Elias walked out of Madame, Silvia’s Salacious Sundries almost an hour after they walked in. He was annoyed by their insistence on finding the best possible outfit, regardless of the price. But once again he wasn't spending his own money. He had twelve eagles burning a hole in his pocket and was loathed to part with them. They managed to find a rather expensive-looking tailor near the center of the town. One look at their odd clothing and said Madame Silvia wanted to tear the close off their bodies for studying, so in the end Elias didn't even have to spend any coin. His hoodie jeans, t-shirt socks, even underwear and shoes were sold. Everything was gone and replaced with less anachronistic clothing.

  He now sported a pair of thick woolen pants and matching shirt. Grey of course, since pure black wasn’t available. He even sported brown leather gloves and while the brown boots were clearly used, they were broken in well and fit nicely. The portly woman took one look at him and offered him ten eagles and a new set of clothes for everything on him and that was that. Brent, Becca, and Alicia had other plans.

  Elias instead spent time examining passing groups of people. Other than his height he looked like any other person. Hunters were his primary focus. They all roamed in groups. Men, women, and other things he couldn't name. Most wore practical armor; leather, plate, the usual. But some were a shock. He spotted one group of men who were bare chested, covered in intricate tattoos.

  Another oddity was a woman who he believed to be a wizard, since all she wore was an elegant red dress, boots, stylish silk gloves, and a black corset. Over one shoulder, in a holster, was a thick book that was bound in metal. She talked casually with whom Elias assumed were her comrades. They were dressed for battle. Elias couldn’t determine if the woman was just foolish, or if she was so powerful that she could afford to hunt monsters while looking like she was going to a formal party.

  The oddities continued for some time. A train of carts carrying the butchered pieces of some large, scaled monster rolled through the town square. Men walked alongside carrying large ceramic casks on their backs. He watched dumb struck as the train headed further into town. People cheered as they passed, like they were returning heroes. By the size of the claws and massive serpentine head that sat in the leading carriage It was massive beast.

  A ring of the store’s doorbell got his attention. Brent, Alicia, and Becca walked out dressed to the nines. Brent sported a deep burgundy shirt with matching pants. His boots were ink black and shiny from polishing. The gloves he wore were a light grey, almost white. On close examination, Elias realized it wasn't normal leather; it looked scaled. Alicia wore a lime green high collared shirt and well-fitted high-waisted pants, it was expertly tailored to fit her form; she cut quite the stunning figure. Becca was wearing a similar outfit to Alicia with the exception that hers were a dark blue and her high-collar shirt had puffy shoulders and elegantly decorated cuffs with silver fabric. The pattern on her pants matched the cuffs.

  Elias wanted to roll his eyes at the waste of money. “And how much did this cost?” Elias asked, dreading the number.

  Becca was excited, “Just a ring. It’s made from something called Cellistine. She took a knife to a piece of it, and it was an effort to cut it. You can wash it over and over and it will take years to lose its luster.”

  ‘It's not your money, it's not your money, it's not your money.’ Elias chanted in his head. Though durable clothes were useful. Giving up so much for something that wasn't necessary was beyond stupid, not counting the fact that they could have profited by just getting cheap clothes. Elias glanced around noting that very few people were dressed as opulently as those three were.

  “Whatever,” Elias mumbled, not wanting to get into it with them.

  “We should head back to Kellik, we're late.” Surprise flitted across their faces as Elias turned and left.

  A quarter of an hour later they walked into the smithy to see it was relatively busy. Kellik was manning the counter and a few men and women in armor were perusing the items on offer. Brent walked forward taking on the leader roll and waited in line behind a woman in a homespun dress holding a sword like a small child. Elias met Kellik’s eyes, and he gave him a knowing nod. Elias returned it and wandered the store looking at the various weapons on offer. He watched as

  Becca and Alicia chatted while looking at the crossbow from the day before.

  They were quite stunning, and he could see a few of the men in the store throwing glances at them. They went to the bath house and now clean and well-dressed one would think they were noble women or at the very least wealthy.

  “Guys come on” Brent said, Kellik was leading him to a back room.

  Sitting on a table was everything that they had requested. Two suits of leather for Alicia and Becca. Half plate and metal gauntlets for Brent and brigandine and large shield for Elias. Becca toyed with the crossbow. It was around two feet long with a stirrup on one end; it even had a built-in lever to pull back the string since the limbs were metal. Kellik handed her a small pouch filled with bolts. She was confident she could use her abilities on the bolts as they left the crossbow, the foot wide chakrams had a handle in the center that she could belt to her waist. She had another pouch filled with small bare thang throwing knives. Alicia got a set of daggers around as long as her forearm.

  Brent a wore a red brigandine beneath a steel breastplate. For added protection he also had steel pauldrons, vambraces with thick steel gauntlets, steel greaves and thick leather boots. Elias was curious if he actually could walk in all that metal.

  Elias’s thick brigandine was a dark green that covered everything from his arms to his waist. He carried a large kite shield that could cover him from neck to his mid-thigh. After ten minutes of examining the items Kellik looked at them with expectation on his face. They all looked like kids in a candy store as they examined the armor and weapons.

  “Excellent work Ser Kellik.” Brent said, almost imperiously. Then he walked over and handed him the anklet. Kellik licked his lips as he dropped it into his palm.

  There were other items, like a large leather bag to carry things and small waters skins and various camping supplies.

  Ten minutes later they were all dressed. Elias wanted to almost laugh at how ridiculous they looked. He had seen images of larping before and he couldn’t help but make the comparison. The large kite shield he carried was heavy but not overly cumbersome. Figuring out how to work around it while fighting would have to be one of his priorities. The final items were long dark green cloaks, each had a hood and looked thick enough to block out rain.

  Elias had to wonder how Kellik arranged all these items so quickly, but he didn’t care enough to ask. He had to guess that he spent quite a bit of time purchasing items from various merchants and craftsmen. Most likely to keep the anklet all to himself. For all Elias knew that anklet could be worth ten times what they all currently wore. Still, it’s not like any of them knew how or where to sell such an item.

  The brigandine seemed well made and quite warm since it was essentially very thick cloth. Of everyone Elias was probably the least impressive looking. Becca had the chakrams belted to her waist and the crossbow was slung across her back. Both her and Alicia had similar leather armor. Though the only weapons Alicia carried were the daggers sheath in dark leather.

  “Satisfied?” Kellik asked after the final inspections were done.

  Everyone nodded.

  “Good now, a little information before you leave. Only registered hunters are allowed into the frontier, so you'll have to visit the lodge in the center of the town. There, you can get all the information you need. If you wish you can visit Raina and Eshmere, they are expecting you at some point.” Kellik announced.

  After a short conversation about where these people were located; the group left the store and stood outside on the street considering what to do next. Now that they were armed to the teeth, peasants gave them a wide berth. Raina and Eshmere were the enchanter and alchemist, respectively. Eshmere was also part owner of the apothecary. His wife handled the business side of his operation, she herself was a respectable medicine woman.

  Out of a desire to get all possible shopping out of the way first they decided to head to the Apothecary. Fortunately, the town was laid out in such a way that made navigation simple. A few turns later they found the motley green building with a sign hanging. It was in a strange flowing script that Elias couldn't read.

  “I’m guessing this is it.” Brent said as he led them into the store.

  The place was reasonably large. With shelves lining the walls, filled with casks, rolls of cat gut and other medieval looking medical equipment. The men and women were dressed similar to how they were. Armed and armored, a few gave them curious glances, then immediately lost interest. That pleased Elias immensely. Alicia took the lead, picking up a myriad of items. A spool of clean looking gauze, a needle, catgut, a bottle of what looked like alcohol. While Alicia’s items were interesting, what was behind the counter and the individual working there caught his attention.

  Standing around 4 feet was a humanoid. Elias couldn’t determine gender. The creature had a humanoid face except its nose was flat, with little more than two slits to breathe through. Its eyes were too large by half, and Elias noticed it had a double eyelid similar to some reptiles. The eyes and hair were blood red, and it had no ears to be seen. It wore an ink black shirt made of leather. Its skin was dark green and scaled. Elias could hear it speaking Bellaran to the customers, but its voice was raspy and guttural as if its throat wasn't designed to make those noises.

  The items behind the strange humanoid caught Elias’s attention. They were magical, that was for sure. Elias could feel it. Some were in small glass bottles barely enough to hold a few ounces. Some were in glass jars and looked like thick paste. Blues, greens, reds, browns; every color was present and glowed softly. Some had painted symbols on the outside signifying what was in the bottle.

  Finally, they reached the front of the line, “Ah, greetings hunters. Is there anything I can help you with?”

  “Good day. Kellik mentioned you were expecting us?” Brent asked. Their eyes widened for a moment.

  “Right. The new perspective hunters, one of you is a sorcerer yes, and others?” They asked.

  “Gifted,” Brent said. They smiled almost greedily. “Good, good this is good. I have a few thing prepared for you to see. Every hunter needs, every hunter carries. Good prices and discount for new potential.” Elias bristled at it the odd way they spoke, it was quick as if their mouths couldn’t keep up with their thoughts, but it was clear they were hungry for profit.

  “What price would you offer.” Brent asked.

  “Not here, not here, you speak with nest mate, he will teach, he will make deal.” Elias shrugged; it’s not like he knew what they needed. But Elias understood what was going on here. Three gifted and a sorcerer in one team had to be something of note. Kellik and his allies were probably trying to get access to new and powerful hunters. All drafts were made from mana beasts so Elias had to guess that these people wanted first pickings, should they prove to be successful hunters.

  “Don't let them fool you, they're definitely trying to get into our good graces. They are betting on us becoming proficient hunters.” Elias said to Brent in English.

  Becca nodded, “Its a common strategy, find someone with potential, help them grow and reap the profits of their gratitude.”

  “I see.” Brent said. The clerk of course didn't understand anything they were saying.

  “Please show us to him. We have coin or precious metal for trade,” Brent said.

  She smiled, revealing rows of pointed teeth and shouted in a loud guttural voice. A minute later an almost identical, whatever they were, walked out of a door behind the counter. After a short conversation in the same guttural language. He showed the same toothy grin to them.

  “Come come. Around back; I have drafts ready; You give good metal; I give quick lesson,” The scaled man walked back through the door and gestured for the group to follow him.

  Entering the room, Elias scanned his surroundings with an air of familiarity. First thing he noted was the light in the center of the ceiling. The lantern was bright, almost as bright as an artificial light and perfectly white. Large tables adorned the walls containing beakers, flasks of various sizes, an archaic looking distiller and a large mortar and pestle. On the left side of the room sat organs, hearts, lungs, kidneys, and other things Elias couldn't name suspended in jars. There were other devices he couldn't name even less figure out the purpose. One machine looked like a grinder but between the two cylindrical grinding stones sat eviscerated flesh. Oddly enough, Elias could feel magic from the machine.

  “I give basics. You have gold, yes? let me taste.” Eshmere said. Brent shrugged and reached into a leather coin purse attached to his waist, pulled out one of the earrings and handed one to Eshmere to examine. Based on the conversations between the lizard woman and customers, he had overheard, basic drafts could cost around 30 silver or a few gold. So, they could walk out with a couple.

  Eshmere licked the earring with a long serpentine tongue.

  “Good, gold, copper, tin, silver. 60, 10,5, 5, 30. Give two and I offer some basic drafts of choice. Good discount, yes?” Eshmere said.

  ‘Damn. Can he actually tell the composition from just a lick?’ Elias wondered.

  Elias couldn't read the man. Three of those earrings were probably around a single gold dragon worth of currency.

  “How about a lesson first then we decide.” Brent offered.

  “Fine fine, listen well. No repeat. time is coin.”

  Then he launched into an explanation of alchemy though he wasn’t exactly detailed. There were essentially 6 types of drafts. Potions, poultices, philters, elixirs, tonics, and Decoctions. Potions were simple. An individual could consume a potion, and this will simulate a magical effect on the body. Rapid mana absorption from mana potions were an example.

  Poultices were similar except that they had a curative effect on the body. Rapid flesh regeneration was the most common. There were poultices for poison, necrosis, Infection, and diseases.

  Philters were designed to negate the negative effect of drafts; these varied depending on the drafts.

  Elixirs were essentially, permanent potions, though for the most part they were by far the most expensive, costing platinum. Most hunters could go their entire lives and never see an elixir. Only the greatest masters can create them.

  Decoctions were essentially long-lasting potions, they could persist for hours or days, though the effect was weak. There were decoctions for thirst, hunger, heat, cold or poison resistance. Those cost dozens of gold.

  Tonics were external, usually applied to the skin. Their effects varied, anything from making the skin hydrophobic, to making it incredibly difficult for targeted magical effects to take hold. Whatever that meant.

  Eshmere started to show the drafts he had on offer, “Mana Potions, of course, of course. Sorcerer, gifted, everyone loves mana potions. Careful not to use too much. Or feel free if you want to dope. This potion makes your step silent as a cat. Ah this one decoction grants sight in the darkness, very rare, very useful. Most new hunters start simple though.” Eshmere brought over several different vials, each glowed an odd color some were ornate like the Owl’s Eye decoction, while others were simple like the Healing Poultice. The Healing Poultice rippled between reddish purple and pink. The Mana Potion was a sky blue with some flecks of cyan floating within the small tube. They were all made from thick glass with a cork stopper and wax to cover it.

  “So, what do you guys want?” Brent asked.

  “Healing Poultices and Mana Potions of course. Do you have anything else, for combat I don't mind giving up my necklace.” Becca said.

  “Combat, yes have a decoction for you.” Eshmere went to a metal cabinet and pulled out a potion decoction that was almost inky black. Elias didn’t want to touch it.

  “Bloodless it's called, makes you feel no pain. you fight until win or dead.” Eshmere said almost maliciously.

  “Anything else,” Brent asked, clearly as hesitant as everyone else was.

  “Fine fine, I have a stone skin tonic lasts a few hours. 12 dragons”

  “Let’s just focus on Healing Poultices and Mana Potions. The rest we can figure out later and we still need to see the enchanters.” Alicia suggested.

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

  “How much for 4 health poultices and a mana potion.” Brent asked hesitantly.

  “Since you knew hunters. I give discount. Only four dragons. Or six more of these.” Eshmere held up the earring.

  Brent pulled out a necklace and another earring and the 4 rings. Elias didn’t know if they were wasting their coin, but he wasn’t going to say anything. He wanted a poultice for himself. It wasn’t his money to waste anyways.

  “Ahh! Nice opal. good quality.” He said after examining one of the rings. He tasted each piece of jewelry.

  “I take all, and you have these drafts, I even throw in extra mana potion for the beginning of good business. You hunt and kill monster; I get pick of organs. I give discount on drafts. Deal?” Eshmere smiled revealing his sharp teeth.

  “It’s a deal.” Brent said.

  “So, do you have work for a water sorcerer?” Elias asked, there’s no way an alchemist didn’t have use for mana rich water.

  Eshmere’s snakelike eyes widened as if he had forgotten, “Yes, yes, many drafts use mana rich water, easier than refining it from mana crystals. Don’t need now, you come tomorrow same hour help finish a commission. I give you good gold Deal?”

  “I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

  “Good, good, now time is coin. Ask my nest mate if you have more questions.”

  The jewelry was exchanged, and they walked out with six drafts. Now all they had left was a single necklace. Eshmere gave them a few warnings when using drafts, such as. Do not use more than one decoction. Wait at least an hour between poultices and do not consume mana potions when at full capacity. Don't apply more than one tonic at a time and finally if someone is selling an elixir it's a fake. Eshmere himself lacked the skill to create them.

  ‘Unless you wanted to dope? Damn, I should have asked what that meant. But I'm sure I'll figure it out eventually.’

  Brent gave everyone a poultice and kept the mana potions. Elias slipped his into a pocket. He had seen people in heavy armor buying them by the dozen so at the very least he knew they worked.

  They decided to hold off on visiting the enchanters for the moment since Eshmere hinted that it was beyond expensive. And they found out that they simply couldn't walk into the frontier. They needed approval from the Lodge. After a 20-minute walk to the center of the town the group was met with a rather busy stone building streaming with a constant influx of heavily armed and armored hunters either loitering around or talking to each other enthusiastically. The multitude of different humanoid species was staggering.

  The teens entered, getting some amused smirks from some of the more seasoned hunters.

  “Something tells me it's obvious that we don't know what we're doing.” Alicia noted.

  “Yeah, I know those smirks anywhere. Either way it doesn’t matter.” Elias said.

  To the right side of the room was a large board with dozens of posted notes that groups of hunters examined. Occasionally a hunter would pluck a note off of the wall and head over to a front desk. On the left side appeared to be where hunters sold their items, though those seemed to already be processed. Roles of leather, cleaned bones, scales, organs in jars and odd gems were common. Next to that looked like a general supplies store, selling dried meat, hardtack and what looked to be dried soup. Elias even managed to secure a large water skin for a single eagle. He estimated it could hold at least two gallons of water. The brown leather pouch was slung across his back with a sling over one shoulder.

  After waiting in line behind a group of humanoids that reminded him of orcs. They finally reached the front desk. A pretty woman in a dark blue uniform and small hat smiled at Brent as he approached.

  “What can I do for you today?” she asked in a cheery voice.

  “Ah, we were wondering how exactly we can get access to the frontier. We wish to become hunters.” Brent said, using his most charming smile.

  “New blood I see, well it is rather simple. First is an examination of your skill which we can have evaluated in a few days since we are not currently in season. Then in order to take on your own hunts you must participate as secondaries in an established hunt. You can either participate in a single class two hunt, two class 1 hunts or five class 0 hunts. After that and a fee, you may receive your license, register your names, and pursue your own hunts. Though you can only accept contracts for class three hunts or below. Or if you wish you may enter the frontier without a contract, though the fort commander will not be obligated to secure your loot. You must also hire your own porters and cutters which can be cost prohibitive.”

  “What would a fully grown Horthon be classified as.” Becca asked.

  “Class 1.” She answered.

  There was an annoyed cough from behind them, so Brent decided to wrap things up. “Can we have the registration forms and set a date for an examination?”

  “Certainly,” she said with excitement. Then she produced 4 strips of paper. And handed them to Brent.

  “A single eagle, and I can also provide a primer for new hunters. Also, we only need a small description of your magical abilities if you have them. After you finish return the form to me and I can book you for an examination.” Brent produced said coin and a few minutes later the group walked away to sit at one of the many tables that adorned the hall. There were dozens, some hosted groups of hunters going over maps, checking equipment and speaking to who Elias thought to be merchants.

  The small booklet contained some interesting information such as the meaning behind the monster classes. A class 0 would be a non-magical beast while anything above demonstrated some kind of magical ability. The higher the class the more powerful the creature. It went up to class five. Apparently, a dragon type beast was only a class 4.

  The form was rather simple, it asked their names, species, and abilities if applicable. This was public information that contractors would use to commission specific hunters or teams of hunters. The Lodge kept a record of all contracted hunts, there was a star system for the most decorated hunters. These were awarded upon completing a certain amount of hunts of a specific class.

  The problem with hunting large beasts was the necessity of hiring people to actually butcher and carry all the parts. These people had to be protected, this necessitated sub hunters whose only purpose was keeping the porters and cutters alive, not actually hunting the beast. The frontier was that dangerous, the excellent pay was enough motivation for people to risk their lives in the frontier. Hunters earned the lion's share for a contract but even the lowest porter could earn a few silver, which was months of wages.

  Becca laughed as she read the final paragraph on the page, “Not even in another world can we avoid terms and conditions.”

  She was right, on the bottom of the page was a disclaimer that the lodge is not responsible for any death or injury that could occur during a hunt.

  ~

  Ten minutes later they walked out of the Lodge, heading back to the inn with an appointment for an evaluation for 4 hours after noon three days from now. That was also the time at which they were required to present a name for their group. It wasn’t required but it would help with recognition. Elias didn't care and left it up to everyone else to figure out a name. The teller was surprised that they all had magical abilities, but just like Nessa it was mild surprise. After a spending, a few silver in the general store Elias and Brent now carried large leather bags containing flint, dried meat, small rations, a small pot, wooden bowls, knives, and two-pronged forks.

  “So, what now, practice or the enchanters, I don't think we have anything else to do really.” Alicia said.

  “Some practice while we have good sunlight is probably a good idea. “Brent said.

  “Fine but we go to the enchanters, first thing tomorrow.” Becca added. Usually, her upbeat attitude about their desperate situation would have annoyed Elias but he was too distracted by an old man in blood red leather armor and golden cape carrying what Elias could only describe as a magical staff. It was made of an intricately carved white wood with an odd purple gem embedded at the top. Elias could practically taste the magic rolling off of him. He was being flanked by two other people completely covered in a full plate of black steel with gold inlay. Not a single inch of skin could be seen. Elias and the rest moved out of the way as they passed.

  “Damn, now that was some armor.” Becca said, her voice, full of awe.

  “That guy had some powerful magic about him. Most I've ever felt from anyone.” Elias said.

  “Well, they are not our problem, I suggest we head outside the city. There’s some trees about a quarter mile away that would be excellent targets,” Alicia said.

  Elias agreed and they headed outside the town gates with little fuss. Heavily armed as they were, the two guards didn't even blink twice when they asked to open the gates. This time they headed outside the northern gate of the city. Unlike the barren earth that reached the frontier wall. The ground was lush. In the distance farms could be seen with fields of grain. To the east there was a small collection of tree’s. Large oaks by the look of them, it wasn't particularly dense, but it looked to go on for some time. No one seemed interested in them as they left the dirt road and crossed the wide grassy plains to the stand of trees.

  ~

  Elias spent some time practicing his abilities against a tree. The nearly 100-foot oak was riddled with shards of ice. Elias, much to his chagrin, realized that offence wasn't the best use of his abilities. Once again Becca had some insight that he lacked. Crowd control and support, she called it. Brent had more than enough attack power and expending a large amount of mana for the ice spikes was not efficient. He couldn't really come up with any way to attack with his water that isn't wasteful. He decided to abandon offence and prioritize defense and ‘crowd control,’ as Becca called it.

  Brent was busy destroying trees with his hands and Alicia seemed to be testing how fast she can sprint.

  ‘She’s gotta be pushing 40,’ Elias thought as she tore up the ground beneath her. After a few seconds she ran out of power and slowed to a trot.

  Elias pulled all two gallons of water from his water skin and considered how to best use his ability. Elias pulled more water from the air and the orb grew in size. Once it was roughly three feet across eight tentacles snaked around the tree. And gripped it firmly. Then Elias froze the eight tentacles draining a massive amount of mana in the process. Before the ice could creep up to the orb of water he stopped channeling power. Based on the size of the orb remaining he assumed he froze roughly 30 gallons of water. Not even half the orb was frozen, and he was nearly empty. Elias directed as much water as he could into the water skin before letting the entire mass splashed to the ground.

  He walked over to the tree to examine the tentacles of ice. All eight were wrapped tightly around the tree. If this was a person they would have serious problems, both from the cold, added weight and lack of movement. They would be easy pickings for anyone on his team. The ice was almost perfectly transparent. He grabbed his pocketknife and stabbed it repeatedly. It took considerable force to chip away at the magically frozen ice. That gave him an idea.

  It took nearly half an hour before he finally reached something close to an ice shield. Standing in front of Elias was a slightly concave plane of ice around 3 inches thick, six feet tall and around 4 feet wide. He had to anchor it inside the ground so it wouldn’t fall over. He knew just the woman to test it.

  “Hey Becca mind helping me out here.” Elias asked. She was toying with the Chakrams. She thew them with incredible speed; the spinning circular blades whirled through the air in impressive arks. Every time they would return to her, and she would grab the spinning circle of death out of the air.

  Becca came over and examined the shield, “Ohhh, an ice shield. Very cool,” She laughed at her own bad joke and Elias just rolled his eyes.

  “I want to see how sturdy it is and I’m too empty to do much damage.” Elias said.

  “That sounds like a challenge,” Elias moved from behind the shield. Becca grinned, faced the shield head on and as quick as thought, whipped out three throwing knives. She didn't use much power, so they bounced off the shield leaving tiny cracks. Then she flicked out two more almost double the speed. More chips and shards of ice flew off the shield but still it remained sturdy.

  “Not bad, but it's time I bring out the big guns.” She unslung her crossbow. And after around ten seconds slotted in a bolt. Elias could feel the large amount of power she was using so he quickly moved around ten feet away from the ice shield. She was pouring everything into it.

  A second later she pulled the trigger, and the bolt fired. Elias heard the telltale crack of the sound barrier breaking. Almost instant later the bolt tore through the ice shield as if it wasn't even there. Then it buried itself in a tree behind it. Elias ran over and examined the hole. It was big enough for his thumb and around it was an expanding circle of cracks. Then he examined the tree behind the ice block and noted that the bolt was buried at least a foot deep into the large oak.

  “Damn, that is dangerous.” Elias observed. Not even hardened steel armor could block that. He couldn't imagine anything blocking that bolt.

  Becca ran over, “Yeah, with the assist from the crossbow it's just enough to break the sound barrier. Add a bit of spin and you get even more penetration. I don't even need to account for drop since it's moving so fast. I’m fairly sure I could one shot that Hawthorn. My secondary gift of predicting trajectories is largely useless at those speeds so I have to aim using skill.”

  “I’m quite sure you can one shot most things. Try not to point that in my direction please. I can tell that you used almost all your power,” Elias said.

  “True and it also destroys the bolt. Anything over two hundred miles an hour and the shafts either cracks or breaks once it hits.”

  “Can’t you get full steel bolts?” Elias asked.

  Brent who was standing close by watching the display said, “She would need a heavy-duty crossbow. And those are difficult to both carry and load. I recommend you stick to throwing knives and the chakrams and reserve the crossbow as either as opener or finisher.”

  “That makes sense,” Alicia said. Becca agreed.

  Brent walked over to the still standing ice shield and performed a roundhouse kick. Elias could feel considerable power from him. And as soon as his foot connected the shield shattered into hundreds of shards.

  ‘Oh, so he can kick now, how wonderful,’ Elias mused.

  “Not bad, could be a bit thicker though,” Brent observed.

  “Thicker means more ice and more mana. This took nearly a third of all my mana to create, though I can make it pretty quickly since the shape is so simple. Provided I have enough water.”

  “How fast?” Becca asked.

  “A few seconds, I'm just freezing water. I can make it bigger but that poses its own problem.”

  “The square cube law.” Alicia realized.

  “Indeed, it seems some things are universal.” Elias said.

  “Still though, this can come in handy, but that tentacle ice thing you did is even more useful. Try it on of us so we can see how sturdy it is.” Brent commanded.

  “I’m basically empty,” Elias shrugged.

  “Well, someone had to try it first.” Brent said, in the same instant he tossed Elias a mana potion.

  “Why do I have to be the guinea pig?” Elias complained.

  “Come on don’t be a chicken, Elias.” Becca teased. Elias shrugged peeling of the wax cover and removed the stopper. Then he downed the slightly glowing beverage. It tasted like spicy metal, with a strange hint of blueberries. As soon as the bottle was finished Elias felt it.

  “Fuck.” Elias yelled. Usually, his mana recovered in a slow steady stream. Instead, it was like an ocean as nearly a third of his entire mana pool was recovered in a few seconds. Then it was over. Exactly as Eshmere described.

  “That’s some good shit. Almost a third full.” Elias mused.

  Not wanting to waste energy melting the hands of ice he gathered up water from the air and ground for a minute and once he had a foot wide sphere eight tentacles snaked out towards Brent. They wrapped around his torso and arms. Elias made them freeze, once again he stopped before the orb was frozen.

  Brent flexed against the ice using his full strength. Cracks started to form but after a few seconds he stopped.

  “Not bad,” he said. Then he flexed his power, and the entire mass of ice shattered, freeing him completely.

  “A normal person would have problems breaking out of that. It’s a shame we can't just head out to the frontier now,” Brent continued.

  “We’ll just join a hunting contract as secondaries. It shouldn't take too long. Let’s keep practicing and find the extent of our abilities.” Alicia announced.

  After another hour of training they sat around a clumsily made fire under the evening sun and ate some of the dried soup mixed with some of the dried meat. Elias of course conjured the water and was too impatient to wait for the fire to boil it. After a satisfying lunch they sat around on the grass under one of the trees as the day rolled by. For once Elias wasn't in a bad mood, content with sitting down and leaning against a tree playing with large Klein bottle.

  “Someone’s coming.” Brent announced. Elias and the rest sat up and watched a group of five people on horses heading towards them. Their large steeds veered off from the dirt road heading to town and crossed the plain towards their location.

  “Danger?” Becca asked, as she unslung her crossbow.

  “Not sure, but they're definitely coming towards us, battle formation everyone.” Brent said. It wasn't really much of a formation. Brent and Alicia were up front, Elias was in the center and Becca took up the rear. Alicia drew her daggers; Brent readied some energy and Elias prepared water.

  After another few minutes, the riders slowed their horses to a trot and Elias could finally make out their clothing. There were two women and three men. Almost everyone was in full plate but their helmets were hung from hooks on their horses. Each piece of armor was polished to a mirror shine and sat over white leather. One woman wore only a metal breastplate grieves and pauldrons above her pristine leather armor. Their capes were all bright white. Money was the first thing that came to Elias as he examined to group. Instead of metal studs and buckles Elias could see gold. And based on the magic flowing off every member. Their armor was heavily enchanted.

  The lead woman, Elias assumed, was a wizard based on the gold covered books that hung from holsters on her hips. She carried a familiar intricately carved wooden staff with a lilac gem embedded at the tip. She had inky black hair cut short, and blue eyes that framed a heart shaped face. The only imperfection if one could call it that was the vertical scar that made its way from her forehead to her lower cheek. Clearly something almost took an eye out.

  ‘She is not to be fucked with Elias,’ was the first thought that entered his mind. Elias didn’t notice before but a dog, no; a wolf with fur as white as snow walked beside her as she approached their group. There was something strange about the creature that Elias couldn't put a hand on. It wasn't magic exactly, but something was different about that animal. It stood by her side like any loyal hound would.

  “Looks like we found some fresh meat.” One of the men said. He was a bald man, his head shaved to a mirror shine, almost like he polished it. He didn’t even have eyebrows or a beard.

  “What do you want?” Brent asked, not sounding intimidated.

  “Peace child. We come to bargain. You are new hunters, yes?” The lead woman asked.

  “Indeed, what bargain do you wish to strike with us?” Alicia asked. The woman flicked a predatory smile to her.

  “May also assume that you have not completed your required hunts.”

  “Yes?” Alicia said, sounding surprised that she was able to deduce that.

  “Do not be surprised, I keep myself apprised of all new hunters. I come with an offer you may find useful.”

  “And that is.” Brent asked.

  “My familiar has observed you from afar, three gifted and a hydromancer, an exceedingly rare find. I am in need of additional hunters for a commissioned contract, with this being the off-season exceptional hunters are not common in the Rembrite. Your magical abilities from what I have observed makes up for your inexperience.”

  ‘Familiar? I'm guessing she’s talking about the wolf? And hydromancer? Is that just a name for water sorcerers.’

  “What will we be hunting,” Brent asked.

  The woman smiled. “A Greater Heliox. And you will not be hunting anything. We will do the hunting your only responsibility is the protection of our porter and cutters.”

  “What will you pay us, and what class is a greater Heliox.” Elias asked.

  She gave him a smirk then answered, “Class 3 and it will be 10 dragons each. Before you ask why such a high pay. It is due to where we are going, the journey will take at least a week based on the last seeker report. Drakoliths, infest the area, this necessitates additional protection for our forces.”

  Brent looked at the rest of the group, the question clear on his face, “We’ll need more information since we don’t know who you are.”

  The woman looked surprised, “Simply ask any hunter in town about the Light Lancers, you will have all the information you need. If you accept, visit the Dawnflower Inn near the Lodge and we can discuss further details. We leave in five days.”

  With a curt nod and a single hand signal the group returned to their horses and rode towards the entrance of the town. Elias couldn't take his eyes off the strange wolf. Now he knew why it was so strange, the eyes looked intelligent.

  “What the hell is a greater Heliox,” Elias asked no one in particular.

  “I don't know but something tells me we should take the deal,” Becca said.

  “Why is that?” Brent asked.

  “Light Lancers, she made it sound like they were famous. That would be a group person to have dealings with. Even more so if they are as good as I think they are, we won't be in that much danger.” Becca answered.

  “Not to mention we can knock out the license requirement in one go,” Alicia added.

  “Can't argue there, she was a wizard, probably very powerful. And she had a familiar whatever that meant. She is probably a treasure trove of information.” Elias said.

  With a deep breath Brent said in his ‘Oh great Leader’ voice, “Alright everyone, if this group looks like they’re on the up and up our first hunt will be a Greater Heliox,” Everyone seemed exited, but not Elias.

  He felt like this was a waste of time, but it’s not like he had any other choice, they needed to go back to where they first arrived in this world. There had to be something they didn’t notice, something to bring them home. At least that is what Elias hoped.