Eric took a stumbling breath and fled the campus entirely, a part of him desperate to hear the bustle and call of people panicked or frustrated by the mist, praying that the city beyond… but no.

  The streets were now completely empty. The once perfectly maintained colonial buildings had fallen to lifeless disrepair, and the mist was now thicker than it had ever been before.

  His anxious stride became a panicked sprint along the cobblestone road. “Is anyone here? Anyone?”

  He ruthlessly suppressed the grown flutter of panic in his chest.

  This was not the end. This was NOT how this tale would end!

  “Stick to the plan. Two more keys to claim. Then I bring them back.” He took a shuddering breath, ruthlessly squeezing the panic to bitter resolve. “I’m bringing them all back! Now I just need to get—”

  His muttering died on his tongue with a sudden fierce surge of hope as he heard low key rumbles that might almost be a song, that and the sound of wagon wheels against the cobblestone road.

  “Is someone there?” Eric’s lurching stride became a run before his infravision picked out an unexpected yet extremely welcome presence in the mist.

  “Luigi! Is that you?” Eric’s lips broke in a wide grin as he found the dwarf, fully armed and armored with a double shot held in a casual grip and his wagon filled to the brim with all his treasures from the shop, being pulled by a pair stubborn-looking mules plodding along at a slow, steady pace.

  Luigi blinked at the sight of Eric, before his plush beard broke into a beaming smile full of large dwarven molars. “Eric! Is that you, lad?” He put down the crossbow and pulled out a flask instead. “Good ta see another livin’ soul, boy! When everyone turned to ghosts and vanished, when the walls of my shop began to decay like I didn’t take proper care of absolutely everything under my own roof, I knew it was time for old Luigi to pack up and head home.”

  He gave a warm nod. “I was hopin’ you had made it, seeing as you’re the only one here with memories, clear memories I should say, of our most recent past. Or at least what we think was our past. Am I right?”

  Eric swallowed the lump in his throat. “We’re real, Luigi. Both of us. And this isn’t the end, Luigi. Our friends will be back. More lively than ever. I’m sure if it.”

  This earned a sad shake of his head. “Unlikely, lad. I fear that the shadow realms must be falling, which means I’d best tell my uncle that it’s time for us to be heading out of the tunnels and into the light ourselves.”

  Eric wasn’t blind to the shadowed look in Luigi’s eyes beneath the forced cheer.

  Eric winked. “It’s going to be okay, Luigi. You’ll see.”

  This earned a snort. “We can only hope, boy. We can only hope.”

  “I don’t suppose you’d mind some company?”

  Luigi snorted. “Of course you can join me, boy. With the mists growing so thick, I wouldn’t recommend you try another exit, even if you do know of some hidden path. But with my magic lantern and good mules for company, this path will take us home in about an hour or so. I hope you don’t mind walkin’. The mules have enough weight. Hell, I’m halfway tempted to walk beside the wagon myself!”

  Eric flashed a relieved smile. “Thank you, Luigi. I’m happy to walk by your side.”

  The dwarf’s smile turned sharp. “I can’t help but remember a certain conversation we had…”

  Eric, heart racing, gave a tight nod.

  “I don’t suppose you managed to claim another key, did you, Eric?”

  Eric took a shuddering breath, exhaled, and dipped his head. “I did, Luigi. And you better believe it when I said that everyone’s coming back.”

  The dwarf looked meaninfully all around them. “Did you do this?”

  Eric squeezed his eyes shut. “I sure as fuck hope not, Luigi. All I can say for sure is that when I claimed Natasha’s key and Mord’s, absolutely nothing happened to the vampires or topside… Luigi!”

  Eric gave the dwarf who had just spit moonshine a pointed glare, momentarily regretting having Quickness far too close to human norms to fully avoid the spray.

  “You did not Seduce Lady Natasha Thorn of the Underrealms. She’s a succubus queen, boy! There’s no way in hell you’d survive a single night without being drained to a shriveled old man flashing an eternal gap-toothed grin in perpetual memory of the happiest night of your life! Let alone claim Dominion’s Key from her? Outrageous!”

  Eric felt his cheeks flush for some stupid reason. “No comment.”

  “And Mord! That creature’s a fucking monsters! Silver-tier savage. No doubt!”

  Eric flashed a wry smile. “Not acting half clueless now, are we?”

  Luigi snorted. “No point holding back now, boy. The natives are all gone. So it’s not like I’m catastrophically twisting their reality and causing negative feedback reverberations in the shared ether between our realms which would have pissed Orlin off to no end, and I’d never hear the end of it!”

  “I see.”

  Luigi sighed. “What happened, Eric?”

  Eric lowered his gaze. “I…” He shook his head. “I told her that I would keep her and her family safe, no matter what happened.”

  He swallowed, gazing into brown eyes that gave absolutely nothing away.

  “Then, she kissed me. Made me feel like I was… anyway, I blinked away the dazzle in my eyes and when I looked in my hands…” He summoned forth the golden prize, earning a whistle from Luigi. “And Agda was gone. Her, her grandmother… even baby Emily.”

  He clenched his fist, gazing despondently through the mist. “I thought they would be right there, Luigi.” He flashed a bitter smile. “I was actually planning on asking if you’d mind taking all of us through the portal, even if it put me at a disadvantage, talking to Orlin about, well…”

  “Claiming his key as well?”

  Eric forced a nod. “Yup, and offering him the deal of his life.”

  Luigi gazed at Eric for long moments. “I know how weak Terran natives are in this mist. Only a few ever dared visit, and I earned more than a kiss from a cute lass I showed the way back to. So, well… the point is, Eric, that certain impulses might be a bit… tempting. At least for some of us.”

  Eric sighed, dipping his head. “I know. If I don’t reveal that I have any keys, I’m a foolish dreamer. And if I reveal that if I have three… that’s pretty fucking tempting. And that you’re telling me this and not, say, pointing your doubleshot at me and demanding I turn them over right now… it means a lot. So thank you for that. I mean it.”

  This earned a surprised snort. “Do you think I’m a fool boy? You don’t think I know just how durable and tough that armor I made you truly is? Ha! Besides, I’m not blind. I see the dozen fiery-eyed revenants keeping pace with us, giving me their friendly too fucking toothy smiles. And the big one? Sheesh!” Luigi affected a shiver. “Grizzly much?”

  Eric grinned. “Thank you for looking out for me, Luigi. If you think I’m going to forget, or I’m not going to award you with a hundred thousand credits worth of gold for being a friend… then you don’t know me at all.”

  The man snorted. “I saw your streams, Eric. I think I know you pretty—”

  “Anyway!” Eric quickly cut in. “I think I know at least one something that Orlin would be very much interested in, even if I’m looking as weak and vulnerable as a kitten.”

  “And what would that be?”

  Eric held the dwarf’s gaze and winked. “Food.”

  Luigi paled. “Shit. You just had to remind me of what I’m trying very hard not to pay attention to.”

  “That with Enigma now truly one with the mist, so no more fish or crabbing or farming… and with a psychopathic Silver Prince named Song controlling the surface version of New York which you have to cross to get anywhere in a very hostile world… you guys are pretty much—” Eric quickly cut off his snark with a pointed look from Luigi, recalling in a flash how sensitive his reunited friend could be on that topic, especially when it came to his people and king.

  “I mean… you people could definitely use dependable sources of sustenance.”

  The dwarf snorted. “Better. Remember, Eric. No sass in this time and place.”

  Eric dipped his head as the mist grew ever thicker.

  And one of his revenants abruptly disappeared.

  “Shit!” He hissed, eyes widening in alarm as he instantly reclaimed his revenants inside his ring, sensing that they were now at border between realms that would consume even his wolves.

  “Eric?”

  “Never mind. It’s just… we’re getting close now, I’m guessing?”

  “We are. Just remember, lad, best behavior. Not even that Jim fellow, who I heard cavorting around like the idiot he his, dares try his shit with our steam mecha locking him in our sights.”

  Eric blinked. “Steam mecha? No shit!”

  Luigi gave a proud nod, stroking his impressive beard. “Damn well better believe it! That Jim fellow even tried to talk Orlin into selling him one. Ha! As if we ever would to a non dwarf!” He gave Eric sideways look. “No offense, of course.”

  Eric grinned. “None taken. Hell, I’m just glad we’re friends, despite the stereotypes in every game I’ve ever played!”

  “Which was basically World of Warblades 2.0.”

  “Yup!” Eric grinned brightly.

  “Which you streamed every week. Along with your fail-builds.”

  Eric’s grin grew strained. “They weren’t all fail-builds… fuck!”

  Luigi chortled. “Oh, they pretty much were, Eric. But you were such a pretty boy that everyone watched you for your snark, even if you’re no Asmon. Anyway, yeah. We’re entering the tunnel. Watch your step! You just stepped between realms. Ooh. You actually fell face first. Are you alright, kid? I thought it was only Enigmatic natives that were at risk of dissolving if they didn’t have enough juice… shit, boy, you are from topside, right?”

  Eric, eyes wild with the unexpected messages in his head and the tingle in his limbs that changed absolutely everything gave a slow, careful nod. “Yes, I’m fine, Luigi. Sorry. That was just, well, unexpected.”

  Luigi gave Eric’s strained features a careful look. “You sure you’re okay, Eric? I’ll happily take you back, but if that’s actually your home, you’re going to be a lonely miserable fuck. You’re better off just toughing it out and seeing if you can actually survive in another shadow realm, if not the surface.”

  Eric gave the dwarf a knowing smile as he felt far gentler mist attempt to caress his soul. “This realm has a suppression element like the one we just left, doesn’t it?”

  Luigi’s gentle demeanor of concern hardened for just a heartbeat. “Yes it does, Eric. Our steam isn’t quite the same as Enigmatic mist, but the steam-mechs we’ve made with it, mechs that actually work topside if you have the right class… you’d better fucking believe we’ve made the most of it!” He winked. “And it’s very good for putting the few uppity Delvers who think we’re nothing more than a pocket realm full of guilt-free kills in their place. Those that don’t learn their place…”

  “Got it.”

  “Good.” Luigi gave Eric’s armored shoulder a consoling pat. “Don’t worry, Eric. I know you’re good people. Just like I know that when you have that chat with the big guy… you’ll make the right choice.” He then flashed Eric a positively roguish grin. “That armor was worth the price tag you saw, wasn’t it? You’re shoulder feels hard as steel! Ha! That was a joke, get it?”

  Eric gave a nervous chuckle. “Yeah, Luigi. I get it.”

  Luigi gave him a reassuring smile. “Relax, Eric. You got a bit jumpy the second you entered. Look, you got nothing to worry about. Just show old Ironthews the proper respect, and you’ll be fine. And who knows? With the money you’ll make with a certain trade, we’ll team up and get a proper theater and production company going, just like old times.”

  Luigi sighed, gazing fondly at the grand corridor they slowly made their way down as he thoughtfully rubbed his beard. “Don’t get me wrong, Eric. I was never happier than the day I felt the System caressing my heart and soul as if I were a first-gen native, when Terra truly came alive.”

  He chuckled softly. “I wanted to shout with joy, suddenly feeling so many ancient secrets of stone and metal resonating so strongly through me that before had just been whispers of what my ancestors had once embraced. But I still miss the big stage. Putting on a performance that got the directors to actually look at me like I was worth giving a lead role to, before they forgot that I’m just 5 foot 4. And for a few brief moments, I was giving an oration that wowed both the producers and the live audience. Know what I mean? Even if the fuckers never called me back. Not once!”

  Eric winced, shaking his head with a rueful chuckle. “Remember, Luigi. I was nothing but a pretty face who looked good with a saber on camera. Aurelia and Elonia were the maestros of my family. I was the brilliant SelfTube streamer whose builds were the farthest thing from fail.”

  Luigi chuckled. “Sure they were, kid. Keep telling yourself and your future grandchildren that! You were the top fucking streamer in the U.S.! And since it’s all pre-apocalypse, who’s gonna check?”

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  Eric winked. “Exactly.”

  Eric’s features carefully stilled as he took in the limestone tunnel that he found himself in. Far from being a crude structure, the walls were perfectly even with impressonistic bas-relief carvings of dwarves battling mythical beasts and forging wondrous creations. The hallway was wide and spacious, soaring upward in a high gothic arch with green crystals glittering in the ceiling that gave the stone tunnel that was almost a proper hall an even light equivalent to the full moon on a clear night.

  Eric whistled. “This is incredible! Miles off bas-relief carvings and perfectly polished limestone walls? Wow! I’ve heard about dwarven work ethic and ingenuity. But this!”

  Luigi chuckled, weathered features warming into a grin. “Yeah, pretty incredible, isn’t it? I’d love to take credit, but it was like this when we woke up here.”

  He smirked. “I say woke up, but half of us recall the life we lived before, and the other half remember a life and skills we never had. So… yeah. At least this Shadow is a hell of a lot more real than the one now consumed by Enigmatic Mists. Those of us who recall our pasts clearly can actually go topside! If we can get the fuck past Song and his cronies, I mean. Not that more than a dozen of us have tried, the rest playing it safe. But never mind that. The corridor were heading for is just ahead, so let me tell you what you need to know about visiting a dwarven clan.”

  Eric dutifully nodded along at just the right pauses, though Luigi was now focused on the tunnel and not looking his way at all.

  Eric finally allowed himself a fierce smile of such exultation and relief… still coaxing his movements to be just as slow and easy as ever, while taking a quick look at the latest message flashing across his mind’s eye.

  Congratulations! You have Completed the Quest: Enigma’s Bargain!

  You have successfully glimpsed Enigma!

  You have successfully surpassed Enigma’s Limitations!

  Meridian Plaque has been reduced to 0.031%!

  You may now tap into the endless possibility of wonder and dream.

  Eric let out a relieved breath, not even concerned about the lack of any definitive quest reward with the wondrous boon he had already been granted, grateful just to be walking hale and healthy by Luigi’s side. Once more he was humbled by how close he had come to absolute folly, thoughts of Agda and her family, Natasha, and all the other friends he had made here coming to the fore as he solemnly made his way down the vast corridor, now appreciating the true prize for daring to take the harder path.

  The chance to experience realms fragile as glass, to embrace and perhaps save countless precious lives that would have otherwise been lost to the ether.

  He had dared Enigma’s peril with a body no stronger than a mortal’s. In return, he had been given him one of the greatest gifts he could have asked for, even if not System sanctioned at all. A way to reduce his plaque so close to zero that he could taste it, never having felt so vibrant, so clean, both inside and out.

  And of course, he now had three golden keys.

  Aex took another deep breath of air filled with vapors and steam so like the brass-favoring dwarves of his favorite game, praying that the weaker ether might actually have what it took to scrub away the last faint vestiges of plaque and unlock who knew what boons might come his way.

  Luigi frowned. “Eric, we’re you listening, kid? I sure as hell better not have been running my mouth for no reason.”

  But no matter what else went down, Eric would make sure that a certain blue-eyed girl and her loved ones would get the chance to experience all the wonder and possibility that a farming life could bring in the beautiful land of New Arcadia, their hoped-for Faerie paradise.

  No matter what it took to make that happen.

  Eric gave the scowling dwarf a reassuring smile as the vast corridor approached a massive underground chamber, the soft murmuring voices of dozens of citizens washing over Eric’s ears in a delightful patter of much missed community and he could only hope, with time, camaraderie.

  “Be polite, respectful, and gracious. Smile and bow my head to my seniors and betters, which, as far as the colony is concerned, is everyone. And above all else, don’t act like an obnoxiously arrogant adventurer who you’ll kick out with a bruised ego and a few broken bones and no worse… if you’re feeling forgiving.”

  Luigi dipped his head. “And considering that most of those kids are as weakened by Steam’s insight as they are Enigma’s mysteries, it’s really an effort not to kill them, sometimes.”

  Eric’s eyes widened. “Wait, you mean you aren’t weakened by the steam floating above us from those brass vent pipes lining the walls, just like in—”

  “Don’t say it!” Luigi’s eyes flashed dangerously. “We don’t ever make comparisons to that game.”

  Eric grinned. “Even if it’s…”

  “Yes, Eric. Even if it’s spot on. And whereas you humans are suppressed to being pretty much the equivalent of college varsity athletes at best, assuming you work out at all topside…” Luigi leaped off his wagon, racing right up to Eric, his boots ringing loudly against the stone, such was the speed of his movements, quickly drawing his half-moon battle-axe free of its belt loop, so that the shiny blade was between him and Eric when he stopped, positioning himself carefully so as to impress, but not outright threaten.

  Eric was touched by the effort.

  “—We dwarfs aren’t suppressed at all.” The dwarf said in hyperspeak, flashing a molar-filled grin before his voice slowed to Terran baseline. “In fact, you might find us flashing right in front of your face, fully armed and ready to do battle, before you can blink.”

  Eric whistled. “That’s right! When someone’s Quickness is, what, five times your own, they look like they’re teleporting, right? You’re eyes won’t even follow them, if they’re close to you. Like Jim flashing his vorpal blade and cutting down those Inquisitors like they were snowmen before I could fucking blink!”

  Luigi nodded. “Exactly that, Eric.” He smirked, re-securing his axe beside his belt buckler. “I’m glad you’re not an idiot, and that you’re not panicking either. I’m guessing after spending days in Enigma, you’re used to a human body again.”

  Eric gave a self-conscious chuckle. “Confession time, my friend. I actually got a reward there for taking out that grizzly wolf you saw. Ate its heart, infact.”

  Luigi blinked, giving him an appraising smile. “No kidding. At mortal baseline? I’m glad to see that you’re no slouch, Eric. Clearly, Vincent’s lessons payed off.”

  “That they did, Luigi. That they did.” He furrowed his brow. “I’ve been meaning to ask… do you know if Vincent was, well…”

  “Like us, an off-worlder earning native status in time for the apocalypse? Another ringer like your mother and me and my entire crew?”

  “Well, yeah.”

  “Don’t have a clue!” Luigi said with a chuckle. “Nice enough fellow. But it’s not like all of us embracing New York’s fascinating underbelly were sipping drinks at Natasha’s elite club when not doing our thing.” He furrowed his brow. “Well, okay. Most of us were and knew each other a bit too well. Mord, for example, was a real asshole. As was Song. Always butting heads. But all sorts of side players were doing their thing and were careful not to cross paths or make waves. Hell, a lot of them were working legit jobs in finance, hardly cheating at all to lock in million dollar quarterly profits!”

  Eric blinked at this. “No kidding.”

  “Not one bit. And don’t even get me started on the asshole goblins springing the ascension months early before we could cash out and turn all those digital zeroes into sweet gold Krugerrands. Sneaky little fucks. Oh, they sure made plenty of enemies with that move. And to think that they were so damned certain they had it all in the bag.” Luigi frowned, scratching his head. “How did they pull that shit off anyway? I thought they were just scraping by? Just a shattered moon before an inquisitorial purge, right? Fuck if I remember. What was I talking about? Oh, yeah. Of course we all knew your mother. She made damn sure we knew our place relative to an actual Deep Silver who only managed to grab a spot in a soon-to-be ascending world because she…”

  “I know. Me and Elonia were effectively anchor babies.”

  Luigi shrugged. “Pretty much. But it sounds to me like you both turned out alright, so who gives a fuck. Am I right?”

  Eric grinned. “Right as rain. So, where is a former anchor baby who came too close to tasting mortality in Enigma and now has muscles screaming for sustenance supposed to go for a good hearty meal?”

  Luigi grinned. “To our dining hall, of course. Come on, it’s this way, through the square. Just remember what I told you.”

  “Got it.” Eric, despite the shiver of wonder he felt, gazing up at the towering edifices carved right into the massive domed chamber. Master stonework etched with gilded and highly detailed bas-relief masterworks depicting what looked to be epic events and legendary battles and the sagas of countless leaders and kings. A grand dwarven fresco of sorts, giving a glimpse of a wondrous world full of steamworks and magic and wonder... far more detailed than in the handful of depictions in the tunnels between realms. Yet despite the awe Eric felt, humbled as he always was by artistry that he knew would always be beyond him—no matter how how strong he got or how hard he could land a supersonic left hook—he still knew enough to keep his mouth from hanging open in joyful wonder, like he was truly living in his favorite game of all time, finally exploring those no longer abandoned dwarven ruins.

  Because the square was filled with dozens of powerfully built men and women who were gazing at him with either derision or gentle curiosity, and Eric made sure to smile and dip his head before pretty much everyone. Most definitely not focusing on the casual attire everyone seemed to favor, dockers and blue jeans, cotton shirts and blouses that could have been plucked free of any city street two years ago. And the girls in particular, looking utterly fine in tight fitting jeans and blouses that made it damn clear that thick was definitely in… and if Eric ever had any doubts as to the sensuality and beauty of curvy redheaded power lifters with their pert little freckled noses pinning him with their eyes before he winced and remembered to bow his head, he certainly didn’t now. Or when Luigi gave his tricorn hat a hard tap.

  “Eric.”

  “Sorry.”

  This earned a snort. “Good thing you’re not too hard on the eyes yourself, Eric. With that hungry smile of yours… you’d be in a heap of trouble, if that girl right there wasn’t smiling right back at you.”

  Eric winced. “Yeah, I really… I was just caught off guard is all. I didn’t mean any offense.”

  “Oh I know, boy. We’re not quite as stuck up as some topside used to be. But we all demand respect.”

  “A hundred percent.”

  “Alright, we’ll stop right here for a bit.”

  At that point Luigi clambered off his wagon as a trio of heavily armored dwarves covered in what Eric suspected was a bronze alloy that Eric would bet was just as strong as old Earth’s best quality spring steel quickly headed over to Luigi.

  “You’re back early. And you brought a topsider with you?” Declared the tallest of the three powerfully built dwarves, feeling a need to state the obvious, his dark mustache bristling past his helmet.

  Luigi sighed. “Enigma’s gone.”

  His features remained calm while the three guardsmen blanched with horror.

  “No! Luigi, are you sure?”

  This earned a snort. “Place is filled with Enigma’s mist. All the houses are abandoned. Even the college is a centuries-old ruin with no trace of anyone who had been there, just two hours ago. Not even bones.”

  “But what about the docks. Fish… crabs… what about the farming villages?”

  “The mist was thick!” Luigi roared, eyes flashing before he modulated his voice once more. “I came back to make my report. As is my duty. If the Enginseers or explorers wish to map out whatever’s left and see if crabbing and farming are still viable options… or if any of those poor souls are actually left to fish the shores or til the land, then that’s King Orlin’s purview. All I can tell you is that the town is entirely abandoned. No survivors, not even crows! No one was left, save for my companion here. Who is, as you guessed, a topsider. My duty is to make my report. That is all.”

  The guardsman scowled. “You should have checked the farms first, Luigi!”

  “Bullshit, Marlin. But if you want to wade through that mist, feeling it slither against your skin as you find yourself walking in circles, trying desperately just to remember who you are and where you’re going before a yelling idiot snaps you back into your own head, then be my guest!”

  The smallest of the three guards paled. “He’s right, Marlin. King Orlin only puts Luigi on assignment when the mist is calm. There’s a reason why we haven’t set up our own farming colonies, even though the mayor’s made it damned clear he’d be happy to sell us as many plots of forestland as we like, for good dwarven gold.”

  Marlin clenched his armored fist. “If I want your opinion, George, I’ll fucking ask for it!” He turned his glare to Eric. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t break your arms and toss you topside, outsider!”

  “Because he’s my fucking guest, Marlin. Quit being such a goddamned asswhipe!”

  Eric respectfully bowed his head. “This one apologizes if he has caused you any offense. I was also in Enigma, desperately looking for survivors when the mist flooded the town.”

  Marlin glared at Eric’s politely bowing form. “You cause any fucking trouble whatsoever, I’m lopping off your goddamned head. You get me?”

  “Loud and clear.”

  “Good.”

  Marlin turned his head back to Luigi. “You’re responsible for this topside turd. Now go report your bullshit excuse as to why you left your post and failed to investigate the situation thoroughly—as per fucking protocol! Because we’re already running low on food, you damned fool!”

  Luigi stiffened. “Bullshit, Marlin. We have topside traders. They charge us too fucking much, but there are least a dozen of our own—”

  “Half a dozen!” Marlin’s eyes flashed with bitterly suppressed heat, the source of his anger becoming clear. “Lord Song’s fucking power-armored elites cut our boys down like they were nothing!”

  Luigi paled. “No, wait… he gave us his word! We could trade… for too much fucking gold, but we could trade!”

  This earned a bitter laugh. “The fucker changed his mind. He says he won’t sell to us at any price. He now knows where all the portals are, and we’re to be shot on sight! He made it clear that the only way we’re getting a lick of food is if we give up our fucking—”

  His words cut off, Marlin now glaring at Eric with his hands politely behind his back. “You’re damned lucky that stupid kid can’t understand hyperspeak, Luigi.”

  “You’re the one running your fucking mouth, Marlin!”

  The guard spat at Luigi’s feet.

  The merchant’s eyes bulged, jaw grinding as his fists squeezed.

  “You would dare, Marlin?”

  “Enough!” Cracked the middle guard. “Luigi, you should have done a full scout, risks be damned. Marlin, you’re out of fucking line. Luigi didn’t know the stakes until three minutes ago. Had he come fleeing in a panic about the mist two days back, you wouldn’t have batted a fucking eye. Now return to your fucking post!” The scowling dwarf then turned back to Luigi, pinning him with an elder’s grizzled gaze through his helmet. “Head right to the throne room. And yes, I can hear you and your friend’s fucking bellies from here. And no, you’re not eating. Neither one of you. We’re at fucking quarter rations until we figure out what the hell we’re going to do. Understood?”

  “Jorg...”

  “Don’t worry about the fucking cart. Get moving!”

  Luigi saluted the man, grabbed Eric’s wrist, and headed in a direction that was painfully far from the cafeteria. “Out of all the fucking…” The dwarf gave a bitter chuckle. “We really fell into the shit this time, kid. Of all the times for Enigma to billow out of control.”

  Eric nodded, ignoring the hunger in his belly, knowing it was just a ghost of what it had been before.

  And for good reason.

  But still, if things were as bad as they seemed… maybe his cause wasn’t entirely hopeless, even if he was seen as no more than a powerless interloper it would be effortless for any classer to crush. He could only hope that what he offered would be worth his life at the very least… even if he seemed as fragile as glass.

  He tried to console himself with that thought, though his hopes of a diplomatic win to this level had been on the wane since he saw firsthand just how furious and trapped Marlin and the other guardian dwarves clearly felt. If the king was anything like that…

  Eric shook his head. He remembered Orlin, back when he was Bolton, not King Ironthews. Gregarious and larger than life with a dominating personality, as any boss controlling a crew of unruly workers had to be. But the man was hardly a—

  His words broke off as his guts tightened with dread, hardly paying any heed to the massive sentinels of bronze and steel shooting steam from joints that made them the spitting image of centurions in a game last played years ago.

  Even the baritone voice ringing through the grandly appointed royal chamber beyond hardly registered on Eric when he and Luigi were announced.

  All he knew as his companion all but dragged him into the room, a pull he dare not resist in the slightest for multiple reasons… was that his odds of pulling off a flawless diplomatic win had just plummeted.

  Because gazing at him across the richly appointed hall where half a dozen powerfully built dwarves were happily eating their fill before a feasting table, rationing be damned… was the cold-eyed glaring countenance of a massive six-foot figure who could only be considered at all dwarf-like in that his massive shoulders were as broad as any bear’s.

  And the aura he radiated from his throne, so outclassing the elegantly gowned girl at his left, and the handsome woman at his right, who Eric belatedly recognized from a lifetime ago, wasn’t that of a classer.

  It was that of a Contender.

  A hungry falcon that instantly recognized Eric for what he was…

  Even as Eric felt an oddly sympathetic thrum in his soul.

  Eyes widened as secrets were revealed… and Eric’s gold ring that he had paid so many Soul Points for couldn’t do a damn thing to block it.

  Not when facing off against a fellow Contender.

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