As the crowd walked towards the tower, Eztli grew surprised.

Interesting...he thought, as he read the runes engraved in the tower. He recognized most of them. They included the runes for "seal," "purify" and "concealment." It made Eztli wonder why someone would possibly need such a large array of runes—intertwined to work together perfectly—yet what sparked his curiosity the most were the few runes that eluded him.

Just what are they for? He thought. They look familiar. Like the runes I...Eztli’s eyes went wide. No, that would be impossible. I created those runes from scratch and I needed one thousand years of in depth soul training to create them. He let out a laugh. If they really were the runes he was imagining he hoped that he would be able to study them as it would give him a second perspective. Before, he believed he had been a genius for coming up with the runes, but now…he stood before runes even more complex than he had created. That, however, didn’t dissuade him; instead, he grew eager to step into the tower and get a firsthand chance at studying the runes and formations from within.

Soon, they reached the entrance. Several disciples—all dressed in gray robes with a scarf wrap that covered their faces—stood waiting. Before a kid could stepp inside, the gray-robes proceeded to take away their beast and haul them down a dark stairway. Eztli didn't like the idea of being handled like a regular beast, but he had made a deal with Kael. Besides, he currently wanted to go inside; being handled by others was the least he could withstand to get a look at what else he could find. He had already been shocked by the formations inscribed on the skin of the so called Council. The ones in the tower were even more outstanding.

Eztli smiled as his turn to enter the tower approached.

##

Kael stood and watched all the other kids give their beasts to the gray robe disciples. One in particular came up to him and tried to take Eztli, but Kael was still trying to peek into the tower.

“Kid, give me the beast already. I don’t have time to wait for you.” The disciple said, his voice sounding angry.

Kael did as told, but for some reason he felt that the voice was familiar. Kael watched as the disciple took Eztli down the stairs. Strangely, he thought he saw the disciple grip Eztli a little too tight. He also felt Eztli send wave of unhappiness through their bond. For a moment, Kael grew worried that Eztli would tell him he won't be going through with the test, but thankfully, the sensation vanished and Eztli didn't make any comments about it. Of course, he won't. Kael thought, smiling as the worry left him. He made a deal with me. And so far he has done everything he has promised.

The sudden lies of the sect and Dean not telling him anything, all pushed him to doubt. He even doubted if he had been told the truth about his father. He shook his head and glanced at Eztli as he disappeared into the dark stairs. Unconsciously, he began to feel trust in him. Closer to him. He didn't know if it was because of their bond or because of another reason, but he smiled and finally entered the tower.

It was beautiful.

The seven columns holding the tower were massive, at least several meters wide. Their surface black and covered with runes that made them shine like the tower. Turning to the center, he saw a massive stone. It just sat right in the center—looking like any stone he had seen outside—making him wonder what it was used for. Shifting his view to the ground he grew even more confused.

I thought that it was supposed to be clear. Kael thought as he stepped forward. A hand stopped him and pointed him towards the stairs. Right, I have to go to the second floor. He gave a nod at the disciple and walked up the stairs.

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The second floor was like a balcony. It rounded the tower and allowed one a full view of the first floor. The other kids were busy looking down from the railing and pointing. Kael did the same and froze. The floor was gone. In its place was now a grand maze.

But it wasn’t visible before. Kael thought, looking around for an explanation. He had even asked the gray-robes for an explanation, but they didn’t talk. They just pointed at the runes carved around the balcony floor. Focusing on them, Kael noticed that they gave off a subtle white glow. I guess it has something to do with these runes…but how come they don’t talk?

No. If that was the case, how come the one outside talked to me?

##

How dare you toss me in here like trash? Eztli hissed in his mind at the disciple who had just thrown him hard against the room wall.

"That bastard kid making me wait again. It wasn't enough to take forever when he brought the stupid rabbit to the Material palace..." The disciple said as he moved forward and readied a kick.

I dare you to try, fucker. Eztli thought. I'll make you suffer. Even in this state I can end you easily. Eztli began to gather the blood qi in his body, but then changed his mind and gathered his soul energy. He didn’t want to use it—and it would be a waste of soul—but using his blood qi would be too obvious and would draw unwanted attention.

"What are you doing Jake? If the elders find out that you hurt a beast prior to the test they'd punish you. You already broke the rules by talking to the kid before. You know just how strict they are. Thankfully, I was the only one who heard. If not, you would be facing punishment right now." A girl said as she appeared from the stairs.

"Let them, Kath. Besides, it’s only you here so how would they know." Jake said, motioning forward.

"Jake. If you do I will have to report it. Even if you are my friend, I can’t break the rules, not for something this serious. Besides, the kid would probably feel his beast hurt through their bond.”

“What’s so serious about causing a bit of pain to the dumb beast?”

“It could affect the performance of the test, which would reward you with a punishment. And it won't be a light one. They could possibly execute you. It is, after all, the most important tradition of the sect."

That stopped Jake. He then cursed at Eztli and left.

You are really fucking lucky bastard. Eztli thought, as he dispelled his soul energy and watched them leave. He could still cause the boy some harm, but it was unnecessary. I’ll be sure to reward you later for that toss and for even trying to kick me. Eztli engraved Jake's aura and body structure into his memory and laughed. Oh, how much you will suffer. Just like that fucker Roan.

"Eztli, are you okay? Why are you suddenly mad?" Kael's voice rang in his head.

"I'm fine, there was just a little...inconvenience, but it's nothing I won't be able to deal with."

"Oh, alright. So how does it look down there."

Eztli glanced around at the moist and stuffy room. At the far end, there was a closed stone hatch with an inscribed rune. That's probably the entrance to the maze. Eztli thought, growing a bit frustrated. I can't believe I'm actually doing this...And for a lousy rare grade Qi stone. Before, he would have discarded anything ranked below precious like it was trash and never in a thousand years would he picture himself striving to get such a low-grade qi stone. He sighed at how low he had reached, but the stone was crucial for his future plans.

"Eztli?"

Alright let’s get this over with so I can create that formation and improve my body. Eztli thought, sending his voice through the bond. "Kid," Eztli said. "Can you see the maze's structure? Or map?"

"Yes, I am looking at it right now. I'll guide you so that you can go eat the pill then head to the center when you get out as I still don't know where you are."

"None of that, kid. Just send me the whole map. I'll make my way around it on my own."

"You can send images?"

"Damn, kid. You don't even know how to send images? Wait, don't answer that." Eztli said, sighing. "Just concentrate on the maze for ten seconds and try to burn as much as possible into your memory. Then, close your eyes—still holding the picture in your mind—and send it as you would a voice command."

"Wouldn't that trigger you like before?"

"No. If that was the case we wouldn't be able to talk right now. In a way, it’s like voice communication just with more information and harder to accomplish. Just be sure not to forcefully order me to do something. Unless you want people to die."

"G-got it."

A few seconds later, the faint outline of the maze surfaced in Eztli's mind. It was incredibly fuzzy, but he could still read it and figure out the way to the pills and center. So the red glowing circle are the pills, Eztli thought as he noticed the red dots scattered throughout the map.

"All right, once the test starts, tell me which area I come out in. That way I can figure out where to go and get this test over with."

"Okay."