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"Thank you for coming," said Mr. Vance as he turned around. He was a man of quite advanced years, and it showed. Gray hair, gray mustache, hunched posture, wrinkled features. His right hand gripped a cane, and he was missing an eye. Even in that sharp suit of his, he never really looked to be in the best of health. There was a reason that his enemies had taken to calling him the Shriveled Donkey.

Mr. Vance just seemed to find the name amusing, though.

Linus, not so much.

One of the Rainlords in front began speaking, a raven-haired man with steel gray eyes and harsh features. Linus hadn't yet learned all of their faces, but he was fairly certain this was Zeff Elroy, the one they called the Water Dragon of Sair.

"How's the battle going?" the man asked.

"There are good days and bad," said Mr. Vance, stepping slowly over to his desk. "Thankfully, we were able to push Abolish out of the city before the VMP's reinforcements arrived to assist them. We've managed to keep the fighting away from any civilians."

"If you're not asking us to head straight into combat, then you must feel that things are currently under control," said Elroy.

Mr. Vance gave a mild nod. "Yes. I was thinking of keeping you here as a secondary force, in case they breach the city. But if you would prefer to head to the front lines, that could be arranged, too."

"You are very accommodating," said Elroy.

"I understand that your situation is somewhat difficult at the moment," said Mr. Vance. "You would prefer not to make too large of a splash here in Vantalay, no? I don't mind thinking of you as an ace up my sleeve, if you'll pardon the gambling analogy."

Elroy made no response.