Erik sighed as he read through the passage from the book in front of him.

“Well… that settles it. I guess I don't have a choice.”

Last night, after the events in the mausoleum he dragged himself back to his small cabin and collapsed onto his bed, deciding to start working on his problem first thing in the morning.

When he woke up, he set out to do just that. He spent a quarter of his savings at the city library, searching for any information on Talent Awakenings inside Whispers and details on Gifts. Although findings were scarce, he uncovered enough to give him the hope he desperately needed.

Several stories mirrored Murin’s, hinting that Awakening a Talent by entering a Whisper might actually be possible. Some isolated societies, like the ancient tribes in the endless swamplands, supposedly used this method instead of the Mirmirsker ritual. But there were very few accounts of them.

Erik also noticed that the Exalted—the only ones who had manage to develop their Talents to the Eight-Rank—shared mysterious pasts. He began to suspect that all of them might have Awakened by entering a Whisper.

As for Gifts, they were rare indeed. And it was hard to find anything about them in general. On top of that the city’s library was small, so he was grateful that there was anything at all.

However, despite their rarity he suspected that there were likely many other instances of individuals wielding Gifts, then what was recorded. Erik guessed that many probably hid theirs to avoid drawing attention and rarely talked about them. After all, information was power.

It showed in the descriptions, as all of them were from observers’ perspectives or vague rumors.

He found out that Gifts had various powers and effects. He wasn’t quite sure what his own could do and feared experimenting, in case it worsen his condition. The only thing he could say for sure was that his Gift had something to do with sight or death.

However, the vital information he was looking for, was of any records depicting what happens when a normal human comes into the possession of a Gift.

And luckily for him, there was one which spoke of exactly this situation. A record left behind by an explorer.

Erik read it twice to make sure he didn’t miss a word.

Reflections of Kormak Steelhammer from the Fourth Age, Era of Peace, During the Reign of the Innocent Soul Exalted Sage.

What a day! I never dreamed I’d have a chance to meet with the Exalted. I still can't believe it. Through connections and a stroke of luck, I was granted an audience.

Her presence hit me like a tidal wave the moment I stepped into her hall. I could tell she was holding back, but it overwhelmed me regardless. What a day…

The explorer’s account rambled on about the Exalted’s awe-inspiring presence before reaching the part that interested Erik.

…But I wonder what strength she would have wielded if she had also embraced Gifts. A pity… rumor has it she came across many, but due to a tragic history with her younger brother, she harbors a deep disdain for them. None close to her possess Gifts either.

It’s unclear exactly what happened, but her brother died after bonding with a Gift before he Awakened a Talent. Gifts can generate their own energy and don’t require any from the Talent Holder, so I am guessing no one thought twice about it. They assumed the young man would live a long life and have a bright future. Who would have thought the soul of an ordinary person, Unawakened, would be too fragile to bear a Gift? Tragic…

This confirmed Erik’s own conclusion. Without a Talent, his Gift was killing him. He needed to Awaken one to survive, and entering a Whisper seemed to be his only option.

He also managed to find an account written by one of Bjorn’s men after the return of his son from the Whisper. It confirmed that he had Awakened after entering, but Murin hadn’t said much about the experience except that it was incredibly difficult and involved pain like none other.

Sighing, Erik closed the book and stretched.

“Lad, time’s up. Out.” The librarian’s firm, quiet voice made him jump. He hadn’t heard her approach.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

He gathered his things and headed for the exit, weaving through the narrow shelves of dark wood, packed with books and scrolls. Normally, the library would be bustling with new Rune Bearers researching Talents similar to their own, deciding how to develop theirs. But on the morning after the Awakening, most of the city-folk were hungover from the celebrations, leaving the city quiet and sluggish.

As Erik stepped out, sunlight assaulted his eyes, making him squint. He nearly ran into a group that was heading into the library, but got his bearing and moved to the side of the entrance before a confrontation could arise.

He recognized them—the same noble from yesterday that had forced him into the river. He was accompanied by four of his guards, who all appeared to be the same age as him. They all bore the blue crest with the snow fox.

The tallest one among them had a lean physique, with a bow and quiver strapped to his back and long blond hair neatly tied into a single long braid. He leaned in to whisper to the noble, but Erik still caught some of the words.

"...Lord Yaren, are you certain he left it there? We risk failing if we spend too long looking for it."

"He did. I am sure of it, Orik." The noble paused and then added. "Make sure you thoroughly scour any information about him... we don't have a lot of time."

Then one of the guards a red-haired mountain of muscles with massive double headed battle axe strapped to his back noticed Erik on the side of the entrance.

“Hey! Ain't that the whelp from yesterday... Is he intent on getting in our way?" He then smirked and continued, "Lord, should I teach him a lesson?”

The other two guards snicked at those words.

But the noble’s gaze remained fixed on his goal. He did not spare Erik a glance and spoke decisively as he marched into the building. “Don’t waste your time on a nobody, Lark. Focus on the task.”

“Yes, Lord Yaren,” the guard replied, dismissing Erik as if he didn’t exist anymore.

He felt anger rise in his chest, but just gritted his teeth and held his tongue. Picking a fight with a noble and his guards was a mistake he couldn’t afford. And he had a lot more pressing things to worry about.

After the group entered the building, Erik set off down the street toward the market, thinking through his next moves.

Whisper's were believed to be naturally occurring phenomena created over time by Nelum. They were not everywhere and it was not easy to find out. And to survive, he needed to find one.

The guild had information on the ones near Skulheim, but only the explorers, nobility, and the governor had access to it. Without that privilege, he had to rely on what little he found in the library.

There were three of them near Skulheim that were at the First-Rank. So he had to choose between them.

For a moment, he had considered asking Taron for help but dismissed the idea. His friend would probably insist he abandon the Gift rather than risk his life. And if Erik were honest, he would have still ventured into one for the chance at a Talent, even without the Gift... probably.

Two of the Whispers were unsuitable for him based on their environments and what he would face inside.

Luckily, the last one seemed manageable.

Though, for some reason this was an old one that nobody had conquered. Erik assumed it was avoided due to its environment, which was part forest and part swamp sparsely populated with strange creatures. Perhaps the swamp's smell was the reason why everyone avoided it, which would let him attempt it in peace.

He wasn’t sure what would happen when he entered the Whisper to Awaken a Talent, and the danger of having his Gift exposed made him wary. So this actually made it more appealing.

There was another reason.

Sorry, Taron.

He felt a little guilty because he had chosen the same one his friend had. And despite his friend’s plea, it was ironically his own words about the Whisper that had convinced Erik to pick it.

And that was the condition for leaving it. A Whisper Tree served as the portal out, so he wouldn’t have to kill any powerful abominations to leave or accomplish any ridiculous tasks.

By the time he arrived at the market, the place was bustling with its usual traffic. Merchants eagerly targeted the young Rune Bearers, hoping for high profits. But Erik’s years of surviving on his own had made him shrewd, and this was one of the moments where it would pay off.

His parents had taken him camping a few times in his childhood, so he had a rough idea of what he needed. He expected this endeavor to take at least a few days.

The first things on his list were a pack to store everything and essentials for shelter. He found a cheap waxed canvas tarp for cover, a wool blanket for sleeping, and a canvas rucksack.

Although he had most of the clothing he needed back home, he still bought an extra pair of linen undergarments for breathability and quick drying, which helped prevent chafing. He also bought a waterproof cloak made from white fur and an extra pair of high leather boots.

He added a flint for starting a fire, some salt, and dried meat and herbs. He already had a few wooden utensils, a small pot, a hatchet, and a knife back in his cabin, covering most of his cooking and fire needs. He also picked up some alcohol, a needle, threads, and bandages for wounds, which he hoped he wouldn’t have to use.

Getting everything and haggling took most of the afternoon. By the end of his shopping spree, a quick look at his coin purse gave him a small fright.

It was nearly empty.

Even if everything went smoothly from here on and he returned with as a Talent Holder, he would barely have enough money for food for a few days.

Just as Erik was leaving the market, he ran into one of the local gangs that regrettably he was not on good terms with. There was too much unfortunate history between them. A few years back, he had been part of their group, but he had to part ways with them after an incident.

He cursed quietly under his breath, although he suspected he would run into them around the market he still hoped to avoid them. He didn't have time to deal with it right now.

The young woman at their lead had lively green eyes and golden-blond hair that stood out beautifully against her sun-kissed skin. Her toned body and the few scars she bore from past scuffles only added to her character.

He knew her well, it was his other childhood friend, Freya.