Unchosen Champion

Coop stepped into the citadel that protected Ghost Reef’s civilization shard and found Jones patiently waiting on one of the smooth stone benches with some surprising company at his side. Derek had joined the old caretaker, and despite the two having what Coop assumed were completely mismatched personalities, they were engaged in what appeared to be a productive conversation. Jones had Derek nodding with wide eyes as he explained how one of the berms adjacent to the citadel was full of yellow wildflowers, a type of oxalis, that opened and closed depending on the time of day. As fascinating as the subject was, it just wasn’t something Coop would expect to be within Derek’s wheelhouse. Maybe if the flower was used as some kind of garnish for alcoholic beverages, he could have anticipated Derek’s interest, but that wasn’t the case.

Once again, Coop felt like he had underestimated Jones’s charm. The man could capture anyone with his passionate discourse about Ghost Reef. Even someone who would otherwise be antipathetic to such details. Apparently, Derek was seeking Coop out as well, and had been enticed into a classic Jones presentation as he waited. Coop didn’t think he had time to entertain the Virtuoso, but he could at least spare a conversation before he got on with his business. It just seemed like there was so much he needed to do, every time he finished one task another two or three popped up. He had to imagine this would be another example.

“There you are, buddy!” Derek stood up as Coop approached, excited to see him. He put his hand on Coop’s shoulder to get a good look at him. “You’re looking good!” He exclaimed like an uncle at a holiday party seeing a distant nephew for the first time since the previous intermittent family gathering. “The old man insinuated that you were in rough shape, but I don’t see it at all.” He flattered the Champion, transparently buttering him up. Derek looked over at Jones and pointed at Coop. “He looks great.”

“The magic of mana wielded by an expert.” Jones asserted, glad to see Coop recovered and attributing Coop’s healthy state to his visit with Madison.

“It wasn’t that serious.” Coop dismissed their concern with his typical carefree assessment. He ignored their worried looks as they imagined what could have incapacitated their Champion, changing the subject. “What have you been up to, Derek?” Coop asked, anticipating the answer would be lots of drinking with anyone that had some credits. “You’re not in some kind of trouble are you?”

“Hey, what’s with the doubt? I happen to try very hard to avoid trouble.” Derek insisted.

“Considering how we met, I think we might have different definitions of trouble.” Coop noted. “You might even be mixing it up with work.”

“Actually, that’s what I wanted to talk about. This is purely a work meeting! Honest!” Derek did his best to be convincing, but he had the weight of his entire personality working against him. Coop wasn’t swayed. “We could use your help with something in the mana well.” Derek stated, calming his hands and placing one on the back of his own neck.

“The mana well?” Coop asked, wondering what had happened, and why Derek of all people was bringing news of the dangerous domain. The man’s request hadn’t gone the direction Coop expected. He was imagining something more along the lines of the island exceeding the Brewery’s capacity to distill alcohol and he would need to upgrade the service somehow.

“What? Why do you look so shocked? Didn’t you know I took over the Dungeon Delving Department of the Adventurer’s Guild? I swear I told you… I definitely told Marcus, he shoulda told you, right?” Derek continued, clearly proud of his newfound purpose and confident that he would have bragged to anyone that had the time to listen.

“...Dungeon Delving Department?” Coop muttered, confused by the existence of such a specific thing and the fact that Derek had accepted any responsibilities at all.

“Of course! You know how much I love-”