“Bliz and I will join you,” Tremine said.
Ruwen shook his head. “As much as I’d enjoy your company, there’s a chance I won’t be back when…” Ruwen’s throat constricted, and he forced the words out. “When my parents wake up. You and Bliz need to recover the terium the temple desperately requires.”
Everyone looked at Sift.
“What?” Sift asked. “I’m not going anywhere with him. Shelly and I are going to explore that lake.”
“Funny you should mention Shelly,” Ruwen said.
Ruwen didn’t continue and instead grabbed another popper and dipped it in the sweet red sauce. He took a bite and stared at Sift.
“What about Shelly?” Sift asked.
Ruwen shrugged. “Oh, just something Rami figured out. You’ll probably discover it on your own. Eventually. Maybe.”
“That’s mean,” Sift said.
“It’s a quick trip,” Ruwen said. “I just need to grab a little oil. We’ll be in and out of the mine in no time.”
Sift narrowed his eyes. “A demon ripped me to pieces in the last mine you took me.”
Bliz’s eyes widened.
Ruwen nodded. “But you found Shelly there, remember? Shelly, the one whose secrets I know, and you don’t.”
You are such a bad friend, Rami said.
He deserves it.
“Is it safe?” Sift asked. “I’ve had enough of your near-death adventures.”
“This city used it,” Ruwen said.
Over ten thousand years ago, Rami added.
So it’ll probably be a little dusty, Ruwen replied as he waited for Sift’s answer.
“Fine, I’ll go,” Sift said. “Now, tell me the secrets.”
Ruwen shook his head. “I need a few minutes to get ready. I’ll meet you in the large clearing by the lake in twenty minutes. Everyone is invited. Hopefully, it’s memorable.”
Everyone stood, and Hamma grabbed Ruwen’s hand. They walked out of the dining room and into the large space they’d originally found when they’d entered the temple. Hamma took them through another door and into the hallway that led to everyone’s rooms.
Hamma stopped and faced Ruwen. “What’s wrong?”
Ruwen looked down, not sure where to start. How could he tell her his parents might be as bad as everyone said.
Hamma used a finger to lift Ruwen’s chin. “Talk to me.”
“I think Tremine believes my parents killed their party to take that terium,” Ruwen said in a rush.
Hamma frowned and thought for a few seconds before speaking. “First, you don’t know if it’s true. You can ask them tomorrow. Second, even if it is true, there might be a good reason.”
“A good reason?” Ruwen asked. “How can something like that be justified?”
Hamma shrugged. “The more I see, the more complicated everything gets. But you overthink everything, and you wear your misery like a cloak. Let it go for now. You’ll have real answers in a day. Worry about it then and stop borrowing trouble from the future.”
Ruwen locked eyes with Hamma. Her common sense always seemed so obvious after she spoke. He gave her a small smile. “Okay, thanks.”
Hamma stepped closer, and Ruwen kissed her. For a minute, the world and all his problems disappeared.
“Gross! Get a room,” Sift said.
Hamma stepped away from Ruwen with a smile.
Ruwen turned to find Lylan punching Sift in the arm.
“Ouch, what did I do?” Sift asked.
Lylan dragged Sift back through the hallway door, and they disappeared.
Hamma looked up at Ruwen. “Promise you’ll be safe.”
“I’ll make sure Sift does all the dangerous stuff,” Ruwen said.
“Good, he deserves it.”
“And if you think about it, if I die, I just end up back here, only faster.”
Hamma tilted her head. “That’s true.” She gave him a quick kiss. “That’s for a quick death.”
Ruwen laughed. “Are you coming down to the lake?”
“Of course. I love secrets.”
“Okay, I’ll see you there.”
Ruwen gave Hamma another kiss and then walked back into the main room. Bliz had just left the dining room and stood across from Ruwen.
Ruwen waved a hand and strode over to Bliz. “I have a favor to ask.”
“Anything,” Bliz said.
“I’m still carrying those Divine amulets.”
“Big D will be glad to have them back. The Priests have really made her suffer over their loss.”
It sounded like Big D’s life had been awful since Ruwen disappeared. “They consume six Energy per second, and I’d like to get that Energy back. Can you hold them for me?”
“Of course.”
Ruwen transferred the boxes to Bliz, thankful that the six Energy per second penalty had finally ended. Bliz asked who Shelly was and then said he’d head to the lake shortly to see what secrets the little turtle held.
Striding for the temple exit, Ruwen opened his Profile, and then the Root display. Only the Worker branch had any color, and the Architect Role glowed in the tree’s roots. As he entered the sunlight and started down the stairs, he found the Fighter branch in the tree.
Heading east, Ruwen marched toward the main gates. The Fighter branch turned a light blue as he focused on it.
Root Class: Access to any Branch
Warning: Choice is permanently bound to body!
Do you wish to assign Root to Fighter?
Yes or No
Ruwen had put a lot of thought into his choice. For the coming war, the Fighter Class gave him the most tools to succeed. He selected Yes, and the Fighter branch turned a dark blue.
Rami, can you show me the Class symbol for Commander, please.
Here you go, Rami said.
But instead of a symbol appearing in Ruwen’s mind, a notification appeared, and he opened it.
Ting!
You have received the quest…
Courage to Stand Alone
You are being offered the Sub Class symbol for Commander, which will unlock new abilities and spells. Commanders are Fighters who wish to do more than hone their bodies and weapons. Leveraging their ability to form larger and additional groups, Commanders win battles with superior planning, intelligence, and leadership. Eventually, Commanders can Specialize in their preferred method by becoming a Quartermaster, Emissary, or Warlord. Choosing your Sub Class will allow the Fighter’s Guild to focus your equipment, spells, and abilities.
Restriction: Fighter Class level 10
Reward: Symbol to open the Commander Sub Class
Reward: Mentorship in your chosen Sub Class
Reward: Abilities and spells specific to your Sub Class
Reward: 10,000 experience
Commander
