Switching from the complexity of the prosthetics to the simplicity of a chainsaw was a relief. I could tell Master had a lot more fun on this project than on my previous one. This was something he understood far better. However, this time I spent far longer shaping each link in the chain to properly fit. Despite the complexity boost for the smithing, the runes were far simpler, and before the day was out, we had a pair of functional, if untested, chainsaws.

  It was relatively simple in function: a gear that spins faster as more mana is fed into it and a chain that links around a metal plate and along the gear. The project was an interesting piece in variable speeds based on mana inputs. It was definitely an improvement from my rudimentary binary option for the hands.

  The next day I had a new project for us to work on: an ‘affinity bag.’ This time I took advantage of my affinity. I'm not sure how, but I’m able to move objects into the void and take them out, but I wanted to make a connection that didn’t require careful meditation to add items. I’ll worry about taking them out later, but if I could just shove all the wood we needed into my space, we would only need one trip outside the town walls.

  I was already expecting this one to be far harder, but apparently affinity-type runes are some of the most researched in the Earthkin community. Mainly because it was easiest to discover something new in researching something few others had access to. The biggest problem was that it seemed my affinity wasn’t something in Master’s records, so we worked off the foundation of a similar item made by someone with a space affinity.

  The most important thing to know about affinity-based runes is that they cannot function unless used by someone of the proper affinity. However, it seemed my space was more accessible than someone with a space affinity. That, or the skill I had that let me enter my space made the runes more agreeable to our efforts.

  Over the course of the next two days, we abandoned my idea to make a bag because the complications had made it unfeasible. That doesn’t mean it was a complete failure, as instead we made a spike that could transfer itself and whatever it was inserted into to my space. I stocked a dozen for our trip since I wasn’t sure how many trees we would need.

  The spikes themselves couldn’t be reused, as they faded into nothing after use.

  I found the change slightly terrifying, but Master wasn’t overly concerned. When an affinity item collapses, it shifts the material into whatever that affinity was. He even had a story about an adamantium affinity dwarf who dedicated his life to turning bricks into ingots. He nearly collapsed the value of adamantium and later perished in a monster incursion. His vault was lost somewhere in the wilds, waiting for some lucky ruin delver to someday uncover it.

  With the capacity it had achieved, I had confidence to store enough wood to at least begin our project, and Sis was beginning to reach her limit, being forced to sleep in a room with the rest of the family. Personally I was most eager to make a new kitchen. Three days of firepit food was starting to wear on me.

  Dad stood stoically at the door with the sleek adamantine arms fully ready to give his all in escorting us.

  “Remember, Callen, Callia, out there is a dangerous world. Do not underestimate anything you see, even if you are bigger. Monsters and animals that will attack you always have their stats. Even if you feel confident because of how much bigger you are than some of the things out there, remember that they are likely to be at least twice as strong, fast, and durable as you.”

  His expression softened as he continued his lecture.

  “Callia, call out immediately when you spot any creatures. If a group moves towards us, lead us back to the gatehouse on the safest path you can find. When you get into the gate Do Not force your way through. After the outer gate there is an inspection zone to make sure no parasites are using you to gain entry. If you try to force your way through, the guards will cut you down without hesitation.”

  Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

  We arrived at the gate, and a simple check had them let us out from a fortified door nearly forty feet from the ground. Dad carries us both as he jumps us down, and for the first time in years, I get to see the world outside.

  We don’t need to go far because even though trees are regularly cut back away from the town, they grow fast. The lush forest is quiet as if holding a breath in anticipation. I can feel the tension in my dad and sis as we quickly make our way to the first tree. An extraordinary pine tree that rivals redwoods in size. It alone was enough to build our current cabin. I shift one of the two chainsaws from my back, quietly praying that it can get the job done. It revs to life the moment I carefully feed it mana, and I get to work slowly cutting through the base of the tree.

  The tree's weight shifts, and slowly it tips down the angle I had cut. However, the blade of my saw gets caught, and I abandon it. With a thunderous boom, the tree tips over like a collapsing apartment. Falling straight into the dirt, I feel a rush of energy, but I don’t think about that as I go to stake and store the tree. The noise seems to disturb the peace of the forest, and Sis is immediately calling out various monsters moving in our direction. Dad doesn’t hesitate to scoop us up and beeline back to the town.

  As we arrive at the gates, a team of guards forms around us, escorting us back into the gates. It wasn't a long wait, but it was awkward having someone checking every inch of our skin and even shining a light into our orifices. It was particularly unpleasant for Sis, with our earthling modesty clashing with necessity, and it was necessary because apparently they did find some kind of worm thing. Seeing a 3-inch worm being pulled out of my sister’s arm—unpleasant didn’t even begin to describe it. After that happened, neither I nor Sis cared about modesty and eagerly presented ourselves to achieve as much peace of mind as we could after that.

  With our inspections complete, Dad led us over to a clearing near the gate and called the goods inspection team over. Meanwhile, I began my meditation, reaching into my affinity to pull myself back into my space.

  The EYE was back but only within range to feel its presence. I banished it without hesitation and moved my focus to the massive tree floating in the void. I will the tree to the edge and reach through the barrier to pull it out and am pleasantly surprised that it feels weightless as I pull it out.

  Suddenly a worm bursts from a branch, flailing and letting out a horrifying shriek. I release the wood and back off in a panic, terrified of the consequence if it infected me in this space. Regardless, it launches itself straight at me. The moment it touches the barrier, it fades into nothing—no resistance, just gone in barely a split second.

  I pant and breathe deeply, calming myself from my unexpected guest. I grab the tree and pull the rest through the barrier and quickly wake myself back up. I refocus myself in the clearing, and shocked gasps fill the air as the guards are caught off guard by the sudden appearance of the tree. With my mana depleted, I flop onto my back, calling out.

  “There was a worm in my space, but I think that one is gone, but I don’t know if any others survived, so be careful checking.” At my words the guards take a step back and remain on alert while the inspector goes over the tree. If it was on Earth, a careful check of a tree this size would be an all-day ordeal, but he finished in barely a minute.

  “I’m not sure if I should pass the tree. It has the worm hollows, but they are empty and clean of larva as best as I can tell. Normally any sign would warrant disintegration, but the tree is way too clean. Even the normal bugs that would hide on the tree are missing. It’s like it's been completely cleansed of all life, so in light of these conditions, I’ll permit its passage.” The inspector declares after having spoken with the guard captain extensively. Then he turns to Father and speaks with assertive authority.

  “Marek I know times are hard for you, but risking your family like this is foolish regardless of their talents. The vitality of children makes them especially vulnerable to parasites. If you had remained out there for even ten more minutes, your daughter would’ve become a worm puppet. Regardless of the rules of free access to the outside, please don't risk children like this.”

  The words hit Dad hard, and I can see an understanding and a protective gleam enter his eyes after a moment of reflection. I can already tell that we won't be going on any more excursions.

  Childhood adventures

  Callia slid right onto her face in the dirt path. Or at least it was dirt, but suddenly it had been transformed into a deep pool of mud. Callen; her mind seethed. How dare he? All she did was prop a bucket of water in the doorway. In the back of her mind she heard Callen mockingly call over to her.

  “Sis, I didn't know you liked playing in the mud! Isn’t that a little immature? Mom’s going to be really upset! How about you let your Big Brother clean you up. . . . All I need is your surrender, and the mud will all go away!”

  As expected, instead of submission, Callia glowed with rage, and she took off like an arrow using her connection to find him. He tried to run home and escape, but it was pointless; she was just too fast, especially when empowered with childish rage. Like a missile, she tackled him in a hug and immediately rubbed her mud all over him.

  “If I’m going down, you’re coming with me!” With that, Callen squirmed in despair as he was hauled back home by Callia.