Chris

Gemini City

Surprisingly, war didn't erupt at the moment of my arrival. It sure felt like it would have, but it didn't. It had been a week already, and it looked like it would be a while more until things became... lively. It lent credence to Abigail's reasoning not to call for me. Sitting around like this was boring.

I reckoned it was for a few reasons: Frostheim's arrival, Marcus's movements along the border, and Mikayla and Tasunka finalizing things before their offensive started.

The week of heavy snows didn't help.

It wasn't even anything I was doing either, just nature taking its due course with Winter asserting its dominance.

It was eight days after our arrival that I found myself relaxing in one of the city's taverns with Hal, Elliot, Jonathan, and my brother. It had started as a regular meeting of the Order Captains, but with nothing new to report or strategize over, it had turned into a day of drinking and relaxation.

With no news or ideas of when this whole thing would kick off, it wasn't like we could stay wired 24/7, and some drinking would do us good. Especially the other three. Even if news reached us right this second, it would still be days until any fighting would happen. Plus, some relaxation was needed after the the Captains in front of me were running their Orders ragged with training, mock battles, and army cohesion drills.

The entire week was full of them, and if they did any more, people would start dropping from hypothermia and exhaustion.

"I wish they would just attack already." Gabe lamented, "All this waiting is frustrating."

"Ha," Hal laughed, "Where is the 'Why can't we end this peacefully' boy, eh? I seem to remember you fighting hard against this, and now you're hoping for them to attack already?"

Elliot, Jon, and I snickered. Gabriel had been the most against this, but even he was ready for it to be over.

"It's not the same, and you know it." Gabe shot back, "If they're gonna do it, just do it already."

Even though I already knew the answer, I asked all the same, "Anything new with the Scouts, Hal?"

The man shook his head, "Not a peep. Last reports have them consolidating and preparing. Based on the materials flowing around, I'd say they plan for a long, drawn-out war. The Heartlands have been packing wagon upon wagon of food."

Sadly, that was all we had. They were preparing, but with no date of departure.

Forces were building up along their shared border, but the first shot hadn't been fired, and it didn't seem like it would happen soon.

"Bah, all this snow is what's doing it. Can't you do something about that?" Hal suggested like I was in charge of it.

"You want me to what, stop the snow?" I laughed, "I can do that just as well as you could stop the wind." It was possible, but not forever. More importantly, what would be the point?

"Hey, I've seen you do crazier shit before," Hal defended.

I couldn't help but snort and take a sip of my drink. The ale here wasn't as good as at home, but it wasn't too bad. Weaker than I would have liked, but I didn't exactly have the average constitution either.

"I wish the dungeons weren't so full." Elliot complained, "I'm close to my next skill."

With thousands from Frostheim arriving in addition to the population of Gemini City, the dungeons were severely backlogged. Even though there were three of them compared to our two, there were more people aiming to delve into them.

"How close?" I asked curiously. I was still pretty far from mine, sitting at level 116. Elliot had evolved before me and was running the dungeons daily.

"Two away." He answered, "And I can't wait. I think it'll be a good one too."

Hal nodded knowingly, while Jon and Gabriel didn't seem to be as close as the other two. Hal was probably close as well.

"You can have my delve slots if you need them," I offered, "I'm still too far away for it to matter much. At best, I get another level before this begins, which won't help all that much."

Elliot quickly waved me off, "No, no, it's not that big–"

"No, I insist," I interrupted, "Getting you a Class skill will do us more good than getting me just another level."

Jon jumped in too, "You can have mine too. My Profession is higher-level than yours, so I don't need it as much."

Elliot looked like he wanted to fight us, but relented when he saw how serious we were. Hal had no intention of giving up his slots, and Gabriel wanted to, but I shook him off. He was the lowest leveled out of all of us, and while it sounded bad, the weakest as well. He didn't have the room to give up any essence gains.

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"Then I can only accept," Elliot said thankfully, "If I hit it before this starts, you can have them, Hal."

The Ranger nodded gratefully. Being a backliner, he didn't need the boost as much as the metal warrior.

"What do you think it'll be?" Hal asked, referring to the skill Elliot would get.

Elliot shook his head, "Hell if I know. The first one was an Order buff depending on what [Stance] I'm in, I have no idea what the list will include."

I had some guesses based on his Class, but didn't push him. It was all speculation until he reached the threshold. His Class, though, was called Master of the Bear Order. A step away from his previous Class, Shifting Vanguard. Like me, he went towards a leadership direction. It was similar to the Class I was offered, but more related to the one specific Order.

The [Stance] he was referring to was a previous Class skill called [Shifting Stance] that related to the way he shifted his metal when fighting. His [Defensive Stance] had thicker armor and a shield, while his [Offensive Stance] had thinner and more streamlined armor, with an emphasis on his sword.

Now it seemed like, depending on the [Stance] he was in, those under him would get a defensive boost or an offensive boost.

"I hope there's one that will mitigate the downsides of [Banner of the Bear]." He continued.

The downside he was referring to was that he had to be a lot more mindful of what [Stance] he was in, and couldn't be as free with his shifts. Just because he didn't need to be in his [Defensive Stance], didn't mean others didn't.

"Oh, it'd be cool if you could combine them for a more comprehensive boost." Gabriel, ever the skill theorist, exclaimed.

"Nah, that seems unlikely," Hal said, "It'll probably be more like giving the members the choice rather than it being dependent on his current [Stance]."

Jon disagreed, "That seems like an upgrade of the current skill rather than something he should waste a Class skill choice on."

"I agree," I said, "You only get six, with on already chosen for you. Having one so closely tied to another is a waste."

Hal smirked, "Says the man who hasn't even gotten to use his first one."

The others chuckled. It was a running joke that [Tyr's Judgement] was 'wasted'. It didn't help that I hadn't gotten to use it yet.

"It's not like I had a choice," I muttered. First Class skills weren't up to us. I didn't really know who it was up to.

"Just you wait, he'll twist it into something perfect for him. Bending it into submission." Gabriel said in mock annoyance. His fascination with Skills had him recording upgrades and combinations of those willing to let him. My family having the reputation it did meant he had a lot of willing participants. With an expansive set of data, he soon came to a realization.

"The man's upgraded or merged more skills than anyone I've ever seen."

I wasn't sure of the exact number, but it was a lot. [Power Strike] three times, [Barbarian's Rage] three times, [Ice Manipulation] three times, and the list went on. I honestly didn't think it was that impressive until Gabe put together the list and saw how far ahead I was of everyone else.

It was a surprise to learn that other people weren't as successful.

"It's his Spirit," Jon stated confidently, "It has to be. I've yet to meet someone with as strong or robust a Spirit."

Gabe perked up, "Spirit strength is a good theory. I hadn't thought of that."

"Hey now, we were talking about Elliot's skill, not me," I redirected.

"No, no, this is much better," Elliot grinned, trying to keep the attention on me.

A cold gust of wind cut off whatever Hal was about to say as the tavern door swung open, letting a patron in. Taking the opportunity, I downed my drink and got up, "Another round?"

Four nods later, I stalked off to the bar.

I took a moment to appreciate the ambiance. People, although slightly worried for what was to come, ate, drank, and were otherwise merry. The tavern was over half full with people, and the fire was roaring.

It was a bit stuffy for my tastes, but that was to be expected. Ever since my Bloodline evolution, my preferred temperature was even lower. Other than that, the week of being around people again had been nice. I knew what was coming, and I was taking as much time as I could get for relaxation before heading into another big fight.

Some in the city saw us 'relaxing' and were upset, but I didn't pay them any mind. They could think what they wanted.

I paid the barkeep and walked back to the table with our tankards with a smile. I wasn't buzzed yet, but I was getting there.

"... Gavin and Sydney both are making great strides. I don't know who I want to give the position to." Hal said.

"Oh, trying to get Hal to finalize his Vice-Captain?" I caught the tail end of what was said.

"Yes, but he still refuses to make a decision." Elliot harped.

"They're all good!" Hal defended, "They all also have roles their already filling. I don't want to ruin that."

Of Hal's Lieutenants, there were only four, compared to Elliot's five, not including Anders. Gavin, who headed the bonded unit, Killian, head of the trackers and Bloodhounds, Justin headed the Scouts, and Sydney was head of the Rangers who specialized in battle.

"How many Steps do each of them have?" Jon asked.

Steps were the combined amount of advancements made along the three paths. A Tier 1 Law was one step, a Tier 2 Law was two Steps, a Body of Wood was one step, and so on.

If someone had multiple Laws, like I did, only the highest Tiered one was counted, and Anchors counted for two.

I, with my Tier 2 Law, Body of Stone, Mana Heart, and Anchor, accounted for 7 Steps. Jonathan also had 7 Steps, matching me in number and distribution. Hal and Elliot both had 5, missing Anchors, and Gabriel had 4, missing an Anchor and a level of Body Refining.

"They all have 5, which makes it even harder," Hal complained.

"At least you didn't have your Vice-Captain poached from you," Elliot added while giving me a pointed look.

"Anders wasn't poached. He still carries out his duties as your Vice-Captain. He just also has Judicator duties as well." I said in defense. Admittedly, it had taken some time for the man, but he'd gotten used to the change quickly. He carried out both roles admirably now that he was more experienced.

"At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if he nails a third position on me," Jonathan piled on.

"Hey, I–"

"Or he'll make you run a city you didn't want by sending the ruling Lord away," Hal interrupted.

I was under assault by a coordinated strike. I looked to my brother for help.

"Or he'll make you take charge of an Order you didn't want." Betrayal from my own blood.

"And I got you all drinks," I grumbled.

Before that could continue, another cold wind blew through, but this one brought someone who wasn't a customer. He walked with a purpose and had the snarling head of a proud wolf pinned to his snow-covered cloak.

Hal caught sight of him immediately, with the rest of us looking over soon after.

The face the Scout was making was enough, but his next words made sure there was no doubt.

"They've left the city. Both Mikayla and Tasunka are marching."

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