Breakfast at the Copper Bell became a ritual. After every grueling morning training session, the seven of them would claim their usual large table by the window, tired, sweaty, but bound by a growing camaraderie. Astraeus, for the first time since his resurrection, felt like he was part of something. He wasn't just a student anymore, or a lone survivor, or a secret-keeper. He was part of a team.
He learned their stories in bits and pieces over plates of eggs and bacon. Lyra, the cheerful earth mage, was from a small farming village and dreamed of using her magic to build bridges and fortify towns. Darius, the stoic ex-soldier, had discovered his magical talent late in life after a career in the king's army and approached every situation with a calm, tactical mind. Kira, the enthusiastic healer, was driven by a fierce desire to protect people, her healing magic an extension of her compassionate nature. Thomas, the serious fire-and-lightning specialist, was intensely competitive but fiercely loyal to those who earned his respect. Elena, the quiet ice mage, rarely spoke but saw everything, her observations often cutting to the heart of a problem. And Garrett, Marcus's nephew, was arrogant and cocky, but his heart was in the right place, and his loyalty to his uncle and the guild was absolute.
Three days passed in this new rhythm. Morning training pushed them to their limits. Afternoons were spent in the guild library, where Astraeus devoured texts on dimensional mechanics and essence theory, trying to understand the forces he now wielded. Evenings were for quiet study or shared meals at the inn. His skills sharpened, his essence pool grew, and his understanding of magic deepened with each passing day.
But comfort, Kha'Zul reminded him regularly, was a luxury he couldn't afford.
You're getting complacent, the demon said as Astraeus walked through the guild hall on the fourth day. You're playing student again. That's not what you are anymore. You're a Reality Anchor. You should be hunting threats, not practicing drills.
"I'm training. I'm learning," Astraeus countered mentally. "I'm not ready to face an Ethereal Lord yet."
No. But you are ready for more than this. Real growth comes from real danger.
As if summoned by Kha'Zul's words, a commotion near the main notice board drew Astraeus's attention. A new posting had gone up, written in urgent red ink, and a crowd of mages was clustered around it, their voices a low hum of excitement and apprehension.
Astraeus moved closer, his curiosity piqued. He read the notice over the shoulder of a nervous-looking apprentice.
[PRIORITY TASK: VOIDBORN NEST
DISCOVERED]
[Location: Blackwood Forest, 20 miles north of Thornhaven]
[Threat Level: EXTREME]
[Description: Hunters report multiple Voidborn sightings. Evidence suggests a stable dimensional rift has formed, creating a nest. Immediate action required before creatures spread to populated areas.]
[Requirements: Team of 4-6 experienced combat mages. Dimensional sealing capability mandatory.]
[Reward: 100 gold per participant, guild advancement considerationContact: Guildmaster Thomas Crane for assignment]
Astraeus read the posting twice, his heart rate increasing. A Voidborn nest. Multiple creatures. A stable rift. This was exactly the kind of challenge Kha'Zul had been talking about.
Now you're interested, Kha'Zul said with satisfaction. This is what you should be doing.
"It says team of four to six," Astraeus murmured. "I'd need to join a group."
"Thinking about it?"
Astraeus turned to see Lyra standing beside him, her expression serious. Darius, Thomas, and the others were with her, their eyes all fixed on the notice board.
"I am," Astraeus admitted. "I have dimensional sealing capability. And I've faced a Voidborn before."
"We know," Darius said. "That's why we were hoping you'd be interested. The five of us want to take this task, but the Guildmaster won't approve a team without a sealing specialist. We need you."
Astraeus looked at the faces of his new teammates. They were looking at him not as an Initiate, not as a charity case, but as a vital member of their team. They trusted him. They needed him.
It was a feeling he hadn't realized he'd been craving.
"I'm in," he said, his voice firm. "When do we leave?"
Relief washed over Lyra's face. "Tomorrow at dawn. We'll need today to prepare."
They spent the rest of the day in a flurry of activity. Darius, the natural leader, took charge of logistics, sending Thomas and Garrett to the supply district for camping gear and provisions while he, Lyra, and Astraeus went to the library to research. Kira and Elena, meanwhile, went to the alchemy lab to procure essence potions and medical supplies.
That evening, they gathered at their usual table at the Copper Bell, which now served as their unofficial headquarters. Darius spread a map across the table, marking the location of Blackwood Forest and the reported Voidborn sightings.
"The nest is here," he said, pointing to a spot deep in the forest. "Twenty miles north, then another five miles into dense woodland. No easy paths. We'll be hiking through rough terrain."
"How many creatures are we expecting?" Lyra asked.
"Unknown," Thomas said, his voice grim. "Could be three, could be a dozen. We won't know until we're there."
"Then we prepare for a dozen," Darius said firmly. "We go in ready for the worst-case scenario. If it's more than we can handle, we retreat, seal the rift if possible, and report back for reinforcements. This is reconnaissance and elimination if feasible. We are not heroes sacrificing ourselves for glory. We are professionals. We survive."
Astraeus appreciated the pragmatism. It was a stark contrast to the reckless heroism often lauded in stories.
They spent the next hour finalizing their plan, assigning roles, and debating tactics. Thomas was primary offense, his fire and lightning magic designed for maximum damage. Lyra was defense and control, her earth magic perfect for creating barriers and manipulating the battlefield. Darius was the tactical core, directing their efforts and filling any gaps. Kira and Elena were support, providing healing and ranged attacks. And Astraeus… Astraeus was their trump card. His primary role was to seal the rift, but his versatile essence manipulation made him a wild card, capable of switching between offense, defense, and support as needed.
As the meeting wound down, a sense of quiet determination settled over the group. They were all aware of the risks. They all knew that some of them might not come back.
"Get some rest," Darius said, his voice a low rumble. "Tomorrow's going to be a long day."
The group dispersed. Astraeus climbed the stairs to his room, his mind already running through scenarios and strategies. A Voidborn nest. Multiple creatures. A stable dimensional rift. This was several orders of magnitude more dangerous than the single creature he'd faced in the warehouse.
Nervous? Kha'Zul asked.
"Cautious," Astraeus corrected. "There's a difference."
Good. Caution keeps you alive. Overconfidence kills.
Astraeus lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, listening to the sounds of the city settling into night. Somewhere out there, twenty-five miles away, creatures from beyond reality were gathering. And tomorrow, he would walk directly toward them.
But he wouldn't be alone.
He closed his eyes and focused on his breathing, on the slow, steady rhythm of his own heart. He was afraid, yes. But he was also ready. He was a mage of Thornhaven. He was a Reality Anchor. And he had a job to do.