n

n

nNix yawned and leaned back into the soft chair in his living room. He had two separate huds up, one for a water creature and the other for an air creature. He was struggling a bit to stay awake, but the smell of a cooking roast kept him from calling it a night.

nHyai noticed him nodding off from her seat in the kitchen. Neither her nor Fajii had left Shae's side since she returned.

"Thirty minutes Nix.

"

nNix nodded in reply.

"I'll finish this up and grab a quick shower.

"

nSemmi had compiled a list of easy to attain items that were reasonably cheap. All Nix had to do was create two templates, and Inferno would foot the bill while he crafted the puppets.

nWater Creature

nQueue One: Emperor Turtle Skin

nQueue Two: Deep Sea Shark Tooth

nQueue Three: Bulato Cuda Fins

nQueue Four: Otter Bone

nQueue Five: Essence Sapphire

nNix carefully inspected the first template. The items were fairly easy to get, but he found it troubling. Would the Water Elementals be thankful? This would basically confine them to the seas of Everspire.

"Let's use some of the leather I made from Neptiphago's skin to strengthen the template, perhaps they will find it easier to advance.

"

nSea Hunter

nQueue One: Water Dragon Leather x50

nQueue Two: Deep Sea Shark Tooth x500

nQueue Three: Bulato Cuda Fins x1000

nQueue Four: Otter Bone x100

nQueue Five: Essence Sapphire

nNix nodded in satisfaction.

"Now the Air Elementals.

"

nAir Raptor

nDragon Scale x50

nAir Wraith Teeth x500

nDesert Bat Wings x1000

nQueue Four: Spire Osprey Bones x100

nQueue Five: Essence Sapphire

nNix brought up a preview of what each puppet would look like. The Water creature closely resembled a Leopard Seal, with a bit of armor protection and larger teeth. It was a medium-sized predator about eight feet in length and weighed around three hundred pounds. The Air creature looked like a giant bird of prey. Instead of feathers, it possessed scales and leathery wings. It would stand about three feet in height and weigh close to fifty pounds.

nHe used his hud to send copies of the required materials to Semmi and Jun Li, then he closed the animation interface and stretched.

nThe three women stopped talking when he approached the island, making him instantly suspicious.

n

"We talking about something fun?

" Nix didn't expect an answer since both Hyai and Shae shrugged.

n

"Just discussing Mina,

" Fajii answered truthfully, utterly unaware that her two cohorts were staring at her.

n

"I see...

" Nix pursed his lips as if considering the topic.

"Want my input?

"

nShae nodded slowly.

"You've always had a close relationship with her. I am satisfied with your choice to give her a daughter.

"

n

"I was drafted into it, but I won't lie and say that the illusion from the Black Gate hasn't affected me. I would have done it eventually.

"

nFajii grabbed his hand and pulled him closer.

"You are a man of your word.

"

n

"She wants to stay in the Sea-World after we finish in Everspire,

" Shae said it like she thought it was the worst idea she'd ever heard.

n

"Yeah, I know that. You guys disagree?

"

nAll three women nodded. Hyai freckled face was etched with concern.

"Ask her to stay in Haven.

"

n

"Yep,

" Shae agreed.

nFajii nodded without saying anything.

n

"I'll talk to her, no promises though.

" Nix exited the kitchen and headed toward the bathroom.

nShae waited until she heard the water running before she spoke.

"Mind if I have him to myself tonight?

"

nHyai's lips curved in a lazy smile.

"Let's negotiate properly.

n**************

nNix woke up slowly, for once, there wasn't any ambient noise or strange people coming in to wake him up. An insanely warm Shae was wrapped around him, giving Nix the best night of sleep he ever had.

nShae was resting her cheek against his shoulder, but she'd been awake for a while.

"You were pretty tired. No need to get up yet.

"

nNix smiled at the salamander. Her wild red hair was sticking up in multiple directions.

"I promised Hyai to help her with her Djinn. Then I want to spend some time with Morti at the training grounds in Nescari.

"

nShae leaned closer and pressed her lips against his.

"You should get moving then; it's already 0900.

"

nNix paused and put a hand to his stinging lips.

"Ghost peppers?

"

nThe redhead nodded.

"Want one?

"

nNix made a face at her.

"Pretty sure you just gave me one.

"

nWhen Nix walked into the kitchen a few minutes later, Leva was sitting at the kitchen island with Fey and Ducky.

"Morning... Have you guys seen Hyai?

"

nDucky nodded.

"She went with Milat and Mina to Free Trader City to do some quests.

"

n

"Crap...

" Nix grabbed the boxed lunch Hyai made from the fridge and headed out the door.

n

/Inferno: Nix: Pon, Tess, Sharl, and Gypsy. Do you guys want to help me with something?

n

/Inferno: Tess: A mission with the Boss? Yes!

n

/Inferno: Sharl: Sure, Nix.

n

/Inferno: Pon: I smell loot. I'm in.

n

/Inferno: Gypsy: Yes.

n****************

nNix tightened up the helmet on Morti's head and then turned back toward their opponents. The Nescari training grounds had a few more spectators than usual. Gil and Jaro were both in attendance, along with Morti's parents.

"Ready for some training?

"

nMorti nodded his big head.

"We gonna spar with those guys?

"

nNix waved at the members of Inferno, a pleasant smile on his face.

n

/Inferno: Tess: Damn Nix...

n

/Inferno: Gypsy: Is it too late to say no?

n

/Inferno: Pon: Punk, bastard! Morti has fire immunity.

n

/Inferno: Sharl: Don't be such babies, he's just a cub.

nMorti and Nix walked toward the group, stopping about five meters away.

n

/Inferno: Nix: Thanks for coming. You guys bring your rings from the Desert King fight?

n

/Inferno: Sharl: I did.

n

/Inferno: Tess: Got mine.

n

/Inferno: Gypsy: Yep.

n

/Inferno: Pon: Those things are weak, Nix, he'll squash us.

n

/Inferno: Nix: Remember when I said to think outside the box? Everyone hand your rings to Pon.

nNix smiled at Morti and scratched his ears.

"Don't worry about hurting Pon; he's a tough old bastard.

"

nMorti nodded his big head.

"Okay.

"

n

/Inferno: Pon: Which form do you want?

n

/Inferno: Nix: I want the Desert King.

n

/Inferno: Pon: Huh?

n

/Inferno: Nix: Activate them all at the same time.

nPon slipped all four rings on his hand and activated them. A moment later, the Desert King appeared on the trading grounds. Pon roared happily.

n

/Inferno: Sharl: Going to need to buy all your rings, guys.

nNix studied the Desert King; he had lost an arm in that fight to the scorpion-like pincers.

"This is the Desert King. If it's the two of us, how do we take him.

"

nMort plopped down on his big butt.

"Think that snake tail is poisonous?

"

nNix nodded.

"Definitely poison.

"

n

"It doesn't look long enough to get someone who is attacking the head. I'd stun him with a swat and then go after the Lion's head.

"

n

"Let's try that then.

"

nOver the next hour, Morti and Nix tried a dozen different strategies against the Desert King. All four of the ring holders took turns as the Desert King; each presented a unique style of fighting. In the end, Morti and Nix were able to vanquish them. The group sat in the middle of the field, discussing the fight after they finished.

n

"If that snake tail were a bit longer...

" Tess had employed a spinning strategy where she attacked with the snake; first, it had caught Morti by surprise.

n

"Let's check to see if the Desert King respawns.

" Sharl had taken the last turn as the Desert King; she gave back the other rings under protest.

nNix nodded in agreement.

"Worth it to check, the single rings by themselves are too weak.

"

n***************

nIonova City Center: 1130 hours

nThe former Gladis crafters were each sitting at the long table inside Nix's unopened Tailor shop in the City center. Each of them was using their rare inventories to upgrade Inferno's raid gear. Alpha Team was in the process of getting their equipment worked on when Delia showed up with the first batch of essence stones.

nThe Intrepid's light brown eyes lit up when she saw Nix. Her black hair was tied up in one of Nansu's braids.

"Nix.

"

n

"Welcome.

" Nix returned Delia's smile. The woman was uncommonly friendly.

"How many do you have ready?

"

nDelia set the basket down on the floor and handed him one.

"Seventeen in this batch, it takes more energy then I thought it would.

"

nNix held up the stone and examined it.

nEssence Sapphire: Yuna, Air Sprite

nNix glanced down at the basket.

"Are these all Air Sprites?

"

nDelia nodded in reply.

"Yes, I thought it would help you to work on one group at a time.

n

"Good thinking, that does make it easier for me.

" Nix noticed that everyone was watching him.

"Waiting for the first one?

"

nSemmi had moved closer and pulled up a stool.

"You can do it, Nix. I'll talk to them when they wake.

"

n

"Good plan, Sem.

" Nix set up the queue with the items that the guild procured for him.

nAir Raptor

nDragon Scale x50

nAir Wraith Teeth x500

nDesert Bat Wings x1000

nQueue Four: Spire Osprey Bones x100

nQueue Five: Essence Sapphire: Yuna, Air Sprite

nNix nodded in satisfaction before glancing at Semmi.

"This one is named Yuna.

"

nA moment later, the reptilian looking bird flapped its wings once and managed to get on its feet, before looking around with intelligent eyes.

nSemmi moved into its field of vision.

"I'm Semmi. Unfortunately, you were captured and drained of your elemental powers. We were able to restore your powers to a different body. You are safe here and free to leave whenever you like.

"

nYuna nodded her head; it was apparent she understood but was incapable of speech.

n

"Wait a few minutes, and you will be able to leave with others of your kind.

" Semmi stroked her smoothly, scaled head.

"The body you are in is powerful; as a Sprite, you are probably already ready to rank up.

"

nNix was already setting up the next queue, he paused when he noticed Yuna watching.

"Don't worry, you'll be able to communicate with the others we animate.

"

n