Ray took several deep breaths, desperately gasping for air as the sweat evaporated off his chin. He tilted his head back, staring at the broken magic lanterns flickering overhead. Somehow, he had done it. He created the spirit band that Alex and Tucker had described after an hour-long session of grueling focus.

  Alex was right. The environment mattered. Unlike what happened with Salamander, they had to destroy the rest of the protection runes with Ray standing in the center of a vortex of flames. If it weren’t for Tucker using all of his wind essence to fan the flames, then odds are Ray would have failed.

  “Alright, I am never doing that again!” Ray declared, falling to his knees. “Why the hell was it so difficult?! I swear when Salamander did it, it wasn’t nearly as hot!”

  Tucker popped his head out from behind the rubble. He stared at the scorched soil near Ray’s feet. “Maybe it’s because you’re a mid-tier contractor.”

  “In that case, a high-tier contractor would have to dive into a volcano.”

  “I suppose that’s true. I just needed to control my essence, so it wasn’t difficult, just needed time.” Tucker walked up to his friend and held out his hand. Not out of pity but of camaraderie. “Come on. We still have quite a lot to prepare before we leave.”

  After a moment’s hesitation, Ray laughed and reached out. He grabbed onto Tucker’s hand and with a single pull was hauled back to his feet. “It’s only been a day since we’ve returned and you’re already planning to head out for your next mission? Are you crazy?”

  “Haven’t you heard the saying: we’ve got to strike while the iron is hot?”

  “I’m ninety percent sure that’s for blacksmithing.”

  “It’s a figure of speech, Ray.”

  “Yeah, well—we don’t even know how to begin!” Ray pointed out. “Imagine we get to Gravecourt, do you really expect us to waltz in through the main gates?!”

  “You’d be surprised. Sometimes it’s the simplest methods that work best,” Tucker replied with a smile. “Let’s get out of here before Oliver shows up though. If he sees the damage we’ve done to the training room, he’ll throw a fit.”

  “Speaking from experience?” Ray asked.

  “Yep, so let’s get the hell out of here.” Tucker walked over to the steel door and pushed it open.

  The loud metallic groan echoed into the chamber. With light steps, the two hurried down the stone corridors and past the gothic arches. Tucker glanced over at Ray and stopped him.

  “We’re taking a left,” he said.

  Ray stared in confusion but didn’t utter a word. He followed Tucker down the hall until he heard a furious scream. A series of curses erupted from behind him that were so creative, Ray couldn’t help but want to take notes. “Was that Oliver?”

  “Probably, but we’re not going to stick around to find out,” Tucker said.

  Together they moved through the halls until the sight of an old man with azure robes came into sight. He wore large circular glasses and ran his fingers through his long grey beard upon seeing them. In his other hand was a small rectangular envelope.

  “Charles?” Tucker stared at the scholar in confusion. “It’s rare to see you out of the chamber.”

  “Tucker, my boy, do I really look like someone who only exists within one section of the Order?” Charles asked with a grin, but once he saw their blank expressions a quiet cough escaped him. “Well, you’re certainly not wrong about that! But I figured you would be delighted once you received… this!”

  The old man extended his hand towards him, holding the letter exaggeratedly before Tucker. “It’s for you, a letter from one’s own home.”

  Tucker’s fingertips flinched ever so slightly. He stared at the letter, reading the characters on the surface as his mind went blank. For a moment, a hint of disgust flickered across his eyes. Despite it all, he hid it, knowing now wasn’t the time for his emotions to get the better of him.

  “Is something wrong?” Charles asked.

  “No, of course not.” Tucker smiled and forced himself to accept the letter. “I’m just surprised they wrote one.”

  “It surprised me as well. Letters rarely make it to the Order, let alone this quickly,” Charles said with a light chuckle. “It’s almost as if they never knew you left.”

  Tucker let out a faint laugh. “They’re always busy, so it’s hard to keep in touch.”

  “You don’t have to tell me. As we get older, it always feels like the people in our lives drift further away.” Charles slowly exhaled. “I’ve known many lads who were in a similar situation. Take some time and write back. I’m sure they’ll appreciate it knowing that you’re safe.”

  “Sadly, we don’t have the time for that,” Ray said. “We’re about to head out on our next mission once they stamp the papers.”

  “Surely he would have a few moments, no?”

  “I’m afraid not,” Tucker answered. “We’re in a bit of a rush. It was nice talking with you, and thanks for bringing me this.” He lifted the envelope slightly before putting it in his leather pouch. “It means a lot.”

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

  Charles’ shoulders dipped by a fraction. It seemed as if his lips were caught between a smile and a frown, until finally settling into a thin, resigned line. “I suppose it can’t be helped.”

  Tucker gave the scholar a brief pat on the shoulder as he passed. “Take care, Charles.”

  “You as well.” Charles stared at Tucker, unable to ignore the uneasy weight settling in his chest. He watched as they continued down the hall with Ray offering a casual wave over his shoulder. The bright, spirited youth he once knew felt distant now, as if buried beneath duty.

  After a while, Tucker brushed the light cuts on his arms with his fingertips. He still felt a hint of pain within the numbness of his heart. But it was a sign that he was still alive in the tiny life he had lived.

  “Thanks,” Tucker said.

  “Hm?” Ray shrugged his shoulders. “Not sure what you mean.”

  “You act like you’re reckless, but you’ve always been one of the sharpest people I know.”

  Ray fell silent for a heartbeat. He then scoffed with a faint smirk. “Everyone has their troubles. Just like how you didn’t question my conduct in the bastion. I won’t pry into your history with your family.”

  “Was it that obvious?” Tucker asked.

  “Not in the slightest,” Ray answered. “I just saw your fingertip twitch for a fraction of a second. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have noticed at all. But I would consider it a blessing, ‘cause if I didn’t, then you wouldn’t have been bailed out there.”

  Tucker gave a light chuckle. “Luka used to say that I wore my heart on my sleeve, so it’s great to see that I’ve improved.”

  “That’s better than me,” Ray said with a grin. “I still have that problem.”

  “Well, we get a little better each day.”

  “You don’t have to tell me.” Ray’s grin slowly grew wider. “Besides, maybe you’ll finally get with that priest.”

  “First of all, she’s a bishop, not a priest,” Tucker said. “And second—we’re just friends.”

  “Do friends usually give each other rings?”

  “I didn’t give her one.”

  Ray tilted his head, stroking his chin. “So it’s one-sided then.”

  “It’s not one-sided,” Tucker muttered. “I’m pretty sure she doesn’t feel that way about me.”

  Ray laughed softly. “That might be the saddest reassurance I have ever heard.”

  Tucker wanted to refute Ray’s words, but before he could, a presence lingered just a few feet away.

  “What might have been the sad reassurance?” A voice asked.

  Ray and Tucker immediately turned their heads to the side. Right in the middle of the intersection was Mary, staring at both of them with her arms crossed. The two watchmen exchanged an awkward glance, but before Tucker could say a word. Ray was already one step ahead.

  “Uh… gotta go.” Ray bolted right then and there, leaving Tucker behind with a confused Mary.

  “Was it something I said?” she asked.

  “No… I think he just gets nervous around people he doesn’t know.” It was a lie Tucker made up on the spot, but he didn’t know what else to say.

  Mary’s gaze sharpened as she stepped closer. She was so close Tucker could feel her breath against his skin. Yet as their eyes met, he couldn’t help but feel his heart skip a beat. The scent of her perfume was captivating, but upon seeing her smirk. He immediately snapped out of it.

  Tucker sighed, blaming Ray for putting those delusions in his head. “It’s not good to toy with a man’s heart.”

  “Then what if I weren’t playing?”

  Tucker shook his head with a faint smirk. “I’m not falling for that. If I didn’t know better, I would have assumed that you were looking for me.”

  “I was,” said Mary. “I wanted to say bye before I left.”

  “You’re leaving?” Tucker said in disbelief. “I thought you were going to stay here longer.”

  The corners of her lips softly curled up. “No, I was called by the Souldom to head to the Dwarven Realms. Apparently, they found a demon of sorts there, so a bunch of paladins, priests, and bishops were summoned.”

  “But would you be safe there?”

  Mary let out a soft laugh until her eyes met Tucker’s once more. The usual warmth in his gaze was clouded now, with his brows drawn together in a worry he couldn’t hide. Her gaze slowly drifted to the injuries on his body.

  “I should be the one worried about you,” she mumbled, holding his hand with hers as a faint golden light traveled through their arms. “Every time I see you… you’re always hurt.”

  “Would you believe me if I said I fell?” Tucker asked with a light chuckle.

  “You’re unbelievable.” Mary rolled her eyes, watching as the injuries slowly healed one after another. “I can’t tell if you’re purposely making a dumb joke to dismiss my worries or if you’re too kind for your own good.”

  “That’s something I wish I knew as well.” Tucker slowly pulled away once his injuries were healed. He looked at Mary softly. “You know, I’ve been to the Dwarven Realms before. They’re a bit short but very nice folks.”

  “If they heard that, they would beat you,” she teased.

  “If we ever went together, you would protect me, right?” Tucker asked, walking alongside Mary as they made their way down the corridor.

  “Why are our roles reversed?” she asked.

  “I figured you might be stronger than me.”

  “Ha! Now that’s a terrible lie if I’ve ever heard one.” Mary slapped his back. “You killed Serevoth. That’s something not even I could do, and I saw how you sniped those spells before they formed. I’ve never seen someone so accurate in my life!”

  Both of them laughed, with bright smiles on their faces. They talked about random things, from favourite foods to random pet names. Small conversations that most people would forget the moment it ended—small, weightless things meant to fill the silence as they walked side by side.

  It wasn’t a moment meant to mean anything special.

  But Tucker held onto every word, thinking about the simplicity of life. There wasn’t a plan or strategy here, just a fleeting sense of normalcy he rarely allowed himself to feel.

  “Have you ever travelled the world?” Tucker asked.

  Mary rocked gently from heel to toe, tilting her head while deep in thought. “Mhm, I’ve been across the continent and seen places that don’t feel real until you’re standing in them. Why? Were you thinking of traveling?”

  Tucker nodded. “I had a dream of becoming a Ranger before, but now that isn’t possible, so I figured maybe some sightseeing would be nice instead.”

  Mary nudged his arm with her elbow. “C’mon, don’t sell yourself short. I’m sure you’ll become a ranger. In fact, I’m so sure we can even place a bet on it.”

  He smiled as if his lips lifted out of habit. She was wrong, and only he knew this. With the scarlet seal placed on his records, it was impossible for him to ever be a ranger. His dreams ended before they began, and he had accepted what it cost.

  “I’m not a fan of bets,” Tucker said.

  Mary pouted. “You’re no fun. Though I’m sure you’d win after everything you’ve done.”

  He shrugged. “I just got lucky.”

  “Oh?” Mary clapped her hands, turning to him as they reached the main lobby. The teleportation platform hummed softly behind her. “Then how about this? Once the war is over, we could travel together.”

  “That…” Tucker hesitated for a moment. He saw the gleam in Mary’s eyes, which made it even more difficult to refuse. But part of him wondered if it was alright. If he could hold on to the faintest bit of happiness that came his way. “I’d like that.”

  “Great! So that means you owe me…” Mary held out two fingers with a slight grin. “Coffee and an adventure. Your debt keeps growing.”

  “Then I guess that gives us something to look forward to.”

  Mary nodded with a light step forward. She turned back once more. “I’ll see you later.”

  “Yeah.” Tucker forced a smile to stay in place, knowing that he had made a promise he might never fulfill.