Akira stumbled onto the estate grounds after running for the greater part of two hours. She was copper rank and at a decent level, with plenty of agility and endurance to boot, but even then she was winded by the trip. Coming up to the estate's main gate, the bronze-ranked guards shared worried looks at her harried state.

One of the guards came forward to meet her, "Is something the matter, Lady Akira?"

"I'm fine," Akira huffed, resisting the urge to hunch over and gasp for breaths, "Where is my mother?"

"Lady Kora is out walking the grounds," the guard said before frowning, "Are you sure you're—?"

Before the guard could finish his question, Akira was already running through the gate.

The Anuk estate covered several dozen acres, all of it blending in with the wild environment. There were changes here and there, however, with the occasional garden, park, and creek. The most obvious change from the norm was the variation in the trees. There was still some rejuvenating pine here and there, but most of the foliage was made up of other magical trees from all over the planet, integrated in such a way that it almost felt natural. The magic of the trees interacted in a slight and subtle way that made everything seem brighter, more vibrant, and alive.

At the forefront of the estate was the main residence, a large mansion for all the members of the family, main branch and otherwise. It was in the style of a lodge, offering abundant natural light for all the living trees incorporated in the construction. Further in the estate grounds one would find dozens of guest houses, state-of-the-art training fields, an arena, and a large illusion array for simulated battles.

The Anuk family had worked hard to get where they were and were wholly determined to not only hold their position but to keep climbing towards the top. This engendered a never-ending drive to improve and get stronger, thus most of the estate grounds were occupied by various ways to hone one's capabilities. None was as fastidious about the family's improvement as Kora Anuk, Akira's mother, and eldest daughter of the family's matriarch.

Knowing her mother well enough, Akira headed for the arena where she would no doubt be watching over the other members of the family as they trained, giving guidance where she could. It killed Akira to have to run even farther, as the arena was near the back of the estate, but she knew her mother would scold her for slacking.

As she passed through the grounds, running along pathways that led under petaled trees or by rocky streams, Akira was forced to nod and wave greetings to others, not wanting to waste her breath. When she finally arrived at the arena, Akira found her mother sitting in a booth at the top of the stands watching the dozens of sparring matches. With a groan, Akira raced up the stands and stormed in through the door.

Upon entering the booth, her mother shot to her feet and approached, a worried expression on her face, "Akira? What are you doing here? I thought you were doing a contract up north. Is everything alright?"

Akira leaned against the wall and held up a finger, taking a chance to catch her breath. A moment later she was able to speak, although barely, "I'm fine. Contract got poached."

Her mother's worry turned into a frown of annoyance, "Again? I thought the adventurers guild would have dealt with that by now. Just when you were about to be out of the probationary period too."

She turned her attention back to her daughter, "If your contract got poached then why rush here? You should've gone to the city to report it."

"I caught the person in the act and recorded it," Akira said, producing the recording crystal she'd used earlier that morning.

Akira pushed off the wall as her mother took the pink-purple crystal from her. Turning it over in her hand, she said, "Why didn't you capture whoever it was?"

"I was recording the person for evidence. Before I could make my move, he disappeared into the shadows."

"Shadow travel," she frowned, "Why bring this to me first instead of going straight to the guild?"

"My instincts told me something was off, but I don't know why exactly. I wanted to see what you think."

With a nod, Kora led the two of them to the lodge and into a lavish viewing room. Not long after, Akira and her mother were sitting in armchairs watching the recording of the man as he stood over the Vipercat.

"I'm still not entirely certain why you brought this to me," her mother said, watching the still-playing recording, "Nothing here really seems out of place. Besides the fact that whoever this is, is talking to themselves and is crazy for not wearing armor."

"It's not just the recording. How many abilities would you say he has?"

"Well there's the looting and storage power, and while it is extraordinarily rare to get two such abilities, I don't see that as earth-shattering. Then there's the eyes—they're obviously part of some kind of ability. And you said something about a shadowy movement ability?"

Akira nodded, "He also had an aura ability, and was gaining another as I came up on him."

"Akira, unless you're going to tell me what's so special about this man, I don't see why you didn't just go to the adventurers guild with this. Is it because he was a higher level than you?"

"No, it's the opposite. He was a lower level than me."

"A lower level?" her mother asked, curious, but still not understanding the issue.

"I felt his aura, and it was like nothing I've ever experienced before," Akira explained, "He's obviously copper-ranked and low-leveled, between level 20-30, but the soul strength was above what I could grasp, being at least high iron. Then there was something I didn't recognize in his aura, something similar to an ethnicity but more prevalent. He should only have four abilities at this point, but he has at least five, possibly six if the ability he'd just gained wasn't the shadow movement one. My instincts tell me he has more than that though."

Her mother frowned at the recording, which was now replaying, "And you said this man was a human?"

"He is, I couldn't feel much about his aura, but I could feel that. Is it possible for new racial abilities to appear? That's the only explanation I can think of."

Her mother's eyes went wide and she turned to Akira, "I believe I know what this man is. I need you to go back out there, find him, and bring him here. Do not tell anyone about this man or that I've told you to bring him here."

"O-okay?" Akira said, confused but not refusing, "What if I can't find him? He traveled through the shadows and hasn't been caught for well over a week."

"I'll send out feelers and have them keep eyes and ears out for him. We need to find him before anyone else realizes what he is."

"And what is he?"

"I can't be certain," her mother said, standing with a thoughtful expression, "but I have a theory. While you go looking for him I'll be searching through old records and reports. Now go, and, Akira, be quick."

Standing from her plush chair, Akira nodded, taking a stamina potion before bolting out the door and back towards the northern forests.

***

"So what's the deal with this thing?" Lukas asked Sera through the blessing.

He was sitting next to Lyric at the front of the wagon as it rumbled down the road, and he was curious about the animal pulling it. Sera sat cross-legged on its back, facing Lukas. Neither Lyric nor the animal gave any indication that she was there.

The animal in question was a six-legged creature with two sets of front legs, one placed directly behind the other, and one set of rear legs. It was built similar to a horse in both shape and size, but there were differences. For starters, the thing had rather majestic antlers, similar to a deer's. It also had paws instead of hooves, but instead of claws it had something close to nails for what Lukas guessed was better traction. And instead of short glossy fur, it had reddish-brown skin.

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The goddess gave Lukas a quizzical look from the back of the steed, "It's a marel. Didn't you use that ability that gives you information on stuff?"

"Well yeah, but it only came with the name, no level or anything."

"So?"

"So why doesn't it have a level?"

"Not everything or everyone has the ability to wield magic and progress through the ranks. This is just a normal animal."

"Well why haven't I seen one before now?"

Sera just rolled her eyes, "Why do you think, stupid? Because they're killed by more powerful creatures in the wild before they even grow up. It's what would've happened to you if you weren't such a tough little cookie."

"How are they born? Is there a chance the powerful beasts can have offspring that can't level?"

"Yeah, but if both parents can wield magic then the probability for the children to do so increases dramatically."

"What percent of the population can use magic and how many can't?"

Sera shrugged, "No idea. The number fluctuates over time based on certain criteria. Items like the Stone of Rebirth are the only way for nonmagics to start on the path to the peak, since it literally transforms the body."

"There are other ways to gain access to mana than the Stone of Rebirth?"

"There are, but none are as good. Certain natural treasures do the same thing, but have side effects or requirements like forcing an affinity on a person or needing to be a certain race. There are also some man-made items like alchemical baths, concoctions, and rituals, but they're expensive, have a high failure rate, and are risky."

"Alright, but why use animals that can't level or get stronger? Wouldn't you want to use stronger beasts since they have improved stats? I imagine it'd make work a lot faster and easier."

"Of course, but every being with the ability to rank has an inherent drive to do so. No beast or animal is going to allow itself to be a work animal or pet."

"What are normal animals used for then?"

"The same thing they're used for in your world I imagine. Food, transportation, work, you name it. You know, I'm surprised you're not all caught up in having killed people. Based on what you've told me, your world is a pretty soft and safe one. I would've thought you'd be all mopey by now."

Lukas frowned beneath his mask, "I'm not really sure how to feel about it. On one hand I'm conflicted about having killed two people, but on the other hand they weren't exactly the best of the bunch. I mean, they were robbing a guy and considering killing him just to make it easier and quicker. I've also been steeped in slaughter since I arrived in this world, so killing a few people was easier than I thought it would be. Even before then, I was already desensitized to blood and gore, having hunted and butchered animals before."

"That's oddly reasonable."

"Then there's the depressing fact that because I'm an outworlder I'll be dealing with other people's bullshit at some point. Which will result in me having to kill in order to stay independent and unattached because I'm not dumb enough to think that can be solved diplomatically. I've already come to accept that I'll probably be killing a lot of people in the future, so I might as well get used to it."

"Wow, that is depressing, but you're right. If you don't want people to crush you underfoot and control you, then you'll have to make them consider not just the political cost, but the personal cost of crossing you."

"It seems rather grim," Lukas sighed.

"That's just the way the world works, and the only way to escape it is to stand at the pinnacle. So claw your way to the top, leave a mountain of corpses behind you, and make them fear the consequences of going against you. For now, I'd focus on the elf at your side."

At the goddess's words, Lukas realized that the elf had just been left to sit in awkward silence while Lukas seemed to stare blankly ahead. He shot a side glance in the elf's direction and the elf noticed.

"So," Lyric said, breaking the silence that had been sitting between them, "You mentioned being lost in the forest for a while, how'd that happen?"

"Oh yeah," Sera added, "And you might want to start working on a backstory,"

Lukas was forced to ignore the goddess as his mind worked on overdrive, "…I was heading to the city when I left the main road looking for some beasts. By the time I wanted to get back to the road I was already lost."

"How long were you stuck out there?"

"Close to two months I think?"

"That long? It's a miracle you survived, and judging by your state I'd say it was a close thing," Lyric said, nodding at the remnants of Lukas's clothes.

"Yeah," Lukas smiled bashfully, looking over his sorry state, "I had a few close calls, but some lucky encounters as well. I'd say I came out better for it though."

"If you say so," Lyric scoffed, "That adventuring business is not for me. I much prefer the craftsman path thank you very much. That and the missus would kill me if I went looking for trouble."

"It couldn't hurt to learn to fight, especially if you're going to be traveling alone. Those bandits should be proof enough."

"I suppose you're right," Lyric said thoughtfully, "Bandits and thieves are fairly rare in these parts though, there just isn't anything valuable enough to steal. But I doubt that'll matter once my wife finds out what happened earlier. She might try to hire armed guards for me or make me take combat lessons."

"If fighting isn't your thing, then what is?"

"My wife and I run an apothecary. Mostly it's alchemical ingredients and the like, but we sell some other things to help fill the margins."

"I guess that explains all the herbs in the back."

"We like to source our product locally," Lyric nodded, "but it can be expensive sometimes, especially on higher rarity resources or when we decide to import. So to help keep costs down, I go out and collect the more common stuff myself. It also helps when I find the occasional diamond in the rough, that's always a nice payday."

"You find anything good this time?"

"Unfortunately no, otherwise I would've handed it over to the bandits to make them leave."

"That probably would've resulted in them harassing you even more to see if you had anything else."

Lyric sighed despondently, "I suppose you're right. I'm just glad you came along to get me out of that in one piece."

"It's not like I was just going to sit by and watch them rob you," Lukas said dismissively, "So, is business good?"

"We do alright. We cover a somewhat niche market with our lower-quality items. It's mostly beginner alchemists, apprentices, and a school every once in a while. We do a decent amount of business with people looking to cook with the herbs though, so we aren't completely dependent on alchemists. You're an alchemist yourself, aren't you?"

"I am," Lukas nodded, "I'm mostly self-taught though, and wouldn't call myself an expert."

"So that poison you used earlier?" Lyric asked, jabbing a thumb back the way they came.

"I made that," Lukas confirmed.

"Most alchemists just focus on potions to sell. Not many go for poison due to the danger in making them, and even fewer use their own creations. You make more money selling your products than killing beasts with them."

"I'm not really concerned about money," Lukas shrugged, "besides, it's not like I can't sell my potions or poisons if need be."

"I suppose you're right. Where'd you learn alchemy? I'd assume your home city or village."

"No, it was actually out in the wild. I stumbled upon a cave someone was living in—she was an alchemist and saw potential in me. She provided the tools to learn and I taught myself. It was just another one of my lucky encounters."

"Lucky indeed, it isn't every day someone is able to learn alchemy. Usually it's only those who show talent that are allowed to become apprentices."

"I struggled a lot in the beginning," Lukas admitted, "but I got the hang of it eventually. So what can you tell me about where we're headed?" he asked, eager to steer the topic away from himself.

Lyric looked contemplative for a moment, "There's not much you need to know about Pinewood, it's not so different from other cities out there, just more trees. It is an important trading hub along the coast though, especially with the lumber industry and the high demand for the rejuvenating pine."

'Well that's not very helpful,' Lukas thought. He wanted to know more, but couldn't just come out and say he knew nothing of the city after having said he was traveling toward it before.

"So there's people from all over there?" he asked.

"It's mostly locals," Lyric shrugged, "but if you make your way to the docks, you're pretty much guaranteed to meet people from around the world. You know, now that I think about it, you might want to register with the adventurers guild once we get to the city. They've been a bit agitated recently and registering right away might help keep them from asking questions."

"Register?"

Lyric looked at him curiously, "You're an adventurer, aren't you?"

"I'm not a part of any kind of society, I'm an adventurer in more of a literal sense. You know, going out and exploring the world. I don't think I need to be in a guild for that kind of thing."

"That's true I guess. Just be careful while you're in town, you don't want them to come down on you."

"Why would they do that?"

"Well the reason they're so agitated right now is because a lot of closed contracts have been getting poached in this area. If you go hunting beasts near settlements they won't be happy with you, but as long as you go deep into the wild for some kills they shouldn't mind. All the adventurer guild really cares about is creating an organized system for protecting villages, towns, and cities."

Lukas nodded, taking in his words, "Thanks for the tip."

Lyric turned to look at him, giving him an assessing gaze, "Now that I say it, you wouldn't happen to be the person behind all those poached contracts, would you?"

"No," Lukas lied, his mask hiding a very guilty expression, much to the amusement of the still-present goddess.

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