The camp was gathered beneath a small tree, orange leaves drifting on the branches as the breeze passed through. Leo watched, eyes fixed upon the subtle movements. Cecelia was wrapping up her speech, saying goodbye to those that they had lost.

Lena was softly crying into Amy’s shoulder. Herself—and the crafters—had been retrieved by Ron once the fighting had stopped. He’d quickly tracked them down and informed them of the situation.

Many attempts at gratitude had been sent Leo’s way since his return. Some said nothing. A few went out of their way to ask why he hadn’t returned quicker, why he hadn’t punished everyone. Those were the ones he remembered.

Jonah, Jules, people whose names he hadn’t had the chance to learn. They were gone. His friends had told him that it wasn’t on him, that they would have all likely died if he hadn’t returned when he did. A saner mind was needed to accept that truth.

Right now he was in a freefall of guilt.

Ashley’s hand slowly interlocked itself into his, squeezing gently. The touch of her silky skin brought his attention back from the tree.

“Come on,” she said softly. “Cecelia wants us for a meeting.”

Leo nodded and let himself be led along. Ashley had been at his side ever since he’d returned, worry evident on her face. She hadn’t tried to console him, hadn’t even mentioned his return, nor what he was up to. She was just there, waiting until he was ready.

That needed to come soon. Just because he sent Cain’s men packing didn’t mean they would be left alone. Grief had to be forged. Melted down and re-shaped until only resolve remained. The question of how to do so still eluded him.

His mind wandered as the camp passed by slowly. Blood stains were drying under the hot sun, tickling his nostrils with the scent of iron. His ears picked up quiet sobs or frustrated hammering.

But even through all the distractions, he couldn’t help but picture the man’s head he’d almost crushed in his hand. The man had surrendered. Laid down his weapon and gotten on his knees and Leo had almost executed him. How was he any better than Cain, or the men he despised?

His mood darkened under his own lack of control. He was supposed to be in control of his emotions, but apparently there was a limit. A dangerous limit that put his morals on mute.

“You didn’t,” Ashley said. “You’re not that guy.”

It was like she was reading his mind as they passed the point of where it had gone down. Chunks of the mage's head were still splattered on the nearby fixtures.

“I almost was. Again.”

“It’s not the same anymore. Killing isn’t what it used to be. If all those people had attacked once you’d arrived, killing them wouldn’t have made anyone blink. The only reason you feel terrible is because they surrendered like cowards after someone stronger than them arrived.”

“Maybe… I still feel like I almost became a tyrant. A monster. That’s not me—I don’t want to become one.”

Ashley shrugged, not turning to face him. “So don’t.”

Silence followed as Leo and Ashley walked on. They made it to the main meeting point, a room with a large table designed by one of the craftsmen. Enough chairs were lined up to hold a full conference meeting.

Leo and Ashley sat down, no one spoke yet. They were waiting for all to arrive. Once Nolan arrived, red eyed and solemn, the meeting began.

“Today has been a struggle. We have lost friends, set them to rest, and now have to pick up the pieces to create tomorrow,” Cecelia began, hands clasped.

“I’ve called this meeting to plan what is to be done about Cain, the dungeons, and give you a chance to voice your opinions. I believe we should start with what occurred in the dungeon at the keep.” Her eyes landed on Leo. “Leo, would you mind?”

He exhaled. These people were all ready to move on, to progress. He needed to be there too.

His palms crashed into his cheeks hard enough to startle the room. Blood pooled inside his cheek as he felt the raw sting clear his mind.

Ashley clicked her tongue, placing a hand on his arm and sending white light coursing through him.

“Sorry. I needed a reset,” Leo said.

“Alright. I’ll try and explain as best I can. A lot happened.”

Leo told them the tale of the Cinder Bastion. He explained the encounters, the challenges. The time Cain saved his life, the last boss, and… the time he’d saved Cain’s.

“Are you fucking kidding me?!” Nolan bellowed, hands crashing into the table hard enough to splinter the wood. “You saved him? Why?”

“To repay the debt,” Leo said, unsure. He’d questioned himself then, and was doing so even more now.

“Your gratitude got Jules killed. You should be ashamed,” Nolan spat.

“Now hold on a fucking second,” Bjorn said, voice hard. “Don’t you dare blame his death on the kid. The only reason we weren’t holding a funeral for more of us is because of him. Blame him again and I’ll grant your wish.”

Nolan’s weapon appeared in his hand, Bjorn’s did the same. The two men eyed each other, ready to draw blood.

“Enough.” Cecelia’s voice boomed out, carrying command.

“Nolan. I know you are hurting, I understand. But don’t let grief cloud sense. Leo is not responsible for the deaths. You know that.”

Nolan dropped his weapon, it clattered onto the stone and he collapsed into his chair, head in his arms on the table as emotions overwhelmed him.

“Bjorn, please,” Cecelia gestured with her eyes and Bjorn sat down.

Leo met his eyes and the bulky man gave him a solid nod. Leo felt his chest tighten.

“Finish your story.”

“Cain lost both an arm and a leg in the fight. I know you don’t understand why I did it, I barely do. Some kind of honour or debt repayment that doesn’t matter now.” He shook his head. “I’m so sorry about Jules, Nolan. I’ll always wish that I’d left the dungeon earlier, returned quicker somehow, but I can’t change what’s been done.”

“It’s okay, Leo,” Gordon said. “You did the best you could. We all appreciate it. Nolan does too. Don’t blame yourself.”

Nolan said nothing.

Leo nodded. “For clearing the dungeon, one half of the keystone artifact appeared. I expected there to be a fight for it between us, but Cain simply let me have it.”

Cecelia frowned. “That doesn’t sound right. Why would he give up such a precious thing?”

Leo shook his head. “No idea, maybe another debt payment on his part. That guy doesn’t think like normal, he’s more like a beast. Deciphering his intentions was impossible.”

The keystone artifact appeared on the table with a wave of his hand, all eyes locked on to it in curiosity, Cecelia’s were like moons.

“We still need the other part, which I’m guessing is from the other dungeon,” Leo added.

“This certainly changes the dynamic of the alleged truce,” Cecelia said to herself, deep in thought.

“How so?” Ashley asked.

“There will come a time where the other keystone is acquired, possibly by us, possibly by them. If they clear it first, then they have to choose whether to work with us, or take it by force.” She smiled. “It appears the race has started already.”

“Are you seriously saying we should rush out to the other keep right now and clear it? Won’t that just leave us open to another attack? I haven’t made a new Runebox, and can’t.”

“I’m not saying that,” Cecelia said calmly. “This flimsy truce needs to be addressed first. I understand that Cain’s men attacked without his knowing so, thus not exactly breaking the truce, but Leo killed one of his top people. That will have ramifications.”

“I’ll go see him,” Leo said suddenly, cutting off the discussion.

“I’ve already lectured Ron about being a hero while you’re away. Don’t make me give you the same speech,” Ashley said, voice harsh.

He placed a hand on her shoulder and she visibly relaxed, shoulders untensing. “I’m not trying to start anything or fight his whole camp. I know him better than any of you do, he’s not going to just start something.” Leo’s eyes went cold. “He knows better.”

Ashley opened her mouth to speak, but bit her lip instead. Her eyes were staring into Leo’s searching for something. She seemed to find it, a smile gracing her features.

“We should talk about this more,” Cecelia argued. “That idea sounds terribly risky. I hate to say it, but you’re the only reason they don’t just run us over completely right now. That last fight showed us that. We need to gain strength.”

“I took a quick look at a system prompt that was visible when focusing on the dungeon entrance. It’s no longer restricted to one party at a time. That place is dangerous, but it's a treasure trove of experience that I have no doubt you’d be able to manage in.”

Cecelia’s eyes flickered with greed for a moment before she instinctively looked at Bjorn. Not for acceptance, but out of respect. He nodded with a smile. Leo caught the exchange but didn’t ask about it.

“Sign me up,” Ashley said, “I want in. I’m done feeling helpless.”

“Aye, me too,” Bjorn agreed. “I thought we were strong. Strong enough to hold our own out there against all odds. Fuckin’ foolish. There’s always a bigger fish.”

“Anyone else?” Cecelia asked.

Ron and Gordon both raised their hands. Nolan’s remained idle at his side.

“I’m not ready yet.” He glanced up, meeting Gordon’s eyes. “I’m sorry.”

Gordon’s hand faltered from the air, dropping slowly as he gave him a sad smile.

“He can come with us,” Cecelia said. “Leo has cleared it already and has another job. We will be missing a fifth member. Would you be up for it Gordon?”

“Yes, please,” he said, not eager, but determined.

“Very well. If there is nothing else, I think we should rest for the evening.” She sighed as if remembering. “There will likely be another night raid from ants tonight.”

“Ah, shit. Forgot about that,” Bjorn said, groaning.

“I’ll handle it,” Nolan said. “I don’t have it in me to clear a dungeon, but taking my feelings out on some ants could be cathartic.”

“I’ll help,” Morgan said, linking hands with Nolan affectionately. Leo wasn’t sure when those two became a thing.

“There will be others still willing to fight, those who went with the crafters. I’ll speak to them before I rest,” Cecelia said, standing. “See you all tomorrow.”

The group dispersed. Ashley was still hanging on to Leo’s side, worried about leaving him alone. He smiled, gesturing with his head. She followed.

Both of them ended up in Ashley’s office, sitting in the windowsill looking out across the camp. Ellie popped out and nestled between them, which was a bit of a squeeze that made them both laugh as she clambered around.

“Thanks Ash.”

“Hmm? What was that? Did someone say thank you?” She stroked the dragon’s head softly. “I don’t know Ellie-bean, could have been the wind.”

Leo laughed. “Okay. Before I express my utmost gratitude to the princess, what did you just call her?”

“Ellie-bean!” Ashley beamed. “It’s like Jelly-bean but she’s our Ellie.” The dragon giggled as she was tickled.

“That… is pretty good,” Leo praised.

“I missed her.” She nuzzled. “I missed you too, kinda.”

Leo looked out across the courtyard. “Yeah, me too.”

Gentle warmth radiated from his body, and before he knew it, both girls were asleep. The day had been long, arduous, and filled with grief. But now he had to look forward, and to take that first step was to improve himself.

Starting with a Signature skill selection.

Level 50 Elemental Adept Signature skill selection available

Leo brought up all three options. Right now he just wanted to weigh them all at once and be done with today. Excitement about new skills was put to the back of his mind.

Elemental Reconstitution (Rare)

Destruction is not the only path of flow. What gathers can be turned inward.

Draw Elemental Momentum back through your body, circulating it through flesh and spirit. Consumed Momentum restores health and stamina, reinforcing your form with refined elemental force.

The greater the Momentum spent, the stronger the restoration. For a short time after activation, a portion of incoming damage is converted to momentum instead of lost vitality. If used at high Momentum, your body briefly harmonises with your most recently dominant element, gaining resistance to it.

Scales with Intelligence and Toughness

Cooldown: 3 Minutes

Elemental Severance (Rare)

Flow gathers. Pressure builds. A moment comes when it must break.

Collapse your stored Elemental Momentum into a single decisive strike. The accumulated elemental flow is compressed and driven forward through your next melee technique, erupting on impact.

The more Momentum consumed, the greater the force and elemental intensity. The type strike is determined by the elemental stance you currently have channelled.

At maximum Momentum, the strike’s power is amplified further.

After release, your internal flow must stabilise before building again.

Scales with Strength and Intelligence

Cooldown: 3 Minutes

Elemental Reversal (Rare)

Every strike carries force. Force carries direction. Direction can be denied.

When struck at close range, you instinctively invert stored Elemental Momentum, releasing it back through the point of impact in an immediate counterburst.

The counter’s strength scales with available Momentum. Higher Momentum increases both force and elemental effect. At maximum Momentum, the reversal briefly staggers the attacker.

Momentum must be present to trigger this effect. Contains an internal cooldown between activations.

Scales with Agility and Intelligence

Leo wished he could take all three, regretting his decision somewhat to just look at them all at once. Each skill had absolutely fantastic merits and ways of turning fights in their own way.

They shaped what kind of path his class would become, whether that of a sustained fighter, a brutal finisher, or a fighter that, when attacked, causes more harm than dealt.

They all appealed in their own way, and he managed to narrow it down to two in the end. Between the reconstitution and the severance. Reconstitution would shore up his lack of healing. Second Wind could only do so much and he’d passed up the skills for healing in the bond so far. Fighting, sustaining, fighting, etc.

The only downside he could find on this skill was his own lack of a finisher. Volt Crash, Spiral Break, and Scarlet Impact all did great damage with incredible effects but they weren’t fight enders. Being able to use these skills, building up Elemental Momentum, and then finishing it off with some kind of big hit would be an incredible boon.

But on the other hand, there was nothing saying his skills couldn’t become finishers in their own way. In the end, he could only choose one right now, and the finisher just felt more like him.

Signature Skill gained: Elemental Severance (Rare)

The intrinsic knowledge of the skill filled his mind immediately. How it interacted with his Elemental Stance. But exactly how powerful it was based on Momentum would have to be tested in the field.

Overall it was a fantastic upgrade. Something he would use for likely his entire journey through the grades. But he wasn’t done with just this upgrade, another boon had come upon reaching level 50. One he’d not seen for what felt like a long time.

Elemental Infusion available