Mallorc came by for a few hours on my first day of recovery to make sure I was settled in before he left The School altogether. He is hoping to get back to Verdance as quickly as possible to assist in resisting the incursion. Although I am worried about him, he promised me that he would try to return every two months or so to check in on my progress. As soon as I am truly combat ready, I can choose to join him in managing the city’s defense. During Mallorc’s visit, I was able to put my feelings aside and trust him. But since he’s left, I’ve really been struggling with the anxiety of his absence. Mallorc has been the only constant adult figure in my life—I didn’t really realize it until he left, but the fear of losing him has been tough to meditate through.

  My days of relaxation and recovery quickly come to pass. I find myself being awakened quite early in the morning by Dross. He informs me that Sagaryn is waiting for me in his office to get me introduced to my new routine and pick out my signing-bonus rewards. After a brief walk, we arrive at the professor’s office, and Dross is able to expertly navigate through the labyrinth of books. I quickly knock and open the door, not expecting an answer from Sagaryn before entering. Inside, I find the professor with his eyes closed behind his desk, with three books floating around him—ethereal words seem to be floating from the pages directly into his head. My entrance seems to break him from his trance as the words disappear, and the books gently float back to his desk.

  “Ah, good morning, Camden. Good to see you up and about.” He stands up and stretches lightly at his desk. “Well, are you ready to begin?”

  I flash a quick smile, this man is unique to say the least, but at least he’s consistent. “As long as their are no life-or-death trials in my near future, then yes, I am more than ready to start my training.”

  He frowns. “Well, no life or death trials soon, but there will be eventually. While this sect is called The School, it does, in fact require the completion of dangerous missions and life-threatening trials.”

  I wave him off. “Forget it, as long as I’m not getting in a ring with a minotaur until I am at least Mid Tier Two, then we are fine. What do we start with?”

  “Very well, I will take note that you request to fight a minotaur once you’re stronger.” I try to cut him off to explain that’s not what I mean, but he continues speaking anyway. “We can start with the parts that you will enjoy the most… the benefits. Would you like to pick out a new weapon first or would you rather pick out your spirit herb?”

  “Weapons!” I say it without even a second of hesitation. My current monk’s spade doesn’t hold any sentimental value, Mallorc just grabbed it in a hurry as we were running from the shop to get here as quickly as possible. One of the perks of being an adventurer that I most looked forward to was the ability to constantly earn new weapons and tools… well that and the money I guess.

  Sagaryn doesn’t seem surprised by this answer and nods his head. “Yes, it seems most kids are really most interested in weapons. For the most part, I would agree they make the biggest difference to someone’s strength. However, in your case, I believe the proper use of spirit herbs will propel your strength forward unimaginably.”

  “Honestly, you are probably right in that regard, but I will still need to process the spirit herbs into a tea. Also, I will ideally have other herbs to complement it for the best results.”

  He nods his head. “Yes, I guess so. I didn’t think of it in that regard. While you will only receive one spirit herb per month, you can still trade your merit points with alchemists or herbologists around the sect for herb of lesser rarity to make your tea blends.” He thinks for a second. “Next month, I will introduce you to one of our herbologists. She is currently in secluded training, but she will probably have some pretty good items up for trade.”

  As we are talking, I follow briskly behind Sagaryn—based on our speeds, the difference in our stats is quite apparent. I have still not learned much about Professor Sagaryn, but the way he was literally absorbing knowledge from books earlier I’d assumed that his class was purely utility or at most support. However, he didn’t seem winded at all from the pace he was walking and I am struggling to keep up at a near jog. This man is definitely an enigma, and I agree with him and Mallorc that I will have a lot to learn here.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  After a few minutes, we arrive at a building with three robed figures sitting outside. As Ryn comes into view, the three men shoot to their feet and lower themselves in deep bows.

  One of the oldest-looking men of the group, maybe in his early thirties, steps forward. “Professor Sagaryn, what can we help you with today.”

  “Croff, at ease. I always tell you all that I truly do not need all of the propriety and formalities. I am here to pick out a new weapon for young Camden as was our agreement when he joined the sect.”

  At the mention of my name, the man named Croff looks over at me. He quickly notes the purple trim and lowers himself in a bow to me as well. “Direct Disciple Camden. I am the guard captain, but please just call me Croff like everyone else. It is a pleasure to have you join our sect. If you need anything in the future please let me know. If it’s within my powers I will gladly lend you assistance.”

  I give him a light bow as well. “It is a pleasure to meet you Croff. I hope that I will not need to call upon the guard captain during my stay at the sect.”

  He straightens up and gives me a hearty chuckle. “No, I guess you don’t hope to have to call on the guard captain do you? Well, let’s get you inside to pick your weapon.” He looks over at Sagaryn then back at me. “I wish you luck in finding the best weapon possible.”

  Croff’s wishes of fortune raise a red flag for me, especially after the last trial I was a part of. I look over at Sagaryn with an eyebrow raised. “Is this one of those trials that you said I wouldn’t have to participate any time soon?”

  The professor rolls his eyes. “No, this is not a life-threatening trial. It is a trial in some regard, but there are no preparations you can make beforehand. Also failing here just means you won’t get as good of a weapon as you could otherwise.” He pauses for a second before letting out a deep sigh. “Fine. This is a trial space that our sect captured and relocated here hundreds of years ago. Inside you will find thousands of weapon spirits, they will test you and your affinity. With a success you will get a high level weapon spirit to craft itself into the weapon of your choice. Depending on how high quality a spirit you bond with, your weapon could grow indefinitely with you meaning you won’t need a new weapon for a long time. You take all of the surprise out of joining an elite, secretive sect.”

  Sagaryn seems to sulk at having to spoil the surprise of the hidden trial space. I shake my head, so depending on how I am tested, I could get a new monk’s spade that will be able to accompany me for a long time.

  I look at the pouting professor. “Thank you for this opportunity Professor Sagaryn.”

  “Let’s not just sit around forever. You can be in the trial space for up to an hour of real time, so I will leave you with the captain. Keep in mind that it is only an hour out here, but can feel like days inside. The longer you are completing trials, generally the better spirit you will contract. Good luck.”

  With that the professor turns around and starts to head back in the direction we just came from. With that, Croff turns around and the other two guards step out of the way.

  He opens the door for me which leads to pitch darkness. “No time like the present Direct Disciple Camden.”

  I close my eyes, take a deep breath and start walking toward the door. “Thanks Croff, you can just call me Camden. See you when I’m back.”

  With that I walk through the door and am encompassed by black. No light penetrated the doorjamb and I was left to stand in the abyssal darkness. I heard the click of a door closing behind me and then the room exploded into the light of thousands of stars. In what I assume to be the center of the room, there is a swirling orb. I walk forward, careful to not bump into any of the floating stars.

  I lay my hand on the orb and am surprised by the System prompt that appears before me.

  WEAPON SPIRIT TRIAL

  ATTEMPTS LEFT 1/1

  WOULD YOU LIKE TO ENTER Y/N

  I mentally click on “Yes”. The room flashes and I’m in the dark again, only this time I can’t breathe.