The room was packed with too many people, the musty air suffocating everyone present. It wasn't designed to hold meetings of this scale, but owing to the covert nature of this one, they had no choice. Aenon looked around the cramped space silently. The group of eight—who Aenon was starting to refer to as his inner circle—all waited patiently for Aenon to kick off the discussion.

"Alright then," Aenon began while making his mask invisible. "We all know why we had to conduct this meeting here."

"This be my shop. Not your private meeting hall for your secret gatherings," Borin said gruffly while fidgeting uncomfortably next to Ignar. He was literally sandwiched between the giant and the wall. In fact, neither he nor Henry even reacted on finally seeing Aenon's face.

"Sorry about that master Emberforge," Thalindra said politely. "But I couldn't think of a better place. It is common for adventurers to drop by the smithy, and I know your place is warded against spying spells and abilities. To anyone watching from outside, we are all here, but being attended in separate rooms."

Like Thalindra said, the group had gathered slowly at different times and were escorted to different rooms. Aenon had personally used his Shadow Meld to surreptitiously bring everyone over. Ignar and his party were the last to arrive, while his wolves were on guard outside the building. Only Bane was in attendance, having Aenon's shadow all to himself.

"Why the hell are me and the City Admin even here?" Borin countered, not pleased with the situation, or his uncomfortable seating arrangement. Henry and Borin were the only non-combatants in the mix.

"Trust me Borin, it will all be worth it," Aenon said seriously. "Now, getting back on topic. I gave you each instructions a while back. It was to prepare for something like this happening. But considering recent events, it seems we need to accelerate things."

He looked at everyone one by one, the mood tense.

"We are already doing all we can," Jenny spoke up. "I mean, just look at our levels. This pace is unheard of." Everyone nodded at the statement.

"Not everyone has been progressing that quickly," Aenon said softly. He hesitated before steeling himself, "My leveling has started to lag. And I have only myself to blame."

Several voices started to overlap as they tried to justify on his behalf. But Aenon raised a hand to silence them.

"If I wasn't injured, yes, I would have continued to advance. But the setback too is due to my mistake. I had gotten…complacent. Thinking I could figure out everything by myself. And that in turn has caused me to drag everyone down. For that I sincerely apologize."

Everyone exchanged uncomfortable glances. They had not expected to see this side of him. But Aenon knew his parents would be disappointed in him for not owning up to his mistakes. Especially his father, who lived by a strict code of conduct. A habit he had passed on to his son.

"Heh," Borin chuckled. His soul exuded nothing but respect as he continued, "Never thought I'd get to see the day when someone in power would apologize to his subordinates. My faith wasn't ill placed."

"Our faith, master Emberforge," Ignar added while folding his arms with an appreciative smile.

Aenon felt a bit uncomfortable at the reactions, but he tried to move past it.

"Anyway, what I am trying to say is, we need to modify a few things. My initial goals are met. Jenny is now at place where she can hold her own, while Ignar and the others have gotten used to their powers."

Jenny looked away in embarrassment, while Ignar looked on with pride at his student's accomplishments. Aenon had doubts though.

"But I do need to ask. How come you haven't broken through to your first evolution?" Aenon turned to Ignar.

"Oh, that's because I am holding it off till I qualify for a better grade evolution," Ignar replied.

"Oh, that makes sense," Aenon replied thoughtfully.

"Most people delay their evolution in hopes of a better grade," Thalindra chimed in. "Only once they start to lag, or have given up hope of getting more Titles, do they choose to proceed. It's a delicate balance between short term vs long term advancement. By triggering an evolution at a lower grade, your rank could rise rapidly at the Adventurer's Guild. But it will limit your future scopes."

"Wait a minute," Aenon asked in confusion. "Why did the Gorin, and even Blake, evolve with a lower grade? Aren't they the Guild Leaders already?"

"Yes," Thalindra said sadly. "But people were starting to catch up. They needed to maintain their power dominance."

That didn't make sense to Aenon at all. If they wanted to maintain their position, wouldn't it be better to aim for a higher grade. Otherwise, someone would catch up eventually, leaving them no choice but to step down. Seeing his confusion, Jenny spoke up.

"You are overestimating what the average adventuring party is like, and how difficult it is to gain Titles. System Titles are granted based on risk. Most people are content in gaining a multiplier of 2 through an F grade evolution. Since anything higher would need putting their lives on the line. No one ever thinks of throwing themselves into an unknown forest at level zero."

The last comment raised several eyebrows, but no one asked about it. Aenon had an introspective look, only now starting to realize how unnatural it was for anyone to do things his way. Most of his Titles gave all stat boosts, and significantly at that. But that was because he tended to do things very few people would even dare attempt. His approach had served him well, even if it wasn't due to the right reasons. But now, things needed to change.

"Alright, noted. If it's a risk-reward balance, our plans need to modify accordingly," Aenon said. He turned to Thalindra. "We also need to consider your new powers. From what I have understood, you rely mainly on life affinity. But I have never seen you in a proper fight, so I do not know what kind of mage you are."

"I am a support type mage," Thalindra said honestly. "Although I have some healing spells, my main role has always been to boost the party and remove any crowd control effects."

"Her regeneration buffs are second to none," one of the dwarves said proudly.

"Not to mention her ability to dispel mental attacks and calm us down," his twin added.

"Sounds like a cleric or shaman role from our games on Earth," Aenon said thoughtfully. "But I believe you can now head into a different direction. I want you to go with Bane to Neverhelm to tap into your death affinity. See what abilities you can gain from that. If all goes the way I expect, your class may evolve to incorporate death mana-based spells."

Aenon was hoping that she would get a Class evolution quest like him by trying to incorporate her newly unlocked death affinity. It was just an assumption based on his own quest, but he had a good feeling about it.

Thalindra hesitated momentarily before nodding firmly.

"As for you four," he said while facing Ignar. "You will continue clearing the Treants around the overflowing dungeon. But you are on a timer now. I give you a week to clear it out, at the end of which you will all gather outside the dungeon and wait for me."

"Umm… what about me?" Jenny asked nervously.

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"You…," Aenon said with a smile. "Will be joining me in the Fire Ant dungeon."

It took a while for the words to register in everyone's mind. But when it did, the reaction was exactly as Aenon expected. There were huge sighs of relief from everyone present, with Jenny being ecstatic on top of it. There were smiles all around, with Henry even bowing with approval.

"Jenny and I, with the wolf pups of course, will tackle the ant dungeon," Aenon continued. "I am hoping with her ice affinity, we can clear it faster and join Ignar. We will then combine our parties to finally get the Treant dungeon under control. Thalindra on the hand is to head back to Pinespire as soon as you are comfortable with your progress. The Earth Alliance is sure to make a move in our absence, and I need you to make sure nothing too extreme occurs. Once the Treant dungeon is brought back under control, we will all meet up here to face them."

Everyone had thoughtful looks as they analyzed his plan. A lot of things had to go flawlessly for it to work, but Aenon was confident in his people. But even if things went bad, Aenon had some contingencies in place.

"Are there any questions?" Aenon finally asked when the silence lingered on for too long.

"I am still worried Gorin might do something in our absence," Velastra spoke up with concern.

"That is being dealt with," Henry spoke up for the first time. But he didn't elaborate, choosing to keep Thalindra and Aenon's plans between them.

With no other questions, Aenon dismissed them one by one. He led them back to their rooms before returning to his. Only Borin was left, who continued staring at him with narrow eyes.

"Still doesn't explain why ya needed me here," he stated stiffly with his hands folded.

"Because you are the lynch pin of all my plans, Borin," Aenon said calmly while sitting opposite him.

"If this is about your requisition, forget it," Borin waved him off. "I still haven't been able to get all the cores. The Multiversal auction house is severely restricted during the tutorial phase, and neither have ya brought me any."

"I know. But that isn't what this is about," Aenon said before retrieving a leather-bound book from his storage.

He placed it before the dwarf who had curiosity written all over his face. Borin reached out for the book, but Aenon didn't remove his hand.

"This is for your eyes only," Aenon said with utter seriousness before removing his hand.

"Bah. What is with ya and your penchant for dramatics," Borin said dismissively as he picked up the book.

But the moment he opened the first page, his eyes almost jumped out of his skull. He slammed the book close so hard, the table shook with the impact.

"WHERE THE BLOODY…," he shrieked before controlling himself. He ran for the door and pulled on a hidden lever behind an ornamental pot.

Aenon's Mana Sense detected a hidden layer of something stretching out and covering the room. The moment it did, Aenon almost fell back in disorientation as his Sovereign's Eye range was cut off. He could detect absolutely nothing beyond the barrier.

"Where the bloody hell ya got this?" Borin said in an urgent whisper even though they were in some sort of sealed off space. "And why would ya be carrying it so casually?"

Aenon shook his head to dispel the grogginess.

"I…wrote it myself," Aenon said in confusion. He didn't explain how he got it, as he didn't feel it was that important. Luckily Borin didn't ask about that.

"You…" Borin clenched his fists in frustration. "You are a walking disaster laddie. This be lost knowledge you so casually handed to me. If word gets out…"

Aenon and Nocthrya had struggled greatly to try to come up with a formation using the knowledge. The World Tree too was dependent on feeling rather than understanding when it came to the mystic symbols. Aenon was sure that between the two, they would eventually figure it out. But it would take time, something that was in short supply these days. That is why he had turned to the one person he trusted, who also happened to have some rudimentary knowledge of the language.

Aenon wanted to continue the discussion, but Borin had gotten busy doing…something to the book. The dwarf retrieved some flasks with strange colored liquids, and a metal pen of some kind. With that he started engraving the leather with runes, dipping the scribe in a flask occasionally. And like during forging, he was completely focused on his craft. Aenon knew better than to interrupt, so he stayed quiet and waited.

It took almost an hour for the smith to be done. By which time the book looked nothing like before. The runes glowed a dull blue in his vision, and every inch of the cover was engraved finely. Aenon was mesmerized by the end result, which is why he was taken aback to find the dwarf waving his hand in front of his face urgently.

"Quick, put a drop of your blood here," Borin said while pointing at the center of the engraved leather cover.

Aenon did as he was told, pricking his finger with the scribe the Borin held towards him. The blood sizzled as it hit the surface, before being absorbed in. The runes immediately changed color and turned grey like his eyes. Only then did the dwarf relax and sit down in exhaustion.

"That book is now bound to ya," Borin said with his eyes closed. "Folks can have their nose buried in its pages, but without your consent it be like ants walking across the surface. None can read it without ya letting them. Not the safest formation there is, since ya could still be coerced into giving access, but I don't have the things for a stronger one."

Aenon raised an eyebrow at the new information. He had known the dwarf knew some runes, but he had underestimated his expertise and skill. Before Aenon could talk, the dwarf raised a hand.

"I ain't gonna ask, and ya better not tell me how ya got this knowledge," Borin said with a fierce look. "Secrets tend to have a way to bite ya in the behind. So, I'd rather not be saddled with yours too. Got enough of my own."

Aenon merely nodded in acknowledgement and waited for him to continue. The dwarf had a melancholic look on his face as he stared at the book longingly. Aenon sensed pain and sadness radiating off him, as the smith was no doubt reliving some old memories. There was a story there for sure, but Aenon knew it wasn't something he could ask about.

"Ya want me to use the runes for something?" Borin finally asked, his gaze not leaving the tome one bit.

"A formation," Aenon said slowly. "To heal some injured Treant souls and link them to a World Tree."

Borin finally looked at Aenon, his surprise evident on his face. He stared blankly before raising his hands in frustration.

"Of course ya got a bloody World Tree hidden somewhere," he scoffed. The dwarf started walking around in circles as he muttered curses under his breath. Aenon waited patiently for him to process the bombshells. It took him five minutes to calm down. When Borin finally sat down, he was back to his professional behavior.

"Alright, first things first," he stated. "This knowledge is not to reach a third person. My entire civilization was razed to the ground for it. I don't want to see a repeat of that. Second, if ya dare to use it for anything nefarious…"

"I will not," Aenon cut him off, genuinely hurt that he would even consider it.

"I have seen what power does to people, laddie," Borin said sadly. "I just want ya to be cautious, is all."

"I understand," Aenon replied with a nod.

"Next, I won't be using the runes to engrave on any physical weapons or armor. They can be easily lost or stolen, spreading things where we can't control. The rudimentary runes I know are sufficient for that. At least, till a time where you are strong enough to protect yourself."

Aenon nodded to that as well, agreeing with Borin on the dangers a possible leak could have.

"The formation you want for the World Tree would be hidden," Borin continued. "Visible only to those with soul powers and only if they stood in front of the tree itself. But if someone were to find it, well…"

Borin didn't need to articulate the problems that would arise if Nocthrya's existence was revealed.

"Very well," Aenon finally said. "Let's go as per your plan."

Borin nodded but continued staring at Aenon. He finally asked, "Ya trying to raise an army to rule the world?"

There was no negative connotation to the dwarf's words. He was just curious.

"Why do you think so?" Aenon asked, equally curious about his thinking.

"All this," he said while waving all around them. "The detailed planning, owning cities, raising future power houses, and even the World Tree business."

Aenon considered how to answer the question. He sighed while leaning back in his chair.

"All I wanted was to be left alone, Borin. Back in my old world, it meant simply disappearing into the woods," Aenon said wistfully. "But it's not possible in this reality unless I have the power to shield myself from the attention of power-hungry monarchs. If I could, I would like nothing more than to live the rest of my days in isolation. But after being exposed to all this scheming and cruelty, I can't do that now, can I?"

Borin was silent for a while before speaking softly, "Wish I could meet your folks. They did something right to raise such a remarkable lad."

Aenon smiled wistfully, not commenting about this family. Borin took the hint and stayed quiet, regretting saying that.

"Anyway," Aenon changed the topic. "To answer your question, yes. I do intend to raise an army. But not to rule the world. I want to create a place where people like you and I can be left alone."

Borin regarded him silently. Even though the dwarf had not said it outright, Aenon had a hunch that he too was running from something. Just like the others he had met.

"Heh," Borin chuckled. "People like us don't get to run forever laddie. Our past always catches up to us. And even if we do succeed, the world won't just leave us alone after they find out what we possess."

"Well," Aenon said with a smile. "Won't know till we try now, will we?"

"I guess we'll find out," Borin said while returning the smile. He picked up the book and deposited it into his inventory, before walking to the door. He pulled the lever to dispel the shield, but didn't leave immediately.

"I came to this world to retire laddie, to slowly die of old age," Borin stated with fire in his eyes. "But now I too wish to see where this path leads. There is something about ya, that makes people's blood boil in anticipation. And ya just ignited mine. Bahaha. Haven't felt this alive in ages."

Aenon made his mask reappear, walking to the door too. He held out a hand towards Borin, declaring boldly, "To a place where we can be left alone."

Borin smirked as he shook Aenon's hand vigorously, "To be left alone."

Unbeknownst to them, a certain blonde with hollow eye sockets was observing the scene with a smile, sitting on an obsidian throne, in an empty castle all by herself.

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