Putting down the book, I think about the last part. The book said something about spell technique and ancient techniques. These two things haven’t been mentioned I any of the books I have read until now, granted, those books were at the level of an apprentice, but the spell technique in the book is learnable by apprentices. The spell technique has the ability to grow with the user to some point. I don’t know the extent of it.

Some ancient techniques had been mentioned, but not much was written inside. What made me very excited is the description of the training hall. Unfortunately, or fortunately, I don’t have a mentor to tell me the layout of the stronghold, so exploring is going to be necessary. The last part of the translated book mentions something about the strange cube that was inside the box. Speaking of which, I kind of ignored it.

‚The training cube is used by mentors to encourage their pupils and at the same time train them. With the help of the cube, the apprentice can fine-tune their soup manipulation ability. This cube especially targets the multitasking of multiple strands of soul energy. To complete the training device, it simply has to be opened. A feat not easily achieved by apprentices.‘

I get the cube out of the amulet and hold it in my hands. The cube I pith black, with a metallic feeling, also it seems to absorb the light around it. I don’t know whether the material is the fault or an enchantment.

++++++++++++++++++++++++

Back in the compound of the black mantis gang.

In the badly lit square, three ringleaders and all of the confidantes of black mantis are talking to each other.

„Does any of you know something about our new boss? “ someone asked.

„We only know that he likes to experiment on people, is very powerful and only meets with the boss and his secretary.“ Someone else answers.

„I mean, we don’t have a choice now, but do you think that following him is smart? I mean, he didn’t care that much about this whole thing“ one of the confidants said.

„I don’t think we should talk about stuff like that. For me, as long as I get food and don’t have to get killed, I am happy.“ One of the shorter ringleaders said.

The building next to them has some silhouettes at the window. The building is used for the members of the gang, who needs a place to stay, some are permanently living there.

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On the other side of the window black mantis and Right-man are having a similar conversation.

„Do you feel confident in our chances? I mean, we have powerful weapons, but that doesn’t mean everyone is going to be fine, some will die.“ Mantis said

„That is unavoidable. Remember our last talk? The only thing we can do is minimize the losses“ Right-man reminded him.

Both of them stood at the window and watched the men under them argue about their new employer. Both of them feeling somewhat responsible for their men. Some even became their friends and family in the long time they were together.

Most people don’t care for the gangs, but the members are more often than not evil, they were just desperate. Some lost their parents at a young age, some were orphans and some have other bad luck. They just try to live.

The members of the black mantis are mostly normal people. Black mantis made sure that no really bad people could join in. In case someone like that sneaked in and do some unforgivable crime, he would deal with it himself.

„Is everything already prepared for tomorrow?“ Back mantis asked.

„Yes boss, everything is ready, the ringleader have been informed. I hope that we see all of our brothers survive.“ Right-man sighed.

With that, both of them went back into their building to go over the plain, again and again, to make sure nothing goes wrong.

Alas, no plan can be perfect.

++++++++++++++++

„Is this supposed to be this hard?“I said to myself. The object of my frustration is the black cube in my hands.

Sitting on my bed, I try since the morning to progress with it, but with hardly any results. The only result is the ability to split his soul tendrils into two and somewhat control them both at the same time.

I throw the cube into the corner and slump into my bed. This is the first time, where I tried and got not enough results. Feeling like a kid throwing a tantrum, what he is doing, I sit back up go for the cube and resume my training. It’s not like nothing is happening, only slowly.

Exhausted after an hour of training, I go back to my desk, relax a bit and then continue my other daily routines. Over time inscribing magic scrolls became some kind of relaxing exercise to me. Every time I got frustrated because something didn’t go like I wanted it, I sit down and inscribe some scrolls. If I can say so myself, a very lucrative way of relaxing.

After finishing my daily duties, I grab the stack of parchments and leave my room.

The walkway is as deserted as ever. Making my way to the arcane hall, I notice other people. Most the majority looks motivated. Poor boys, they don’t know what they are going to get into.

Moving into the other waiting apprentices in front of the mission counter I wait. When my time came I greet the receptionist.

„Good morning, what can I help you with?“ she said. I have to say, they have always a smile on their faces, that’s modern marketing right here.

„I would like to stop the magic scroll mission, here are the scrolls for the month, “ I said. Then handed over the stack of parchments. She took it with wide eyes. I mean, it is not like someone finish a monthly mission like mine, after only two weeks.

Still a bit absent-minded, she notes it into my amulet. I made sure that she signed it.

„Have a nice day, “ I told her, and left the arcane hall.