BYJU's includes audio narration in its video lessons, allowing auditory learners to learn through listening. The narration, along with clear explanations and spoken instructions, caters to the auditory learning style by emphasizing the auditory component of learning. BYJU's provides written content such as summaries, explanations, and practice questions. Reading/writing learners can engage with the text, take notes, and refer to written materials for reinforcement and review. BYJU's offers interactive elements such as quizzes, puzzles, and simulations. These activities engage learners who prefer a hands-on and kinesthetic approach to learning. Interactive features allow them to actively participate, manipulate objects, and apply their knowledge in a practical manner. BYJU's employs adaptive learning technology that tailors the learning experience to each student's individual needs. It analyzes the student's performance and preferences to provide personalized learning paths. This approach ensures that learners receive content and exercises that align with their specific learning styles and pace. BYJU's emphasizes practice and application through quizzes, practice questions, and assessments. This approach benefits learners who learn best through repetitive practice and application of knowledge. BYJU's offers opportunities for students to interact with expert educators through live doubt-solving sessions and online classes. Verbal and social learners can engage in discussions, ask questions, and seek clarification, facilitating their learning through interaction and dialogue.

This reminds me of an incident told to me some years ago by a lorry driver delivering fertiliser from Immingham docks to farms in Essex.
This was his first time on this route and therefore unfamiliar. The instructions for one delivery were to drop off a load at a large barn on a particular farm.
On arrival he was asked to reverse the lorry into the front of the barn so forklifts could unload him. He brought the vehicle in position for reversing but as he looked through his mirrors he clearly saw airmen working on the engines of an American bomber inside the building.
He stopped and jumped out of the lorry to find only the farm hands and modern agricultural machinery.
Obviously shaken he was told the building was a wartime aircraft hangar and the farm was situated on the very edge of an abandoned WW2 American bomber base; he had no prior knowledge of that.
He has since delivered to that location many times but has never had the same experience. He was unable to identify the aircraft he saw other than it had two radial engines despite being shown photographs of various candidates.

https://www.airfieldresearchgroup.org.uk/forum/airfield-discussion/11750-1935-airfield-time-slip-incident

Are you suspecting your partner of cheating on you? Do you want to catch them red-handed but do not have access to their phone? If yes, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss the top Apps to Catch a Cheater Without Their Phone.
Apps to Catch a Cheater Without Their Phone
These apps have unique features that make them perfect for tracking someone’s activity and location. We will also discuss the benefits of spy apps and why it’s essential to catch a cheating spouse.

• Discover the Best Apps to Uncover Infidelity
• How to Catch a Cheater with These Apps
• 1.0 Trustworthy Apps that Don’t Require Access to Their Phone
• Monitoring the Target Device
• Revealing Evidence of Infidelity
• Are spy apps legal to use?
• Can spy apps be detected?
• Do I need to jailbreak or root the target device to use a spy app?
• Can spy apps be used to track the location of the target device?
• Can I monitor multiple devices with one spy app subscription?
• Are spy apps easy to install and use?
• Can spy apps be used to monitor social media and messaging apps?
• Can spy apps be used to access deleted messages and data?
• Can spy apps be used to track phone calls and text messages?
• How can I choose the right spy app for my needs?

Discover the Best Apps to Uncover Infidelity
Spy apps have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their effectiveness in monitoring someone’s activity and location. These apps have unique features that allow you to track a person’s phone calls, messages, social media activity, location, and much more.
Spy apps are essential for parents who want to monitor their children’s online activity or employers who want to monitor their employee’s activity. They are also helpful for catching a cheating spouse.
How to Catch a Cheater with NERD HACK SPY
If you’re looking for Apps to Catch a Cheater Without Their Phone, there are a few apps you can use to monitor their activity. ENIGMAHACK SPY is an app that lets you track someone’s location, see their texts and calls, and even record their phone conversations. ENIGMAHACK SPY allows you to see what websites someone visits, what apps they use, and even read their text messages. Spy apps like these can be very useful in catching a cheating partner.
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Once you’ve found the perfect spy app for your needs, you’ll be able to start monitoring their activity. Keep an eye out for anything unusual, and if you think they’re cheating, confront them about it.
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Revealing Evidence of Infidelity
A more practical solution is to use a spy app like [Nerd Hack](mailto:[email protected]) SPY. Nerd Hack SPY is a powerful tool that can be used to monitor your spouse’s activities on their phone. Once installed, the app will be hidden from view and will silently record all phone activity, including calls, text messages, GPS location, and more.
This information will then be uploaded to a secure online account where you can view it anytime. So Here are just a few examples: If your spouse is receiving suspicious calls or texts late at night or during times when they’re supposed to be working or spending time with you, you can easily log in to your private dashboard to view deleted conversations or text messages.

• Are spy apps legal to use?

While the use of spy apps can be a gray area legally, it’s generally legal to use them to monitor a device that you own or has legal access to. However, it’s important to understand and follow the laws in your specific jurisdiction to avoid any legal issues.

• Can spy apps be detected?

Most spy apps are designed to operate stealthily and remain hidden from the user of the device being monitored. However, it’s still possible for some apps to be detected by antivirus software or other security measures.

• Do I need to jailbreak or root the target device to use a spy app?

In many cases, spy apps require the target device to be jailbroken or rooted to access certain features. However, some apps like Ultimate Phone Spy do not require any jailbreaking or rooting.

• Can spy apps be used to track the location of the target device?

Yes, many spy apps offer GPS tracking features that allow you to track the location of the target device in real time.

• Can I monitor multiple devices with one spy app subscription?

It depends on the app you choose. Some apps allow you to monitor multiple devices with one subscription, while others require separate subscriptions for each device.

• Are spy apps easy to install and use?

Most spy apps are designed to be easy to install and use, with intuitive interfaces and step-by-step instructions. However, the level of difficulty can vary depending on the app and the target device.

• Can spy apps be used to monitor social media and messaging apps?

Yes, many spy apps offer features that allow you to monitor social media and messaging apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Snapchat.

• Can spy apps be used to access deleted messages and data?

In some cases, spy apps can retrieve deleted messages and data from the target device’s storage. However, this can vary depending on the app and the type of data being retrieved.

• Can spy apps be used to track phone calls and text messages?

Yes, many spy apps offer features that allow you to monitor phone calls and text messages on the target device.

• How can I choose the right spy app for my needs?

When choosing a spy app, consider factors like the features you need, compatibility with the target device, level of customer support, and pricing options. It’s also important to read reviews and compare multiple options before making a decision.
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I had dry, coarse a very long time. I used all sorts of products, all to no avail and still that dry hay-like hair that caused a mass of frizz. That's until I found this method; the greenhouse effect. It's basically a way to force your hair to absorb moisture overnight (or in 3-4 hours). Yes, it may be slightly uncomfortable in your bed or throughout the day but trust me, it's totally worth it. I came out with frizz-free, defined curls
Product you need: Leave in conditioner (I use Shea moisture) Coconut oil (or any oil you have I just prefer coconut cause it smells nice) Plastic shower cap Curl cream (optional)
Instructions:

1. Shampoo and condition your hair in the shower, cleaning it thoroughly.
2. Coming out the shower, leave your hair dripping wet. Get some leave-in conditioner and SCRUNCH it is, making sure you cover all area of your hair evenly. You can also detangke with your fingers with this.
3. Get a small amount of coconut oil and allow to melt in your hands before also scrunching evenly in your hair.
4. Place your plastic hair cap on your hair while it's STILL WET and leave overnight or for 3-4 hours. You should see droplets of water forming on the top and that's good; it means your bodies heat is allowing the water to condense from the top of your head to the cap, forcing some of the water to be absorbed.
5. In the morning, take off your shower cap. You hair should still be slightly wet. Allow it to air dry and put your (optional) curl cream on your hair. Within an hour, it should be dry and you can admire your luscious locks with minimal frizz!!

Really hopes this helps you guys!!

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Good morning my fellow Lebanese people.
Today I share my experience and perspective of applying for the passport.
1- I woke up at 2 am, and headed there at 3 am sharp Sodeco Square area, there are people waiting, but not filling the place nor was it crowded.
2- There's a militant writing down names on a piece of paper, and beside your name, there's a number attached to your written name, list is 140 people max.
3- you'll wait for hours until a military personnel arrives and takes the attendance of the names by the order of numbers, in which they will make you stand in line.
4- After standing in line for the next minutes, the general arrives around 7 am to give out instructions, and the procedures... After which your numbers will be handed to you on a paper slip with your name on it and the date you came in...
5- The general will then divide the people into groups (0-20) (21-40) (41-60) etc..... And each group has a certain time frame that ranges from 8 am and so on..
6- You can go catch a break if your turn inside is a bit later.
7- Inside, you wait for your number to be called up, and the procedure of taking your fingerprints, and passport photo takes 5 minutes.
8- you'll receive a slip of the payment and you shall receive your passport according to the type you want
Normal: 30 days
Mestaajel: 10 Days.
Extra Notes:
-Bring food/snacks and water

• Phone must be charged well
  
• Your application papers should be with you and don't forget to attach an electricity bill or a phone bill or any proof that you live in Beirut.
  
• It's smooth as long as you remain calm and patient, don't listen to rumors, unless official news come out.
  

Prices: Normal 5 years =1,000,000 l.l
Normal 10 years= 2,000,000
Urgent (mestaajel)= 6,200,000

TL:DR
I had a conversation with my roommate after she got upset about me going to the store without her. When she got home, we had a conversation on why I could go to the store to get food for me but didn't want to go with her to Dentist/doctors visits, or to go to the store for hours when I feel constantly sick from being pregnant. She was upset I couldn't handle certain smells, or was scared of being sick in public. The last straw was a comment on how much food I was eating, and making me feel self conscious.
​
​
For context I am 20yrs old and my roommate is 39yrs old, We'll call her Mandy. I had gone on Vacation in a different state to go see my now fiancée and learned shortly after I came back that I was pregnant. In the beginning everything was fine but slowly the toll of morning sickness really hit me. My mother had a hard time with morning sickness and I did not realize how hard it would hit me as well. It has been bad enough there are somedays I can't eat at all and just have to sleep it off so I can eat again, and there are days that I can not leave the house because I feel scared of getting sick in public places. Also to note, I am extremely allergic to Peanut Butter, I have to have Epi pens on hand, and break into hives just by touching it. It used to not be that bad but it got a lot worse after I found out I was pregnant. This is all important later. On to the story!
​
It all really hit the fan about a week or so ago, I was getting really sick, constantly having a trash can by my bed, and trying to keep down crackers and soda. After a couple days it would pass and I would be able to eat again, but about 4 days later I would go through another 2 day spell of it. The cycle continued for about 2 weeks (As of yesterday it finally calmed down) before I got to a point where I felt comfortable to go to the store. I had left shortly after my roommate left for work and got home about 3 hours later, I guess what my mistake was, was having my mom take me to the store instead of waiting for my roommate to have a day off and to take her with me. I had gotten home about 3 hours after I left originally and had just put the groceries away when I laid down to fall asleep as being out that long just made me amazingly tired. When I woke up I had a message from her asking me if I was mad at her. I had said no and that I was asleep. This is how the rest of the conversation went.
Mandy: So what all did you get?
Me: Just food for me so I can stop eating out so much, and try to help with my morning sickness. I did get myself some paper plates and bowls though.
Mandy: Why?
Me: I can't wait for your days off to have dishes done. You make peanut butter sandwiches and I can't touch that with how bad my allergy is. I tried doing the dishes when I had my entire arm covered and I can't risk that when I am home alone.
Mandy: We need to talk on my next day off
*Skip trying to figure out what it was and just being told "Things"*
Me: Lets just talk when you get home.
​
I had left the conversation at that. I had asked my fiancée who was on the phone at the time if he would be awake for me when she got home. (We are long distance right now since he is serving in a different country and we are hours apart) He said of course and I took a nap with him on the phone while I waited for her to come home. I had woken up before she got home and realized he was still asleep, but I wasn't going to wake him. He was still on the phone and that was good enough for me. So, she comes home and I go to talk to her. I had cleaned up the living room as much as I could since I can't lift anything over 10 pounds right now (doctors orders because of how rough this pregnancy has been) and I was proud of what I had done. My roommate instantly berated me for not cleaning more than I did and I had to remind her yet again, I couldn't do much more than I already had.
She let that go and then went on about how I never wanted to go anywhere with her anymore and how I have stopped talking to her when she gets home. Now keep in mind, she gets home at 2 in the morning, right about when my nausea really tends to hit and all I want to do is try and sleep/lay down and avoid getting sick again. So of course I really don't want to talk very much then. As for going out with her, she spends an easy 4-5 hours in the store when we go, or she wants me to go to the dentist with her or something along those lines. Normally sure, I don't have a ton to do since my job put me on one day a week as to keep me unstressed (Which I had agreed to). Lately I have had issues with certain smells and I politely decline to go as to not stress my body more than I already have.
She gets upset trying to convince me to go to the store with her because she needs help finding cute shoes so she can start walking again, or she misses spending time with me. I told her she didn't need "cute shoes" to go walking around (especially in our neighborhood as it gets extremely muddy after it rains). As for spending time together I get it can be frustrating, but I can't spend time at 2am anymore, and she sleeps up until she goes to work at 4pm the next day. Now, I will admit that I do stay up past 2am, but nausea is amazingly hard to sleep with, and if I fall asleep too early I end up getting sick when I wake up. Strange I know, but it is something I am going to mention when I see the doctor in a few weeks.
Today was my last straw, I had just made a small lasagna (my second one of the day, just one of those little microwave one) and was trying to cut it up. She walks in the door and her first response as I go to start eating it was "How many does that make for you today?" as if I was eating a ton. I just quietly said it was my second one and slowly put my fork down, pushing my plate aside. She went back in her room and I just kinda sat there almost in tears. I know I picked up on how much I was eating but I didn't think it warranted that.
So tell me, AITJ for not spending as much time with my roommate? Or being upset for comments on how much I am eating?

First Prev Next Royal Road
u/KieveKRS providing the Trash certification of quality!
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[Thank you for agreeing to teach them.]
Volta nodded, not entirely sure if it was for the best, but recognizing a request—or in this case, a thinly veiled order—for what it was.
Ever since she had taught Scarlet and the others her field, the occasional rotation of Lilhuns would be assigned to work under her for a time. It made her job easier, especially since the settlement was expanding at a ludicrous rate compared to what she had heard from the new members of the pack.
The Atmo that had joined were quickly treated and cared for, those who did not require so much time for recovery quickly accompanying the existing insects in their tasks. The largest, Mama, frequently assisted in construction and decoration of structures, so they worked with her. Once they had oriented how things progressed and their part in it, they were paired off with a construction group to be assigned a project. It was to the point where there were as many as five buildings nearing completion at once, the majority of them being accommodation for the new members of the pack.
The remaining question was regarding the insect kits. The answer? Well, there were four Atmo slightly smaller than the purple ‘Queen’ that had requested Volta instruct them, the pearlescent shimmer of her scaled carapace dancing in the sunbeams afforded by the skylight the den had been constructed with.
Teaching Violet—as well as the two Atmo that Volta had escorted to this pack—in the ways of sanitation had been an interesting endeavour, all things considered. They held a remarkable dexterity in those long edged appendages, but the lack of something to properly grasp with made finding a way to secure a rag onto the ends difficult. Luckily, Heralt was receptive to assisting her with creating something that would attach to the blades.
It was little more than a mop that secured to the joint and braced around the cutting edge gingerly, the ends of the stick using ‘ironwood’ springs to clamp onto fabric pads that would soak in the cleaning solution and allow them to do the floors and walls. Were it not for how shockingly efficient the task was performed, she would have been useless through the laughter at the sight.
Each Atmo kit held two of the devices on their limbs, allowing them to travel in pairs and simply finish large spaces within the time it would take her to prepare the next batch of cleaners to use. They had only started a short while ago and yet two dens had been finished, Scarlet assisting her in doing whatever furniture or ledges the Atmo were unsuited to completing. The odd pack member going through what Head Sahari called ‘versatility training’ listened to her instructions in an oddly compliant manner, giving the blue-furred female pause at the unusual experience.
All in all; the cleaner was guiding the five insects and three Lilhuns in the ways of cleanliness. Scarlet was primarily keeping an eye on those who interacted with the purple-coloured Atmo, her contributions to the other tasks proficient, despite the split attention. Before, she would have assumed the servant quietly acquiescing orders, but the dark red-furred female was particularly vigilant in matters pertaining to the kit now.
Volta wasn’t sure what happened to the other servants that regularly assisted her on a rotation—save for Kaslin, the female seeming to have been unofficially inducted as Grand…. Toril’s assistant alongside his mate, Tersa—but Faye, the mild-mannered deep gold-furred female, and Raine, the polite and excitable brown-furred female, had been absent for many suns now.
It was almost lonely, in a way.
Almost.
“That should be sufficient for this den,” she announced to the gaggle of Atmo kits and Lilhuns, careful to remind them not to bother the few ‘rock-worms’ that Ferra kept separate from the rest outside. There were only four, the largest one adorned in an odd script, but they were apparently a selection of favourites of the female. Regardless, it would not do to irritate a mate of Atrox.
The brown-furred male was responsible for the ghastly armour that the Grand Hunter wore on occasion, and she was not in a hurry to see if the disturbing tendencies of the male extended to how he displayed his displeasure.
“Where is our next destination?” Scarlet asked, her tail brushing up Volta’s spine in an uncomfortable way. It wasn’t that she disliked the touch, but the owner of it worried her. Something about the servant struck her as more than what was presented, and it was obvious that the female thought of it as immensely entertaining. That much was obvious, even without the sly grin.
“We have proceeded much faster than I was expecting,” the blue-furred female admitted, mentally checking over her itinerary while subtly batting away the offending appendage. “I suppose we should attempt the barracks while the pack is engaged, then rest for a time.”
[May I leave to check on the other Atmo?]
Volta paused, unsure why it was being requested rather than merely presented as a fact. Violet was—as far as it mattered—completely beyond the cleaner’s station, if only because she was an adopted kit of the Grand Hunter, as well as a sort of leadership figure for the insects. It was an enigmatic blend of positions where the purple insect could very well order Volta to do things, rather than ask. Though the hierarchy was not nepotistic in nature, it was safer to adhere to the wishes of the den-kit than it was to disobey.
“You may. What of the others?”
[I will leave them with you and Scarlet.]
The mentioned servant frowned. “I am to accompany you.”
Violet chittered her curious laugh. [These young ones are your task. I must attend to my own.]
Volta discreetly jabbed the female with a claw, glaring at her not to question the wishes of her better. The less attention drawn from the Grand Hunter, the better. Just picturing the disturbing mask and piercing gaze was enough to make her blanch.
Either reminded of her position, or merely interested in playful retaliation, Scarlet sighed quietly, bowing slightly to the insect. “As you wish, young mistress. Do call for me if I am required.”
[I will. Thank you, Scarlet, Volta.]
Volta lowered her head, watching the Queen leave before returning her attention to the group.
“We will do the first barracks, then determine if we are of time to do the second. The kits are to await the floors cleared of obstruction by the Lilhuns before cleaning them. We will manage it in sections so as not to disturb any who may be taking a break. In future—assuming you are to operate independently from myself—it would be best if you are used to working in groups.”
The Lilhuns nodded their understanding, the young Atmo hesitantly conferring with each other before approaching Scarlet to have their mops freed of soiled cloth and materials placed upon their carriages.
The Atmo had all been outfitted with a specially made platform that fitted over their wider base, clasping underneath past their six legs. It allowed them to transport much, their carrying capacity much larger than one would suspect from their size. The kits could comfortably haul all of the materials for the sun by themselves, and the adults had been the subject of idle speculation for mounted weapon platforms—assuming the fragmented conversation she had chanced upon was to be believed.
Volta inspected the odd section that the Lilhuns under her tutelage completed while she waited for packing to finish. She was not necessarily pleased with the results, but it was more important for them to understand the procedure to take for various locations at the moment. They had proven that they understood what to do for the dens, so next came teaching them how to approach high-traffic areas.
Once everyone had been prepared and the materials gathered, they left the den and started towards the barracks, glimpsing the Grand Hunter sparring with some of the pack in the open.
Ever since the Atmo were delivered by a trade caravan, the male had taken to training much of the pack personally, Huntress Pan taking over much of his more mundane work. Those who were deemed adequate were then pawed off to Head Tel for some specialized training, though Volta was not privy to what exactly it was meant to accomplish.
Regardless, Head Sahari was in charge of rotating out the pack amongst tasks, only a few specialists being directly assigned to any one occupation. By all rights, Volta herself should be training under the male, but the nature of her work meant that she was typically better off doing her job when such was under way. Given that the Grand Hunter was a rare case of someone fully understanding the importance of her specialty—and how little she wished to interact with the alien—she was thankfully spared.
Disregarding the events going on, she motioned for her group to follow her. There was work to do.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
“Two up!” he called out, wiping the sweat from his brow. The exertion cleared his mind, and the break from endless paperwork was appreciated. With the influx of members and various training being required, he had gotten rather exhausted mentally. Between the Wraiths being gone for two weeks since he told them to do recon around the Atmo traders, regular interaction with various caravans, planning out what they needed to do, and Robert still not calling him since the man had left to handle something, he had been pretty high-strung.
As always, there was more on his mind. Harrow had become more elusive regarding him ever since he had her transcribe the Union documents regarding the Lilhuns, their conversations vapid and brief. Jax didn’t have anything useful to say about it other than that she wanted time to sort her thoughts. Toril, Idee, Mi’low, and Bratik were given copies of the file to go over recently, since they were the closest thing he had to a counsel unfettered by a close relationship.
His own makeshift family took the news in an odd way. There was a lot to unpack.
Jax had become quiet, his muscles tensing. Harrow ended up staying away from her mate for a few days until he had stopped brooding about it. In the end; the guy just told Joseph that he would trust the Grand Hunter’s decisions regarding it, finding himself at a loss otherwise.
Sahari and Nalah were approached about the bonding information, the latter denying any bond to him, as well as Sahari confirming the same towards her blond-furred mate. The only line of reasoning that they could think of to make sense was that Nalah’s circumstances had messed with her in some way. The two seemed rather distressed by the assertion, but calmed somewhat when he mentioned that nothing would change between them regardless. Sahari could tell how conflicted he was about the whole thing, he just wanted to give them something to hang on to.
It was a bigger deal for them than he had initially internalized. In retrospect; something revered as a literal gift from their god being denied really should have been an obvious point of stress. As begrudging as his acceptance was, he was linked to the whole ‘Great Hunt’ business in their minds, so he was aware of how deeply that belief ran. He didn’t personally subscribe to the religion, but they never really bothered him with anything besides overseeing funeral rites—not that he would have refused anyway.
Pan seemed to mirror his feelings on the matter—a dark feeling of helplessness and sorrow. She had fallen quiet when she heard about the trials on the defectives, that particular section hitting her harder than the others. After an entire day of silence, all she had to say about it was that she loved him, and then spent the night burrowed between him and Tel, unable to sleep. He had a hard time as well, but it extended well past the initial night.
Tel had informed him that his restlessness had made it difficult for her to get any shut-eye, his shifting disturbing her, but it was said in a slightly concerned tone. Her general reaction was fairly subdued compared to the rest otherwise, her lifetime of being at either end of a gun numbing her to the reality of things. It was weird for him, but he was deeply thankful for it on some level.
She kept him sane, her cold response being a candid ‘Wish it, and I will end all who displease you.’
For once, her more violent background gave him something to grip onto. It resonated in him—loose, yet present. A door within him, chained and locked, was brought to mind as he really considered what he wanted for those involved. The traders who abused the Atmo, those who seemed so bent on hurting his friends, the Union ‘GUOS’ who called for the experiments... A thrumming settled in his fists, an itch that couldn’t be sated by just scratching.
A paw flew past his brow, his shifted posture allowing him to slip the claws that had been left exposed in the heat of the spar. His heart hammered, his sweat soaked his clothing, and his focus returned to the fight.
No Union, no traders, no worries. Just the two security members who had doubted Jax’s claims that the smaller Human had somehow bested the male in a fight, and were now bringing out their natural weapons on instinct.
Grabbing the wrist with his right hand and gripping the shoulder with his left, he pulled, using the rotational force to pivot on his left foot and haul the overeager Lilhun to the dirt, the appendage bending behind them sharply. A second fist came from the corner of his eye, the other combatant trying to use the momentary distraction to score a hit.
Using the gripped arm as a balance, Joseph leaned into the spin, firing the sole of his shoe into the head of the opportunistic attacker. The loud slap of his foot connecting with the larger male almost outdid the crumpled form crashing to the ground unconscious. It was only a dull sensation of mercy that stopped him from completing the spin while he maintained his iron grip on the arm of the thrown adversary, saving them a torn and dislocated shoulder.
Joseph breathed heavily, the adrenaline wearing out as Jax checked on the defeated. Minus some stiffness expected in one of them and a sore jaw for the other, they would be fine, albeit embarrassed for such a quick disposal in front of their usual teachers.
The sound of his rubber sole slapping on the ground some distance away killed off whatever motivation he had to continue, his shoes finally giving out.
“I would ask you not to disable my security, Grand Hunter,” Jax said with mock frustration, the black-furred male’s eyes following the two leaving with an expression of exasperation.
“Sorry,” Joseph breathed out, his heart hammering in his chest as his system wound down.
The Head of Security glanced down at him, his expression pensive. “As much as I enjoy my boasting of your prowess to be validated, I do worry that you see more than a spar in them.”
He drew his lips thin as he brushed his sweat-soaked hair back, his arm dropping to his side. He took a few moments to sort the thoughts that returned. “I probably should have called that kick, yeah.”
The larger Lilhun snorted. “They will be fine, it is not their health I am worried about.”
“I’m fine, Jax,” he snapped, averting his eyes when his friend seemed to have made his point. “I…. I’ll be fine. Just some things on my mind right now.”
“Joseph,” the black-furred male started, walking up to place a large paw on his shoulder. “We are here if you wish to talk.”
His breath died in his throat, his eyes closing in defeat. He felt the soreness in his hands surface, hours of constant fighting to soothe the burning in his blood that failed to abate. Bruises made themselves known, dehydration made his joints stiff, and lack of sleep clouded his mind. Jax was right, he was a bit of a mess.
“Grand Hunter,” Mi’low called, his tired glance in her direction revealing the female approaching. “We are ready to speak.”
Joseph placed a hand on Jax’s paw, patting it softly. “Talking will have to wait. Tell Harrow I said hi and that I’d like to hang out again. I miss it.”
The male looked at him apologetically, nodding as he was still unable to offer anything to ease the sting of a friend distancing themselves from the Human. “I will.”
The Human cycled a breath and faced the actress. “The rest?”
Mi’low nodded. “Where will we meet?”
Joseph waved an arm towards the base. “My place. More chairs.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Toril was wearing his usual smile, his eyes inspecting everything about the hub from the couch while Tersa stood nearby, her body language telling that she was wary about being in a new place without time to scout it. Bratik was in his wheelchair, Sorren holding his paw as he sat on the opposite side of the chemist. Idee—being the only one to spend time in the outpost regularly—simply thanked Kaslin for the water from her place between the two mated males. Mi’low had claimed a free chair, her legs crossed and back straight as she stayed away from the others on the couch. The Wraith handed Joseph his requested tea since Scarlet was babysitting the insects, then occupied a place out of the way, but close enough to act if things got heated.
He stayed standing rather than occupying his usual place on a table, his second choice of seating being filled up. He could have dragged over the Atmo couch, but he didn’t want to stress his body any more than he had already by lugging it. “So, everyone had plenty of time to read the documents.”
“Indeed,” Mi’low commented dryly, a glare shot in his direction. Idee nodded, though her expression fell as it was brought up. Toril maintained his detached look of amusement, but it didn’t escape Joseph’s notice that Tersa stiffened.
The Grand Hunter took a sip of his refreshment, enjoying the fleeting feeling of warmth from something other than exertion. “And what do we think?”
“We?” Sorren asked, the male not quite used to the Human using their tongue. Joseph’s mastery of the language was still spotty at times, but Kaslin could fill any gaps if needed.
“Yeah,” he replied plainly. “It has more to do with you than me. I just got the message.”
“I find it rather fascinating,” Toril opined cheerily, his energy at odds with the atmosphere of the room. “Such thorough study allows us many insights into facets of our own biology that we may never have known!”
“By slaughtering our kin in the thousand,” Mi’low shot back, a slight snarl pulling her lip.
“As regretful as such is, we can not bring them back,” the chemist noted with a small nod. “We must simply use the information gleaned by our foes without repeating their atrocities.”
“You suggest ignoring their sins?”
“I suggest utilizing what they have learned and incorporating it to our advantage.”
“Or,” Joseph interjected, “we talk about it instead of getting into an argument.”
“Your people are not free of fault, Grand Hunter,” the crimson-furred female spat. He remained silent, already having spent far too long thinking about how none of it would have happened if Humans weren’t in the picture for them.
“You can not hold him as a factor, Mi’low,” Idee said softly, shifting in her seat to get comfortable and smiling apologetically at Sorren when she bumped him.
“Were it not for them, then we may not have lost our homes!”
“Were it not for him you would be little more than bones bleached by the sun, or so I hear.”
“We are not here to cast blame,” Bratik disputed quietly, his voice carrying through the room despite the low volume. “The Grand Hunter has saved each of us. Some from demise, others from the shackles of their station, and others from the fate of losing loved ones.”
Toril and Idee shared a glance as the male continued, Tersa paying attention to him for the first time.
“He seeks our counsel. Not our aimless ire to be spewed upon him for that which he himself had no knowledge of, nor involvement in. His kin were as much victims as our own.”
“Quite,” Toril concurred as the two females ceased their bickering reluctantly. “How would you like to address this, Grand Hunter?”
Joseph blinked, expecting the blame, but not Bratik defusing it so quickly. “Well, we have a few things to work off of. Years of experiments coinciding with missing persons after accepting a job, whoever tipped off your military taking info with them about Sol and the ‘blacklist’, whatever bond fuckery they discovered, and the defects.” He shrugged weakly. “Take your pick.”
“There are too many missing across too wide an area to recognize such a comparative few,” Idee stated, the others in the group silently agreeing.
He nodded, nursing his tea with small sips. “Figured that would be a sticking point. Plus, we don’t really know how long it was going on... or when it started... Not even if it was a bulk recruitment or slow trickle. I guess the missing people are something we’ll just have to keep unknown.”
“The bond information was rather enlightening,” Toril mentioned, his eyes rising to the ceiling as he thought about it. “Our peoples are wildly compatible.”
“As servants, perhaps,” came the scathing remark from the High Huntress. “What use is our gift if it is twisted to be mere subservience? To discard ourselves for some alien race?”
Sorren’s ear flicked. “It is hardly ‘twisted’ to protect that which the Hunt Mother has afforded us.”
“Are we to just accept that our bonds are better suited to that,” she emphasized with a pointed claw in Joseph’s direction, “rather than our kin?”
“Drop it,” the Grand Hunter ordered tiredly, his reflection in his beverage shaking as he shifted on his feet. “Arguing isn’t going to help anything.”
Mi’low held her disgusted expression. “You ask us to trust that which led to our downfall? We are yet another strike against your kin, no?”
He shook his head, his eyes buried in remains of the shimmering image he held in his hands. “I blame the sick fucks that did all this. If you can’t agree with that, then there’s not much reason to hold this meeting.”
“What is it you seek to accomplish?” Toril asked, amused by the theatrics. The rest seemed surprised by Mi’low’s pointed aggression, but the chemist was more interested in continuing.
“I have people looking to get me out of here,” Joseph informed them, laying his empty cup on the table with a soft clack. “People who will probably extend the offer to you. If they come, I need to know what we’re doing about it. The last thing I need is people acting like Mi’low and opening fire on whoever comes to drag us out of the mud.”
“Why would we?” Sorren asked, taking his mate’s paw as he gave a worried glance to the offended female.
“Because our people were tortured due to our interactions with them,” the chemist noted in a matter-of-fact tone, his pleasant demeanour remaining despite the morbid topic.
“Did our people not initiate contact with another species on less hostile terms?” Idee asked, her head tilted slightly.
“But no one lived to talk about it,” Joseph countered, gesturing with an upturned palm. “Plus, that’s assuming whoever was in charge of that call being the norm, rather than the exception.”
“You believe our people to act otherwise?” Bratik asked, his tone inquisitive rather than judgmental.
Joseph shrugged. “To be fair, I’ve almost been killed by more of your species than the wildlife. Granted, a few of those were just people being assholes, but still.”
“Many would see the opportunity as retribution for the Union,” Mi’low mentioned dryly.
Sorren’s face fell. “Then we should not propagate this knowledge?”
The Human glanced between each of them. “That’s why you’re here. My group knows because I trust them with it. I think we should keep this to ourselves, but if we do—and someone finds out—it would just cause a lot of issues. Alternatively; we tell everyone.”
“And suffer the consequences of that action as well,” Idee concluded dejectedly. Joseph returned a wry smile as Toril raised a paw, speaking when the Grand Hunter raised a brow at him.
“Perhaps we should withhold the information from the lesser station?”
“Like, just the Grand Hunters?” Joseph inquired cautiously. Toril tilted his head.
“Those who would be more diplomatically minded, perhaps.”
“I don’t exactly see some of them as what you would call ‘diplomatic’ and I’m not going on some voyage to visit everyone with the info in tow.”
“We are able to make copies,” Sorren offered. “Perhaps we could exchange the information using traders and gain something from it as well?”
Mi’low shook her head. “That is assuming they do not claim us manipulative nor seek to remove him. Some may very well move to strike us all down for ‘withholding’ the information, regardless of how readily we supply it.”
“Do your people know?” Bratik interjected, gathering the attention of the others. Joseph winced in uncertainty.
“I’m not sure. I’d guess my brother does, but I don’t know how sensitive things are. It could have been announced and there’s an intergalactic war, or it might be kept under wraps until conflict isn’t as likely. At least until it’s less likely to blow up in our faces, anyway.”
“They are of lesser force?”
“No clue,” he admitted. “Not my area. All I do know is that there are more species allied against us—or at least aren’t inclined to take a bullet—than are.”
“So our options are rather limited,” Idee concluded, receiving a series of agreements.
“We could,” Mi’low said after a few moments of contemplation, “distribute the information anonymously. Humans are not named directly in the document, and we need not divulge its origin.”
“So, what? Just pass people tablets and ask them to forget where they got it?” he probed, not entirely disagreeing with the idea, but skeptical all the same.
“Tersa may make additions to trader inventories without their knowledge,” Toril offered, the mentioned Blade frowning at him, but not protesting. “Or perhaps Trill’s kit, since she is devoted to yourself.”
“Eh. I guess that’s an option,” he conceded, sighing. “So, about the bond; any opinions? Notes?”
“Stay away from me,” Mi’low answered warily, earning a flat scowl.
“I meant something besides that. I’m not too keen on adding to the cluster-fuck I have going on anyway.”
Sorren smiled. “I am excited to meet your people—should I be so blessed. There are many who would never know the joy of the Hunt Mother’s gift otherwise.”
“I would not mind her words, Grand Hunter,” Toril chuckled. “She is a creature of dishonesty—including her own desires.”
The actress glowered at the chemist. “I preferred it when you were nomadic. It was much easier to ignore your presence. Your words were but some distant wind I need not soil my ears with.”
“Perhaps our meeting is best ended here,” Bratik interjected, waving his functional paw. The other arm was coming along, but still too stiff to use for much. “We should propagate the information through unsigned parcels to the Grand Hunters.”
“One last thing,” Joseph said, pinching the bridge of his nose. “The information on Sol; anything ever get done with that?”
“We were capturing habitable planets in a particular direction, though the decision to do such was made by our superiors.”
He nodded. “Makes sense. Same issue we have now. Can’t let everyone know because chaos is a lot easier to manage when it’s directed. Between the religious connotations and the context around it; there’s no saying if it would lead to riots or worship. Rather not bring the problem to our door.”
“Wise,” Mi’low remarked sarcastically, her judgmental side-eye aimed between him and Sorren.
“Alright,” he said with a raised voice, ignoring the red-furred female to the best of his ability. “Drop off letters and lock myself in a room or something. Sounds like a plan.”
“That will not be required,” Sorren corrected with a laugh. “Though the documents confirmed a high percentile of successful bonds, there were many incompatible pairings. It is unlikely that your informant included every variation of failure, but the bond seems to be as selective as usual, just more receptive to those who meet the criteria. I would speculate that the majority of those who would bond to you by now, have. Barring the new additions, of course. I doubt you will need to worry about bonding to half a species by yourself.”
“I’ll take your word for it,” he muttered. “Okay, you’re free to go back to your work. You know who to talk to if something comes up.”
The gathering dispersed, Toril requiring Tersa to drag him by the ear before he got too distracted. Mi’low stayed behind, waiting for everyone else to leave.
“Thoughts?” he asked, glancing over at her. She shook her head as she dropped the antagonistic persona.
“Two attribute you to their religion, Toril is too interested in your species to act against your best interest, and Idee rather enjoys her time here—as well as sympathizes with your position. Tersa’s allegiance is with Toril, so she will follow him, as well as your tentative arrangement as a superior over her.”
“So, we’re good?”
“We are,” she confirmed. He looked at her for a long moment.
“What about you?”
“What about me?”
“Going to try and kill me again?” he questioned wryly.
The High Huntress snorted. “Unfortunately, my pack has ostensibly become yours, and with it, my fate. They would rather watch me go than follow. It seems your influence extends past our biology.”
Without an opportunity for him to ask what she meant, she headed to the exit, pausing in the doorway when he called out to her.
“Mi’low?” Her ear tipped back towards him. “Thanks. For putting yourself on the block like that. I know how risky that could have been for you.”
She afforded a single nod before letting it close behind her.
“’Past our biology’, huh?” he muttered, eyeing the empty cup on the table.
He considered bothering Tel, since she would likely offer him a distraction for a while.
Sighing at his remaining intact shoe flopping as he stepped, he decided to do exactly that.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
“How are we holding up?”
Tech leaned back in her chair, yawning widely. “Communications have been down for a while, navigation software is pointing everywhere at once, and if it wasn’t for me, everything else would be dark too.”
“All hail Tech Ops,” Comms quipped, struggling to make his system do much more than transmit static on a loop.
Willin rolled his eyes at Tech’s boasting, but she was probably right to do so. They had aligned themselves in the right direction and simply let navigation go, communications discreetly blinking out as they got close without warning. All they had left was the actual piloting and onboard support systems, both of them hanging by a thread until Tech could run diagnostics to see if she could counter them properly. She might be able to eventually, but she didn’t seem confident beyond keeping the crew mobile and alive.
“How’s it look down there?”
Nav had long since given up making sense of their controls, opting to keep watch for whatever they were approaching. Since they had gotten within visual range, they had occupied themselves using whatever scanning equipment Tech managed to keep shielded. They leaned over the readouts, brows raising before furrowing at the information.
“It appears that they have remained fairly close together. I am reading several AEC distress signatures... Why am I able to?”
Tech raised a paw. “Right here. The jamming is consistent with the United Military’s algorithms, though boosted past what we have the equipment to manage. Can’t override it for you or Comms, but it was never meant to counter the low-frequency of a distress pulse, since that would get lost in normal noise anyway. I took the liberty of limiting the scope of collected data to increase the sensitivity.”
“Not much frequency pollution on an untapped planet,” Willin remarked dryly, his screen mirroring what Nav was looking at. Thirty-eight sources, most of them repeating the initial call-signs. Two seemed to have retained some power, though not much, implying a makeshift solution. There would normally be more to glean, but the measures taken to make picking them out at all possible had stifled it.
“Orders?” Nav asked after a moment. Willin considered it, scouring the somewhat distorted visual feed.
“Let’s get closer first.”
“Understood.”
He adjusted his uniform as they drew near, Tech frowning as more of her fail-safe measures ironically failed. Quick action saved them from listing aimlessly, but any chance of copying the survivor’s distress call faded. The AEC’s were effectively invisible until Tech had dealt with the issue preemptively, and their beacon wasn’t any stronger.
Detriment of a scout craft, he supposed. Help would have to deal with not knowing where his ship had gone until they were up to their necks in the warp-spike’s field. Hopefully, the EW fleet would manage it better.
“Just outside of atmosphere,” Nav reported, activating the scanning equipment again. Normally, it would be able to tell them everything down to the rough number of wildlife in an area, but all the interference gave them little more than confirmation that life existed.
“Well, there goes any advanced recon,” Willin muttered, ignoring Comms silently debating if he should bother Tech to duplicate the feed again. Noticing, she did anyway, the male gesturing their thanks. “Tech, can you get us population density?”
“I’m good, Leader, but not that good.”
“Leader,” Nav called, highlighting a few points on the feed. Whatever it was that they were trying to show him, he didn’t see it. “These areas are likely settlements.”
“Structures?”
“Affirmative. It is subtle, but there.”
He nodded, trusting their judgment. “Which is the largest?”
The feed zoomed in, losing most of the clarity—not that there was much to begin with. “Location coincides with an AEC still actively reporting.”
“They set up around it.”
“Likely, Leader.”
Willin exhaled slowly. “Take us down nearby. I’d say to hide us, but that’s hard to do with open skies.”
“The planet suffers constant rain,” Tech added, her screen already reverting back to a simplistic game while she waited for someone else to need something. “We could descend under the cover of it.”
“Any idea how long?”
Her monitor flickered. “One local sun.”
“Then we spend the time gearing up,” he ordered, waving to have Nav and Comms’ screens defaulted. “You two will make sure our defence armaments ship-board are active and loaded. Tech, queue up whatever armour and equipment we might need for a diplomatic mission.”
She turned in her chair, her head tilting questioningly. “Just us?”
“Just us. We’ll want someone here to keep things warm in case we need to leave quickly. Can you get Comms’ station capable of short-wave?”
She nodded after a moment, her eyes losing focus as she consulted her implant. “We’ll lose the fabricator during, but we should have enough for life-support and in-atmosphere flight. Weapons will have to be swapped out with it too.”
“That bad?”
The purple-furred female shrugged. “It’s that or I take down the defences and we lose it all.” She frowned at her screens. “Even this is pushing it.”
“Can you take down the purifier once we’re down there? Switch to external flow?”
“As long as you don’t mind alien air, sure. It won’t give us more to work with, but it should make it less taxing to keep what we have.”
Willin scratched at his ear. “Do it. They lived here this long, doubt we’ll join the Void breathing it too.”
“Will do.”
He shifted his attention back to Nav. “Set course to that settlement. Keep us above the clouds until it gets bad enough to obscure us.”
Nav signalled their agreement, the scenery shifting slowly as they picked a cloud to shadow in the meantime. Comms looked at Willin expectantly, forcing him to come up with something for the male to do.
“Comms, I want you to monitor anything this place has coming in or out. Set up surveillance.”
The male raised a brow. “My systems are inoperable, Leader.”
“If you try to do anything big, yes,” Willin corrected. “Just keep us informed if something goes through. We don’t need to know what happened, just that it did.”
“Keeping track of possible communications between settlements?”
Willin bobbed his head to the side. “Whatever we learn, it’s more than we know.”
“Understood. I will try to arrange a passive probe.”
The group set about their tasks as he brought up a still-frame of the settlement Nav spotted. It was blocky, blurry, and the chromatic aberration on the edges hurt to look at, but it was a settlement. A large AEC surrounded by silver constructions, all laid out in a slightly haphazard way. He couldn’t judge it too harshly, however. There was a method to the madness. Narrow pathways hidden between dens, each leading to the AEC like a system of routes for select Lilhuns to reach anywhere they may be needed as quickly as possible.
The AEC itself seemed modified, large solar panels placed where a solid hull would be expected, the semi-transparent material likely acting to illuminate the interior. Many of the buildings around it were larger than those beyond, some appearing to be two or three levels.
From sheer volume of dens, Willin figured this was a contender for the largest settlement. His best estimate placed the number of inhabitants in the range of three hundred or so. If the other settlements were even close, then the initial guess of a thousand survivors was woefully short.
That made things complicated, yet so much simpler.
He awaited the distant storm clouds rolling over the landscape, thankful Tech had prioritized the water-proof gear.
He hated being soaked.
Next
A/N: 500k words. Half a fucking million.

Matrimonial visit got hot!
So my (m28) parents are looking for a bride for me. For the same they got in connect with a family of hers (f27).
Before coming to the main, We both connected on bumble a while ago but then the conversation got cold as we both got occupied with work.
Coming back, so her family and my family decided to meet at her place to check and talk it out. After mingling with our families, our parents asked if we wanted to talk privately. And for the same, we went upstairs on her terrace.
It was a breezy evening. Just about to get dark. 7pm - ish
We got ourselves cups of coffees. We started talking casually and then she brought up our bumble thing. She asked me if I scored any other dates recently on bumble or not, I asked the same
After a few laughs about discussing our worst dates, I asked her about her past relationships and whether she is sexually active
She said she was active with her last and then asked me the same. I told I have been active but I kinda miss action in recent! She just squeeked - "me too man!" And then got silent! Biting her tongue!
I somehow mustered some courage and asked her if she wants to kiss now! I could feel her heart pounding against her chest. So was mine! As it was something we didn't expect would come up. She stood silent. But her eyes told me she wanted to kiss. I grabbed her arm and slowly pulled towards me.
She did not resist. She closed her eyes as I leaned into her for a kiss. It felt sensual! She too started kissing me back. I grabbed her ass. She didn't mind. That gave me confidence for access! I slowly inched my hands inside her top to hold her bare waist. She too started to lick my neck. And cupping my crotch. It was hard. She was outlining it over my jeans. I grabbed her boobs over her bra and started squeezing them. She was letting slight moans when I pinched her nipples.
She opened my zipper to give me a hand job and asked me to quickly cum as people would be expecting us downstairs.
I followed her instructions and then we went off down again, as if nothing happened!

I play classical/jazz trombone and trumpet, and I was recently offered a chair in a local concert band on French horn, so I’ve started picking it up. It’s overall been super fun and learning it has been a breeze, but I don’t know anybody that plays French horn, and I can only Google so much, so I had a couple of questions. Firstly, where specifically should my hand be placed in the bell? I know generally what I should be doing, but not fully. Secondly, how do I make my articulation more clear? When I have to play faster tempo or 16th notes it can get muddy, and I haven’t figured how to make that sharper. Lastly, what specifically should I be working on when I practice? The embouchure feels much different than trombone and trumpet, and I’m not sure what needs to change in my technique. (for reference I’m playing on a double horn I don’t know if that makes a huge difference)

Out there - Patreon (for all those curious or wanting to support :))
At the Beginning
Adventure Arc - Arc 2
Wilderness Arc - Arc 3
Academy Arc - Arc 4
Previously on Leveling up the World…
Book 3 will be available on Kindle and Amazon tomorrow :D
 
Setting conditions to the Order of the Seven Moons wasn’t a wise move in most circumstances. Being a mage somewhat put things on an even footing, though not quite. It was only when the request was so insignificant from the order’s point of view that it didn’t ruffle feathers. Depending on the circumstances, it could even be viewed as a positive.
Dallion had made his involvement subject to three conditions. The main was that no one outside of the order be made aware of the deal. This was seen as reasonable from all sides and immediately guaranteed through another Moon vow. The second was free access to the copyette ruins beneath the Nerosal. If nothing else, that was the location of the magic vortex. Regardless if it was related to Adzorg or not, Dallion wanted unfettered access to it. Given events in the past, the request posed a bit of alarm, but was ultimately fulfilled.
The last condition was a bit trickier. It had taken a lot of convincing, but ultimately, Dallion had managed to obtain another vow that upon the successful completion of his mission, Adzorg not be killed. In addition, the Order would help Dallion remove his own curse, or at the very least tell him how to do it. Since they had experience in the area, it was unlikely to present a problem. On his part, if Dallion failed to stop the rise of a new Star, he’d be facing greater issues than the Order’s bad side.
None of Dallion’s guardians said a word as he made his way to the city’s arena. In truth, he himself wasn’t thrilled to be going there. That was a place that the general frequented, and the man was still owed one favor.
“I won’t be visiting him,” Dallion said, sensing the tenseness within his realm. “Besides, I’m a mage now.”
You know as well as me that he won’t let that stand, the armadil shield said. You won’t be the first mage to owe someone favors, making him a lot more eager to collect.
There was no denying that. As a precaution, Dallion cast an invisibility spell on himself as he entered the arena. With the festival over, and unlikely ever to occur again, the place had become alarmingly empty. All the Priscord family banners had been removed, along with many of the statues and portraits. One could get the unmistakable feeling that this was a foreclosed building awaiting new owners.
A few city guards were scattered about the vast corridors, just in case someone unwanted tried to steal anything of value that was left. Sealed doors and stairways ensured that no one could freely venture into the lower areas, but for a mage that didn’t present any challenge. Even without flashy or destructive spells, Dallion had picked up a few ways to enter a place without the use of doors or other openings.
Upon reaching one of the entry points, Dallion drew his harpsisword and tapped it on his boot. The blade vibrated, allowing him to seamlessly stick it through the wall, then extend his magic to create a magic portal on the other side.
You’ll need more if you’re going after the mage, Harp said, her voice a combination of vibrations that formed words.
“I know.” Dallion completed the spell, then pulled the weapon out. “That’s why I’m heading for this vortex.” He needed to increase his magic trait as many times as possible, and that meant absorbing every vortex he came across.
A second portal formed on the wall, allowing Dallion to walk through into one of the old stairwells. From there, he continued downwards.
Darkness was complete. Even with his present perception level, it was impossible to see a thing. In the past, Dallion had used Lux to light the way in such circumstances. This time, he chose to rely on another spell.
You’re relying too much on magic, Ariel criticized from Dallion’s domain.
“Maybe.” Dallion replied. From his view, he wasn’t relying enough.
The descent continued for another ten minutes. Then, finally, the “modern” staircases ended and the ancient glory of the copyette ruins began. There were many things that could be said about the imprisoned races at the height of their power. Pan claimed there was nothing that could rival a copyette city. Of course, he tended to be a bit biased on the topic. Seeing his share of ruins during his time as a hunter, Dallion had witnessed the majesty of many forgotten wonders of architecture. If he had enough time he would have gladly roamed through what was left of the ruined city in an attempt to recreate it in his mind. Sadly, his focus wasn’t anything built by copyettes, but the vortex that had appeared there.
After another minute walking through chambers and corridors, Dallion took out his aetherizer and looked at it. The purple dot appeared close.
It’s in the middle of the next corridor to the right, boss, Gem said. Dallion had offered to make the aetherfish the guardian of the device, but Gem had refused—he enjoyed exploring the real world too much to be stuck in another realm.
Less than fifty steps later, the purple glow of magic became visible. It was just as Gem had said… or rather, close enough. While part of the vortex was indeed visible in the corridor, its main part happened to be in a small room leading off of it. Dallion tried to look in, but the magic intensity was too high for him to see a thing.
Looking closely at the outer threads, Dallion was able to read a small part of the magic instructions, most notably that the vortex had ceased to exist over a month ago, possibly even three.
Afterglow, he thought.
Just as powerful vortexes gleamed before they appeared in the world, after images were also present long after the fact. One significant detail was that afterimages could allow a mage to absorb the tower as if it were the real thing.
“Ready?” Dallion asked.
The vertex was different from the ones he’d seen before. Back in the Academy, he was dealing with lingering concentrations of magic energy. This had the appearance of a tower… very much like the one during his failed awakening trial.
“Ruby, slash the walls.”
The shardfly flew off Dallion’s shoulder, sending a small tornado of wind slashes. Sections of the walls crumbled, revealing more of the vortex.
As Dallion suspected, the vortex had the general shape of a tower. The threads of the outside formed a solid impenetrable surface, at least for everyone who didn’t know where to look.
“Stop,” Dallion said after a while.
If Nil were here, he would have said that destroying a tunnel while still in it wasn’t the best of ideas. Thanks to Dallion’s scholar skills, he was able to make an adequate assessment of the situation. It also helped that he was constantly splitting the entire time.
A few of his instances examined some of the newly revealed parts of the vortex. In one case, Dallion tried placing his hand on the magic tower with the hope that he’d trigger a response. No such thing happened. Even so, it soon became clear that every seventeen thousand and six hundredth thread was visibly dimmer than the rest.
At least it’s not the top, Dallion thought, then infused his harpsisword to slice a sliver of an opening.
​
VORTEX AWAKENING
​
The familiar purple rectangle appeared. The moment it was gone, Dallion found himself on a floating chunk of rock beneath a purple sea above.
​
You are in a level 4 VORTEX
Defeat the guardian to Absorb the VORTEX
​
An upside-down world? Dallion wondered. Glancing at his shoulder, he saw Ruby still there. That suggested that at least gravity was normal for the moment.
Cautiosly, Dallion split into two instances. Some vortexes were temperamental and didn’t react well to combat splitting. The moment he did, a wave formed on the sea above.
A bird of blue flames emerged and after making several circles round him perched on Dallion’s free shoulder. Ruby flicked his wings. Vortexes were the only places in which Dallion’s realm and real world guardians could interact effortlessly, sometimes leading to the occasional grumble.
“Check for anything suspicious, Lux,” Dallion said. “Don’t fight. I don’t want any mess-ups like last time.”
With a loud chirp, the firebird darted off, disappearing from view.
“Harp, Onda, anything you can tell me about that?”
Neither of the guardians replied. For some reason, whenever a question was presented to both of them, Onda would remain silent unless Harp responded first.
“Harp?” Dallion asked again.
I can’t give you advice, the nymph replied.
That, in a way, gave Dallion his answer. Just to make sure, he took his harpsisword and did a spark infused point attack straight up. Force shot out from the tip of the weapon, as a white beam within the realm of purple. The moment it hit the sea, a vast amount of water moved aside. A hole briefly emerged, though it was short-lived—the volume of magic water wore down the force of the strike until it had no further effect. Loud splashes filled the created space, sending ripples throughout the sea in the form of giant waves.
Send an echo to check out the water, the armadil shield suggested. I know your thoughts on the matter, but it’s the safest way.
Ignoring the advice, Dallion cast a flight spell and slowly flew up. He strongly suspected that there was some trap laying in wait. Either the ocean itself was going to react to him, or something beneath it. Even with the differences between types of vortexes, that principle never changed.
Knowing that he remained safe in the air, Dallion burst into instances. Waves covered the entire sea, raging as if a massive storm had begun.
One single instance of Dallion increased its speed, flying faster towards the surface. Over five hundred feet away, the reaction everyone was expecting took place. Spikes of water shot up like tentacles, aiming to pierce the instance. Before they got a chance, Dallion ended it, choosing another to become reality.
“So, that’s your game,” he said.
The sea was nothing less than a barrier shielding the vortex guardian. In order to reach his destination, he had to somehow puncture it and move to the space beyond.
Lux, Dallion thought. Have you found anything?
There was a loud pop a few feet from Dallion marking the firebird’s return.
Nothing, boss, the familiar replied. I’d say send little bro to check out the water. He’s good at this.
“I’m sure.” Jellyfish were at home in water. However, with Gem’s level still so low, Dallion didn’t want to risk it. It didn’t help that he remained uncertain how the creature was supposed to level up. Originally, he thought that feeding it magic would do the trick. That hadn’t been the case.
Focusing on the water, Dallion this time combined his magic and layer vision. Surely enough, the appearance of the sea changed. No longer was it a monolithic liquid, but millions of magic threads, a fraction of the size of a human hair. Interestingly enough, they didn’t have any firm connections to anything, but were freely moving about attaching and detaching at will.
Concentrating harder, Dallion tried to spot any anomalies or thread instructions, but his current level of magic prevented him from doing so. After half a minute, slight tension emerged in Dallion’s temples.
“Harp,” he said, closing his eyes. “Without giving any advice, is there an easy way through this?”
Yes, the harpsisword replied. But not for you.
“I thought so.” Dallion opened his eyes. Despite his many tricks, he was going to have to rely entirely on magic. Still, that didn’t exclude combining it with any of the other skills he had.
Unsummoning his weapons and gear, Dallion extended his internal magic. Minuscule threads emerged from every part of his body, surrounding him like a defensive mesh. Now he had a layer of defensive skin, very much like a platypain. That was just the first part of his plan.
What exactly do you intend to do? Harp asked from within his awakening realm.
“Have a violent swim,” Dallion replied, commencing a new spell. “A violent swim in the world’s largest potion.”
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this story, consider joining my patreon or check out my other stories on redditserials:
The Scuu Paradox (a Space Opera Sci Fi)
The Cassandrian Theory (a Space Opera Sci Fi)
The Impeccable Adventure of the Reluctant Dungeon (Dungeon Core Adventure Comedy)
Uncharted Waters (An Urban Fantasy Detective Noir)

Here’s the story: My tooth, which has had a root canal for 22 years, started aching on Tuesday, so on Wednesday I go to my dentist. Three x-rays later, he says he’s not sure why it’s hurting and I need to see an Endodontist. I call the Endodontist and am given an appointment two months from now, so I call my dentist back and what do you know? There’s been a cancellation and something has opened up on Thursday.
So, on Thursday I go to the Endodontist, who take three or four more x-rays including a 3-dimensional x-ray. Apparently, said x-rays show that this tooth has a “hopeless prognosis”. The Endodontist refers me to an oral surgeon.
I call the oral surgeon, who schedules me for a month from Thursday. So I call my dentist, who calls the surgeon, who magically finds an opening for me on Friday.
When I arrive at the surgeon’s, I’m given yet another x-ray and then asked to wait in the waiting room, where I’m handed a form. I can’t fill out forms because my handwriting was affected by some strokes that I suffered 17 years ago at the age of 24, so I explain this to the receptionist. She begrudgingly agrees to help me fill out the “meaty bits” like my address and insurance information. I agree to fill out the medical bit, which mostly requires checking boxes, myself.
I twiddle my thumbs for 30 - 45 minutes before a surgical assistant calls me back. She begins interrogating me about the medical form. “What are your mental problems?” She begins, and I cringe. But, knowing that I’m grouchy because I haven’t eaten anything in three days, I vow to be polite.
Then we get to the section on illicit drugs. “Any marijuana use?” She asks me, ready to check no. “No, but I do take CBD every night,” I tell her. (CBD helps me to dream, a skill I lost for years post-stroke.)
“Gummies?” She prods. I nod. She types “marijuana gummies” into her computer. Thankfully, I catch her.
“No, I’m not a marijuana user,” I explain.
“I put that!” I roll my eyes.
“I said that I use CBD because I wanted you to know; I’m unfamiliar with its interactions. Marijuana contains two active chemicals: THC and CBD. THC is one that gets you high. CBD relaxes you. Additionally, CBD grows in two plants; mine is from hemp. Please write ‘CBD gummies’.” She dutifully corrects her notes.
She asks about blood thinners, looks at the sheet I’ve filled out, and is like, “Why’d you put a question mark?” I explain it’s because I’m on Plavix, which isn’t quite a blood thinner because it works against your platelets. It doesn’t thin your blood, it just helps you to bleed more when you DO get injured. “So I should put yes?”
“How about you write ‘patient is on Plavix’?” I answer, struggling to contain my frustration.
Then she starts explaining the prescription drugs she’s going to prescribe me for pain. “Something that contains both acetaminophen and Tylenol —“
“I’m going to stop you right there,” I say. “Acetaminophen IS Tylenol. Do you maybe mean to say that you’re going to write me a script for a combination of Tylenol and an opiate?”
“Yes?” Good God. “Yes?” Is NOT what you want to hear from the surgery assistant right before your surgery. Nor do you want her to confuse the kind of pain medication shes going to give you. Nor should you have to debate the merits of Plavix vs other blood thinners. You don’t want to have to explain to her how marijuana works. Nor do you want to tell her “what your mental problems are”. My hackles are raised.
She has me sign a contract for the work they’re going to do: extract tooth #2. Then, we head into the surgery suite. Assistant ducks out and nurse comes in to anesthetize me.
She sticks the swab into the left side of my mouth. I spit it out and say, “You’re going to take out #2, right?”
“No, we’re extracting #15.”
“NO, YOU ARE NOT. IT’S TOOTH #2, MY BACK RIGHT.” She excuses herself from the room and goes to check. Upon returning, she says, “You were right! It’s tooth #2! The surgery assistant wrote it down wrong on our whiteboard.” I look over at her as she erases the instructions on the board in the room and replaces them with the correct ones.
Then, the surgical assistant returns with nary a peep (after all, when have you ever heard a doctor or medical professional apologize?) and the surgery commences. Fortunately, the surgeon is great — the whole procedure takes ten minutes, and recovery has been relatively easy. However, this seems like more than an oversight. What if I had been put under general anesthesia, as the doctor had offered to do? What if they went ahead and extracted #15 and I woke up with both a missing tooth and a toothache? Or would they have gone ahead and corrected their mistake and yanked out both #15 and #2? I was clutching my arm so hard during the surgery that i could see my the imprints of my fingers.
I filled out a scathing questionnaire that evening, but is there anybody else I should tell about this debacle? Would the state like to know, for example? If so, how do I contact them? TIA!