Chương 21: Team Dynamics

Jonathan stretched out his tired muscles and allowed his shoulders to rest against the row of bleachers behind him. The large training facility had a number of fans running and the mostly brick or cement building took him back to old memories of playing basketball in a gymnasium as kid. The walls glowed a gentle blue light at several points, indicating the enchantments that had been placed on them. His greataxe lay across his knees, and the weapon's weight felt familiar and comforting in a way.

He stretched his arms behind his head and interlocked his fingers before closing his eyes. Tuning out the noise of the other Hunters Association members in the training facility, he focused on the fight from four days before. He'd been distracted with thoughts of David and rushed to finish the Rift to get back to him. Despite his haste, something had been different about those fights. The rage had still come as it always did, but he'd maintained awareness longer than usual.

It's because I decided to fight against it rather than give in. Jonathan acknowledged that his will to resist the blackout had been at an all-time high during that first fight in the Rift. Eventually, he had succumbed to the red mist that covered his vision, but he had lasted noticeably longer than prior engagements. He'd leveled once and had a sneaking suspicion that one of his earlier thoughts about the System stats was true. His Willpower had increased greatly from the title and his recently distributed points.

Just based on the stats' names, Jonathan was suspicious if there wasn't more to the "magical" stats. The names of those stats had normal meanings in the English language, regardless of how the System defined the terms. Intellect had to do with someone's ability to learn and generally how smart they were; it made sense then that Willpower might help him form some mental fortitude.

He'd put all three of his points into Willpower, and the very next fight, he felt that there was once again an increase in his ability to push back against losing consciousness. While closing the Rift, he leveled once more and allocated those points to Willpower as well. Despite the six-point increase, he felt that he was still a ways away from seeing enough of a change to resist the pull of his {Rage} trait. Baby steps. Jonathan smiled to himself as he thought of David back in their hotel room.

His son had been cramming for his last midterm when he left. There were textbooks and notes spread across the small desk as if a small explosive had gone off. The two of them had spent the last few days talking- really talking, for the first time in years. David had explained how his professors had been understanding of his 'family emergency' though he'd need to head back to Columbia soon for his exams as they wouldn't excuse him from it entirely. It felt strange, in a good way, to have his son close again.

They'd ordered takeout and watched a terrible action movie together. Even though they carefully navigated the conversations about Emma and Marcus, it felt like they were taking a step in the right direction. David had even asked about some of Jonathan's Rift encounters and how it felt to be an Awakened. He had shown a genuine interest in the dangerous life change rather than the judgment that Jonathan had feared.

He had subtly hinted at a personal interest as well, and where Jonathan had felt an initial desire to steer his son away from the path of awakening, he stayed quiet instead. His attempts to force David down a career path had been what caused their conflict to begin with, he wouldn't start their relationship back off once more with the same mistake.

His son continued to study in the room as Jonathan met his new team for the first time and went through benefit negotiations with Director Matthews on compensation for Jonathan's services. The Hunters Association valued him highly. They wanted to capitalize on his ability to close Rifts and his rising social status as a public figure. Jonathan refused to embrace the Crimson Warrior persona that the media was trying to stick to him.

Still, he was happy to receive monetary compensation, housing, and a benefits package, even if it wasn't his goal in closing the Rifts. The memory of David's face and that crumpled suicide note had served as a powerful reminder during each fight in the last Rift. It had fueled his determination to resist the loss of control and rage. He felt a fierce guilt at the pain and distress he'd caused David and felt that they served as a reminder and a chance for him to rebuild what he'd almost thrown away.

He pulled up his Status Window, noting how strange it was that even with his eyes closed, he could see the blue floating screens in his vision. Jonathan reviewed his recent gains and the changes to his stats.

Status Name: Jonathan Reeves - Level 14 Class: Berserker HP: 250/250 MP: 100/100 Traits: (1/3) {Rage} Titles: <One Against Many> One Against Many Physical Stats: Strength: 38 Agility: 20 Constitution: 25 Vitality: 25 Magical Stats: Intellect: 11 Willpower: 19 Mana: 10 Wisdom: 11 Active Skills: [Rending Strike] (Novice - Level 8) [Raging Breath] (Novice - Level 7) Passive Skills: [Blood Lust] (Tier I) [Pain Resistance] (Tier I) He felt pleased with himself to note the increase in his skill levels.

[Rending Strike] had been progressing slowly because he was unable to use it in his unconscious state; but, by pushing back against the {Rage}, he was able to use the skill at least twice each fight. He had been surprised to see the rapid progress of [Raging Breath], but after rereading the skills description, he could only assume that the last part referred to an ability to use the skill while enraged.

[Raging Breath] - A specialized breathing technique that allows the Awakened One to maintain stamina and fight for longer periods, even during intense moments of anger or rage.

"-and that's why we need to establish clear engagement protocols for civilian-adjacent rifts," Dr. Bill's voice cut through Jonathan's relaxation. He cracked an eye and looked over at the researcher, who was gesturing animatedly at a flat-screen mounted to the wall.

The man's wire-rimmed glasses slid down his nose as his head went between the others and the screen, "The statistical models clearly show-""Bill," Captain Hayes interrupted, her tactical vest making a creaking noise as nylon pulled tight around the Kevlar beneath.

"We can't wait for perfect data when there are lives at stake."

"Bah! They won't be in danger if the Rift is quarantined. The only danger for at least two weeks is people entering without any sort of supervision." Jonathan suppressed a sigh. They had hashed and rehashed arguments along the same lines repeatedly. He'd been worried about things like this when they formed a team of thinkers and doers. Both Captain Hayes and Yates could hold their own in a fight, he had no doubt. But Bill Turner was a thinker through and through.

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. That specific debate had been going on for almost an hour. They were debating proper procedures while the training dummy they were supposed to be focusing on stood untouched in the center of the room. Its enchanted core pulsed with a dull blue light, waiting to be activated. Jimmy Yates caught Jonathan's eye from across the large space and gave a slight eye roll. At least they understood each other.

Yates came from a similar background as Jonathan, with more than ten years of his career spent as a Navy Seal. He'd been the Hunters Association's highest leveled fighter before Jonathan arrived. The training facility's door opened with a sharp click, and Deputy Director Sullivan strode in. His polished shoes echoed on the concrete floor that lined the outside of the room and surrounded the central mat-covered area.

Jonathan noted a small wooden box was tucked under his arm, and the way the man walked with his hands clasped behind his back and nose in the air made Jonathan want to ignore him.

"Good morning team." Sullivan's voice carried the forced cheerfulness of someone delivering unwelcome news.

"I hope training is going well?" Hayes straightened and shot Bill a look that clearly meant, 'We'll continue this later.'

"Just reviewing protocols, sir."

"Excellent. Just what I like to hear," he said.

"How has your investigation been going, Captain Hayes?"

"Slow, sir. I'm waiting to hear back from our informant. The fact that we haven't heard anything for more than a week is troubling. I'll compile a report for you and Director Matthews as soon as I hear something."

"Yes, yes. Good, if you need anything, let me know." Director Sullivan's gaze fell on Jonathan. Displeasure was written across his face.

"Mr. Reeves, a moment of your time?" Jonathan set his axe aside and stood while noting how the deputy director tucked in his chin as he approached.

"You're not training with your new team, Mr. Reeves?" He asked before glancing at where his greataxe lay.

"They're not training right now. They're talking in circles." Jonathan answered evenly.

"We were not-" Dr. Turner was interrupted as Sullivan raised his hand.

"That's quite alright. I would just encourage you to participate with your team. Especially in the proper protocols and regulations involved in Rifts. In the meantime," he pulled out the wooden box from under his arm, "this is a requirement for your continued involvement with the Association." Inside, nestled in blue velvet, lay a bracelet of obsidian beads, each carved with tiny silver runes. Jonathan raised an eyebrow, "What is it?"

"It's an emotional dampener. Custom made by one of our best enchanters to help you maintain a calmer state of mind." Sullivan's smile didn't reach his eyes.

"You'll wear it at all times outside of the Rifts." Jonathan felt his eyebrows descend along with the corners of his mouth. He realized that this man, or the people behind him, were scared of him. They want to control me? Collar me up like some dangerous dog? He felt the rage bubble up in his chest before squashing it. Reaching forward, he lifted the bracelet from the case and looked at it closely. The small runes pulsed against the black surface. Jonathan put the bracelet in his pocket.

"No," he said, surprised that his voice came out so calm. Sullivan blinked.

"I don't think you understand. This enchanted item will help maintain safety for your team and keep your emotional stability in check."

"I understand perfectly." Jonathan gestured at the training dummy in frustration.

"You want to turn me into a tool. To put a leash on me because you're scared. But I'm not here to be controlled, Assistant Director. I'm here to help people. I'll use the bracelet and make sure that I don't endanger my team, but I won't be forced to wear something that will dampen my emotions at all times outside of a Rift."

"This isn't a request. Either you wear the dampener, or-""Or what? I'll go back to closing Rifts on my own? Saving lives without your permission?" He let out a short laugh.

"You know what's funny? Just standing here, having this conversation with you, is making me angry. But I'm controlling it. On my own."

"Director," Hayes said while stepping forward.

"Is this really necessary? Mr. Reeves has already demonstrated that he can be part of the team and, outside of a combat scenario, has no issues controlling his emotions."

"The Association needs to present a strong and reliable front."

"No, the Association needs people who can get the job done. I'm willing to work with a team. I'm willing to follow reasonable protocols. But I won't wear your magical leash because you're uncomfortable with how strong I am." Jonathan strode to his axe and slung it over his shoulder, "Your choice, Deputy Director. Do you want my help, or do you want to explain to your boss why you drove away your most experienced Rift fighter?" The silence stretched for several seconds before Sullivan's jaw clenched.

Without another word, he snapped the box shut and turned on his heel, striding out of the training facility.

"Well, shit," Yates said into the silence with a thick country drawl, "that was interestin'." Jonathan played off his frustration by chuckling. He pulled the bracelet from his pocket and clipped it around his wrist. It felt like a warm, weighted blanket pressed down over his entire body.

"Wait, you're going to wear it?" Hayes asked, with her face a picture of confusion.

"Why all of that posturing then?"

"I'm not opposed to wearing it, at least while we spar." Jonathan shrugged, looking at himself through an internal lens. The nervousness, frustration, and even excitement he'd been feeling moments before were gone entirely.

"I'm not going to be told that I have to, though. If I start to give up my personal liberties like that, they'll have me living in a cell within a week." Hayes nodded.

"Alright, well, it probably can't hurt, but I'd be careful about using that thing too much. The enchanters are pretty new at all of this. They pretty regularly have to come to fix or adjust things in the large enchantment in this room, and this was the most complicated thing I've ever seen. I imagine Sullivan invested a lot to get them the right runes to make a bracelet like that."

"You two seem to get along easily. Why is that?"

"I also enjoy protocol and paperwork. I like it when things are done by the book; I'm just not as rude about it." Hayes shrugged and smiled. Jonathan chuckled. He gave the axe a few experimental swings and found that the bracelet was truly unique. He initially felt like his mind was tired or filled with fog, but that wasn't the right way to describe it. His thoughts came clear and crisp; there just wasn't any guiding motivation to them.

"Should we actually try a few spars now?" He asked.

"This is gonna hurt, ain't it?" Yates asked Dr. Turner.

"Captain, you and the Doc can go first. I'll go kick on the enchantments." Bill Turner let out a strangled groan as he grabbed his staff from the floor nearby.

"I really hate sparing. Can't we just talk about positioning some more or what to do if-""This is good for you, Doc," Jimmy said as he walked over to the wall where there were two different pads connected to enchantments.

"You don't think the government invested all those hours and cash into building such a fancy training room just to talk theory." Hayes grabbed her weapon and joined Bill taking positions opposite the mats from Jonathan. Within moments, a blue dome spread over the area, and the captain called for the match to begin.

"This'll be good," Jimmy called as he perched on the bottom row of bleachers.

"Y'all bout to learn how he got his title." Jonathan rolled his shoulders and could feel the cold stones of the dampener on his wrist. He didn't feel the tension or excitement that normally came with fights and there wasn't even a whisper of rage. Bill's staff hummed as a blue mist began to coalesce around the top in a swirl. The small orb of blue energy compressed, and the man's face strained as the magical item continued to pull on his mana.

The ball condensed and lit into flames like a propane grill that's been leaking gas. The ball of fire hovered in place, and Jonathan knew that the slight man could launch it with a simple thought. Captain Hayes moved first, her spear a blur as she tested Jonathan's defenses. She used quick thrusts and darting movements. He parried with the flat of his axe and consciously pulled back his strength. His counter was slow as he tried to find what was appropriate, as he didn't want to practice with his full stats.

The point of the match was to learn and improve, not to overpower.

"You can hit harder than that," Hayes said, her {Tactical Sight} clearly showing her the restraint in his movements. A fireball whizzed past Jonathan's ear as Bill found his range. The researcher was already channeling another, his hands steady despite his obvious nervousness.

"Doc's got decent aim," Yates called out.

"Might actually singe them eyebrows if you ain't careful, Jon." Jonathan weaved between Hayes' spear and Bill's small fireballs. He let himself adjust to the dampener's effects. The rage that usually simmered beneath the surface felt distant and manageable. He could think clearly about each movement and attack, though he had to wonder at the effectiveness of such training. The {Rage} wouldn't let him make such conscious defensive decisions. Hayes pressed forward, her spear work precise and calculated.

"Bill, target his left side when I—" Jonathan saw the strategy forming but let it play out. Hayes feinted right, and Turner's fireball forced him to step directly into her spear's true path. The blow connected with his shoulder, though the enchantment on the mats dulled it. Rather than slicing his muscles open, it felt like he'd been punched in the arm.

"First blood to the captain," Yates chuckled.

"Though I reckon that's cause our boy's wearin' his shiny new toy."

"Good coordination," Jonathan admitted, dropping his defensive stance.

"But let's see how it holds up when I push back a little harder." Hayes grinned, readying her spear.

"That's what we're here for."