Having done what little practice he could, Ryn headed out for dinner one last time, Teacher Ginya's words having mostly calmed his nerves and also given him a hint of insight as to what to do.
'Purpose?... That's simple then... My purpose right now is to find my purpose, that's all. If I hold tightly onto that right now is that not enough?'
Sure it may seem like a gimmick and as if Ryn wasn't necessarily taking Teacher Ginya's words to heart. But he very much had, mulling over it during he few hours he had to train.
Entering the cafeteria, Ryn almost believed he'd be able to summon Lunar Whisper and cut the air into blocks with how thick with tension the atmosphere was. Run turned to his left and saw the usually cheery Tobi with a resigned smile on his face, almost as if he'd accepted some sort of cruel fate.
'Perhaps now's not the best time to talk to him.'
Quickly taking his food, Ryn left the cafeteria, deciding to take the longer route back to the dormitories, he wanted to enjoy the last night breeze he'd have without having to worry about his life. As he walked, Ryn couldn't help but think back to the past month, how suddenly everything had happened and just where he was now. Fate seemed to work in strange ways, one moment having him believe he was destined to die pitifully, the next filling him with confidence which was far greater than his skill level.
'...Funny I guess, though it would've been nice to have manifested Lunar Whisper earlier... oh well. What's done is done.'
Passing by a large rectangular building which looked to have been formed from several layers of steel, Ryn realised just how little of the Centre he'd actually explored. The building in front of him, he quite frankly had no idea as to what it's use was. Turning away from it to continue his walk, Ryn ate the last few mouthfuls of the sandwich he'd picked up for dinner. Sure it wasn't much but he didn't feel like having a full blown meal.
Reaching the dorms and entering his room, Ryn was greeted by a fresh set of clothes, looking to have been made from a sort cotton, Ryn already had an idea as to why he'd received them. Not long after he received a text message from the Centre reading
[This Year's Steeled are required to be present at the Descent building by 11:15pm, failure to do so may result in your own life made forfeit. Arrive wearing the nano suits provided to each of you. If you haven't received anything, immediately contact the reception for further details. May you be tempered into Fledglings safely.]
'The Descent building? Which one's that?... I'll just follow everyone else.'
Taking a look at the time displayed on his phone, it was 8pm, a whole 3 hours until he needed to head out.
'Though I suppose I should head out to arrive earlier than 11:15. I'm not keen on being late for an event like this. So… what to do for the next couple hours?'
Truthfully, Ryn already knew what he wanted to do, he just didn't feel like the timing was right, almost afraid that it would cause him to back out from everything. Taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly, Ryn relaxed his shoulders and opened up the messaging app on his phone.
[Mom, Dad, I'll be going tonight, I'll be back soon. Mom make sure you get the best ingredients for the best set of pancakes you'll ever make for the day I return.]
That's all he wrote, not wanting to delve into some elaborate heartfelt farewell, they were past that stage. His parents had probably been fearful of messaging at this time as well seen as how Ryn hadn't. This small act may have eased their minds if but slightly.
Putting his phone down and summoning his status, Ryn went through everything one more time to make sure it was all how it should be and nothing abnormal had occurred.
[Name : Ryn Sylzar]
[Rank : Steeled]
[Class : Steward of the Moon]
[Class Description : Destined for a life of loyalty to his Lunar partner, a humble steward, once worthless, had the flames of hope reignited in his heart. Protecting his partner's secrets from those deemed unfit to unravel their meanings, a humble steward of immeasurable potential.]
[Scars : 0]
[Scars needed until class evolution : 1000]
This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
[Sword : Lunar Whisper]
[Sword Style : Dreamwalker]
[Sword Style Description : Dreams are the essence of the night. The night is the moon's domain. A Steward of the Moon must have a degree of authority over its partner's domain.]
[Ability One : Serene Sleep – Lunar Whisper's slashes inflict its foes with an overwhelming need for sleep, its potency depending on the strength of its wielder relative to their foe. ]
[Ability Two : ?]
[Ability Three : ?]
[Ability Four : ?]
[Ability Five : ?]
[Ability Six : ?]
[Ability Seven : ?]
His eyes raked over every line meticulously, it was all as it should be, not a single thing out of place.
Summoning Lunar Whisper he read the runes on its guard once more before performing the same vertical slash he'd seen Dahlia use. His technique had improved by a decent amount but it still paled in comparison to hers. Ryn felt as if he'd got to know Lunar Whisper better this past month, call him crazy but he'd find himself almost thinking of it as another living being, though that would make sense as it is a manifestation of his own heart. When he slashed with it, it was like Lunar Whisper understood his intention, guiding him along the movement but not completely performing it for him. It was a rather strange sensation to say the least but, it was nothing that Ryn didn't welcome.
Having only killed half an hour, Ryn soon began suffering from something he hadn't expected… boredom. Getting up he decided to discard his uniform and indulge in a nice, warm shower, letting himself relax rather than try do anything. Entering the bathroom he hung the uniform up and turned the shower on first, before entering it. Whenever the shower initially turned on, regardless of the temperature chosen it would be cold, he wasn't keen on being drenched in freezing cold water, even if for a moment.
Waiting for steam to start appearing, indicating that the shower was ready, Ryn's mind drifted towards Dahlia, how exactly had she prepared for Anvil?
'She's been training ever since childhood, outshining her elder brother Ceasar. She's literally set to inherit the Eternal Sword. Arisen Vira personally tutored her in the sword with her raw swordsmanship on the level of an Aspirant, her body and rank the only thing holding her back. But what good's that if she meets a Forge Creature of the Abhorrent or even Sleeping rank? Well I'm sure Arisen Vira would have already prepared her for that. Regardless we're all marked, he'd likely search for her first anyways…'
Watching the wisps of steam begin creeping towards the roof, Ryn opened the sliding glass door and stepped inside the shower before closing it, his body instantly enveloped by the warmth, a stark contrast to the temperature outside. Ryn remained in the shower for a tad bit longer than usual, wanting to enjoy a warm shower before he'd inevitably be cut off from it.
Having gotten out and dried up, the time was now 9:15, Ryn was planning on heading to the Descent building for 10pm, though his peers would probably leave later so he'd have to ask someone. Getting his phone, he messaged Tobi, asking for where the Descent building was.
Whilst Ryn was getting dressed, he noticed the quality of the material he was putting on, it was lightweight and breathable yet felt tough, hard to pierce.
"Nano suit was it? Must be some new tech."
It clung to his body, almost like a second skin, Ryn wasn't really a fan of looking half naked so he put on the T shirt and joggers he'd arrived to the Centre in on top of the suit. Reaching for his phone he checked for a response from Tobi, not wanting to look at whatever his parents had sent him. There was nothing.
'Strange, he usually responds fast. Pressure must really be getting to him.'
Quickly putting his phone in his pocket… for what reason he didn't know. If he took it with him to Anvil, he wouldn't be able to use it, there wasn't signal and he wouldn't be able to use it upon returning as a fledgling, if he returned, the phone would probably be smashed up by then.
They'd received a run down on what to do before heading to Anvil, they had to clear out their belongings from the room, which Ryn had little of in the first place. Grabbing his bag, he neatly folded his uniform and placed it inside it, along with his phone. Before leaving his room he made sure every window was closed, the bed was neat, it all looked as if nobody had been there. Taking one last look at his home for the last month, Ryn felt a hint of melancholy, perhaps because it was his first time living alone, it had gained a spot in his heart. Sighing and turning around, Ryn made his way out of the dormitories, heading towards the reception to hand in his belongings so they could be kept until he returned. If he didn't return within a year they'd be sent back to his home rather than be disposed of which appeased Ryn's desire for his things to be kept intact. He always formed a bond with something even if it was just a day to day item. He remembered the time he outgrew his pair of shoes a few years back, when buying a new one he felt as if he was betraying his old pair. Lightly chuckling, Ryn handed his belongings to the short girl stood at the reception.
"Is that all?"
Ryn decided now would be the best time to ask where the Descent building was, after all nobody else was out yet, it was only 9:35pm, quite early.
"Yes that's all, though I do have a question if you don't mind me asking."
The girl enthusiastically responded in agreement, letting Ryn ask.
"Would you mind telling me where the Descent building is?"
After being told a rather confusing amount of right and left turns, Ryn managed to piece together where it was. It was the rectangular building he'd walked past earlier, wondering what its use was.
'How strange.'
Thanking the girl, Ryn left and made his way towards the Descent building, his eyes watching the autumn leaves falling from their trees. Nobody else seemed to be out yet, it was a quiet night, one which Ryn found a beautiful peace in.
Entering the building a few minutes later, there were rows of seats neatly arranged, each with a name and date attached. Ryn searched for his, the date readiing,
[25th December, 2066]
'Ah, it's our date of births, makes sense.'
Taking his seat in the empty hall, Ryn revelled in the silence, until not before long, the door swung open, bringing with it a burst of cold air from outside. A beautiful girl with luscious white hair walked in Ryn's direction, Dahlia of the Eternal Sword.