Senec led them past several doors lined with metal that glowed brightly with meta sense. Then stopped next to one of them, opened it, and said, “Please, come in.”
Kennon pushed the cart in after Bev entered. It was a strange room. Extremely small. Barely large enough to hold the three of them.
Senec said, “Have you ever used a soul trainer?”
The confused looks on their faces must have been answer enough as he continued after only a short pause.
“It is a device, a room we are currently in, that allows you to train free from the confines of the body. It simulates a situation based on the memories of the people using it. As well as that of those that chose to volunteer having their memories probed. Then it projects the images directly to the soul. You retain awareness of your real body. But you also gain awareness of another body in the simulation. This allows you to try things that would ordinarily be deadly without consequences.”
Senec stood tall, clearly proud of the device.
“I do caution against anything that affects the soul in any way. And the mana you use while in the simulation is used to power the simulation so the mana drain is real. I will begin the simulation. When you are ready simply channel some of your mana into any of the walls.”
With that he placed a hand on a wall and released a trickle of mana. After that his breathing slowed, his eyes closed, and he stood unnaturally still.
Kennon was wary, but Bev was eager to try a new work of artifice and channeled mana into through her feet almost instantly. Kennon took a deep breath and followed suit.
They were in an empty white void. They were also standing in the same room. They could feel both at the same time. Though their real bodies seemed somewhat disconnected. There was nothing to see except for him, his sister, and Senec.
Senec said, “First question. What are your main methods of combat? If you use arms or armor, bring them out mentally.”
It took Kennon a moment to realize that he had some control over the environment. In an instant he was clothed in his sun tiger cape, dagger in one hand, shield in the other. Bev stood proud in her armor.
“Scout and warrior it would seem?”
“Mage actually." Kennon replied.
The man smiled, “A spell blade perhaps? Let us start with you. Cast your most destructive magic at me. But do not empower it.”
Kennon grinned, he could let loose here. He cast a fire ball in seconds, counter forces aiming away from him. And targeted Senec. He really hoped that the trainer had something to prevent pain.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
He cast, and fire exploded around Senec.
Senec stood rooted to his spot. Unharmed. But his look was one of disbelief.
“Was that fire ball?” he said. His voice unnaturally even.
Why did he ask? Wasn’t that obvious.
Kennon simply nodded.
“I see. And how far can you empower it?”
“I could throw a thousand mana in it easily. With enough time.”
The man didn’t flinch, didn’t blink. But Kennon heard his breathing get faster.
“I understand. And you Bev. attack me with all your power.”
Bev channeled movement aura to the maximum in a moment and rushed Senec, the blade of her halberd hit him square in the neck.
He didn’t move. He did however release a relived sigh. Then he shook his head and said, “At least your stats are reasonable. Probably about that of a level three. The buff spell easily doubled it. But that spell at least is common enough.”
“The fire ball though. And the speed at which you channeled movement aura. Those are what I would expect from a level twenty. Not a level ten. Not a level three. And certainly not someone that only integrated two months ago. System favored indeed. I apologize for implying my experience was remotely similar to yours. You two could become paladins of the church in under a year if you wished.”
Kennon winced at that line. That was the last thing he wanted.
“It seems you dislike that idea? Well, all the better for the guild. I have a few more questions. You implied that you were crafters. What are your specialties and system awarded rank?”
“Initiate blacksmith and enchanter.”
“Novice alchemist”
Senec looked at the weapons and armor they were holding. And said, “I see, I take it this is your work?”
Bev nodded.
“It is extremely rare to become an initiate in two crafts by level ten. Even for those that get there the normal way. You must have had extensive training before integration. Although that is far from the strangest thing I have seen here.”
He looked them over again. Smiled, then said, “now, you easily qualify as T2 guild members. With all the privileges and responsibilities therein. While we are in the privacy of the trainer, let's discuss what happens next. I assume you have goals?”
Bev dismissed her armor and said, “we have the fruit of two months worth of hunting. We want to sell it. We also want a place to stay. Preferably cheap, and with space for a forge. We want to spend some time getting used to the city. Possibly gain a few commissions. And after that we would enjoy taking a quest.”
Senec smiled, “I have the perfect place. It is a little beaten down. And in the poorer sectors of the city. But it is safe, has two good beds, and two ready made workshops. You will need to by some tools. But that should be easy. The materials you have shown me in here alone would fetch several gold. And judging by the size of the chest that is only the beginning. You should be able to buy the place wholesale, and have enough leftover for whatever else you need.”
They smiled. That sounded perfect. They were actually going to do it. They were going to buy a place! They would be busy of course. But they would have a place to stay that wasn’t in the middle of a T4 portal.
They were going to have a home.
