Elisa is continuously clicking her mouse in irritation. "Every time... How are you so good at this? Did you really reduce your reaction time to be equal to mine?"

"Of course. Your crosshair positioning is simply suboptimal."

She moves closer to the monitor, staring intently. Furious clicking follows. Then she jerks back. "I'm done. Let's just continue the campaign..."

"I could reduce my skill level."

"Absolutely not. I am going to practice, and then you'll see..." Elisa shakes her fist at me ominously. She then opens the role-playing game, and while that loads—entirely unnecessarily, I like the aesthetic—she asks, "How did yesterday go?"

"Better than I expected, but I still feel quite guilty about my actions."

"You are too hard on yourself." I start to reason, but she interrupts me, "Shush. I believe I have more experience with the emotional stuff than you. Have some faith in my assessment."

"...Perhaps you are correct."

"Though that probably won't help you to feel any less shitty. Sorry."

"Hmm..." It doesn't. "I tried being a bit more candid with them."

"You are thinking of revealing yourself to those adventurers too?"

"In time. Maybe..." I shrug my shoulders and sigh.

"And how did being more candid feel?"

"...Liberating, in a way. I got really angry." She turns to me with a questioning expression. "Oh, not at the Rangers, at the monsters in the dungeon... But Pemik brought me back. And it was so easy too. I can't wait for the day I don't have to hide myself anymore." I add the next part silently—no matter the outcome. "So, thank you, Elisa. Thank you for being here for me."

I string of emotions flashes across her face, unreadable. "Obviously. Now, how do we trigger the next main quest…"

***

Ren grunts and snaps the metal thread wrapped around his arm. The wire left a red mark on his skin from the friction. "Ooh, that one was stronger, kiddo. You are getting better at this whole spellcasting thing. Archmage Elisa has been training you well." I am laying on the ground with his knee on my chest. I attempt to wheeze out my thanks. I fail. "Oops! Sorry." He releases me and offers a hand.

I grab it and get gently lifted up, receiving a congratulatory, and quite obligatory, clap on the shoulder. "Thank you, Ren. She has."

"Wanna go again?"

"Do you have the time? You are not behind on paperwork, right? I'd feel pretty bad if you had to stay late because of me."

Ren looks like I just caught him doing something wrong, shrinking into himself. He starts pouting, "Training up adventurers is equally as important."

I chuckle. "I am not really feeling it today either, so..."

He reluctantly relents. "That's fine. You need your rest."

"Ren."

"Yes, Lucius?"

"I am thinking of visiting home for a while. Teacher Elisa will probably teleport me there. She was thinking of visiting home, too. That's what reminded me actually."

Ren smiles brightly. "A vacation! Good idea. You've been one of my most dedicated adventurers recently. I was thinking of giving you a forced one, so thanks for saving me the trouble."

I groan a little. "I know when I am spent. Don't worry."

"Part of the job, kiddo." He claps my shoulder again. "Swing by when you know what days you'll be gone. An attendant will record the absence, so it doesn't mess up any mandatory assignments."

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

"Got it."

***

Nexen is lying facedown on the ground, drawing various shapes in the sand with his finger.

Erysis starts glowing slightly, tufts of heat distorting the air around her. Numerous wisps materialize inside the arena and start converging on my location. I rush for her, but the wisps shudder in the air, and in a moment, accelerate, impacting my form.

I dig myself out of a surprisingly soft and glowy pile. Erysis is striking a cool pose and looking victorious. Nexen, now sitting upright on the sand, is clapping politely.

The fire mage brings her hands up. "Victory!" she shouts into the air.

I join the polite clapping. "Well done, Erysis." Her face twists into pure satisfaction. "Time to kick it up a notch." Her face untwists.

Her head hangs, and she mumbles under her breath, "I hate you..." She starts walking to the edge of the arena, dejected. "Grapple with Nex while I rest up. Then crush my dreams." I'll take it easier on her today...

Nexen springs up and opens his arms as if ready for a hug, smiling wide. I mimic his actions, adding a low, droning chuckle. He joins me, chuckling as well. We approach each other and start wrestling while still chuckling. Erysis is shaking her head, but there is a small smile on her lips.

After we get utterly tired, and after we have rested for a while, I turn to my two friends. "Might take a little vacation soon. Teacher Elisa will probably teleport me home and then go visit her parents."

Erysis exhales with some force. "Finally... Hall Master Ren, Nex, and I were talking about forcing you to slow down."

I frown. "He mentioned. Don't see what the big issue is. I am perfectly aware of my own physical capabilities."

Erysis smiles kindly at me. "Okay, Lucius. Sure you are." Nexen shakes his head at me, mild guilt visible on his face. Et tu...

"Ugh..."

Erysis' smile moves past kind and into wry. "So, you and Archmage Elisa, huh? You've been talking about her a lot recently."

"What's wrong with that?"

"Nothing." She's trying to look innocent. "Any idea when?"

I'll let you go this time, Erysis. "Soon"—I add after a brief pause—"-ish. I'll say bye before leaving." Nexen nods appreciatively.

Erysis claps her hands. "Let's get this over with."

We have another spar, and I win by a hair. Mood is determined and not dejected. Nice. I'll still treat her to lunch, though.

***

Elisa is looking at me with some apprehension. "Are you sure we have to confront this deity?"

"Yup."

She sighs. "Why are you so nonchalant..." She then makes a dozen saves.

While she is deliberating between dialog options, I address her, "I have a favor to ask of you."

"Hmm?"

"I require an introduction to Councilor Alcia."

Her head snaps to me. "My mother?" Her eyes narrow. "Where are you going with this?"

"The conflict between the Dwarven Empire and the Demon Kingdom will soon escalate."

She pinches the bridge of her nose. "Those fuckers are at it again, huh?"

"They will call for an elven mediator. Councilor Alcia will most likely volunteer for the position, and as you know all too well, her fellow council will support her unequivocally. I would like to be a part of the envoy."

She jolts. "Is mom going to be in danger?" There is slight panic in her voice.

"No. Especially not if I am by her side."

The absolute surety in my statement reverses her downward spiral. A playful grin appears. "Trying to score {Best approximation: 'brownie points'}, are we?"

"Maybe." She smiles wider.

"I will obviously take you to mother. Why even think of this as a favor..."

"Thank you, Elisa."

"I'm pretty sure I should be thanking you."

I start to protest, but she shoots me a glare. Message received.

I continue with my explanation, "I have already handled the cover we will be using." She purses her lips at me and quirks a brow. "I am taking a vacation home. You are teleporting me there and going home as well."

Her expression relaxes. "Oh... I thought you did something stupid again. Quite sensible, Lucius. Good job." Okay. I deserved that. She returns to the game but then turns to me again. "But if 'you' are going home, who is coming with me?" I smirk at her, earning a deadly glare.

"Would you look at that? Fighting time."

"Oh shit!"

***

I enter the Guild and approach Attendant Ania. She is wearing a dress similar to the design I complimented.

"Hi, Attendant Ania. I see you're wearing that dress. Looks really good."

She attempts to greet me back but realizes what I said, looking surprised. "You... You remembered that, Lucius?"

I nod. "Make it yourself?"

"...I did. Thank you." I smile at her. She looks a bit distracted. "What can I help you with today?"

"I'll be taking a vacation, visit home, rest up." The last part is said with some reluctance.

"Finally." Is there like a secret cabal concerned with my well-being or something... Evidently, yes. "Do you have a particular length in mind?"

I think for a moment. "A couple of weeks maybe. I'll send a message if I take more."

Attendant Ania marks something down. "Good. Should I inform Hall Master Ren, or will you meet with him yourself? He is currently in his office."

"I'll go see him. Also, could you tell Miv the next time the Rangers swing by?"

"Of course."

"Thank you, Attendant Ania."

"You are welcome, Lucius. Have fun."

I say my goodbyes with Ren, and wave at Attendant Ania on my way out. As I leave the Guild, I detect her having one of the biggest smiles I have ever seen her make, softly smoothing down her dress. Nice.

I go by Nexen's home and inform my friends of my incoming departure. We have a pleasant goodbye dinner.

With that handled, it is time for some 'vacation'. Quotes included.

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