"Everyone's got a price, Father," the whore responded to the preacher's disapproval. "Mine may be coin, but yours? Yours is your precious soul."

"Blasphemy!" he cried. "I would risk my own soul if it meant saving all of yours."

"Oh, really?" she questioned. "One hundred pieces of gold. That's what it would take to buy us all a new start far away from here. Would you cough up that much for us?"

"I am but a humble servant of God," he protested. "I have no such wealth."

"But your church does," she replied. "That big golden statue you all pray to? That alone could save us all, and then some. So, what'd ya say, Father? Would you really damn your soul to save ours?"

He said nothing, for he had no answer to give.

The Whore’s Taunt

Unknown

----------------------------------------

4522 MA

Grand Temple of Atriya, Rovos, Kartas

Vyas awoke with a jolt, his heart racing as he realized he was lying in Maya's bed. Glancing around the room, he noted that he was alone. The memories of the previous night flooded back, and he couldn't help but wince. He had been foolish, and Maya had been right to call him out on that. His misguided attempt to avoid being a burden had backfired spectacularly, forcing him to take some of Maya's precious prana just a day before her second trial. He would have punched a wall in frustration if that hadn't been the cause of his guilt in the first place.

Assessing his condition, he found that he was feeling much better. His body was no longer quivering with exhaustion like it was earlier. Deciding it was time to get up, he carefully swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood, relieved to find that his strength had returned.

Venturing out of the room and into the hallway, he spotted Maya approaching. A relieved smile spread across her face when she saw him up and about. "Vyas! You're awake! How are you feeling?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.

"I'm feeling much better, thanks to you," he replied, managing a small smile. "Some food and more rest later, and I should be as good as new."

Maya's expression brightened, clearly pleased by his recovery. "I'm glad to hear it. Now that you're awake, we should go see Prior Boa. He wanted to talk to both of us."

Vyas nodded, intrigued by what the Prior might want to discuss with them. Yelia had spoken highly of the Prior, describing him as a living legend renowned for his mastery of martial arts, which formed the foundation of her own skills. She often shared stories of the grueling training the Prior put her through to motivate them, emphasizing supposedly how easy their own training was in comparison.

However, both Vyas and Maya found it difficult to reconcile the image of the harsh, unforgiving battle-hardened taskmaster from Yelia's stories with the kind man who had warmly welcomed them. The Prior's casual demeanor, combined with his current role as the head of an organization of cultivators dedicated to healing and pacifism, left them both feeling slightly perplexed.

Upon reaching Prior Boa’s office, Vyas was struck by the simplicity of the room. Shelves lined the walls, filled with scrolls and tomes, while a large wooden desk took center stage, a single candle flickering atop it. The room exuded a sense of serenity and focus.

"Ah, the young visitors. It's good to see you're feeling better, Vyas," said Prior Boa, his voice deep and resonant, as he rose from the simple wooden chair behind the desk.

Vyas nodded, shooting a grateful glance at Maya. "Just needed some rest Prior."

Prior Boa smiled, "On to the matter at hand. Earlier today the temple was approached by a man bearing a letter intended for you, Vyas," he said, handing the sealed envelope to him. "I suspect it may be a potential letter of sponsorship."

Vyas's eyes widened in confusion as he took the letter, the weight of the parchment heavy in his hands. "Sponsorship? For what?" he asked, confusion visible on his face as he looked from the letter to Maya and then to Prior Boa.

Maya too appeared puzzled, glancing at the Prior for an answer.

Prior Boa observed them for a moment before understanding. "Of course," he said, his deep voice. "I should have realized the two of you might be unfamiliar with this. Especially since much of your knowledge must come from Yelia, who herself has been away from Rovos much too long to know how much has changed in recent years. Let me explain."

He settled back into his chair, his gaze never leaving the two teenagers. "You see, when Yelia grew up in Rovos, the Auberon Institute was a state-backed institution, and students weren't charged any tuition fees. However, much has changed since then. A little over a century ago, the Vasco Kingdom seized upon the opportunity created by King Artvickt's unexpected death and conquered the Artvickt Kingdom. The Auberon Institute lost its generous state backing and had to adapt, which meant one of the changes was to start charging their students for tuition."

Vyas and Maya exchanged worried glances, knowing the potential problem this posed for them.

"Of course, the Institute still offers scholarships," Prior Boa added, his eyes softening. "However, these scholarships come with long term obligations. Many students find the leash on their freedom less than favorable, and some even feel trapped by them. As a result, a new market emerged."

"Those who attend the Auberon Institute are some of the most promising talents in the world. Because of that there are countless wealthy individuals, families, and organizations willing to offer sponsorships to those who are accepted. They cover the tuition and possibly more in exchange for promises of service or a fulfillment of certain obligations after graduation. Understandably, many students prefer to secure a private sponsor with different terms rather than accept the Institute's scholarships."

Vyas' eyes widened as the news sunk in. "So, we have to pass the trials and find a way to pay for it?"

Maya dismissed his worry, "It's another challenge, Vyas, but we've faced plenty of those already.

Prior Boa nodded approvingly at Maya’s response.

Vyas remembered that he was holding a letter that might solve these new worries. Curiosity piqued, his fingers tracing the elegant handwriting on the front.

Vyas hesitantly peeled open the letter, his eyes darting across the words before he began to read aloud. "It states here that Jognarr II wishes to arrange a meeting to discuss the possibility of sponsorship." He glanced up at Prior Boa, curiosity tinged his voice. "Are you acquainted with this Jognar, Prior?"

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Prior Boa stroked his beard thoughtfully, his eyes momentarily unfocused as he delved into his memories. "Ah, Jognarr II," he said slowly, "a fascinating character, indeed. He's the current head of a dethroned royal lineage from a small island realm a few hundred miles east of our location. Allegedly, an Admiral overthrew Jognar's great-grandfather and usurped the crown."

He paused, "Ancient history, of course. The surviving family members who fled the coup arrived in Rovos with a portion of their wealth. Much of their current fortune stems from astute property investments made back then, throughout the city, so they have greatly benefited from Rovos's recent economic boom."

Vyas absorbed the information, his thoughts racing with the implications. Prior Boa continued, a hint of pride in his voice. "You've done well, Vyas, to attract the attention of such a potential sponsor. But remember, if you continue to excel in the trials, you may very well find yourself on the radar of even more influential figures. Keep an open mind and weigh your options carefully."

Vyas nodded appreciatively. "Thank you for the advice and information, Prior." A new curiosity sparked in his mind, and he couldn't help but ask, "How did Jognarr learn about me so quickly, though?"

Prior Boa chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he waved his hand dismissively. "You must understand the nature of this city. Powerful mages are highly sought after in Rovos, and the Auberon Institute is like a magnet for talent from every corner of the continent. Many of these trialists are complete unknowns until they arrive and showcase their skills."

He relaxed back in his chair, his voice adopting a more serious tone. "It's not uncommon for other applicants who're taking the examination, or even members of the Institute's staff, to sell information about promising talents to interested parties. And," he added with a knowing grin, gesturing at Vyas, "it certainly doesn't help that you have the appearance of a man who could use a sponsorship."

Vyas looked puzzled and asked, "What do you mean?"

Prior Boa chuckled and pointed at Vyas's clothing, which consisted of plain, unpretentious garments. "In Rovos, it’s fashionable for mages to wear more luxurious clothing made of patterns and unique touches."

He continued, "Your attire, even if enchanted, appears far too homemade and modest, suggesting that you come from humble origins. In a city like Rovos, where image often influences perception, such details are not overlooked."

Vyas couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious at the observation, but he understood the Prior's point.

Maya couldn't help but interject, "Hold on, Vyas receives a potential sponsorship after only a preliminary trial. Here I am, having possibly set a record in an actual trial! Why haven't I received any offers?"

Prior Boa couldn't contain his laughter at Maya's feigned indignation, his deep chuckles reverberating throughout the room. Once he managed to regain his composure, he grinned at the still pouting Maya, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Maya my dear, the situation is quite different for you," he began, his voice full of mirth. "You must understand that while many of the applicants who take the trials come from humble backgrounds and are eager for a wealthy patron's support, there are others who already possess powerful connections or resources behind them."

He paused, allowing the information to sink in before continuing. "Some applicants are descendants of aristocratic families from neighboring cities or nations, others are the children of powerful cultivators who prefer to remain secluded, and throughout history, there have even been members of the Maraivian Imperial family who sought to study at Auberon."

Prior Boa leaned back in his chair, "Your extraordinary performance in the cultivator trial has led many to make certain assumptions. Your exceptional skills suggest not only immense talent and dedication but also access to costly resources during your formative years. Most people here can't fathom the idea that someone as powerful as you doesn’t already have a wealthy patron in place. Many are probably hesitant to approach you with offers, worried they might insult you or provoke the wrath of your patron."

Maya responded, "So, you're telling me that I've actually scared off sponsors by performing too well?" She shook her head in annoyance before continuing, "What am I supposed to do now?"

"Indeed, but fear not. You've already proven your exceptional abilities, and I have no doubt that the right sponsor will find their way to you. If you wish, I can let it be known that you require a patron, even if it results in my office being sent a mountain of letters," replied Prior Boa.

"I’d be grateful for that, Prior," Maya responded.

Vyas asked, "Prior, is it worthwhile meeting Jognarr now, or should I wait until the trials have concluded?"

Prior Boa answered, "The decision is yours. As long as you avoid committing to any agreement, there is no harm. Meeting Jognarr now may earn you favor, even if you're not ready to agree to any terms. However, it might also offer a valuable opportunity to understand the complexities of powerful cultivators. Both you and Maya are ignorant of this, having lived your lives sheltered within the Viptes Order."

"But the Order has powerful cultivators? Archon Aki is an Archon and Grandmaster Ino is a -" Vyas started questioning, only to be cut off by the Prior.

"Let me elaborate. The powerful cultivators of the Viptes Order differ greatly from cultivators like Jognarr. The Viptes are a group of warriors dedicated to monastic cultivation, magic, and combating humanity's threats. Many cultivators do not function like them."

"What sets them apart?" Maya asked.

"Cultivation can extend a human's life by centuries, even millennia," he began. "However, our minds aren't designed for such longevity. As cultivators age, it becomes prudent to find causes, interests, and goals to keep us grounded. The absence of these pursuits can lead to a sense of detachment that slowly drives the cultivator mad, ultimately often ending in complete insanity."

Vyas said, "So, by having pursuits, cultivators remain... normal?"

"In a way, yes," Prior Boa conceded. "The truth is that all powerful, long-lived cultivators are somewhat insane. The key is directing that insanity in a manner that speaks to you, ensuring it remains controlled. Those in the Viptes, for example, cultivate selfless ideals and live in isolation, which keeps their minds focused. They adhere to a strict code of discipline and possess noble goals. The difference between them and the pursuits other cultivators have are vast. Not all pursuits are created equal. How and what a powerful cultivator chooses to focus to dedicate themselves to explains a lot about them."

He continued, "Given their extended lifespans, high-level cultivators may engage in particular interests for decades, perhaps even centuries. This means that the mindset cultivated during that time can significantly affect their worldview, personality, and character. That's why high-level cultivators in the Viptes Order tend to be more disciplined, powerful, and selfless than the average practitioner. Over time, they have slowly evolved to more embody those ideals. This is why it is essential to choose pursuits that align with one's values, not just what one might excel at. For example, I chose to pursue the art of healing after a century of living, despite no background in the field. The reason being that, despite my abilities as a warrior, I began to realize that if I continued on the current path I was traveling, I would gradually become more aggressive, monstrous, and emotionless. I didn't want that for myself, so I chose to pursue healing to better understand and embody values I better respected."

Vyas nodded. "So, what should we expect from the cultivators in Rovos?"

"Understand that in many ways pursuits can become obsessions, they might stave off full insanity, but still lead to shocking actions and personality quirks that are difficult to comprehend. There are many high-level cultivators here, each with their own causes, interests and goals. Some are more obvious, like mine; others are more complex. Patrons sponsor students to further their goals, so be cautious about accepting support. Jognarr II is a Stalwart level cultivator. He could be interested in wealth, knowledge, power, or something else entirely. Sponsorships aren't straightforward; patrons invest in you, expecting a return. It is of utmost importance that you understand the potential consequences before agreeing to anything."

Vyas recognized the wisdom in his cautionary advice. He bowed his head in gratitude. "Thank you, Prior, for your guidance and the invaluable information. We appreciate it greatly."

The Prior smiled warmly. "You're most welcome. If you have any more questions or need any guidance, don't hesitate to ask."

Vyas and Maya exchanged farewells with Prior Boa, then excused themselves and left the room. As they made their way back to their quarters, Maya couldn't contain her curiosity.

"So, Vyas, do you want to meet with Jognarr?"

"I don't know, Maya. I'm still trying to wrap my head around all of this right now."

As they walked, the weight of the surprisingly heavy piece of paper in his hands seemed to grow with each step.