A peculiar sensation prickled Dunce Dunce's awareness. Something – no, someone – was reaching out through the mental link forged by his psychic probe into the dragon orb's domain. One presence surged towards him, its consciousness brushing against his own. Thoughts flowed raw and unfiltered, bypassing language.
*Dad? You finally figured out how to talk to me!*
Dad? Dunce Dunce almost dropped the fragile psychic connection. *Who… who are you? Why call me 'Dad'?*
*Dad, it's me! Little Venom! You finally found a way! Dad, when are you letting me out? It's comfortable in here, but soooo boring!*
Dunce Dunce was stunned. Stellaheart Venom? Calling *him* Dad? But… why? Then it clicked. Of course. To the newly hatched dragon, *he* was the first living being seen, the provider, the protector, the anchor in a vast, confusing world. The profound bond, amplified by their shared magical pact, translated in Venom's fledgling consciousness to the primal intimacy of a parent. 'Dad' was the purest expression of that deep-seated reliance and affection bleeding through their mental touch.
It took Dunce Dunce a long moment to recover. *Little Venom, don't call me Dad. Call me 'brother'.*
*Brother? Okay! Okay! Brother Dunce Dunce!* The mental voice chirped, instantly adaptable.
Relief washed over Dunce Dunce. He remembered why he'd risked the psychic probe. *Little Venom, what about that Little Bonedrake from before? Why did you want me to pull it into the dragon orb?*
*Brother, that jerk's been dealt with!* Venom's mental tone brimmed with draconic smugness. *He's my little underling now. I can make him help you! He's not too bright, but since I… persuaded him, he's been behaving. Plus, he was pretty grateful you saved him back then. Tandor't worry, with me around, he won't dare step out of line.*
*A Little Bonedrake as an ally?* Dunce Dunce pondered. *Little Venom, keep a close eye on it. Its physical power is terrifying.*
*Brother, you're so slow!* Venom mentally scoffed. *If that bone-head hadn't snuck up on you back then, you could've just sniped its skull with that black-metal bow of yours, like you did with that giant snake! Easy! It's fine now. He's happy being my foot soldier. Seems pretty content in the dragon orb, actually. He's absorbing energy from the outside through it, just like me! Speaking of which, brother... no need for food inside here thanks to the energy, but if you find anything tasty… don't forget me! Brother… when are you letting me out to play? Soooooo boring in here!*
The rapid-fire questions assaulted Dunce Dunce's concentration. *Too many people here right now, Little Venom. Not a good time for a dragon debut. I promise, find a quiet spot, you're out. Be good. Hang out with the Little Bonedrake for now. I'll call you when I can play.*
*Fine…* Venom projected a wave of sulky disappointment. *Guess I'll go rough up the new guy some more. Call me if you need anything, brother!*
Dunce Dunce acknowledged and slowly withdrew his consciousness from the dragon orb's pocket dimension. Even that brief exchange left him mentally drained. His psychic reserves were clearly rusting from disuse. He needed to get back into meditation. Pronto.
* * *
*"Ahhhh— man, that was some sleep!"* Rockforce Fist stretched, joints popping like gunfire. *"Dunce Dunce, done meditating? You really clocked out for a whole day and night!"*
Dunce Dunce kept his voice low. *"Shh, Rockforce. Rockforce just fell asleep."* He nodded towards the bed where Rockforce lay. *"He stayed up the whole time you were meditating, keeping watch. Must be exhausted."*
*"Let's go scope out the town,"* Rockforce suggested. The two left their quarters in the Mages Guild complex's rear garden. Morning air, crisp and clean among well-tended exotic plants, invigorated Dunce Dunce.
*"Dunce Dunce,"* Rockforce noted, scanning the paths leading to the main buildings, *"place feels busy. Lot more folks buzzing around than when we got here."*
Dunce Dunce shrugged. *"Probably ramping up security after that Guild attack. Rockforce, once Rockforce's rested, we push for the Sunset Empire. We need to find those missing Elves. Lady Elf Queen must be frantic, it's been over half a year."*
Rockforce nodded grimly. *"Yeah. Sunset Empire's huge. Gonna be like finding a rat in a maze. Hey, just thought of something – big blunder on our part leaving Elvendell."*
*"Huh? What?"*
*"We forgot to ask Lady Elf Queen for the exact headcount! How the hell do we know we got 'em all back without a number?"*
Dunce Dunce's blood ran cold. Right. No definitive number, no way to confirm success. Panic flared. *"What do we do? Go back empty-handed? I couldn't face her like that."*
*"Gotta try anyway,"* Rockforce reasoned. *"Maybe the ones we rescue know the tally? Or focus on the main prize – Stellalight. Rescue her, and the job's mostly done. The others? Deal with 'em later."*
Before Dunce Dunce could respond, two figures approached from the main Guild halls. One was Cary, the Mage Guildmaster. The other was a stern-faced, middle-aged man Dunce Dunce didn't know. Dressed in simple, spotless white robes, the man radiated an aura of command laced with the sharp tang of battlefield experience. A soldier's aura.
Cary smiled warmly. *"Dunce Dunce! Good to see you up. How are those injuries? Perfect timing, I was just heading your way."*
Dunce Dunce dipped his head respectfully. *"Master Cary. Almost healed, thank you. What did you need?"*
Cary turned to his companion. *"Allow me to introduce Aldus, Governor of Dunce Province and Lord of Dunce City itself. Aldus, this is Dunce Dunce, the young hero from the Heavenly Guardian Sect I Dunce. He's the reason our Guild halls are still standing."*
Aldus's hawkish eyes swept over Dunce Dunce. At first glance, the young man seemed unremarkable, maybe even awkward. But beneath the surface, Aldus sensed an unusual solidity, a bedrock of humble, earthy strength that resonated unexpectedly. He offered a genuine smile. *"Master Dunce Dunce. On behalf of Dunce City, thank you for your aid to the Guild. Without it, my job would be significantly harder."*
Dunce Dunce scratched his head, unused to such attention. *"Lord Aldus. I'm a Guild member. It was my duty. Besides… the Killer Ninja Guild killed my mentor. Wiping them out is personal."*
*"Come,"* Cary invited, gesturing towards his private chambers. *"Let's talk properly."*
In the two days since the attack, Aldus's Dunce Legions had surged towards the volatile border with the Sunset Empire. Simultaneously, the incident had rocketed up the chain to Emperor Rael of Aethelgard. The Emperor was furious, but lacking irrefutable proof of Sunset Empire sanction, his response was measured: mobilization and watchful waiting across the frontier provinces. The entire Aethelgard military machine had shifted into high alert. Cary hadn't been idle either. As Grandmaster, he'd activated the Guild network, summoning Mages from remote Lodges. They lived on Guild stipends; now it was time to earn their keep. Ripples of tension spread across the continent.
Inside Cary's surprisingly austere chambers – dominated by bookshelves overflowing with arcane tomes, a simple desk, a bed, and chairs – Aldus watched Dunce Dunce's eyes light up at the sight of the rare volumes.
*"Many of these are unique texts, Dunce Dunce,"* Cary said with quiet pride, seeing the younger Mage's interest. *"Feel free to study any that catch your eye."*
Dunce Dunce's face lit up, then fell. *"Thank you, Grandmaster. But… I won't get the chance. We leave for the Sunset Empire tomorrow. Came to say goodbye."*
Cary looked genuinely surprised. *"So soon? Stay awhile longer! I was hoping to discuss magic. Compare notes."*
*"I wish I could,"* Dunce Dunce sighed. *"But we have urgent business. Sorry."* He remembered the attack. *"Grandmaster, any leads on those assassins?"* Aldus's expression tightened slightly.
Cary answered smoothly. *"They proved elusive. My patrols tracked some Dark Mages, but their skills… considerable. They slipped the cordon. Captured assassins invoked their suicide contingencies."* It had been a frustrating failure for Aldus, costing good men. Cary deftly changed tack. *"Regardless, they've revealed themselves. The High Temple has been notified through our branch here. The Church takes a dim view of heresy. I doubt we'll see them again soon, and if we do, the Church will handle it."* His face grew serious. *"My real concern is their numbers. Significant Dark Mage cabals could be… problematic. Hard to counter without Holy Magic."*
*"Could they be Killer Ninja Guild?"* Dunce Dunce ventured.
Cary pondered. *"Unlikely. Killer Ninja specialize in stealth and steel. Magic is inefficient for quick kills. Their forces were strong but… disjointed. If *I* ran the Killer Ninja Guild, I'd send dedicated killers for maximum impact."*
Aldus shook his head sharply. *"Respectfully, Grandmaster, this screams Sunset Empire manipulation. Consider: if it was purely Guild work, what's the Emperor's reaction? Rage. We all know the Killer Ninja Guild HQ is in Sunset territory. Under significant pressure, Sunset might offer them up as a sacrificial lamb to appease us. The Killer Ninja Guild leader would foresee this. Hence, compelling Sunset to loan Dark Mages – command assets outside direct Guild control. Risking the Guild's elite *here*? Not happening. They sent assets they could afford to lose."*
Cary's eyes widened slightly, then narrowed thoughtfully. *"A shrewd analysis, Governor. That *would* point to discord between Sunset and its underworld… potential leverage. Dunce Dunce, you Dunce Sunset. What draws you there now? It's a tinderbox."*
*"It's *because* it's a den of shadows that we must go,"* Dunce Dunce stated flatly. *"People important to me were taken by Slavers Guild raiders. Probably destined for the Sunset markets. We find them."*
Aldus slammed a fist lightly on the armrest. *"The Sunset Empire! A festering wound! Every foul deed roots back to them. Their arrogance sickens me."*
Rockforce, leaning against the wall, asked the blunt question. *"If they're so rotten, full of creepy crawlies, why doesn't the whole gang – Aethelgard, whatever others – just stomp 'em flat?"*
Aldus smiled grimly. *"Young man, if only it were so simple. Ancient pacts bind the Church. The First High Monk Priestess, during the Shadow Wars centuries ago, forged alliances… key allies were founders of what became the Sunset Empire. The Church shelters them still, for good or ill. They preach piety within borders stained by darkness! It's grotesque, but the Church protects them. Remember, in the Free Realms, only the Holy Church commands deference from all. Their territory might be small, but their reach?"* He gestured expansively. *"Millions of believers. Powerhouses like Templars and Battle-Monk Priests. Challenging the Church is… inadvisable. Our friction with Sunset is constant, minor skirmishes tolerated. But war? The Church *will* intervene, likely siding with Sunset. Their strength isn't negligible, and frankly, the Church dislikes our… pragmatic independence. If not for the looming legend of the Heavenly Guardian Grandmaster, they might have already pushed harder. We watch. We wait. We hope Sunset gives us justification."*
Dunce Dunce's head swam with geopolitics. *"War… so many would die. It's terrible."*
Cary sighed heavily. *"No one welcomes war, Dunce Dunce. But sometimes, tides are beyond one man's strength to turn."*
Aldus stood. *"Dunce Dunce… perhaps postpone Sunset? The border situation is volatile."*
*"No,"* Dunce Dunce replied firmly, meeting the Governor's gaze. *"We go."*
Aldus studied him for a long moment. *"I respect Marshal Vane immensely. If your path ever leads towards service, his recommendation would open doors…"*
Rockforce snorted good-naturedly. *"Him? Nah! Brother Dunce Dunce here's got a heart softer than spring moss. Put him on a battlefield? He wouldn't squash a flea."*
Aldus raised an eyebrow, then chuckled. *"And you? Built like a siege engine. Ever consider service? I could place you well."*
Rockforce waved a massive hand dismissively. *"Free spirit here, Governor. Army rules? I'd just cause trouble."*
*"We're not soldier material, Lord Aldus,"* Dunce Dunce confirmed.
*"Call me Aldus,"* the Governor insisted, warmth returning to his eyes. *"You did the Guild – and Dunce – a great service. You need help? Send word. Aldus honors his debts."* He caught Cary's thoughtful look. Before Dunce Dunce could respond, Cary swiftly produced a small, heavy object from within his robes.
*"Indeed. The Guild remembers its own. And heroes."* He handed Dunce Dunce a gleaming golden card. It resembled the standard Mage ID cards, but was heavier, sturdier. The Mage Guild sigil was embossed, not printed, faint power humming within its structure. Dunce Dunce, recognizing metallurgy beyond mere gold, sensed alchemical alloys.
*"Grandmaster, please… I'm no hero. Just helped my Guild."* He turned the card over. *"What is it?"*
*"Call me Cary,"* the Grandmaster insisted. *"This grants you the rank of Guild Honorary Duncery. We have nine; you are the tenth. Present this at any Lodge worldwide. You'll receive aid."*
*"Duncery? Me?"* Dunce Dunce stammered. *"But… my magic isn't that strong."*
*"Age matters less than power demonstrated,"* Cary stated firmly. *"The silver dragon manifestation qualifies you beyond doubt. By my authority as Grandmaster, I confer the rank."* Seeing Dunce Dunce's hesitation, his expression turned stern. *"Refusing it would dishonor the Guild and myself. Do you seek discord?"*
Reluctantly, Dunce Dunce tucked the heavy card away. Rockforce eyed it covetously. *"Sweet! Brother Dunce Dunce, moving up! So, WatanaCary, what's the Duncery salary?"*
Cary smiled. *"No stipend, Honorary Duncery. But its standing grants access to Guild reserves – up to ten thousand gold sovereigns at need, anywhere."*
*"Ten thousand? I don't need that much! Just enough for the road…"*
Aldus produced a small, dense token from his pocket. *"First meeting."* He handed it to Dunce Dunce. It was a silver octagon, cool and heavy, bearing the crest of Dunce and the letter 'A' subtly integrated. A faint, calming herbal scent rose from it – Argentwood, Dunce Dunce recognized instantly, a rare anti-corrosive metal favored by the ultra-wealthy. Its value far exceeded its modest size.
Aldus seemed surprised by the recognition. *"Correct. Argentwood. My seal is etched within. It grants you passage through *any* Aethelgard military checkpoint. Since you're determined on Sunset… it may prove useful."*
*"Sirs… I can't accept such treasures…"*
*"Treasures pale beside lives saved,"* Cary stated flatly. *"It is earned."*
*"Consider it an operational necessity,"* Aldus added with a faint smile. *"Now take it."* Rockforce, grinning, plucked the token from Dunce Dunce's grasp and firmly tucked it into his pocket. *"Spoken for! Thanks, gents!"*
Shortly after Aldus's departure, a disciple delivered a parcel for Dunce Dunce. Within lay a resplendent crimson robe, the standard hue for Pyromancers. But this was different. The hems were picked out in fine gold thread. The breast sigil was a complex six-pointed star, crafted entirely of gold wire, each tip set with a tiny, flawless ruby. On the right shoulder, nine small gold stars formed a constellation of rank. Tandorning the robe felt strangely alien, a mantle of authority Dunce Dunce didn't quite feel he owned, yet Cary's insistence brooked no refusal. Further offers of enchanted gear were politely declined. *My strength lies with the sword and the dragon orb,* Dunce Dunce thought, *not wands.*
The next dawn saw Cary personally escort the trio to Dunce City's western gate. He pressed a heavy pouch containing one hundred platinum crowns into Dunce Dunce's hand – ample travel funds impossible to refuse.
Rockforce eyed the bustling stables. *"Horses?"*
Rockforce, ever practical, shook his head after consulting the map. *"Terrain ahead's rough. Goats maybe. Not horses."* The idea was abandoned. Shouldering their packs, the three companions turned their faces west, towards the troubled border. Dunce Dunce's thoughts drifted back to the dragon orb. His greatest gain in Dunce City wasn't rank or tokens. It was the grudging allegiance of the Little Bonedrake, a physical force arguably surpassing his own raw power when not augmented by the divine chains (*shengsheng tie*). A powerful new piece on the board, ready to be unleashed.
* * *
Two days later, after traversing the settled lands of Dunce Province, the trio stood atop a low rise. Before them sprawled a sea of canvas and steel. Rows upon rows of tents, picket lines filled with cavalry mounts, earthworks being expanded, and the distant sounds of drills drifted on the wind. The Aethelgard frontier legion stretched from horizon to horizon.
*"Holy crap!"* Rockforce breathed. *"How're we s'posed to get through *that*?"*
*"Standing Army,"* Rockforce murmured, eyes scanning the impressive sprawl. *"Easily a full Legion Corps stationed. Fifteen thousand men or more. Governor Aldus wasn't exaggerating the tensions."*
Rockforce glanced at Dunce Dunce. *"Hence the shiny token, eh? No *way* we sneak past this."*
Dunce Dunce pulled the heavy Argentwood token from its pouch. *"The Governor said this grants passage. Let's see."*
They approached the perimeter downwind. Within minutes, a four-man Light Infantry Reconnaissance Squad materialized from camouflage nets near the road, rifles held at a ready position.
*"Halt! State your business!"* the squad leader challenged, his gaze wary, scanning Rockforce and Rockforce's weaponry.
Dunce Dunce silently held up the token.
The soldier's eyes widened slightly as he recognized the distinctive material and crest. He snapped a crisp salute. *"Sir! My apologies. Please, come with me. Commander Cipher needs to see you."*
Within the bustling nerve center of the Legion Corps headquarters – a massive, steel-framed command tent filled with electronic maps, tactical displays, and a low hum of comms traffic – Lieutenant Colonel Cipher, acting commander of the Dunce Legion Corps and Aldus's trusted adjutant, paused the operational briefing. Word of emissaries bearing the Governor's personal token demanded immediate attention. He ordered them brought in.
Dunce Dunce felt acutely self-conscious as they entered. Senior officers and hardened NCOs in crisp battledress turned towards them, eyes assessing. The Duncery robe felt like an ill-fitting costume amidst such military pragmatism.
Cipher, a man whose cautious demeanor and sharp eyes mirrored Aldus's own strategic mind, stepped forward. His gaze instantly locked onto the robe, the nine gold stars. Recognition flared. A *Mage Guild Duncery*! And bearing the Governor's personal seal! The soldier had grievously undersold the visitors' status.
*"Honorary Duncery Dunce!"* Cipher snapped a salute, posture rigid. Professional respect warred with minor annoyance at the initial report. *"My apologies for the lack of escort. Lieutenant Colonel Cipher, Acting Commander, Dunce Legion Corps. I serve Governor Aldus. How may the Legion assist the Grandmaster and the Governor?"*