Maybe it's about time we pick a name for our party," Alaric suggested.
"You're right! Any ideas?" Merlock asked.
"I say we call ourselves 'The Fire Fighters,'" Ignis said proudly.
"You're the only fire user here. That name's out," Merlock replied with a smirk.
"I have an idea! How about 'The Dukes'?" Aaron chimed in.
Merlock raised an eyebrow. "That's no better than his choice."
Alaric grinned. "I think we can name our party 'The Elemental Accord.' After all, we have a spirit, a dark mage, a healer, and an elemental user."
"That sounds perfect," Merlock agreed. "It's settled then—we are 'The Elemental Accord!'" He stood up and headed toward the receptionist, the others following close behind.
"We'd like to form a party," Merlock told the receptionist.
"Do you have four members?" she asked.
"Yes. The leader is Merlock, a spirit mage. Then there's Ignis La Vaelthorn, a fire magic user; Alaric, a healing mage; and lastly, Aaron La Irotina, a dark mage."
"His full name is Alaric Vi—" Aaron began.
Merlock stepped on his foot, cutting him off. "Just stay quiet."
The receptionist smiled politely. "What's your party's name, young sir?"
"'The Elemental Accord,'" Merlock replied.
"All done! You can now take missions and bounties from the guild," she said cheerfully.
"Let's get back to our table," Merlock said, leading the group back.
"What do you mean?" Ignis asked.
"Just do as the leader says," Alaric replied, striding ahead.
Aaron and Ignis grumbled but followed.
Merlock placed his hand on the table. "Put your hands on mine—except you, Aaron."
"Why exclude me?" Aaron asked, suspicious.
"Because you don't need this," Merlock said mysteriously.
Everyone else placed their hands atop Merlock's. Suddenly, a white mist enveloped them briefly, then vanished.
"What was that?" Ignis asked.
"Now your skills and powers will increase faster—all thanks to me," Merlock explained.
"This isn't a video game, you know," Aaron said flatly.
"By what?" Merlock asked.
"By the word 'video game,'" Aaron replied, confused.
"Well, it just slipped out," Aaron shrugged.
"Anyway," Ignis said mockingly, "why haven't you taken any mission? Scared now?"
"I already have a mission," Merlock said. "You've heard of the Valtheria clan?"
"Yes! The Blade Walkers of Valtheria—an elite swordsmen clan. But last I heard, they vanished," Alaric said.
"That's what they want everyone to think. One is still alive, and we're going to find him," Merlock said.
"That sounds easy enough," Aaron said confidently.
"Yes, but the problem is—he's in the kingdom of Velkhantar," Merlock added.
"So what's the big deal there?" Aaron asked.
"That kingdom no longer exists. Or rather, it's cursed—covered in ice and crawling with frost creatures, including an elemental ice beast," Alaric explained.
"Like a little cold's going to stop me!" Aaron said, grinning arrogantly.
Alaric chuckled. "You're so dense I almost feel sorry for you."
"Oh, come on! You're the one scared, not me," Aaron shot back.
"Maybe keep your tongue in check," Merlock warned.
"It's already sunset. I say we head to the local bazaar for gear, potions, and supplies. We depart tomorrow," Merlock said.
"Sounds good," Alaric agreed. "I know a blacksmith who sells good weapons at a cheap price."
"Lead the way," Merlock said.
Alaric led them through the bustling bazaar—fruit and vegetable stalls mixed with weapon and potion sellers. Eventually, he turned down a narrow alley.
"What's with the tiny door?" Aaron asked.
"You ask too many questions," Merlock muttered.
"That's a dwarf's home," Alaric said. "He's the blacksmith I mentioned."
Alaric knocked. A stout dwarf answered, about four feet tall, wearing a red coat, brown pants, and small glasses perched on a wrinkled face with a mole on his chin.
"Come in," the dwarf said, stepping back.
The shop was cluttered with swords, axes, and various weapons hanging on the walls.
"What can I get for you?" the dwarf asked.
"I want an astermite-powered bow and thirty astermite-coated arrows," Alaric said.
The dwarf produced a bow with a shimmering blue string that seemed to float, white limbs inlaid with sparkling chunks of astermite. The arrows gleamed with a subtle blue sheen.
"That's all for me. What about you?"
Merlock shook his head. "Nothing for me or Aaron."
Ignis stepped forward. "I need a sword—one that channels mana so I can cast fire magic."
"I've got just the thing!" The dwarf returned with a sword featuring a yellow guard, a deep blood-red handle, and blades glowing yellow on one side and red on the other.
Ignis gripped it, and the blade shimmered brighter.
"That'll do nicely," he said.
"That comes to twenty gold pieces," the dwarf said.
"Since Aaron's the richest here, he's paying. Neither of us is that rich," Alaric said, patting Aaron's shoulder.
Aaron pulled twenty gold pieces from his seemingly endless pockets and handed them over, then walked out with a satisfied smile.