The Politics of Power

The team arrived early at their training facility on the edge of campus, thankful for the warm turn in the weather. Armor was put on and weapons unlimbered as they made their way out to the training yard.

"I'm still not sure why I haven't been able to channel any other abilities," Ethan griped as they stepped outside. "When I surged it just… worked. I didn't have to think, I just did it."

"Maybe we should go revisit that scorpion bot at the arena? I could take a hit for ya and see if it works." Penny teased him.

"Haha, very funny." Ethan deadpanned. "Seriously, though. I'm stuck." He watched as Grace began to do some basic warm up exercises, a mixture of different attacks and footwork she made look effortless.

Alice cast a glance at Penny, her eyebrow raised in such a way to let her know the joke hadn't landed. Penny mouthed a quick "sorry," to her and she watched as Penny went off to begin training. Alice shook her head, at least when Penny made a bad joke she was always willing to apologize for it. She put the thought out of mind as she made her way to the far corner of the training yard to begin her workout.

"Could it be related to seeing us in danger?" Mei suggested to Ethan. "You've heard about the stories of people doing crazy things when adrenaline is coursing through them, maybe it's something like that?"

Ethan thought back to the dungeon, to watching Alice getting hurt. He winced at the memory, uncomfortable thinking about it. Maybe Mei had a point, though? Maybe he hadn't grown in his class long enough to be capable of reliably channeling abilities?

"Ive got an idea," Mei spoke, Ethan looking up as she did. "It's all about the bond with your class, right? So the bond is where we should look. Remember the lectures on ability activation, how they told us it was mostly intuitive? That the better we got with it, that's where a lot of our growth comes from?"

Ethan nodded, unsure where she was going with the idea.

"Well, what if channeling our abilities isn't intuitive? What if you need to learn how to activate our abilities through the bond." Mei was getting more excited as she spoke, feeling that she might have struck upon the right idea. "They say the way every ability activates is different, but that the marks doing most of the work. If that work isn't being done for you, you'd have to do it all yourself."

"I think you're onto something," Grace said, not interrupting her movements. "There was a talk Sofia Varga gave a few years back, one of the things she talked about was learning how to control your mark without training wheels, as she called them."

She paused, finishing her first set of warmup exercises. "She said that while the marks do a lot of the work for us, they also limit you. The same way training wheels on a bicycle don't let you lean your bike, so does the mark keep you 'upright' as she explained it. If you can take those wheels off, learn to activate abilities without the help, you get a lot more flexibility in your skills."

Ethan was nodding as she explained. "So, you think that I need to learn how to not only activate skills without mark assistance, I need to learn how to do it through the bond. For abilities I've never used, and have no feeling for?"

She shrugged. "It's a better lead than what you had five minutes ago."

"Maybe you can focus on the bond while I cast?" Mei suggested, getting ready to start her own workout. "I was planning on Firebolt practice today, so I'll be casting it back to back. Maybe you'll feel something?"

"I'll run the bot for you, then." He walked over to the bot control console. "Any idea where Harris is? He said he'd be out here when I told him our arena slot got cancelled."

Mei shrugged. "Not sure. Set it up for perpendicular movement, please. I need to practice leading my target."

The bot activated and rolled out as Ethan punched commands into the console. As it began to move back and forth he sat down, closing his eyes and focused on his bond with Mei. There had to be something there. The first telltale sound of a Firebolt went out and… nothing.

He gave a small shake of his head, chastising himself for expecting to get it on the first cast. If it were that easy he'd have picked it up a month ago. Focusing again, he concentrated deeper on the bond with Mei, hoping to feel anything.

Penny knelt on the training ground, meticulously recording her long-term growth progress. Her shadow minion stood before her, its form solidifying from the darkness. She measured it with practiced precision—height, strength, speed, durability—and everything in between.

Four feet and two inches tall. She whistled softly under her breath. In just seven weeks, the minion had doubled in height. She shook her head, marveling at the sheer power of Ethan's class. At this rate, she'd surpass what most D-ranked classes achieved in a decade before the month was out.

Her notes were filled with similar impressive gains. The minion's durability had increased by 30%, its speed by 25%. Each stat was a testament to Ethan's unique ability to boost and imbue. Even after the better part of two months she hadn't gotten used to improving this quickly.

Next, she turned her attention to her Shadow Bolts. Seven projectiles materialized before her, a significant increase from the four she could cast initially. She could almost sense an eighth bolt forming, tantalizingly out of reach. She focused, casting again and again, each attempt pushing her limits.

On the ninth try, she put every ounce of effort into it, screaming "Yes!" as an eighth bolt finally appeared. The triumphant shout echoed across the training yard, drawing curious glances from the rest of the team. She grinned, satisfaction coursing through her veins. This was just the beginning.

She turned to see Ethan watching her with a mix of pride and curiosity. "Eight bolts now?" he asked, walking over.

"Yep," she replied, still grinning. "And I think I can push for more. You having any luck?"

He shook his head. "Nothing. Having trouble even using Surge again." He thought for a moment. "I think I need to try and figure out how to use my abilities without the mark helping. Feels like skipping a step if I don't."

"Do you think Mage Thompson would be able to help? She's already had us exercising our abilities, I'm sure she's familiar with the technique."

"Yea. I was hoping to speak with her this morning, but neither she nor Harris have responded to any messages."

Ethan closed his eyes as Penny resumed her training. He felt towards his mark, activating his heal briefly on himself before stopping and repeating, activating the skill over and over. Nothing. He let out a deep breath in frustration, feeling like he was missing something obvious.

Ethan sighed, opening his eyes as he gave up on the attempt for now. Maybe he was going about this all wrong? He had been able to use Surge without thinking, but even that wasn't working today.

He needed to take Penny's advice and speak with Mage Thompson, she might have some insight or guidance on how to approach this challenge. There was little point in sitting her struggling aimlessly. He stood, calling out to the rest that he was going to head to the staff offices to see if any of their advisors were free. A round of acknowledgements rang out as he left the training yard.

A short walk later brought him to the admin building where the advisors and their staff had their offices. As he walked through the halls, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Maybe it was just his frustration clouding his judgment, but he couldn't help but feel like there was more going on than met the eye.

He reached the advisor's office suite and approached the secretary sitting at the front desk. "Excuse me," Ethan said politely. "I'm looking for Mage Thompson. Is she available?"

The secretary looked up from her computer, her expression apologetic. "I'm sorry, but Trainer Harris, Strategist Lee, and Mage Thompson were all called into an urgent meeting. They should be back later this afternoon."

Ethan frowned, a sense of unease settling in his stomach. "Do you know what the meeting is about?" he asked.

The secretary shook her head. "I'm afraid not," she said. "It was called suddenly, and no details were given. I'm not sure when they'll be available."

Ethan nodded, trying to hide his disappointment. "Thank you," he said before turning to leave.

As he walked back through the halls, his mind raced with possibilities. He couldn't shake the feeling that this meeting was somehow connected to Marcus and his attempts to sabotage their team. He shook his head, catching himself assuming that every inconvenience was somehow related to Marcus.

As Ethan was about to leave the building, Guildmaster Thompson appeared from around the corner and called out to him. "Ethan! Do you have a moment?"

Ethan turned around and waited for the Guildmaster to catch up with him.

"Walk with me?" The Guildmaster asked.

"Sure thing," he replied, falling into step beside him as they walked.

"How are things progressing?" Guildmaster Thompson inquired.

"Pretty well." Ethan answered. "We've been working on our teamwork and strategy, and I think we're making good progress. We should be ready for D-ranked dungeons fairly soon, despite some mistakes in the last raid."

The Guildmaster nodded approvingly. "That's good to hear," he said. "I know you have a lot of pressure on your shoulders, but I believe in you and your team. Keep up the good work."

Ethan was led through a secure door the Guildmaster badged open and into a section of the building he'd never seen. The hallway had few features, lined with closed doors and little decoration. It didn't seem as if many people worked in this area, or if they did, they weren't moving about the space very often, the hallways empty barring them.

Eventually the Guildmaster opened another door, this one also secure. The space appeared to be a small conference room and Ethan was surprised to find his advisors waiting for him there, alongside an unfamiliar face.

"Ethan, this is Director Wray," The Guildmaster gestured to the unfamiliar man. "He's the head of the Minnesota Guild."

"Pleased to meet you," Ethan offered his hand to shake, which the other man took.

"You as well," Wray replied. "Nathan, I presume this is…?"

"He is! I ran into him on my way over and brought him along." The Guildmaster turned to Ethan, his expression a mix of pride and gravity. "This meeting happens to concern you, it seems fitting you be present," He gestured for Ethan to take a seat as he moved to the head of the table.

The conference room was small but well-appointed, with a large, polished wooden table surrounded by comfortable chairs. The walls were largely unadorned, save for emergency evacuation information near the door. A large screen dominated one wall, currently dark but poised for use. Ethan took a seat, feeling a touch of nervousness as he did.

"Well then, let's get started," the Guildmaster said as he sat down, his voice carrying an air of authority that filled the room. "Ethan, the purpose of this meeting is to discuss your class and review the progress you've made." He nodded to Mage Thompson, who was seated to his right. "Would you begin, June?"

Mage Thompson adjusted her glasses, her fingers dancing across her tablet. The screen mounted on the wall flickered to life, displaying a presentation that summarized Ethan's abilities in clear, concise bullet points.

"A quick recap to start," Mage Thompson said, her voice steady and professional. "Comprehensive healing, at will class four buffing, and long-term enhancement." She paused, allowing the weight of her words to settle over the room. "Any one of these skills would have sufficed to qualify Ethan's class at A-rank." She moved to the next slide of the presentation, which outlined recent developments.

"The most recent development is the discovery that Ethan is capable of channeling the abilities of his allies," she continued, her tone measured but excited. "We don't have good data for this capability yet, but if it works as it sounds, it's yet another ability that would qualify Ethan for A-rank." She looked up from her tablet, meeting Ethan's gaze with a reassuring smile.

Ethan's eyes went wide as he listened, his mind working through the implications of their words. It was one thing to know his abilities were strong, but hearing his advisors' assessments—that any one of his abilities would qualify him for A-rank—was both humbling and terrifying. He felt a mix of pride and pressure, knowing that the expectations placed on him were immense.

"As you can see," Mage Thompson continued, "Ethan's potential is extraordinary. His ability to heal, buff, and enhance his allies makes him an invaluable asset to any team. And with the recent discovery of his channeling capability, we believe he has the potential to be a potent combatant in his own right."

She paused, allowing the room to absorb her words before turning to the Guildmaster. "Nathan, would you like to add anything?"

The Guildmaster nodded, leaning forward in his chair. "Ethan, your progress has been nothing short of remarkable," he said, his voice warm with genuine admiration. "You've taken to your class with a dedication and humility that is rare to see. We are all incredibly proud of what you've accomplished so far."

He turned to Director Wray, who had been listening intently throughout the presentation. "As you can see, Ethan's potential is unparalleled. We believe he has the ability to make a significant impact on high ranked dungeon incursion response, and we want to ensure he has every opportunity to succeed." He looked back at Ethan, his expression serious.

"However, with great power comes great responsibility," the Guildmaster continued. "We need to make sure you're prepared for what lies ahead. That's why we've called this meeting—to discuss your training, your team, and the steps we need to take to help you reach your full potential."

"With that said, outside pressure has become a concern. Some have long argued that those bearing A or S-ranked Marks require more stringent oversight. That brings up to Director Wray's presence today," he gestured for the Director to speak.

"Ethan, I'm going to be blunt with you," Wray began. "The idea of improving abilities long term has stirred up a frenzy among Guild leadership. Everyone wants you to get involved with their pet projects. Among those, many believe that ordering you to do so would be appropriate."

Ethan paled as Wray spoke, one of his biggest fears regarding his class being confirmed. The idea of being **** to Bond and Imbue whoever he was told to… There was no freedom in that.

Director Wray continued, seeing Ethan's expression. "Nothing is changing for you, not today," he reassured him. "The protections under the Class Marked Rights Act mean that you aren't going to be conscripted any time soon. No, the pressure you're going to face is going to come from a different angle. It's my understanding your intention is to work with your team, correct?"

Ethan nodded, his mind racing with fears of exploitation and loss of autonomy. "That's right," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. With the nature of the bonds, I don't intend on being used as a training aid. He couldn't shake the thought of being reduced to a tool, **** to Bond and Imbue others against his will. The idea sent a chill down his spine.

"I don't blame you. I understand there's a certain level of intimacy required by your Bonds that precludes using your abilities in such a way. The pressure on you has so far manifested as attacks on the resources being made available to your team. You may not know this, but every S-rank Class Marked is allocated a support staff dedicated to helping you. Your advisors," he gestured across the table at them, "are a temporary support structure meant to tide you over until a team could be assembled for you."

"I'm guessing there's been some trouble there?" Ethan asked, guessing where the Director was taking the conversation.

Wray nodded. "Exactly that. The funding and authorization for your staff has been tied up, politically. There have been some questions raised about your team being composed of D-ranked marked."

"Which brings us to the purpose of the meeting," Guildmaster Thompson said. "One way to push back on this is the growth you and your team have shown. Lee?"

Strategist Lee nodded, adjusting some papers on the table in front of them. "My assessment is that they have shown sufficient ability to be cleared for D-ranked dungeons, even taking into account their recent injuries. Each member of the team has proven themselves capable of raiding at that level during training. When their long term growth thanks to Ethan is taken into account, I see no issues authorizing them to raid at their rank."

"I am in agreement," Harris spoke up with his gruff voice. "They've done well, exceeding my expectations in simulations. Even without the speed at which they've grown I'd likely be making the same recommendation that they be cleared for D-ranked raids."

Harris met Ethan's eyes. "Don't let it go to your head, kid."

Ethan gave a firm nod to Harris, taken aback by his words. The trainer wasn't one to dole out compliments freely. Ethan had come to expect silence as the only sign they were meeting expectations.

Director Wray leaned forward, his expression serious but not unkind. "I'm pleased with the assessments from your advisors," he began, nodding towards Harris, Lee, and Mage Thompson. "Your advancement to D-ranked raiding so far ahead of schedule will help me push back on the political pressure. It's clear you and your team are more than capable."

He paused, steepling his fingers as he considered his next words. "My goal is to start getting your support staff cleared and working for you. We need to ensure you have everything you need to succeed, and that means having a dedicated team behind you." He looked at Ethan, his gaze steady. "You're an asset to the Guild, and we want to make sure you're taken care of."

Ethan felt a sense of relief wash over him. The idea of having a support staff dedicated to helping him and his team was reassuring. It meant he wouldn't have to navigate the political landscape alone, and it gave him hope that he could focus on what truly mattered—his training and his team.

"I appreciate that," Ethan said, his voice firm. "Having a support staff will make a big difference." He paused for a moment. "I'm grateful for each of you having my back. I get why others see the worth in what I can do, but I appreciate your help shielding me from those who'd push me into using my powers against my will."

Director Wray nodded, satisfied with Ethan's response. "Good. I'll get to work on that right away." He turned to Guildmaster Thompson. "Nathan, let's discuss the next steps. We need to make sure Ethan has everything he needs to continue his progress."

Guildmaster Thompson nodded in agreement, standing up. "Absolutely. We'll make sure Ethan's support staff is in place as soon as possible. And we'll keep pushing back on any political pressure that comes your way." He looked at Ethan, his expression warm. "You're doing great work, Ethan. Keep it up."

Ethan felt reassured as the meeting came to an end. Bolstered by his mentors and the Guild's backing, he felt equipped to tackle the tasks ahead of him. Ready to confront whatever awaited him, he trusted in his own capabilities and those of his team.

He stood, ready to leave and return to the training yard. "Thank you all for your support," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I won't let you down."

The Guildmaster nodded at Ethan, indicating his presence at the meeting was no longer required. "Director, my office to continue speaking?"

Director Wray stood up from the table, pushing his chair in. "Of course. I have some preliminary candidates for his Chief of Staff to go over with you."

"Excellent. In that case, the meeting adjourned, thank you all for your time."