Spell Weaver [Book 2 Complete]

Late January sunlight filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows that led to the courtyard at the center of the U-shaped building. The modern living room was open with high ceilings, and the couch, living room table, and TV, all in the corner of the room, were depressed two steps into the ground.

Slowly, things were changing around the comfy living space, and Alex was beginning to feel like it was his home, rather than he was squatting in a house that was far too nice for him. On the floor in front of the flat screen sat two gaming consoles that Mark had brought over. The couch had several new plush throw pillows and large blankets that Sarah had gifted to him, saying she wanted something comfortable there when they all watched movies. Edwin, at Mark’s suggestion, had secured several minimalist back frames for pictures that he planned to fill with group pictures and selfies.

Alex sank deeper into the corner of the couch, enjoying the feeling of the soft pillow and the smell of the coffee next to him. He watched Mark with a smile as he sprawled across the sectional.

Past his friend, he could see clearly through the glass windows and through the courtyard. Gabby moved in the kitchen in a rhythmic manner that made it clear to him she was listening to music, despite not being able to hear the noise.

“Still can’t decide what to do with it?” Alex asked, watching Mark flip a skill token between his fingers.

Mark caught the token in the air. “Three levels in three days, and this beauty on top of it.” He held the crystal-like chip up to the light that streamed through the windows. “Can’t say I’m disappointed we closed that Rift.”

“It’s definitely a shift from how they were doing things just a few weeks ago,” Alex said, though he couldn’t keep the satisfaction from his own voice. “You’re right, though. Getting extra experience from completing the Rift Quest, not to mention two System Rewards from finishing both quests, feels really good.” He gestured at the token and thought of the Mana Stones sitting in his spatial pouch.

“Could have kept it open longer,” Mark pouted as he sat up.

“That sort of defeats the purpose of the Teams Event. I think we’re going to need to close more Rifts rather than keep them open. If more are constantly spawning, and soon they’ll be spawning at D Rank, it seems like the System is trying to hint at something by giving us additional experience when the Rift Quest is completed.”

“Yeah, I know,” Mark said as he stepped the token on the table and stared at it.

The sound of sock-clad feet shuffling across the solid floor drew their attention to the entrance. Sam stood there, wrapped in a blanket that was supposed to be kept on the couch. Despite the obvious exhaustion on his features, there was an unmistakable energy about him that made both men sit up straighter.

“You’re up early,” Mark said while checking his phone. “Thought you’d sleep till lunch at least, with that kind of late night at the hospital.”

“Yeah, don’t push yourself too hard. We just finished up the Rift the day before, and then you spent like 12 hours at the hospital yesterday. Wasn’t it you who told me last week that resting is important too?”

Sam’s tired expression broke into an excited grin. “Couldn’t sleep anymore. Guys, you’re not going to believe what happened last night.”

“The hospital people decided to start paying you a ton of money for all your help and magical life saving?” Mark said, scooping his skill token off the table.

“Huh? Wha-” Sam said, confused. “No, they already pay me.”

“They do? How do they pay you?”

“Edwin helped me set up a bank account, and my parents co-signed on an account while we were in the Safe Zone.”

“Aww, he’s all grown up!”

Sam glowered at the large Polish man and waved his hand. “Look, that’s not important! Ugh, I got offered my class advancement!”

There was a moment of stunned silence before Mark and Alex both jumped up from the couch and rushed over to Sam to congratulate him.

“Dude! That’s amazing!” Mark wrapped an arm around Sam and hugged him close while jumping up and down. With Mark’s height, Sam’s head only came up to the lower part of his chest, making the staggered jumping look comical to Alex. “What does the System notification say? Did you already pick the advancement? Did you get something Epic?”

Alex grinned at Sam’s breathless laughter as Mark let him go and stepped back. “Come on, sit down before Mark keeps asking questions. And yeah, tell us everything.”

Sam practically bounced to the couch, exhaustion momentarily forgotten. “I didn’t pick anything yet. I wanted to read it and do it with you guys, kind of like the Rank advancement.”

Alex and Mark both nodded.

“Well, here- it might just be easier to show you.” There was a brief pause as Sam willed the System window to become visible to them.