Heroine Creation: All My Summons Are Custom Made

"It’s not really espionage," Lancet said, holding back a laugh. "It’s more like a secret extraction mission. You’d have to lay low."

Thor scowled. "Sounds very similar to espionage."

"Come on," Lancet pleaded with her. "You and Espel haven’t really spent any time together. It’ll be a good time to catch up."

Thor glanced over at the Entropy Mage who did only as little as raise her brow. She looked back at Lancet.

"I used to spend every waking moment of my days killing Beasts and Demons. When will I return to that? I’m not..." she tightened her lips, thinking of how to frame her words. "I’m not used to such meager missions and errands."

Lancet looked at her, understanding how she felt. He created her to be a vehement fighter and Demon killer. But she had to be patient.

Operation Citadel was in two months, and the Warning Gates would happen right after. There were millions of Demons waiting to be killed by her hand.

He told her this — not the Operation itself as the Terribles were still there. He then said besides, she was starting to care for people a little bit more.

"Look at what you did with them," he added, gesturing at the Terrible Three, before looking back at her.

Thor’s eyes narrowed into slits. "What do you mean? You told me not to kill them so I didn’t."

"You didn’t even hurt them." Thor glanced toward the three prisoners.

Linzley offered her a bright, grateful smile, causing Thor to quickly look away.

Lancet pressed his advantage. "You got Linzley medicine."

"She was badly hurt," Thor stated plainly. "So I left this place, got the medicine from a healer shop and came back immediately. What else would I have done, I am not heartless."

Lancet smiled slightly, his tone softening. "It’s not just that." Thor looked at him, wary. "You care. You understand that sometimes people deserve a second chance."

Thor’s expression hardened almost defensively, but Lancet did not let her interrupt. Her eyes darted toward the Terrible Three again. Caelem looked away in shame, Muskard remained perfectly still, and Linzley kept watching her with obvious hero-worship.

Lancet’s smile got a little dark as he shrugged. "Not all the time, of course. But sometimes. Just like right now."

He stepped closer. "Everything I’m doing, Thor, is for a big plan. Everything has to work exactly the way I’ve envisioned it for us to stop the Demons with as little civilian deaths as possible. I just need your help."

He looked at the trio. "So help me, okay? Help them to help me."

For several long seconds, Thor said absolutely nothing. Then she sighed, a deep, weary sound. She looked over Espel. "This mission could take days, right?"

"A week at most," Espel replied. "If we’re lucky, five days."

Thor faced her master with a question on her face. "Can your Grace carry me that long?"

Lancet had expected that exact question. He reached into his pockets and pulled out a heavy packet.

Golden cylinders gleamed brightly beneath the transparent wrapping. Thor looked at them as Lancet shook the packet once.

"Two dozen magical supplements. I absorbed until I was completely full at the Barracks, too." He returned the supplements in his pockets. "You’ll be fine."

Thor appeared satisfied and no longer actively opposed to the plan. "Very well then."

Espel finally pushed away from the wall, re-entering the conversation. "If I’m sneaking into a high-security penitentiary for you, you owe me something when I get back."

Lancet froze. He looked at her. Espel stared back without changing her cold expression, but Lancet swallowed hard, knowing exactly what she meant.

"Fine."

Thor looked back and forth between them, confused. "What does she want?"

"Nothing," Lancet lied quickly.

Thor looked at Lancet demanding an explanation, but Lancet immediately turned toward the Terrible Three to avoid her gaze. "Anyway."

Caelem almost smiled at the awkward exchange, but Lancet pointed a sharp finger at him. "Don’t."

Shaking her head, Thor moved toward the three prisoners and began removing their heavy restraints. "You’re coming with me."

Linzley jumped up the moment the thick chain fell from her ankle. "Are we flying?" When Thor just stared at her, Linzley leaned in and lowered her voice to a loud whisper. "Are we?"

Thor expertly ignored the question and moved to remove Muskard’s restraint next. While she worked, Lancet explained the safe route to the new house and gave Thor the remaining information she needed to get them established.

She would take the Terrible Three there first, make absolutely sure they were settled and secure, and then meet Espel so the two could begin figuring out how to approach State X Penitentiary without drawing a massive government response.

Once Caelem’s final restraint came free, he rubbed his bruised ankle and looked around the dismal bunker one last time. "So this is it then."

Lancet looked at him. "I’ll be seeing you around, Senior Caelem."

Caelem looked toward him. "You don’t have to call me Senior anymore," he said with a sheepish smile.

Lancet looked at him. "Make sure you take care of your team. Or should I say my team. You’ll get your first mission in some days. Till then, stay out of sight."

Caelem quickly said okay. Muskard nodded while Linzley did a salute.

Thor hefted her hammer and stepped toward the exit. "I’ll see you in a few days, Master."

"I’ll miss you too, Thor," he smiled at her.

The Valkyrie’s face suddenly turned red. She looked away with frustration hiding her cherry-red cheeks and she stepped outside.

Espel followed her out into the sunlight. Linzley hurried eagerly after Thor, while Muskard and Caelem trailed quietly behind them.

Lancet remained where he was in the center of the room.

He heard lightning and thunder and knew Thor had taken off. Later he heard the flapping of wings. Espel was gone too.

Then the underground bunker went completely quiet. Lancet reached into his inner pocket and took out the invitation Renan had given him. It slid out between his fingers.

The elegant Falconhart crest sat prominently across the front of the heavy card, followed by the formal invitation to the Grand Auction. Lancet opened it carefully.

He read it properly. As expected, the Grand Auction was not in State X. It was located in the opulent bastion city known as Rosenblum.