Chapter 21: Chapter 21 [Origin]

With an hour left until the century's end, the most spectacular display of Spells we're fired off in the farmer's fields. The night turned to day, and even the great mountain to the north of the city had the chance to bask in its glow. 

The magnificent courtyard of the Academy was not exempt from this luminous exposition. Its grass was bathed in a whirlwind of hue while the fountain in the centre shimmered with multicoloured lights. A few people gathered around the fountain, complaining about their circumstances.

Beyond this fountain, set within the inner courtyard of the Academy, was a set of double doors which usually stood wide open, welcoming those who wished to enter... Tonight, however, they were shut tight. A scarcely visible light shimmered in the corridor beyond, where another set of doors was propped open. 

Two guards lay incapacitated to either side of this entrance while a cloaked figure strolled purposefully through. The figure stepped into an ornate marble chamber where two men and ten relatively young individuals waited patiently for his return. 

He pointed his thumb back to the entrance and gestured for the two men to leave. Through his beaked mask, the strange man returned the gazes of the few youths who seemed to have a problem with his choice of action. 

"Grand Elder Wales has stated that he wishes for any potential witnesses to be dealt with." the figure spoke in a raspy voice and cackled, giving the impression of an old, eccentric man. "If you wish to challenge his decisions, you may do so on your own time. You are welcome to see how far that will take you." 

With his statement made, the eerie figure waved his arms, gesturing to ten of the two-dozen doors spaced evenly along the curved walls. An ominous aura spilt into the room as he gave his command. 

"From left to right, enter the rooms according to your family's standing. Do not begin until I am present. Young master Wales, if you please." the masked man bowed slightly and proceeded to the first room behind Kanan Wales. 

The ever-serious black-haired youth strode forward without a pause and opened the door, where a dozen cowering faces could be seen briefly before the masked representative slammed it shut. One by one, the other Descendants disbanded and walked into their designated rooms. 

...

The first two doors opened almost simultaneously just minutes after the group dispersed. Kanan stepped out without breaking stride, gently wiping his cheek with a kerchief before stuffing it back in his breast pocket while Emilia stared curiously at the object in her hand. Her eyes shifted to the young Wales Descendant when she heard his steps. 

"Oh, just leaving?" she asked curiously, glancing up at the youth halfway to the set of glowing metal stairs in the centre of the room. "Wait, Kanan! I apologize for being forward, but does yours say ten?"

Without stopping, Kanan gave an almost imperceptible nod and vanished behind the purple barrier of the stairs. She frowned and glanced at her own Card. It was pure silver on both faces with only a golden IX engraved on the front. Through the lens of her glasses, she could clearly see the description of the object.

[Card Name: Promotion]

[Class: Relic]

[Uses: 9]

[Effect: Wielder can use this Relic to increase the Rank of any Pure or Blessed Card. This Relic has a limited number of uses that can not be recharged]

"He could have at least let me look at it. How else am I supposed to discover new Relics?" she grumbled and placed the Relic in a pouch on her hip. "That boy has always been in such a hurry."

Roughly three minutes later, the third door opened, and another young man emerged. Seth Manchester. He was a handsome, brown-haired youth and one of the two youngest of the Descendants participating in the night's events. Blood dripped from the towel with which he used to clean an oddly shaped blade.

"Oh, Miss Emilia!" the youth tossed the bloodied towel back into the room and grinned. "Stunning as always. Were you perhaps... waiting for me?"

Many other girls had fallen prey to the youth's charms, but Emilia just rolled her eyes, not even bothering to observe proper etiquette with the well-known philanderer. She knew she lacked the allure of most women and was too devoted to her trade to waste time with men.

"Save the flattery for the women in the brothel," she retorted, "More importantly, I want to know about your Relic. Did you receive number eight?"

"Eight?" Seth cocked his head to the side and looked at the metal card in his hand, "No. My reward was seven."

"Strange. I received nine, and I'm pretty sure Kanan received ten..." Emilia muttered and stroked her chin, "Does this mean that someone stole your turn?"

Seth's face turned red as he looked at his Relic again. At the same time, the fourth door opened, and a sleepy-faced man strolled out. He held an obscenely wide lute with a multitude of strings, and other than his light green hair and the quirky instrument, Alec Scot was rather bland. 

 "Alec, you lazy bye-blow!" Seth stepped threateningly stepped toward the man, both fists clenched. "Did you happen to kill your prisoners too early, you diddling piece of-"

"Seth!" Emilia scolded the young Manchester, "Watch your language!"

"Huh?" Alec's eyes lazily turned to the still-smouldering Seth as if he'd just noticed the youth. After staring for a good ten seconds, the fog in his eyes vanished, and he gained a moment of clarity, "Seth... Early..? Oh, I see. No, you dunce. Do you believe I would dare do such a thing with a representative of the Wales family attending this event? I didn't dare act until I was informed of your completion."

"Then show us your Relic!" Seth demanded.

Alec sighed and rolled his eyes, pulling the metal object from a space behind his lute, "Miss Emilia, I don't trust this duffer. Would you be a dear and read it out loud?"

"Of course!" Emilia rushed forward excitedly and took the Relic in her hands. As expected, it was a simple silver plate with an ornate VI etched into the surface. She read the text aloud.

[Card Name: Promotion]

[Class: Relic]

[Uses: 6]

[Effect: Wielder can use this Relic to increase the Rank of any Pure or Blessed Card. This Relic has a limited number of uses that can not be recharged]

"Then who stole my bloody reward?!" Alec raged and stormed off toward the stairs, ignoring the others. There was no chance it had been another of the top ten. No family outside the top four would dare face the wrath of those in the upper stations. "I'll be waiting on the Second Floor! Don't forget we were supposed to meet at the O' Connel's Inn after this. I'll buy drinks if anyone can tell me where my damned Relic is."

Emilia frowned, "There has to be some plausible explanation. Maybe some scamp was listening in? No. There's no way Grand Elder Grandhardt would have missed that. What do you think, Alec?"

She looked up at the man, but his eyes had fogged over, and he began shuffling slowly after Seth mumbling something about Inns. With a sigh, she turned and followed the man up the stairs, her interest in the purple patterns on the walls quickly overtaking her curiosity about the missing Relic.

...

"Haaahh...." I huffed another breath and stepped into the outer courtyard. My significant burden grew heavy, and I almost wished I'd Leveled Stamina while I had the chance. 

A few passersby stopped dead in their tracks, staring, glancing between me and the prone figure of the unconscious guard lying against the gate. Before I could say a word, one of the young women screamed.

Bollocks. Squeakers actin' like they've not seen a bit of blood before.

I hadn't had the time to freshen up. Even now, I had less than half an hour to ascend. If I didn't hurry it up, all this would've been for nothing. I'd managed to force it out of my mind, but now that these kids reminded me, I could feel the clotted blood clinging like worms to my skin. I shuddered.

With quick strides, I jogged passed the stunned group, controlling my breathing and adjusting the rusty casket on my shoulder. I wondered why students were still wandering the grounds. The events for youngsters ended over an hour ago, and most should have descended the stairs and returned to their homes. There were even a few students from my year, most of whom should have already ascended.

With my free hand, I pulled the hood of the Skull brother's cloak tighter around my head. It wouldn't do to be recognized in this state. This was supposed to be as straightforward as slipping up the stairs while the grounds were mostly vacant.

I travelled the cobbled walkway until I reached the entrance to the inner courtyard. My breath quickened, and with it, so did my steps. The stairs were just beyond the shrubbery, through the double doors, and down a stretch of hallway.

This time... I took a deep breath to calm myself. This time, things would be different.

When I reached the courtyard, my excitement turned to confusion. A crowd was gathered in front of the double doors leading to the stairs. They were closed.

That's not right... The stairs are supposed to be accessible to anyone at any time aside from the night of the final exam... Could it be..?

The stairs were close... as was my new life. At this point, the consequences didn't matter, and I didn't care who was barring entry. I needed to reach the stairs. 

"Hooooowwwooooooo!!"

My voice exploded around the courtyard, and many people jumped for cover while a few drew their weapons. The packed crowd began to spread, and I found my opening.

Sprinting forward, I leapt, pivoted through the frenzied throng of people, and swiftly reached the double doors. Without hesitation, I busted open the recently repaired pane of glass and grabbed the handle from the inside, throwing the doors open and resuming my race into the corridor.

Two guards stood at the next entrance, their weapons already unsheathed when I tore into the hall. They weren't wearing the colours of the Academy uniform, but I didn't have time to consider their loyalties.

The men ran forward, swinging their swords with rehearsed motions at my neck and shins. At the last second, I threw the strongbox behind the men and leapt over the entanglement, using Dash and pivoting so that my feet hit the ceiling. With a mighty push, I landed behind the guards and scooped up the safe before resuming my run.

The stairs were in sight, and so was... Nathaniel? He looked up from the shining silver object in his hand and opened his eyes wide in surprise. My hood had fallen when I Dashed over the guards, and I knew he recognized me from his reaction.

"Sir! Stop the intruder!" one of the guards shouted from behind.

Nathaniel held up a hand, "Leave him be and go back to the entrance. It seems you have a crowd pushing through."

 "But the Elder said-"

"Now you will do as I say," Nathaniel's gaze turned cold, and he growled at the guard. "Bar those doors before the whole of the First Floor rushes in."

"Yes, Sir!"

Nathaniel nodded toward me and jerked his head to the stairs, curiously eyeing the safe and the bloodied clothes. Using my free hand, I tilted the brim of an imaginary hat in return. He chuckled and fell into step beside me, looking at the blood on my cloak with an interested smile.

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As one, the two of us stepped through the shimmering purple barrier, and I lost sight of the young man. I grinned. It seemed I had another reason to thank him. With a shake of my head, I glanced at my timepiece. I'd made it with time to spare.

[22:09]

***

An inky black space greeted me as I stepped through the barrier. The safe was gone, my cane was gone... even my clothes were gone. I waited patiently in the darkness, and after a few moments, a path was lit.

Sharp purple lines and circles spread out from where I was standing and shot forward into the nothingness, creating a path of glowing purple circuits leading ahead. I followed the trail for several minutes, admiring the bright amethyst-coloured patterns until they stopped at an open circle.

Without hesitation, I stepped into the pulsating purple glow at the centermost point of the circle. It had been over fifty years since I'd been in between Floors, yet this was a sight I would never forget. Suddenly, my confidence wavered.

I did so much... what if it wasn't enough? No. I can't think that way. When I started this, I knew there was a chance I'd fail, and there's no turning back now... Whatever life has in store for me this time, I'll face it head-on. 

As if in answer, the pulsating light beneath me stopped. The purple faded, and I clenched my fists as it shifted into a dull grey.

It seems it isn't meant to-

My thoughts stopped as the grey brightened... and brightened some more... and it continued to do so until I was bathed in a harsh silver light. I blinked rapidly to adjust my eyes as a floating silver text appeared before me.

My heart jumped. It was much longer and much brighter than the first time.

***

[Name: Rowan Wilder]

[Age: 18]

[Achievements Cleared...]

[Collect 100 Units of Lumber - Completed - Average]

[Collect 100 Units of Wheat - Completed - Average]

[Kill 10 Boars - Completed - Average]

[Kill 10 Wolves -Completed - Average]

[Kill 10 Bears - Completed - Average] 

[Kill 1000 Boars in 6 hours or less - Completed - Flawless]

[Kill 500 Wolves in 6 hours or less - Completed - Flawless]

[Kill 100 Bears in 6 hours or less - Completed - Flawless]

[Meet the Ghost haunting the Academy and listen to what he has to say - Completed - Peerless]

[Climb the highest point of the First Floor - Completed - Flawless]

[Dive to the deepest point of the First Floor - Completed - Flawless]

[Reach the darkest point of the First Floor - Completed - Flawless]

[Kill a dozen people in the last hour of the century - Completed - Third Rank]

[Calculating...]

[Result: Outstanding]

[Century Rank: 1]

***

When I finished reading, the text burst into a flash of silver light. The particles pulled together to form a silver Card in the air before me. On its face was a single man sitting comfortably on a hill with tens of different creatures surrounding him. The Card's description floated silently behind it.

[Card Name: Summoner's Blessing]

[Class: Origin]

[Rank: Origin]

[Level: 1]

[Essence: 0/1000]

[Effect: Wielder gains an increased affinity for Summoning. Wielder has a considerably higher probability of successfully using the Tame Creature Card. Summons' durations are doubled. Summons' cooldowns are halved. Requirements to use Summons are lessened]

***

I gasped and took the Card in my hand. The silver text exploded once more and converged into my brow. And then... the space was gone. The bright lights faded, and the silence was replaced by horses neighing, boisterous laughter, and all-around celebration. 

When I opened my eyes, I found myself standing on the pavilion at the centre of a small marketplace. Plain, square-shaped two and three-story buildings surrounded the area, and drunken men and women still revelled in the feel of the night's frenzied celebrations. 

Rather than the pleasant chambers of the Origin and First Floors, the stairs to the Second sat in the open air. Until the Tenth Floor, there would be no more registration checks or guards hovering about the premises. 

Nathaniel stood to the side, having already completed his evaluation. He watched me with that same interested look as before, though he didn't try to initiate an exchange. When my eyes met his, he gasped and stood straighter. I found this strange but didn't ask.

I was dressed again, the blood and filth from my previous ventures removed as if they had never existed. The strongbox sat in the mud beside my feet, along with my cane, and I swiftly scooped them up before someone beat me to it.

It was all so nostalgic. I'd ventured out hastily in my previous life, looking for monsters to hunt and Essence to harvest. This time, however...

I chuckled, turned around, and entered the stairwell.

...

Nathaniel watched as Rowan turned and descended the stairs, not a care in the world for anything that was happening on the Second Floor. He was supposed to meet up with the other Descendants at the O' Connel Inn... but wouldn't that just be him giving in to the family's wishes.

Watching Rowan casually walk back down the stairs everyone so desperately wanted to climb, there was a tug in his mind. He looked in the direction the Inn was supposed to be... and then turned to follow Rowan down the stairs.

The two vanished in a flash of light, neither noticing another pair of eyes watching them with interest. 

...

I showed my registration to the clerk as I left the domed chambers of the Origin Floor stairs. The clerk wrote something down and then nodded to the guards, who stepped aside for me to pass.

The smile on my face widened as I left through the well-guarded gates. Everything was just as I remembered. A bustling bazaar surrounded by small but well-built shops. Beyond those, the flashes of Spells exposed the pitched roofs and tall spires that rose into the sky. 

These buildings suited my tastes much more than the simple shops and residences on the First Floor. In the light, I could see the fog of factories spilling out of chimneys in the distance. The blaring sound of a train's horn filled the square, drowning out even the explosions of the Spells.

Intricately carved circuits filled the ground and sides of the buildings, leading to the many lights and speakers that filled the streets. Yet none of that compared to the railway. The towering bridges upon which the trains ran cast pulsing purple light for hundreds of yards, lighting even the darkest spaces within their range.

I fixed my hair, tightened my grip on my cane, secured the safe, and slipped my Origin Card safely into my pocket. Nathaniel appeared beside me. The noise drowned out his voice when he tried to speak, so he made a gesture indicating that he would follow.

The lad certainly had my interest. As I stepped onto the paved lane, hundreds of Spells were tossed into the air, and the loudest cheer yet blasted my senses. I glanced at my timepiece. 

[99:365:23:29:59:59]

The last century had arrived.

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