Alex rose the next morning, refreshed and eager to start the day. While the situation in Tianluo, the city where the Celestial Sect operated, didn’t go as he had planned, Alex felt optimistic. He would learn from skilled fighters and had a clear path forward to get back home.
The advisors and instructors would be a huge boon for him as well. Even before the ambush, he’d begun to feel overwhelmed by his progression. His available skills and combinations with Val were growing more complex, and it was becoming difficult to manage. Even if he were to return home, he wouldn’t get an opportunity to be taught by people who knew how to fight and use skills or powers.
Everyone back home is just as lost as I am.
He stretched and thought back to the previous evening. Alex had tried to draw Samuel into conversations over the rice dinner they’d been given, but the teenager had mostly kept his eyes down and only responded with slight nods or shakes of the head. The only time he had shown any real reaction was when Alex offered to ask about separate accommodation. The boy’s eyes had gone wide with panic, and he’d shaken his head forcefully.
After some thought, Alex understood. After what Sam had been through, he wouldn’t want to be alone, either.
They had slept in the same room, and even though Alex tried to give Sam the bed, the boy went to lay on the other side of the room on the floor without further discussion, lying down with his back facing Alex.
In the dark hours of the night, Alex had woken to the sound of muffled crying. He’d lain there quietly with his heart aching for the kid who was probably thinking about his family back home.
Now, in the morning light, Alex found Samuel already awake and seated at the table overlooking the garden. The younger boy sat watching the morning light play across the plants with his hands folded neatly in his lap. When Alex entered, Sam turned to him with a hesitant and questioning look.
When Alex asked about food, Sam just shook his head slightly and glanced back at the garden.
Alex let Valtherion interact with Samuel while he walked back to the room and used the same small stone as before. The communication device was linked to another that Xue had, allowing him to call the disciple as needed.
He was pleased when Xue appeared at the small home several minutes later. Alex explained their food situation and said they were to return to the Grand Pagoda in the morning to meet with the instructors, which caused him to turn around and leave in a hurry to fetch food and make preparations.
While they waited, Alex tried talking with Valtherion, who was more interested in exploring the house than listening. Finally, Alex gave in and pulled out a Mana Stone to get his attention. Samuel watched them with clear interest, and his eyes followed the stone's path in Alex’s hand as the wyrm followed its movement perfectly.
“He’s always hungry,” Alex explained as he tossed the stone for Val to chase. He was glad to see Sam paying attention to something. “Kind of like having a flying puppy that eats magic instead of regular food.”
That earned him a smile from the teenager. It wasn’t much, but it was progress.
Zhao Xue returned shortly and brought two changes of clothes and some food. The disciple explained the directions to the Pagoda, and Alex nodded along. During his short time in the house, Xue kept glancing at Samuel with a guilty expression.
"Samuel," Alex said, trying to keep his voice gentle. "I need to go do some training today. This is part of the deal to get us home."
Sam tensed slightly at being addressed directly, but he didn't look away.
"You don't have to come with me, but I'd feel better if you stayed close by."
He looked around the house, clearly contemplating if he’d rather stay in the enclosed space or attend the Assessment. After a few quiet moments, he looked at Alex and nodded, the tension in his shoulders clear.
"Good. Xue brought us both clean clothes, and these smaller ones should fit you. Why don't you take a bath and get changed before we head out? It made me feel like new yesterday." Alex set the folded clothes near Sam.
“Friend.”
The sound of Valtherion speaking surprised Alex; it wasn’t often that the little wyrm bothered to try and project its voice when they could communicate through their bond.
Samuel stared wide-eyed at the small blue wyrm.
Alex grinned, “Yeah, he’s a friend.” Alex paused and scratched his head. “I guess none of us have really done introductions. This Eye,” Alex pointed at his left eye, “allows me to analyze or identify people and items. So, that’s how I already knew your name was Samuel. My name is Alex. And this is Valtherion. He is my bonded companion. You can just call him Val, though.”
There was a pause, and when it seemed like there wouldn’t be an answer, Alex began to walk to the bath.
I guess this is a ton to take in. I’m not sure how much I should baby the kid. I mean, he’s young, and he’s been clearly through a lot- right? Also… it could be a lot to realize that the flying magical snake could talk.
“Sam.”
Alex stopped in the doorway. He turned back to the teen.
“Call me Sam.” The boy said while pointing at himself.
“Well, alright. Sam, it is.” Alex couldn’t help but let his grin spread from ear to ear.
Just as they finished getting dressed and ready, Xue returned to hurry them up. He told Alex that he, along with one of the senior brothers, had been told to escort the pair. Even though he didn’t say it outright, Alex had a feeling that it was meant to act as an assurance that nothing like the previous day happened again.
They walked through the streets and Alex lifted the makeshift eye patch from his face to scan their escort as well as some of the passing people. He did his best to take in all of the flows of mana and changes in density, but as they moved closer to a larger garden, the headache began to build and he was forced to pull the cloth and wooden puck back over his eye.
They walked through the lower floor of the Pagoda, Xue pointing out all of the lecture halls and lesser sparring rooms along the way. When they passed through the building and emerged on the other side, Alex recognized the large open field.
The rear of the Grand Pagoda was raised onto a platform that served as a stage. This positioned it naturally several feet higher than the field below, and from their vantage point, Alex could see that there was one central field with other sub-fields surrounding the outside. It took a moment but when Xue named the area as the Lotus Training Fields, it clicked. From their raised viewpoint, the fields made the shape of a green lotus and had sand or gavel paths that followed around the outside to send home the effect.
“This is where you’ll train on normal occasions, though we have the second morning class starting shortly. The Sect Head wants your testing to be done in private to avoid distractions and ensure a fair assessment, so we are going to walk to the annex over there.” Zhao Xue pointed across the fields to a squat rectangular building that seemed to be built as an afterthought.
“Why there?” Alex asked as they made their way down the steps of the platform and began following the gavel path around the lotus-like fields. Val tried to curl around Alex’s midsection, but it wasn’t big enough to reach.
Alex and Xue walked side by side, with Samuel trailing just behind Alex like a shadow.
When they arrived at the training Annex, a group was already inside waiting.
So much for private.
Around thirty people were gathered inside of the warehouse-like building. Most were clumped together in smaller groups, talking quietly. In the center of the room were an assortment of mats, weights, and weapons racks.
It was easy for Alex to spot Eura, as his robes were pristine white with no yellow or gold adornment. The bright, plain white seemed to make the golden tint of his skin stand out even more as if shining slightly in the low lighting. Eura spoke up and said a few words, likely for Alex’s benefit.
He explained the general purpose of the testing, which was to evaluate Alex. The instructors present would help assess his current capabilities and potential capacity, then suggest training plans for improvement and compile them into a four-week training program under the appropriate masters.
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Valtherion transitioned from Alex’s robes to Sam’s arm. Alex instructed him to use [Create Lesser Illusion] to look like an armband. While some of the instructors saw when this happened, Alex thought it was best to keep Val as inconspicuous as possible. While Eura knew he was Alex’s bond, he didn’t want to risk misunderstandings. It served as an easy way for Alex to keep an eye on the boy as well and even though Val wasn’t an actual fighter, he was powerful in his own right.
If something goes wrong, he can act as a deterrent until I can get there.
Alex began to get more attention and several of the instructors which caused the teen to get uncomfortable. Sam moved a short distance away and found a spot near one of the wooden support beams where he could watch without being in the way. While most of the instructors ignored him completely, Alex noticed a few giving the boy considering looks. It made Alex nervous, worried that they may get ideas about using him to heal for profit again.
Alex said something to Xue while Eura was speaking to the crowd, and the disciple nodded before going over to Sam. The teenager looked over to Alex, and after receiving an encouraging nod, he followed the disciple to a seat that was much nearer to the Sect Head’s position. It was a seat lower to the floor than the masters nearby, but it was close enough that if there was a commotion while Alex was distracted with the assessment, Eura would surely notice it.
Alex gulped at the end of the speech. Wondering if all of those people were really necessary to test him, he stepped forward. Eura motioned for them to begin the first portion of testing, which caused the physical assessments to start quickly. Under Master Li Wei’s instruction, Alex lifted heavy stones ranging from a small, manageable boulder to a large stone that strained his muscles. He sprinted in straight lines back and forth across the length of the building on a surface covered in rubberized gravel. The instructors had all yelled at him when he tried to use [Empowered Steps] during that particular test. Eura spoke up for the first time during the test and said that the purpose was to get his baseline and understand his form in things. So, he continued unassisted.
They gave him a short break before heading to an obstacle course out back, which caused Alex to curse out loud when he saw it.
“Oh, come on. What is this, boot camp? Come on, Eura, can’t I just tell you my physical stats?”
Alex’s answer had come in the form of a swift slap to the back of the head.
“Show respect. Now, go.” Master Li’s answer was curt. None of the other instructors responded, and Eura watched impassively.
Grumbling, Alex began the course and ended up having some fun with that test. He leaped over walls and ducked under wires. He balanced across beams and pulled wooden sleds with rocks piled on them. They made him run it three times back to back and it was clear even to Alex that they wanted to test his agility and endurance with that particular test.
During a brief rest before his third lap around the course, Alex caught a glimpse of Sam leaning to the side to get a view of him around the head of someone taller. He gave the younger man a wave, which prompted the instructor to get annoyed at Alex for stalling. This resulted in a shorter break and the beginning of the third run immediately.
Some instructors exchanged glances or whispered their observations, while others merely watched with their arms folded before turning and reporting back to Eura.
Transitioning to combat evaluations, Master Shen Rong handed him a slender and short blade. Its weight was heavy compared to the Rapier that he normally used, though the length of the blade was comparable.
“Master Shen, can I use a different blade for these tests? I’ve never really held another sword and only learned from a book how to fight the way that I know how.”
The master had merely looked to Eura. To Alex’s surprise, the celestial being shook his head before speaking up. “We do not teach the rapier here, little human. It is the weapon of our enemy,” he raised his hand to stop Alex. “I know your circumstances better than most, but I also know that you did not have that long to learn, and you weren't in a structured environment. It would be best if you learn a new way from one of the many masters here.”
Alex thought about it, unsure, and looked down at his sword. The explanation from their Sect Head seemed to frustrate some masters, who felt Alex wasn't owed an explanation.
Eura seemed unfazed by their reactions and looked toward the smaller human. “This sword you hold is called a Jian. It is a sword of my people known to be used by those of higher birth or respected standing within the sect. The sword specializes in quick cuts and thrusts for dueling. It’s similar in some ways to your rapier; I think that if you take the time to learn from the esteemed Elders here, you will find that it is superior in even more ways.”
With that, Eura sat, and the tests began again.
“Show me your stance,” Said Master Shen.
Alex did his best to show off the two stances he knew as well as some of the thrusting forms that he’d learned from the "Veil of the Viper: Secret Arts of Shadow Fencing.” They engaged in one-on-one sparring. The sound of metal on metal echoed through the building, and Alex was a bit pained, if unsurprised, to see that Master Shen easily deflected anything that Alex could throw his way. Soon, he called for a halt and moved off of the mat while calling two initiates forward. They forced Alex on the defense and intentionally never struck him with their blades, stopping an inch short with each thrust or slash. It was clear to Alex that he was no match for one, let alone two, of the disciples in this kind of fight, but he did his best to keep up.
His reactions became more instinctive, and he stopped worrying about maintaining the form that he’d read in the book for the rapier. He relied on a stat that he knew the instructors couldn’t ask for him to turn off like a skill: his Willpower. An advantage that he hadn’t noticed during his ambushes was that his thinking speed seemed to be increasing along with the massive Willpower stat, which allowed him to be reactionary.
Eventually, a misstep led to a sweeping kick that knocked him off his feet. He landed on the mat hard, and when he rolled over, he saw several of the observers shaking their heads.
Next was the magical assessment. While he was confused in the beginning, Alex began to understand the requests in relation to Mana Control rather than Qi. Alex smirked at the startled reaction of several onlookers as he used his [Mana Threads] skill to show off his increased control with the fine threads. They asked him to perform a technique with the threads, to which Eura translated for Alex and told him to use his skills. Alex shrugged and mentioned that the thread was a skill, but he could make rituals with the threads. That was what he demonstrated, showing them three of the most common rituals that he used: Binding, Gravity Increase, and Sound Muffling. While they seemed impressed there were still some comments that Alex could make out.
“Too large.”
“…time-consuming for combat.”
“In battle, he would never…”
Alex gritted his teeth but couldn’t really argue with some of the comments. While the rituals were useful, they took time to set up. That speed and portability had increased now that he had access to [Mana Threads] since it eliminated his need to draw on surfaces with chalk. However, he thought back to his fight with Hong Xui and how close things had been there. He’d been able to stall for a time while he set up a ritual circle, but it had cost him. He unconsciously reached his hand up to touch the scar across the bridge of his nose.
Some instructors jotted down notes before returning to Eura, while some others asked him questions about his understanding of the rituals and what he was doing to form them. Alex felt somewhat confident here, as he’d learned everything that he could from the Ritual Basics Manual. If anything, he needed to begin investing and learning from some higher-level rituals.
Following the “Qi Technique” tests, they began to test his mental acuity. This involved riddles and problem solving exercises. While Alex hoped that his Willpower stat might help him in those tests as well, he began to think that the tests they were presenting were more meant to test Intellect and Wisdom, rather than speed of mental thought.
They presented him with complex tactical scenarios and Alex was asked how he might navigate ambushes or protect allies with limited resources. To him, most scenarios seemed like they were designed to make him fail. He did his best to answer and solve the problems presented, drawing on his modern-world experience. There was no doubt that some of his solutions were unconventional, as he received raised eyebrows more than once.
He was given several different puzzle boxes to solve on a timer. Though he was only able to solve two of them, some of the masters appeared to be impressed.
The final set of tests were repeats of previous tests with the added caveat that he was now able to use his skills as much as he wanted. Alex quickly realized that they were attempting to test the limitations of his skills and things like his total mana pool and if he was wasteful in his techniques.
As evening approached, the tests ended. Alex lay in the middle of the room, drenched in sweat. He was exhausted and unsure of what the instructors thought of him. Part of him was frustrated that he even cared, many of them hadn’t done anything but look down their noses at him since he began the tests. Alex knew he hadn’t even been that fit a month ago, let alone received any kind of training for fighting or problem-solving.
I’m doing the best I can, damn it. I don’t care if you judge me.
While Alex rested, many instructors gathered around where Eura sat. They stayed this way for almost an hour. By the time they were done, Alex had long since recovered and was sitting off to the side of the building in comfortable silence with Sam.
Through the long day of testing, Sam had remained a quiet but constant presence. While he never moved from his seat, he paid close attention and almost every time that Alex looked over to check on him, he’d seen the teenager watching on with interest. To Alex, it felt like Sam was there silently cheering him on, compared to the instructors who were quietly watching and judging every movement.
Eura broke away and beckoned Alex over to the center of the mat. “Good job, you proved many wrong today, Alex. Most of the instructors thought you would give up before the first round of tests concluded. They are used to more entitled personalities among the young clan’s elites.” This caused Eura to smirk, amused by the instructors' underestimation of Alex. “Tomorrow morning, we begin your training with three private instructors. Master Li Wei will be a Martial Master and will oversee your physical training. Master Shen Rong is also a Martial Master who specializes in the Celestial Lotus Sword Style; he will teach you the Jian. Lastly, I’ll work with you on your skills and help increase your understanding of the System and classes.”
Alex felt overwhelmed. “This is a lot of help, Eura. Are you sure? Three private tutors seem like a lot.”
Eura smiled, “It is a lot. Some will be jealous of you, especially since I am allowing you to learn the Jian, but ignore them. Remember, you’re not bound to this world like they are, that this is a temporary step on your journey, little human. This is not your world, and the drama here should not concern you or weigh you down. This is a fact that you’ll need to learn.”
“Could one of the instructors try to help Sam?” Alex asked, looking over his shoulder at the young man seated against the side of the building. “Well… maybe not the martial training. He seems pretty timid, but could he sit in on our lessons for magic and the System?”
Eura nodded, “I had anticipated him to be with you. He’s welcome to join in and ask questions if he feels the need.”
Alex had no idea if Sam would be interested in learning anything about magic, or if he’d want to just try to relax and wait until they can get home. He wouldn’t blame the teen if he didn’t want to participate, but it did feel like it would be something of a wasted opportunity not to learn form someone like Eura.
At least he has the choice now.
Nodding in thanks, Alex decided to talk to Sam that evening.
“So, rest well. The next four weeks will be hard for you.” His small smile turned into a grin. He clapped a hand on Alex’s shoulder and then walked back to the gathered experts.