A room with a large round wooden table stood on a brown rug with black markings that featured the Riser family crest as several familiar faces entered. Magic stones that normally made the room's light bulbs glow brightly were off and the natural light that the windows let in did its job

  The sight of Red being buried underneath a mountain of children was a sight Lyn found amusing. Her entertainment only grew as she watched from the window. Once he broke free, they gave chase.

  "So staring off into dreamland again, Lyn?"

  Changing from her window side, she met the green gaze of a friend whose name matched his hair. "Ah, Silver, it's good to see you. How's Altria doing?"

  "She's doing fine. Everything went smoothly, so she is just resting back home with our newest addition to the family."

  "That's great to hear. Morgen told me about it last night. I swear the effect you elves have on people's longevity is fascinating, I can still barely believe how young she looks and still to have another kid at her age."

  "Yeah, it's funny how things work." Silver could only laugh at her remarks.

  "By the way, Silver, have you seen Mavis or Brunhilda? Neither one has arrived yet, and we'll be starting soon."

  "Well, from what Lupan told me, Mavis is still in Glacier. She had a family emergency back at her village, so she couldn't attend, while Brunhilda..."

  "Don't tell me she blew it off yet again?" They could only slightly agree with each other before Lyn let loose an irritated sigh. "At least she doesn't hold any actual power."

  "I guess that's one way to look at it." He laughed, joining the view the window provided. He could only chuckle at the sight. "So I guess the rumors Diana told me are true, then you might see the effects yourself in the future."

  "Rumors, what rumors?"

  "Oh, the rumors of you setting up your son with the daughter of an old elven friend of yours. Lumara, right?"

  That statement left Lyn speechless as she wore a blank expression. "I'm gonna kill her after this."

  "What, you're going to try and cause harm to the little old me? But with me gone, who will care for my baby boy and who will make sure Thorrin stays out of trouble?"

  They only turned to see the midnight blue rumor spreader as she feigned her innocence. The likes of a laughing Thorrin joined right behind her, closely followed by Astera, Sigurd and Achilles. All of whom could help but join in on the laugh.

  "You know Diana is only teasing you, right? Or would you rather we talk about something else?" Astera interjected, trying to change the subject.

  "Come on, dear, you can't blame her for messing around, I mean, if I didn't know any better, I'd think the same." Achilles could only joke with his wife.

  However, Sigurd had another line of thinking. "That might not be that bad of an idea. Get the boy paired off early so that way any compatibility issues they may have could be worked out while she adjusts to the lifestyle."

  "Are you sure that you aren't rushing him?" Astrea seemed to be a voice or reason, just not the one Lyn was hoping for. "After all, Red is still quite youn—

  "WHAT!?" Thorrin was left shocked. "You're setting the kid up now, but wouldn't let Achilles, Igneel, or hell even take me to a dungeon!! Come on! A man has to earn his stripes in battle; that's how you get the ladies' attention."

  They could only stare at the large man, stunned, but not surprised at what he said.

  Even Diana could only give a nervous laugh. "Well... It's not like Thorrin's wrong. After all the day he walked by, I was entranced by his tales and markings." Grabbing onto Thorrin's arm, the town girl ran her finger along the scars that marked his arm.

  The conversation slowly shifted away from politics and to marriage. Something that didn't please Lyn in the slightest.

  'I can't believe I'm saying this, but...' "How about we start, since it seems like everyone is here." Lyn spoke up, gaining everyone's attention.

  So everyone took their seats, and those who married into the royal families took the seat next to their parents.

  "Alright, before we start, is there a topic anyone would like to start out with?"

  The first to speak up was the Recian ruler. "Well, it's not really about a topic, but sadly, before we left, some trouble came up involving the fishery. So Turles will not be joining us." Vanassa retook her seat.

  "Alright. So if no one has anything else to say, I would like to start off with reports and sightings of unnaturally high activity in the dungeons." As she spoke, Achilles got up and started to pass around several sets of paper to those present. "As you can see, here is a list of the recorded data, ranging from increased sightings and higher activity levels. To make matters even more worrying, several of the reports state that many of the stronger ones have tried to come to the surface."

  As they looked through the information given to them, many took it seriously. However, some weren't as serious as others and didn't give it much thought.

  "The next set is the listing from Greenvaile. I asked Astera and Sigurd to bring them, given that both Achilles and I saw similar sightings there." While each party was looking over the information, each having their thoughts on the subject, Lyn continued. "I think it would be best for the time to have the guilds advise against any further explorations until the cause of this manner has been discovered."

  Among those present, there was a clear divide between those who agreed and those who didn't.

  "Look, I know how that sounds bu—

  "But nothing." Johanis was the first to interrupt. "Do you have any idea how we would even implement that? That's not even going into how that would continue to attract our relationships with the guilds. Not even going into how this would affect the current technological boom we have had, thanks to the very stones they provide for us. How would you even go about enforcing this?

  "Look, all I want to do is find the cause of this. I mean, just look at these reports, you can see that there is a sharp increase in adventurer injuries and fatalities that coincides with it! And these are just the reports that I was able to get from Golden Scale, plus a few of the other smaller guilds in the area. "

  As the two only continued to argue, each one counted to make points both in favor and against the action. The others just tried to follow as they tried to come to understand.

  "And what do you think you can do about it?" An uncaring voice put a stop to their conversation, as black eyed turned to face Lowins' jade green. "During the years before you took your father's place in that set, we already agreed to force the guilds to invest time into ranking all the dungeons into five different classes, and that took years of funding and diplomacy. On top of that, even with these actions, people die every day, what else is new and those people made the to have that be their career path, so let."

  Like Lyn, his words had many different reactions, but unlike before, Aria, who normally remained stone-faced face could only slightly flinch at his words.

  "So Lowins, are you fine wi–

  The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

  "I'd hate to agree, but they're right." Thorrin spoke up, as an almost look of betrayal appeared on Lyn, while both Achilles and Diana waited. "Look, Lyn, it's not that I don't see your point. While I tried to make it so the S-class ranked dungeons are heavily monitored to prevent some poor group from marching into something they aren't ready for. Sadly, people seek adventure and glory; it isn't something you can easily legislate. But when it comes to this information, I haven't seen anything similar in Ozorio. So I'll look into it with some of Ozorio's top guilds."

  "I mean, Lyn isn't wrong," Astera spoke up, gaining the attention of the room. "Look, while I don't fully know the answer on how to continue this, we should at least take a look to see what areas are affected and inform the guilds that way those registered can at least make an informed choice themselves."

  "You know, now that I think about it. I do recall when Perseus told me that lately, when he and Turles have been going boating, they've run into some troublesome sea monsters." Vanassa couldn't help but wonder if there was a connection.

  "Maybe it's because rather than give your son combat training over the years, you simply allowed that fisherman to make his education solely about how to string a line."

  "The hell you say!" She nearly leaped across the table in an attempt to strangle the high elf, had it not been for both Lupan and Silver holding her back. Lowins was simply unfazed by her attempted assault; he didn't even try to avoid it as he returned to the papers.

  The sight only made Lyn groan, rubbing her fingers against her head, trying to fight off the coming headache that started to take form from the action. Only to feel a hand start to rub her back, trying to soothe the coming migraine. Seeing what Achilles was doing, she only gave a thankful nod as she returned to the meeting. Now that things have calmed down slightly.

  As the discussions continued, they had thankfully moved away from and changed from topic to topic, ranging from providing more trade of produce to Glacier to seeing what new inventions have been made and whether or not they would need to be limited.

  The conversation continued Lyn only grew bored as obsidian black eyes wandered to the window. She followed the movement of the white clouds, recalling her more adventurous past to relieve this feeling as she got lost in her head. Right now, she knew what those kids would be getting into, having their bouts over who was the strongest. She simply wants to watch and cheer her little flame on, to see his growth.

  "Come on, I'm just as bored as you. But let's try to just get through this. I'll take you out to dinner tonight, just the two of us. How does that sound?" Achilles' words gave her something else to think about, as a small smile was found.

  "That would be nice."

  Diana and Astera simply rolled their eyes at the pair, acting like a newly made couple. A golden-eyed man wasn't as entertained.

  "I would like for us to get this business taken care of promptly." The irritated voice of Johanis broke them up.

  "Sorry, what's next on our agenda?"

  She was only met with tired and annoyed stares that prevented her from noticing Astera lean in and inform her about the current topic.

  ——

  The sound of the calm sky was filled by the city's occupants as they filled the air with the commotion of those simply living their lives as they saw fit. It was a sight that gave a one-armed old man comfort, seeing that his work had indeed paid off as the pair simply sat on a bench in the city's center, watching as today's round of youths tried to remove the sword from its resting place.

  "You know, I don't think I'll ever understand why you like watching this so much."

  "You see, dear, it's simple. I like to watch who will try to claim the blade. Plus if it is removed, I want to be the first to congratulate them."

  "Well, I guess that makes sense... Are you sure you don't just want to see Durnadal for yourself?" Hellia simply teased him.

  "Believe what you want to believe. It's still the role I have, after all. I do have Roland's blood in my veins after all."

  The two only leaned on each other. Watching time pass, with each person making their way to the blade. They watched as those in line waited for their turn to see if they could claim it. Humans, hobbits, dwarves, draconians, and elves all stood there, each boasting of their respective claims of what they had done, trying to one-up each other's claims. Each one became more and more bombastic as Hellia could only laugh at the likely exaggerated claims. Many had their gaze fixated on the blade or the skeletal remains in the crater.

  Walking around the plaza, the excited sound of crying children stole their attention. Just like at the altar, many stood in line waiting. They could only watch as each child waited for their turn.

  "I wonder what has them so excited?"

  "Come on, Hellia, you know how kids are. It's a warm sunny day, and they are outside an ice cream parlor. What kid wouldn't be excited? As he spoke, a smile grew. "I think I'll help myself to a triple scoop of Rocky Road."

  She could only watch as he matched off like a child to claim a midday dessert; the sight only made her laugh. "Well, it is warm out and I could go for a taste of strawberry."

  By the time she arrived, he was already inside, but rather than follow, she was stopped by the children who formed a barrier, and rather than enter, they simply waited.

  "So why are you all just waiting?"

  Her voice drew the attention away from the shop as a cascade of eyes grew shocked at who was there. Hellia could only hear the quiet murmurs as they realized who was there.

  "Well, someone said they were going to pay for ice cream for anyone who wanted." A cream-scaled draconian girl spoke up. "So we have just been waiting for him to come back."

  "Is this true?" Hellia could only watch as they all nodded in agreement. "Ah, you kids shouldn't follow someone just because they promise you somethi—

  "All right, kids, sorry for the wait, but here... Oh, good day, Lady Hellia. If you're looking for Igneel, he's still inside." Before her was a young man with dark orange hair and icy silver eyes carrying a tray of cones. Not much has changed, except for the golden yellow stone-tipped, silver spear strapped to his back.

  "Raiden, shouldn't you be at the estate for the summit?" She only watched as each kid grabbed a cone before they took off.

  "Yeah, I was walking around and lost track of time. I was about to make my way back, but then I saw this little place and figured it's hot ou,t so why not get something, then..."

  "You saw these kids and offered to get them a treat."

  His laugh echoed as his hand ran through scruffy orange hair. "Yeah, I got ganges on. By the way, here, when Igneel asked me to hand this off to you." He simply gestures towards the last remaining cone, strawberry flavored.

  Simply giving her thanks, she took the ice cream cone. Eyeing the new weapon that clung to his back.

  "You two started talking without me." Before them was the one-armed man enjoying the large cone of Rocky Road as he joined them on the bench. "So this is the weapon I heard you forged. I must say it's got quite a nice shine. Did you name it?"

  "Yeah, I did." Pulling out the spear, they could only look at the six foot long silver colored pole, and in place of the top was a large yellow gemstone. "I like to call her Matrastri, and there is one opponent that will be her first match."

  They both stopped eating as Raiden got up, watching as he left.

  "Raiden, if you hurt him, I swear I'll–

  "Don't worry, after it's the role of the strong to raise the weak."

  They only watched him waving the back of his hand as he walked away in the direction of their home.

  —-

  It was almost night and day when it came to the calm, lively city when compared to the tense atmosphere that was the table's environment.

  There were many who were quiet as they watched stare down between obsidian and golden eyes. The topic that finally arrived was one that many tried to avoid but always came up... the guilds.

  Over the past few years, the adventure guilds have started to grow at a rapid rate and with the lax restrictions many have called for limitations to be placed on them, a topic not everyone agreed with.

  Johanis only grew annoyed at his red-haired opposition. "Are you really bringing this up again? We never make any headway with this topic."

  "Yeah, I am bringing this up again because every time I try, you refuse to give this topic any time of day."

  "Then why don't you just apply these restrictions to the Ielois guilds then? Why try and get us involved?"

  "You know I need you all to apply the same restrictions. It will help set a president to the guilds in the smaller lands. You know that enforcing the current regulations is already hard enough as is."

  No one dared or cared to come between the two as they continued to argue their point yet again.

  "Maybe you just lack the will to make a decision like that alone and want to hide behind us so your little pet project can work." There was a belittling tone to Johanis' voice.

  "The hell—

  "Sounds like someone's grown weak." Forest spoke up. "After all, if the strong and wise are the ones who carve the path toward. And if the weak can't keep up, it's not our fault if they expire for their foolishness."

  "If the weak need special treatment, let them fall. It will be clear who can make it and who can't."

  A spark was lit, and an echo followed. Lyn shot up from her seat, slamming a flame-covered fist into the table. "How about you both meet me outside and I'll show you weak!"

  "Look, we've been at this for quite some time. How about we take a break and calm down?" All eyes fell on Silver. "I propose that we take an intermission to have a late, much-needed lunch. Does everyone agree?"

  They all paused and took the opportunity to separate. While many left to prepare a meal during the break, leaving both Lyn and Achilles alone in the room.

  "Of all the two-bit, ego-driven, no-life valuing, son of a—

  "Hey, take it easy, Lyn, if you keep this up your voice will go hoarse before we even get to the second day."

  "Did you hear what they had to say? Who can and who can't make?" Her voice was full of mockery. "Those two wouldn't know the difference between strong and weak if it bit them on the—

  A pair of hands wrapped around her, cutting her off. "Lyn, I know, how about we talk about it over some lunch. I'll whip something up in the kitchen and bring it to you, then you can vent to me as much as you want."

  He didn't give her a chance to object before making his way out of the meeting room, leaving Lyn to sit with her thoughts.

  A low, tired groan came from her as the sun caught her eye. Moving her chairs to the window, Lyn watched as Perceus and Lycan approached each other in the center of the training field.

  "So, looks like the gauntlet is starting."