so many Warrior-types hope for. Jack was still a ways from that before he reset. Yuki too.”

  “Strength can be useful.”

  She nodded. “And Arnie’s so fast that he’s beyond any stage magician. He can dart around you so quickly that you think he teleported, except for the sudden burst of wind against your face and his kids are laughing and his wife is telling him to behave, and you can see the love in her eyes and just know she’s afraid he’ll move so fast that he’ll hurt their children. But when he holds them he’s so sweet and gentle…”

  Eric sighed. “I know.”

  “I’m glad you didn’t kill them.”

  “Me too.”

  Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  She mock glared. “So how fast are you, that Arnor’s gazing at you with the same disbelief we did him, saying you somehow managed to disarm his entire squad in just a handful of seconds?”

  Eric grinned. “Pretty fast.”

  “Eric!”

  “Well, it’s true. And it’s not like I hadn’t been stringing them along, getting their defenses down, distracting them all and catching them all off guard. If everything hadn’t lined up just right…”

  “Like things line up for Richie?”

  Eric frowned. “I was making my Negotiation skill checks, and my Social Perception and What The Other Party Wants perks were helping big-time. So, I hardly think that’s a fair comparison.”

  Eric flushed when Marsha and Bunbun gave him identical hairy eyeballs.

  “Did you seriously just say that?”

  “Um...maybe?”

  “You, a nineteen year old kid, were manipulating a half dozen Bronze-tier mercenaries a century old if they’re a day.”

  “Um... maybe?”

  Marsha snorted. “You know that Richie has names for his oddball powers too, right? And to him, they make perfect sense.”

  “Oh.” Eric gave his familiar a worried look. “It makes sense to you, though. Right, Bunbun? It wasn’t any oddball Contender power. I just told Arnor and the others what they wanted to hear while playing the harmless goofball.”

  Bunbun shrugged her ears. “Made perfect sense to me, boss.”

  Eric smiled in relief.

  “But then again, I’m your resurrected undead revenant familiar that you infused with AWESOME magical powers and gave my clone a second life as our beautiful daughter who’s somehow both of us and I love her with all of my heart so… I’m not exactly an unbiased party, you know?”

  Eric winced.

  Marsha gave him a look. “You have a daughter with your familiar?”

  “To be fair, she wasn’t always a bunny.”

  “It’s true,” Bunbun said. “I once went by the moniker Little Lilly.”

  Marsha eye’s bulged. “No fucking way. You’re Little Lilly?”

  The rabbit in her lap preened. “That’s right! You want tips on rocking Exile’s Paths or Cavern Killers, you watched my SelfTube videos. You know I won’t let you down.”

  Marsha’s gaze was one of awe. “Oh my gosh… I used to watch your streams! Weren’t you going to do one with Eric? I was so looking forward to seeing my favorite terrible student die outrageously horribly as he always did in his own streams which was the only reason why I watched them.”

  Eric blinked. “Seriously? You didn’t enjoy my witty banter and awesome combos?”

  Marsha gave him a look. “Eric.”

  “Don’t say it.”

  “No one watched you for your banter. Well, that’s not true. Your cringe was adorable. But mostly it was to see you wipe with weak-ass excuses and all your friends would laugh and carry you and it was okay because you were a good sport and you seemed so friendly and approachable and not like your mother and sister who were so high on their otherworldly pedestal than none of us could hope to compare. But you?” She smiled fondly at his blushing cheeks. “You were the goofy little brother that made the whole family seem human and approachable. That’s why we loved your streams.”

  Eric groaned, rubbing his face with his hands. “I am so feeling the cringe right now.”

  Marsha bit her lip, giving him the strangest look he could sense so well with infravision before leaning close. “You seemed like the kind of boy that if we actually had the courage to ask out… you might say yes?”

  Eric’s eyes jolted open. He slowly turned to a furiously blushing Marsha who was now pointedly not looking at him, all her attention on the rabbit in her lap.

  Bunbun snorted, smirking right up at her master.

  “Leave her alone, big guy. You know what happens if you go too far with her second life. Now less existential angst and more scritches!”

  Eric chuckled and decided to let all his pointless cares slip away like leaves fluttering away in the breeze they left behind, an excited Rich showing them just how well a talented driver with elite stats could push their levi, going 100 MPH if it was moving an inch, weaving past other vehicles to angry honks and laughter.

  Eric, contrary to Marsha’s stricken features slowly easing into a madcap grin, wasn’t worried. Because the speed, sweet as it was, terrifying as it would have been a lifetime ago, was nothing that someone couldn’t easily control with Finesse and Quickness both over… three times over, a hundred. Which meant that Richard was fifteen-fold as graceful as any Olympian. The young Contender was in perfect control, and the stricken looks on both Jack and Marsha’s face a sight Eric enjoyed a bit more than he wanted to admit. And the way Marsha trembled and curled up next to him, his arm instinctively encircling her, earned a look from his bunny and a chuckle from Eric.

  “You’re enjoying this,” Lilly accused, before winking her approval. “About time you did.”

  Eric nodded, turning his gaze to a softly cursing Alice and a beaming Morlekai.

  “How are you guys holding up?”

  “Guys a maniac! I love it!” Alice enthused.

  Morlekai chuckled softly. “Did I not sense how perfectly in tune he is with his vehicle, I would be having words. But as it stands?” He leaned back, both his hands behind his head, looking like quite the European prince, graced by the warm silvery light of the twin moons overhead. “I have no complaints.”

  “And you still won’t accept any gold?”

  Morlekai’s sangfroid grin soured. “We discussed it already, Eric. The gold is yours. Alice and I could both feel it’s significance, connection, and importance to whatever you and Prince Caliban are building.”

  Alice nodded. “You’re no shady vulture capitalist conglomeration, Eric. You’re our friend. And we don’t steal from our friends.”

  Eric blinked at this, but before he could object, she solemnly shook her head, hypnotic amber eyes locked on his own. “No, Eric. It was your ascension center you brought us to that managed to save our lives… even if we’re now all pretending it was a misunderstanding and we’ve earned a half dozen powerful friends with whom we’re firmly on their nice list. Now. After the miracle of not one but two Contenders steers our story along tributaries that are the farthest thing from the tragic ending the river of fate had all but demanded.” Her eyes twinkled. “Besides, do you have any idea how bright those jewels within those hoards was glittering with the combined fates of two Contenders?” She shuddered. “No way I’m getting caught up in that madness.”

  She turned, flashing a hungry smile Richard’s way. “Even if I’d absolutely love to give that boy a night he’ll never forget.”

  Morlekai nodded. “And if this Legendary-Tier academy is everything you say it is… you’ll be giving us the greatest gift we could possibly hope for.”

  Eric laughed at that. “Well then you’re definitely letting me treat next time we celebrate. And don’t for a minute ever think you’re paying for anything in Ashland. House? Villa? Guild hall for your future crew? You’ll get first pick… once Caliban and I actually start building our satellite cities.”

  Alice chuckled throatily. “You really do spoil us, don’t you, Boyscout?” She dipped her head. “Well then, we’ll take you up on that offer. But we’ll be letting our Drake design our future guild hall near whichever delve is most beneficial to classers of our particular… temperament.”

  Eric grinned at that. “Better believe we’ll have a few acres of soon-to-be absolutely precious real estate waiting for you.”

  “Good!” Her eyes widened with wonder as they approached New Arcadia city. “Jeezus, you weren’t kidding, Boyscout! Look at all those towers past the city wall… and just how massive is this city? What are there, a million people here or something?”

  Eric blinked. “Oh, yeah, at least two million here in the capital. Don’t worry. Plumbing, magical sewer systems and super clean sanitation are definitely the order of the day here.”

  But Alice’s eyes were locked upon the pair of mithril plated guards’ eyes widened in recognition upon catching sight of Eric, immediately pounding their polearms in salute and waving them through the magnificent ivory gates where most other travelers left their levimobiles parked outside the city walls. But no one said a word as countless well-dressed refugees from Freetown and well-to-do city folk peered thoughtfully their way.

  “Mithril!” Alice squealed. “The city guard are decked out in mithril! What the actual fuck!”

  Morlekai nodded. “And those poleaxes aren’t for show.”

  “This is your sister’s city?” Richard’s voice had an unexpected touch of reverence as they passed by Sylvan towers and grand manors and colorful shops and countless citizens filling the night air with music, dance, laughter and merriment, the generous tree-lined boulevard allowing for plenty of room for joyful citizenry and sedate vehicles alike.

  “It’s so beautiful.” He shook his head in wonder, no longer showing off in any way, moving as stately and sedately as the horse-drawn carriage ahead of them. “Everyone looks so happy, their eyes so filled with hope!”

  Alice swallowed, eyes wide with reverence. “Morlekai. Can you sense it?”

  Morlekai nodded, grave eyes turning to meet Eric’s own.

  He winced, not sure why his cheeks were flushing.

  Yet Morlekai didn’t say a word, merely squeezed Eric’s arm, dipping his head with what seemed profoundest respect.

  Alice’s eyes filled with tears, though all she did was smile when Eric her gaze. “You did this. Didn’t you?”

  Marsha, still curled up against Eric, stiffened at the question, but Eric found himself nodding regardless.

  “Yes.”

  “How many?”

  Eric swallowed, both of them knowing what was meant. “Almost seven million.”

  Alice stiffened, eyes squeezed tightly shut. Morlekai’s eyes flashed with wrath that quickly faded.

  “What monster could possibly…”

  “It doesn’t matter now,” Eric said. “That timeline is over and done. As far as this world is concerned… as far as Elonia’s people are concerned… this is the only reality that’s ever been.”

  Alice gazed at Eric for long moments with Richard regaling Jack and Yuki with a fanciful tale in the front of their now grand limo-sized levimobile. “Just how strong are you, Boyscout?”

  Yet before Eric could even think of a way to answer that, everyone’s focus was drawn to the grandest wonder of New Arcadia.

  “Eric!”

  “Richard!”

  “Is that massive mountain-sized citadel I see over there what I think it is?”

  “That depends. If you think it’s the city’s sewage treatment center, you’re going to be sorely disappointed.”

  Richard visibly swallowed. “I think its a nexus point for eighteen overlapping planes of existence,” he said breathlessly.

  Eric blinked. “Wait. You sense more than twelve?”

  “Don’t you?”

  Eric flushed.

  Yuki snorted. “Doesn’t it suck to be constantly shown up by cocky party-members?” she teased.

  Eric smiled weakly. “I think I understand the feeling a little bit better than I did before.”

  “Guys, come on, we’re here!” Richard said breathlessly, parking his levi before the translucent bridge with effortless grace, even as he hopped out of the vehicle, as excited as any kid going to Kanga World. “Oh this is so exciting! I’m going to meet a princess and enter the most magnificent, incredible academy that will unlock so many mysteries I just caught a glimpse of with my Bronze Core breakthrough!”

  He bit his lip, swallowing nervously. “Do you think she’ll like me?”

  Yuki laughed. Eric scowled.

  Y – Are you ready?

  E – Let’s do this.

  “I think Elonia will find you adorable. Now come on!” Yuki clasped Richard’s hand before bending down to one knee and looking up at him with her heart in her eyes, like she was going to propose.

  Richard’s cheeks flushed adorably even as Yuki gave him a hyper-focused look.

  “Richard, you’re charming as hell, and there’s no way any girl’s not going to fall in love with you. Myself included. But before I fall way too hard for you... just so we’re abso-fucking-lutely clear… no funny business. You have only the best intentions for our school and for our queen… right? Soul-Oath time, kiddo. Because if you don’t…” She flashed Eric who had just gotten into position a wicked grin.

  “Our badass prince goofball here with the mithril blade in his hand that’s now dripping crimson fire will lop your head clean off.”

  “Thanks for making me the bad guy, Yuki.”

  “Any time, hero.” She winked. “Because you will do it if necessary, right?”

  “Of course. Still feeling awkward, like I just kicked a puppy.”

  The heartbroken expression crossing Richard Li’s features made even Eric feel guilty.

  Yuki sighed, sardonic smirk turning to a wince. “Sorry, Rich. I’ve gotten nothing but good vibes with you, and I know that came off kind of harsh but… Elonia’s everything to us.”

  Richard immediately shook his head. “No, you’re right. You’re right!” He didn’t hesitate to sink to his knees, still squeezing Yuki’s hand, now bowing before the citadel. “I, Contender Richard Li of North Wind academy, do solemnly swear to do no deliberate harm to Elonia Silver or my boon companions before me now, save in self-defense. I further swear to do no malicious harm to the magnificent arcane citadel before me, though using the facilities and training hard won’t count as malicious destruction. If I break this oath free of malicious influence without immediately putting things to rights to the absolute best of my ability, may my foundation crumble for all time.”

  “No proactive strike first self-defense bullshit either, Richy Rich.”

  Yuki blinked. “Ooh. I didn’t think of that. Good call, Eric.”

  Richard gave an affronted huff. “Of course not, Eric! I swear that I meant my words in good faith!”

  Eric gazed at Richard for long moments before slowly nodding his head.

  El - He sounds adorable, Eric. His words are so melodious they resonate perfectly with the city! He meant every word he said. Come on. Invite him inside! And don’t forget the offer :)

  “It works for me,” Eric, mithril dachi resheathed, walked over to clap the youth on the shoulder. “Come on, Rich. Let’s introduce you to Elonia and see what we can do about finalizing your status within the Sylvan Alliance and secure you an absolute shit-ton of sweet status perks and titles, including a really nice manor right by the castle that Elonia thinks you’ll absolutely love.”

  Richard’s eyes lit up with excitement. “I love titles!”

  “Me too. Come on, I'm sure my sister has a pretty medal she'd love to pin to your chest, and we don't want to be late!”