“Eurrggghhh…” James yawned loudly. It was the yawn of someone waking from a really good night's sleep.

  He had no idea how he got there, but recognized the runes and general feel of a Silver Room’s effects.

  A moment later he shrugged. He was here now, whatever it was couldn’t have been that important, or he would remember it..

  By the looks of things, Charlie and Squire had needed it too. They were still out so James didn’t wake them. He took a luxurious shower, letting the heat soak into his muscles.

  Crystal wash… fog… whatever you called it, was a wonder, but for comfort, nothing beat a good hot shower.

  The soak cleared his thoughts and he felt ready to face the world again.

  With that in mind he quickly got ready for the day. That included checking over his deck.

  The Griffon Egg didn’t show as a card at this stage which was disappointing, but to be expected.

  James knew that he could make the Hydra far more effective, but just couldn’t bring himself to imprint traits from Charlie and Squire. Additionally, he didn’t want to remove their Augments either. He would likely make an exception to augment regeneration in the Round Three fight, but would tweak that later.

  James brought up his deck. The quantity of quick spells had grown and was starting to be a problem.

  James tried to section them off and his arm of cards adapted accordingly. Now the sections acted like a swipe left or right to get to those sections. He moved Quick Heal in with his summons.

  Identify was off cooldown, so James played it on Tristan’s amulet.

  Play Card: Identify (Basic)

  Target: Tristan’s Amulet

  Item: Category: Aspects:

  Effects

  

• Eavesdropper’s Ledger:
• Trader’s Eye:
• Gambler’s Sense:

  Note:

  Stat Bonuses

  

• Might:
• Agility:
• Endurance:
• Mind:
• Perception:
• Will:
• Presence:

  He put it on immediately.

  Satisfied, he summoned Squire and Charlie via their cards, giving them summoning bonuses.

  Nimbus crossed his mind, but he’d look silly riding in this place.

  He opened the party chat up to find out where everyone was and noticed a number of unread messages.

  He opened them up.

  Edward:

  Brody:

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  Ken:

  Edward:

  Brody:

  There were no more messages after that.

  James thought back. Again he got the feeling that he should be remembering something but it wouldn’t come to him.

  His mind stat was enough that he became aware his brain was subconsciously trying to fill in the missing gaps. With an effort of will, he forced it to stop.

  It was a horrifying thought. He’d seen enough movies to know that he may have done it to himself too.

  He needed his team.

  James:

  Ken:

  James quickly checked his map and sure enough, he was in the Arena level. At least the plan had worked.

  He ensured his badge was on display, gathered his things together and walked to their booth.

  “It’s good to see you again. You look far better now.” Brody said.

  Rather than words, Edward rose and clasped arms with James in a fighter's show of respect.

  “Thank you.” he said directly to Ken.

  Ken bowed his head in acknowledgement.

  “I was thinking that we should complete ‘Round Three’ while we are here.” James started.

  Brody interrupted.

  “I don’t think the arena is going to be free anytime soon. Have a look around at the non-badged areas.” James started looking around while Brody continued. “While you slept the last of day seven ticked away. The contest starts in an hour.”

  James had seen a number of faces he hadn’t seen before, but that wasn’t new here. At Brody’s last words, he quickly brought up the leaderboard to see who was now the bottom four.

  Commander Leaderboard:

  The same four combatants sat on the bottom of the leaderboard, though it was clear they’d made an effort.

  Everyone had made an effort.

  This time when he looked around he saw faces looking back, some of which were familiar.

  Commanders.