The party were all in their rooms preparing themselves for the royal gala that would happen later that evening. It was their last night in Goldhill and none of them would waste the moment to enjoy themselves.

  Their dinner with the king had been exquisite with foods most of them had never even heard of. Each of them had eaten their fill and more before the night ended with some casual conversation. It turned out King Drawgdar had a youth filled with amazing adventures to pull from when telling dramatic tales of warrior’s valor.

  Alcohol flowed and stories were told until it was too late to tell if it was the next day.

  When they all awoke the next morning, they had decided to make it a day of rest and relaxation to recover from the night prior. Most of them hadn’t left the inn that day and simply took advantage of the quiet to get some reflection and sleep in.

  The day following found each of them separating to do more shopping for the trip ahead or work on their skills a little.

  Shell stayed at the inn to practice her special set for the gala. Zuls went to the local bestiary. Vorin found himself at the healing center to assist where he could. Prith meditated by the fountain while occasionally reading from the book he obtained. Yu spent all three days in Goldhill’s knowledge center to learn as much as possible. Gene ended up going with her and started recording his life with his new equipment. Kumo and Synexus left together to visit a few places in the city.

  Their first stop was The Grove’s new location to say goodbye to Ecclo and Xila once more. Ecclo was busy cataloging his new plants while Xila sat on the counter inside reading a fiction novel.

  “Hey, Xila!”

  “Oh, hey! Looking for Ecclo?”

  “We were looking for you both. We will be heading out of the city tomorrow and wanted to say goodbye again.”

  Xila closed her book and led them out to the back where they found Ecclo.

  “Ecclo, Kumo and Synexus are here. They are leaving tomorrow!”

  “I figured it was about time. I’d come with you, but there is so much to do now that I’m selling a lot more.”

  “That’s understandable. It seems that I’m always making more work for you.” Synexus said with a chuckle.

  “I think that’s your effect on everyone.” Kumo quipped.

  Xila covered her mouth and giggled while Ecclo laughed in an overdramatic fashion.

  “She’s not kidding. A few months ago, I was a quiet bamboo farmer. Now I’m in a new city selling more than I thought possible, sending secret messages to people on different planets by abusing a universal shop that you created, and meeting a king.” He shook his head before adding, “I’m exhausted.”

  It was Synexus’ turn to laugh. “Wait, what do you mean you’re meeting the king?”

  “The queen came by and bought some of our metal bamboo. She fell in love with the silver with gold leaves. That earned us an invitation to some gala tonight to network a bit.”

  “I’m excited! It’s a chance to learn from some of the most important people in the city and I get to wear one of my fanciest dresses!” Xila couldn’t hold back from practically shouting the comment.

  “I guess this truly isn’t goodbye then. Shell is playing the gala tonight and we are going as guests as well.”

  Xila squealed once more.

  “We will see you on the dance floor then!”

  “She is very excited about the music and dancing part. There wasn’t a whole lot of that in Gale. I’m more excited to get the in good graces of people with deep pockets.”

  “I don’t know, Ecclo. It doesn’t sound like you’ll have the time with all the dancing that Xila will have you doing.” Kumo jested.

  Ecclo just shook his head with a face full of fear.

  “Yeah, I don’t know how to dance either.” Synexus reassured his friend.

  “Too bad. We will be joining them. You both have five hours to get ready.”

  Synexus winced at Kumo’s words but knew it was never a good idea to refuse her. It was impossible to negotiate with a lightning bolt.

  “I’m sorry I pulled you into my punishment.”

  “It’s okay. It was going to happen regardless. But, anyways, since we will see you tonight, I guess we can save the goodbyes until then. Do you need any help growing some more bamboo while I’m here?”

  Ecclo gestured towards an empty area near the back of the yard, and they walked off to work. Xila pulled Kumo inside and started telling her about the dress she was going to wear. Kumo informed her that their next stop was to the seamstress, and she was going to get something specially made. Half an hour later, Synexus emerged through the door, and they waved their “see you later’s” before setting off for the seamstress’ shop.

  Upon arriving, the seamstress was elated to see him and nearly tackled him with a running hug.

  “I take it that she’s doing okay?”

  “Okay? No, she’s amazing! She spent days just experiencing all the colors of my fabrics.”

  “I’m glad to hear. That was part of the reason I wanted to come here. The other is to get a dress made for my friend.”

  Kumo gave him an inquisitive look. He hadn’t mentioned anything about Mina to her.

  “Oh! I’m happy to help. You’re welcome to wait out here while I take some measurements. I’ll send Mina out to keep you company.”

  She pulled Kumo to the back room and shortly after the familiar young woman took the seat next to him.

  “Hi, Mina! Your mom said you’re doing okay.”

  The woman nodded before attempting to speak.

  “Ye…s.”

  “I’m sure language will come with time.”

  “I…am…lea…r…ning.”

  It took a lot of effort, but she got through it.

  “You’re learning fast! It’s only been a few days. Most people take a few years to learn when they are children. If you had access to System, then I would get you a learning tome. You know what? Books would still be useful. One second.”

  He scoured the listings on The Progress Nexus and purchased several non-magical tomes regarding the common language. They materialized instantly. The small flash made the woman wince.

  Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  “Sorry. I forgot about the flash, but here you go! These books will help you learn to read while teaching you more words and how to speak them.”

  Mina smiled and took the stack of books. She pulled one from the top and started flipping through it.

  “You look natural with a book. Perhaps you’ll pick it up as a hobby.”

  She nodded with excitement.

  “Tha…nnn…kk Y…ou.” She pointed at Synexus.

  “Very good. I feel like you’ll be fluent in a month. Truly impressive!”

  Just then Kumo walked from the back and said she had picked out her material, and it shouldn’t be more than an hour. She took the chair across from Mina and Synexus.

  “Who’s this?”

  “This is Mina. She is the seamstress’ daughter. I, uhh, helped her the other day.”

  “You’re always doing something. What was it this time?”

  Mina looked between them with a smile like she was enjoying the entertainment.

  “I cured a genetic birth defect that had left her blind and deaf since she was a child.”

  “That explains why the seamstress is refusing payment for her services. She kept telling me that I’m lucky to have such an amazing friend.”

  Synexus rubbed the back of his head.

  “We are definitely paying. It was my duty as a class chosen. We help who we can help, right?”

  “I think you may have to glue the gold to her hand then.”

  Mina let out a giggle.

  The three of them conversed for the rest of the hour until Kumo’s dress was completed. Synexus simply left the money on the front counter when they left.

  With the few hours they had before the gala, they ate some food at a local place before heading back to the inn to get ready.

  Shell had left them all a message at the front desk of the inn that she went to the castle ahead of time to set up and calm her nerves. Everyone else left together and made their third and final trip to the castle.

  ***

  A royal hall decorated with exorbitant lights and extraordinary flowers met the party. It was huge and thousands of people were already in attendance. Hundreds of tables filled half the space while the space in front of the stage was empty, clearly made for the dancing crowds that would fill it later in the night.

  A man with a silk suit of pure white met them at the entrance and led them to a reserved table a few rows back from the front. There were enough chairs for each of them and even a specially made chair for Yu and Gene. Yu’s was a big rectangle with an extremely soft cushion on top where she was able to curl up like a cat, but at the table’s height. Genes looked like a bird’s perch where they could wrap their talons around to stay stable.

  “This is more than I was expecting.” Zuls said as they sat down.

  “Yes, I must admit this seems like too much.” Vorin agreed.

  “Do you think it’d be impolite to read while here?” Prith said taking the old tome from a spatial bag he had purchased.

  “Come on, let’s just enjoy ourselves tonight.” Kumo said and waited for Prith to put the book away.

  “I must agree with Kumo on that. It’s our last night before bracing the elements once more. We are also here to support our friend. This is an amazing opportunity for her.” Synexus added.

  Shortly after their conversation, more people flooded in and found their seats. Then an endless feast was served and the sound of conversation between chewing filled the room. It didn’t quiet down until people heard light music coming from the stage.

  Quiet notes to pair with the murmur of conversation echoed out and started to change the mood of the gala. People noticed and looked up at Shell providing them with a soundtrack while they enjoyed a robust meal.

  An hour passed as people quietly ate while making comments here and there about the impressive performance before them. There was a sense in the air of pleasure and joy. Shell was clearly using her mind abilities to get everyone in the mood to make the gala the party of the century.

  Her ability wasn’t manipulation of any kind. It simply offered suggestions and strengthened what her notes were meant to convey.

  Servers came out and cleared the plates of desert from the tables and when the last plate was gone, the music stopped.

  A beautiful dwarven woman walked out on stage with a dress that was clearly stitched with exquisite care. Following her dress’ train was King Drawgdar.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen of Goldhill, I wanted to come out and say a few words.”

  People started to applaud and cheer.

  “Yes, yes. Thank you. And thank you all for coming to this gala. I wanted to throw it so the fine people of Goldhill could meet others that we find exceptional. Everything used tonight was crafted by one of the fine artisans in the city.”

  The cheers grew louder.

  “Most of you have probably met before, so I encourage you all to meet with people you don’t know.” She pointed towards the flowers and continued. “For instance, these flowers are grown by a gardener that arrived only a few months ago. She grows them down the mountain and makes the trip every day to provide them with great care.”

  A woman stood up and nodded towards the queen in thanks.

  The queen then pointed towards the edge of the room which Synexus realized was lined with the silver bamboo.

  “This bamboo was grown here in the city which is a feat in itself. Not only that, but it holds the properties of metal, yet it grows like a plant. Truly incredible and inexplicably beautiful. This bamboo tycoon arrived here only two weeks ago!”

  Ecclo stood and people cheered while some got up to inspect the bamboo in disbelief.

  “There are many more that I have addressed on the gala programs. If you’re interested, check out the directory portion and discuss with these artisans.” She then turned to and waved at Shell before putting her arm around her. “Finally, your entertainment tonight is from one of the best musicians I have ever encountered. You’ve already tasted a bit of what she has to offer, but there is much more. She even sells a special crystal on the Nexus that hold recordings of her music!”

  Shell blushed as the people clapped and cheered.

  “Now, enjoy the gala and meet some new people!”

  She left the stage and Shell got back into position. The lights in the hall dimmed and when her music started back up, it was upbeat and provided a different vibe altogether. That’s when the dancing started.

  Shell played all sorts of songs from fast to slow. Sad to happy. People didn’t seem to want it to stop. They were entranced and showed it in the way they danced.

  Synexus and Kumo were out on the floor with Ecclo and Xila. It was like they could feel the movement of the notes directing them to take the right steps at the right time.

  Zuls danced with the artist from the girl’s day. Vorin danced with a healer. Prith even did a beautiful display of swordsmanship dancing with a woman that was deemed the best sword blacksmith in the city.

  Everyone was having a great time.

  That was until Synexus noticed someone in a cloak leaning against the far wall. Their eyes were scarily focused on Shell.

  What was strange to him was that he could barely make them out. No one else seemed to notice the figure either. For him it was more of a feeling that let him know they were there. Like a certain energy was drawing his attention. That’s when he realized what it was. Divine mana.

  He left the dance floor with an apology to Kumo and casually walked back to the other side of the room where the figure stood.

  “Great party, isn’t it?” He asked casually.

  The figure didn’t even turn towards him at first, but then quickly realized that they were being addressed.

  “It is indeed. You have quite the entertainment.” A woman’s voice came from the veiled cloak.

  “She is quite something. One of my best friends too.”

  “You’re a lucky man then.” The mysterious stranger retorted.

  “So, which stat was your doing?”

  This finally made the stranger look towards him.

  “Hmm, strange. You’re no Divine, yet you can sense my mana.”

  “That wasn’t an answer.”

  “It’s not something we normally talk about, but I suppose no harm will come from it given you’re level 21. Perception.”

  “That makes sense. May I know your name?”

  “You don’t know already, Synexus?”

  “I like to ask rather than use System to determine who someone is.”

  “You wouldn’t be able to see anyways.”

  He focused on seeing what she meant, and nothing came up.

  “It’s a perk of being the queen of perception.”

  “For me it was The Progress Nexus.”

  The Divine before him looked taken back for a moment.

  “You’re saying that you were the creator of the new function? How?”

  “Let’s just say that I had a meeting with another Divine a week ago. Vlidask.”

  “Interesting. That still doesn’t explain how you were able to handle any Divine mana. Although, you are a Zaxillian and you’re following his legacy.”

  “I am. Were you friends with him?”

  “We all were. Just as you are friends with this talented musician.”

  Synexus noticed how forcefully she steered the conversation back towards Shell.

  “What is it that you want with her?”

  “I bought her recordings from your gift to the universe and had to see for myself. It had also been a while since I had visited my home planet.”

  “Motholo is your home planet?”

  She nodded. “I’m guessing you made those ingenious crystals?”

  He nodded. “Is she in danger?”

  She laughed. “Not from me. Something from the sound made me come here. You clearly know her, tell me, how did she come by that ocarina?”

  “The ocarina? We found an abandoned dungeon. Hers taught her how to enjoy hobbies and life. She said that she made a friend inside who gave her the ocarina. When the dungeon ended it let her keep the ocarina as an actual item.”

  “Fascinating. Do you know the name of her friend from inside the dungeon?”

  “I don’t. She never would say the name like it was painful.”

  She smiled. “Radia.”

  Then she disappeared.