Zaro made it back to his room. His muscles ached from the battle with Ramrod, a pleasant reminder of progress made. The big warrior would make a fine addition to the family.
He sat on his bed and checked his notifications.
System Alert
Quest Complete Void Legacy Family Recruitment
Status Three members recruited
Reward Instant level up to 14
Zaro swiped away the notification. The level up could wait. His mind was still processing the day's events. Chad's evolution into a void mage. Sarah's newfound shadow abilities. Now Ramrod's transformation into a Kinetic Void Colossus.
The pieces were falling into place. But right now he needed rest. Eight hours of Eye of the Storm meditation would restore his energy and help integrate the day's experiences. Tomorrow would bring new challenges with the Gold Guild registration.
He settled into his meditation pose, letting void energy flow through his tired body. The familiar sensation of Eye of the Storm pulled him into its peaceful embrace.
The guild could wait until morning. For now, he would rest.
Zaro woke from Eye of the Storm feeling refreshed. Steam filled his private washroom as he sank into the hot bath, letting the water soothe his muscles. His mind wandered to the tasks ahead while he scrubbed away yesterday's training.
After drying off, he stood at the mirror and carefully shaved, making himself presentable for the guild meeting. The ritual was calming, helping him focus his thoughts.
Back in his room, Zaro pulled out his ledger. Seven hundred gold pieces. Not bad for his time in the city. The adventuring, whispering caves, and winning had paid off. Property in the better districts would cost around two thousand gold to buy, but he could get a lease signed to rent a house for a few hundred. Also, the merchant district might have something more affordable.
He would need to visit the Governor's office after the guild registration. Find out about property taxes, deed requirements, available locations. A proper base of operations would be essential now that the void family was growing.
Zaro closed the ledger. Time to get dressed and head to the guild. But first, he needed to process that level up.
Zaro checked his stats before allocating his points.
He had 15 stat points, 26 skill points and 3 skill upgrade points to use. He decided to bank them all for now. He wanted to hit 50 in a few stats at once and really feel the difference of 5 times stronger than anyone in earth.
Level 14 Voidwalker
HP 800, mana 400, strength 40, agility 40, intelligence 40, vitality 40, stamina 40.
Available Resources
Stat points 15
Skill Points 26
Skill Upgrade Points 3
Zaro pulled on his best shirt, the fabric straining slightly. Time to look presentable for the Guild.
The familiar peaks and spires of the Everlight Adventurers Guild rose before him, just as impressive as his first visit. The morning sun glinted off the gilded doors as he approached. Word of the Whispering Caves cleansing had spread, and the guards nodded respectfully as he passed.
The clerk at the registration desk looked up from his ledger. Ah, Zaro. The Guildmaster mentioned you'd be coming. Both gold rank trials completed, quite impressive. He gestured toward the familiar hallway. He'd like to speak with you before we process your registration.
Where's Marta? Zaro asked. Oh she's around here somewhere. I'm CeeJay. Nice to meet you.
Same, said Zaro.
Zaro made his way down the familiar corridor to Barrock's office. The ancient sword still hung on the wall looking just as cursed as before and that dragon tooth continued radiating ominous energy. He knocked on the door carved from what had to be a centuries old tree.
Enter Barrock's voice boomed from within.
The Guildmaster stood by his window, his impressive height still surprising for a dwarf. He turned, silver streaked beard failing to hide his grin. So the temporary medallion holder returns. I hear you have been busy.
Stolen novel; please report.
Zaro touched the gold medallion at his neck. The Labyrinth trial is complete. All recruits survived.
Survived. Barrock laughed the sound echoing off the walls. From what I hear they thrived. The instructors say they showed more improvement in one day than in months of standard training. He stroked his beard thoughtfully. And now you have completed both gold rank trials. The Whispering Caves cleansed and the Labyrinth mastered.
Barrock moved to his desk pulling out a familiar scroll. However, guild tradition demands balance. You have proven yourself against high level threats but an adventurer must be well rounded. He unrolled the scroll revealing two contracts. Two silver rank quests remain. Consider them formalities rather than trials.
What kind of formalities Zaro asked studying the contracts.
A nest of wyverns threatening the eastern trade routes and a bandit camp that has grown too bold. Barrock's eyes twinkled. Nothing too strenuous for someone who turned an Elite Guardian into scrap metal.
The Guildmaster produced an ornate box from his desk drawer. Inside lay a gold medallion but unlike the temporary one this radiated real power. Complete these quests and this becomes yours. Full guild privileges access to restricted areas, the works.
When do I start Zaro asked, already calculating how quickly he could clear these formalities.
Eager are you Barrock chuckled. The contracts are yours when you are ready. Just try not to traumatize any more bandits like that last group. The survivors are still babbling about shadows and impossible speed.
Zaro kept his face carefully neutral. I will do my best to be discreet.
See that you do. Barrock's expression turned serious. Power like yours draws attention lad. The guild can offer some protection but be careful who sees what you can really do.
Zaro nodded, accepting both contracts. The system pinged softly in his mind.
System Alert. New Quests Added. Wyvern Nest Clearance Silver Rank. Bandit Camp Cleanup Silver Rank. Note Maybe don't show off this time Just saying
One more thing Barrock added as Zaro turned to leave. That void energy you are trying so hard to hide is getting stronger. You might want to work on your containment. The Guildmaster's eyes held knowing amusement. Just some friendly advice.
Zaro paused, turning back to face Barrock. How does one contain it Any suggestions on spells or aura mastery that might help
Barrock reached into his desk and pulled out a worn leather tome. The cover bore no title but emanated a subtle restraining energy. Most users of power learn to weave it inward rather than let it leak outward. Think of it like breathing. Right now your power breathes out affecting the world around you. You need to learn to breathe it in, contain it, cycle it through your core.
He opened the book revealing diagrams of energy flow and meditation techniques. The principles are simple but mastering them takes time. This might help. Consider it a loan. Return it when you have finished these silver rank quests.
System Alert. Item Acquired Ancient Manual of Aura Containment. Note Finally some actual instruction instead of just winging it.
Thank you Zaro said, accepting the book. He could feel the subtle techniques within already calling to his void sense.
Barrock nodded. Now go handle those quests. And try to keep the property damage to a minimum this time.
Zaro left the office with contracts and book in hand, his mind already planning the most efficient way to complete these final tasks. The gold medallion would be his soon enough.
And maybe with this book he really would learn to be more discrete. Maybe.
Zaro returned to his room and settled cross legged on the floor. The ancient manual lay open before him pages showing intricate patterns of energy flow. His void sense traced the diagrams feeling how they resonated with his own power.
The first technique seemed simple enough. Visualize your power as water flowing through channels. Rather than letting it spill outward, direct it inward creating a closed circuit. Zaro closed his eyes and activated Eye of the Storm to better focus on his energy.
Through void sense he could see his own aura pulsing with each heartbeat spreading outward like ripples in a pond. According to the manual this wasteful expansion leaked power and attracted attention. He needed to contain it, cycle it, compress it.
Zaro tried following the diagram breathing in deeply while pulling his aura tight against his skin. For a moment it worked, his void energy condensing into a thin shell. Then like a stretched rubber band it snapped back outward with enough force to knock over his chair.
System Alert
Aura Containment Training Initiated
Current Progress Terrible
Note That chair did nothing to deserve such treatment
Zaro picked up the chair and tried again. This time he imagined his power as a spiral turning ever inward. The manual showed how each rotation should tighten the energy making it more dense but less noticeable. His second attempt lasted longer but ended with his void energy dispersing like smoke in wind.
The third attempt felt different. Rather than forcing his aura inward he let it flow naturally finding its own path. The manual emphasized working with your power not against it. Gradually his void energy began cycling through his body like blood through veins. Each circuit grew tighter more controlled.
Then he sneezed.
The sudden disruption sent void energy exploding outward rattling windows and making the floorboards creak. Down the hall someone shouted asking if there had been an earthquake.
System Alert. Aura Containment Progress Minor Success. Duration 47 seconds. Note, maybe practice outside Next time. Achievement Unlocked First Steps. Reward Plus 1 Intelligence . Note The chair thanks you for sparing it this time.
Zaro sighed, picking up the manual again. The next chapter detailed more advanced techniques but he clearly needed to master the basics first. At least he had felt what proper containment should feel like. Now he just needed practice. Lots of practice.
And maybe he should apologize to his neighbors about the earthquake.
Zaro closed the manual and sent his voice out to his void family. Time for their first group training session. They met in one of the guild's private training grounds, a walled courtyard with enough space for four people to move freely.
Chad arrived first adjusting his immaculate wide-brimmed hat. Ezra appeared from the shadows next, her mixed heritage subtle but visible in her slightly pointed ears and elegant features. Most would miss the signs but Zaro's void sense caught the blend of elven and human blood. Ramrod strode in last, his massive frame carrying none of the typical orcish aggression his people were known for.
Before we plan our wyvern hunt we need to learn to fight as a unit Zaro said. But first I want to know who I am fighting beside. We are family now. No more secrets.
Chad touched his hat again, his usual smile fading. The leather was well oiled, the band recently replaced and the enchanted stitching maintained with obsessive care. This hat was my master's last gift. He saw what I could become when others saw only danger. The enchantments in it help control my wild magic. Sometimes when my power spikes its all that keeps me from losing control. He died protecting his students from a mana storm. Everything I know about controlling magic came from him. Everything except how to live with failing him. Chad's hand trembled slightly as he adjusted the hat again letting its familiar magic steady his own.
Ezra lifted her chin standing straighter in the silence that followed Chad's words. Neither world wanted me she said. Too human for the elves too elven for humans. Called mongrel in both tongues. The shadows became my only friends. Until now. Her voice held no self pity, just simple truth.
Ramrod's deep voice rumbled. My clan raids villages. They called me weak for refusing to hurt innocents. Said I betrayed orc traditions. He shrugged massive shoulders. Some traditions need betraying. My strength serves my own code now.
Zaro looked at his family seeing them truly. A wild mage fighting for control. A shadow walker seeking belonging. A warrior choosing mercy. And himself a void walker building something new.
Now Zaro said settling into a fighting stance lets see how our powers work together. Those wyverns won't know what hit them. But first He grinned. Try to hit me.
Chad adjusted his hat a gleam in his eye. Ezra moved out of range. Ramrod cracked his knuckles. The training ground erupted with void touched magic shadow and force.
Time to learn to fight as one.