The group eventually made their way inside their dorm; a large, expansive house, its interior a mix of medieval and fantastical mystique. The main living room was a vast space that had wooden-made balconies encapsulating the area, its walls embellished with ancient, folk-like carvings. The place was encumbered in a delightful wood mixed with vanilla-esque aroma that brushed against everyone’s faces the moment Vash opened the front door.

A few moments later, the group re-assembled within the living room. Each of them sitting in their place with Vash being the only one standing, his hands placed on his hips as he spoke,

“Have you all managed to take care of your luggage?”

“Seems like it!” Caelum said enthusiastically. “I thought we’d be placed in some massive school-like building alongside the other two groups. This would by far be the better alternative if we ever had a choice.”

“Right,” Vash nodded. “There are three houses in total situated quite far from each other. We are currently occupying the Western house, whilst the others reside within the Northern and Eastern houses. Each house is grand enough for one to consider their quarters to be just like an entire modest house, so appreciate the privilege while you can.”

“Surely, surely!” Declan added. “But, one question… Are we allowed to bring booze in here?”

“As long as you keep it sedated, it is allowed,” Vash confirmed. “We have taverns and vendors in both the threshold and the Inquisition, so everything regarding food or drinks should be reassured. The leader of your group will also be given a weekly allowance that should cover your daily needs.”

“Oh?” Caelum sounded. “Do we have to choose the leader ourselves?”

“Correct. Given we will not be rushing things, you can all take your time discussing who could be the best fit. In short, the leader will be your group’s representative. They are the ones who will be granted any necessary letter or note from us first. Their role also affects the various quests you will all be doing during the Inquisition.”

“Regarding the foods and drinks, the storage rooms have already been filled for this week. Within those rooms are notes consisting of every item that has been ordered at that time. Additionally, every morning from eight to ten, afternoon from twelve to two, and evening from six to eight, you will be visited by chefs who will prepare your nourishment.”

“If you’d like to have something different for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, then make sure to leave a note inside the storage rooms where the food is being kept since that is where they will take all the necessary ingredients from.”

“Quite fancy, I must say,” Lunar responded, his arms crossed. “Are there any specific rules?”

“Well, there aren’t concrete rules besides common sense as well as the oath you will all have to do again during the Initiation Ritual. The ritual will be your first and only main objective of the day, so if you’d like to further explore the Inquisition, you’re free to do so.”

“When does the ritual begin?” Declan asked.

“I will return here at midnight,” Vash began. “The ritual itself will not take long, so you don’t have to worry about sleeping too late. After the ritual, we will start a week’s long training focused on mastering your Grimoires. After the training, the actual Inquisition will begin.”

“Do not fret if this seems like a lot of information. We will be taking the days of the week slowly, as you will learn more about the Inquisition and get a hold of what lies ahead of you.”

He then walked towards the closed front door, where a small, square wooden bucket hung against the wall. Inside, a wooden flute resided. Upon picking it up, he turned back to the others and began speaking once more.

“If anyone has any query or wishes to send a report, you can do so by simply blowing on this flute. This will summon a guiding raven that will lead the way towards the Administrative Establishment, where you will find either me or people who can be of help. Alternatively, you can make the raven send your thoughts, as well.”

“With that said, are there any questions?”

“I think you’ve made things quite clear,” Caelum responded. “So you’ll be here at midnight?”

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

“Twelve, to be exact. So be sure to occasionally check your clocks.”

“Is there any procedure we will have to do after the ritual?” Lunar asked. “Or will we just return here once we’re done?”

“The procedure will happen the next afternoon,” Vash responded, placing back the flute. “So when you’ve finished the ritual, you ought to return here and rest enough before we start training.”

“Once more, any other questions?”

“I think we’re good, chief,” Declan smiled. “Thank you.”

“Very well… Ah, I almost forgot…” Vash chuckled awkwardly. Fishing out a bush of five keys out of his pocket. “Here are the five master keys for each of you. Take good care of them. There are other miscellaneous keys for rooms like the storage room, or bathrooms, all situated inside the chest you see there,” he said, pointing towards a wooden and gold chest against the wall behind the couch where Caelum and Vaelen sat.

He then opened the door, stepping outside before looking at the others over his shoulder.

“Have a good rest of your days. See you all tonight.”

As he handed his prompt goodbyes, the group was now left within the aesthetically pleasing house. Declan, seated on a singular chair, leaned backwards, his hands behind his head.

“Damn… Look at us now, huh?”

“Took us a few years before we could finally fight to become Awakeners,” Lunar chuckled. “But our time is now.”

“Really good-looking place, as well…” Caelum murmured, sightseeing the place. “Don’t you think, Vae?”

“Don’t let it distract you from your true purpose here, Caelum,” Vaelen responded, closing his eyes whilst folding his arms. Caelum smiled as he frowned his eyebrows, responding to him,

“Of course, but there’s no harm in having some fun every now and then, right?”

“Eeeeexactly!” Declan shouted, jumping from his chair. “Which is why I think it’d be a great idea to buy ourselves some booze before the shops close!”

“I would advise against that,” Geneve chimed in, also crossing her arms. “At least stuff yourself after the ritual.”

“Indeed,” Lunar agreed. “We don’t want to have your stench distracting us when we’ll be trying to focus.”

“Valid excuse,” Declan nodded. You may be afraid to get a little loose, but I will never know for sure, I guess.”

“I think I’ll head outside, and explore the place a little,” Caelum said, standing up. “Anyone tagging along?”

“Well, someone has to make sure you don’t get lost,” Vaelen responded as he stood up. “Let’s go.”

“I think I’ll close my eyes for a little. You guys have fun,” Geneve added, closing her eyes in a sigh as Declan stood up, wrapping his left arm around Caelum.

“I’ll come along. What about you, Lunar?”

“I’ll stay behind here, as well,” Lunar said, standing up. “Just be sure to return before six, got it?”

“Yes, sir!”

***

Left alone with Geneve, Lunar walked around the living room, gliding his hand over the furnishments as he spoke with a gentle tone, looking at Geneve, who was still seated comfortably in her chair over his shoulders.

“Seems like I wasn’t the only one in need of some rest.”

“I just had to deal with my sister before heading out,” she sighed. “She really has a knack for making you feel worried whether or not she will be fine without you.”

“Is she getting better?”

“…Kind of,” she responded, gazing at the high ceiling. “I gave her instructions for her daily dose of meds. Something tells me she won’t be able to follow it.”

“We can always head to the main city at any given time,” Lunar reassured. “She’ll be fine.”

“Anyway,” Geneve yawned. “What do you think about the other groups? I could tell you were feeling a little apprehensive when we stepped into that building.”

“I mean, it’s a new avenue we have been thrown into. I will naturally feel a little tingly when I find myself in a curious space.”

He then smiled as he walked towards her, his hands crossed behind his back.

“We always dreamed of becoming Awakeners, didn’t we?”

Geneve chuckled. “I’m looking forward to what our Grimoires will look like. Perhaps a sword or some magical sledgehammer would fit me well.”

“I wouldn’t set your aspirations in stone,” Lunar responded. “It is said that one’s Grimoire is a perfect representation of one’s soul. We are most likely going to be thrown off guard.”

“We’ll see,” she groaned as she stood up, walking towards the large staircase. “Mind waking me up before dinner?”

“Of course. I’ll see you soon.”

As Geneve wandered to her chambers, Lunar plunged himself on the couch, resting his head on its cushion support, contemplatively gazing at the ceiling as he murmured,

“…A Sequencer, huh…”