Entering the room, I found it to be very basic. A desk rested in the middle, with a chair on one side and two chairs on the other side. On the opposite side is a large window, where Alexander is standing, hands behind his back, facing the window. The attendant exits the room and as the doors close, I hear Alexander speak.
“Take a seat, Alisha.”
Hesitating for a moment, I moved to a chair and sat down. Elise however moves and stands behind the chair on the opposite side of the desk and holds her hands in front her stomach. At first I was confused, however I quickly remembered Elise was employed by the Guild.
After a few minutes of silence, Alexander finally turns around and walks to the chair, sitting down. Interlocking his fingers, he looks at me with a stern face. Feeling that nervousness once again in my stomach, I meet his stare and wait for him to speak while trying to keep myself calm.
Nodding, Alexander started speaking. “Even though you are a bundle of nerves, your eyes have some confidence in them. Good, if you were completely timid I would’ve recommended a life as a cleaner.”
Leaning forward a bit, he stared at me for a moment then spoke again. “You should have more confidence and determination. I understand that you’re quite nervous, but stick your chin out. You’re a strong individual.”
Pursing my lips, I thought over his words. In Crater Hell I had been more confident in myself, even though I was terrified I still kept that confidence. Ever since I left Crater Hell, I started losing confidence in myself as I came across those who were stronger than me, including monsters. In Crater I had been weak, but after awakening the monster within, meeting Teacher Lee and killing my first human, I had become confident…where had that gone?
“Seems you have a story to tell about it. Do you mind sharing with me?” Leaning back a bit, Alexander looked down at me as I looked towards Elise, who nodded. Reading inbetween the lines of what Alexander meant, I told him it would take a while. He smiled and said it would be fine, so I told him everything. I don’t know why, but I felt compelled to tell this man everything from when I had escaped the clutches of my handler until now.
***
After speaking for several hours, I finished telling Alexander everything up until I arrived here. For some reason I had felt like I needed to tell him everything including the small details, like how Sally liked her meat slightly burnt, or how Olivia sometimes gazed into the distance with a lonely face. For some reason though, I didn’t mind sharing those details, and Alexander nor Elise spoke up about it, and even I didn’t find it strange. Did I just want to share the story of my past? But I had even told him about what transpired in the Tomb of Lilith in full detail.
After I had finished talking, Alexander started tapping the desk with a thoughtful expression on his face. “Elise, what is Alisha like during a fight?” Asking a question to Elise without turning to look at her, he continued to gaze at me.
“Focused, determined and a bit terrifying. Outside of combat I have noticed she can be nervous, quiet and unsure of herself at times. Though in saying that, she does have a degree of confidence when it comes to certain individuals like Aubrey.” Saying everything in a formal tone, Elise slightly bowed after she spoke.
Nodding to her words, he muttered “Well, then there is a problem. Alisha, the reason I bring this up is because I had noticed your lack of confidence while standing on the podium. In fact, it seemed like you feared being up there. If you are to be my disciple, you must have confidence in yourself, like you do when you fight.
“What has happened is you’ve lost confidence because you’re scared of the unknown, terrified and uncertain about what is to come. You have confidence in fighting because you have a clear and focused goal, kill the enemy. I do understand, you’re a young girl who has been flung off into an unknown land with some religious fanatics wanting your head while being surrounded by those who are much stronger than you.”
Standing, Alexander looked down at me as his face became serious. “And so what? So what if they’re stronger than you? Higher level than you? More skillful? Bah, who gives a shit. Face them head on, overcome them, don’t let yourself be meek or nervous. If you’re going to be killed, face it with determination and pride!
You’re strong. Stick that chin out with pride and be confident in yourself! You’ve stared down a God before and lived, you’ve killed a level 100 at your level, you’ve given yourself and others freedom from the clutches of greedy bastards and you’ve been acknowledged as the student of a Shrine Master! For what reason do you cower? Why are you so nervous in the face of the unknown, when you’ve conquered it time and time again!
”Keep taking that step forward! Standing in front of hundreds staring at you?! Face them with pride, show them your determination! People stronger than you want to kill you?! Face those bastards head on, drag them to hell with you! Do you see those that are strong being nervous wrecks? If you can’t face the unknown with confidence, determination and a strong will, how the hell will you move forward?!”
Each word rang deeply within me. I realised that everything he said was true, I had faced worse things in Crater Hell, so why have I become so nervous now? Deep down, I had become terrified, terrified of not being able to overcome the future and see Sally, Gray or Olivia again. In Crater Hell, I knew what I was facing and had confidence because of that, just like when I fought I knew what I was facing and could be confident in myself.
Closing my eyes, I remembered why I had even stepped out of Crater Hell, why I wanted to leave in the first place. It was to become stronger, to overcome this world, yet here I was feeling terrified of the Church of the Moon Goddess, questioning my own strength and powers because I didn’t know how to confront that fear. Clearing my mind, I started to focus on what I wanted.
Sure, I’d face powerful people, but like Alexander said, I have to face it with my all and not be terrified or nervous. I’d die doing that. I’ve faced a lot in this short time since Sally freed me from those handlers. I’ll find a way back someday, and to do that I need to gain strength. And to gain strength, I needed to face the unknown and overcome it.
I felt angry at myself. I needed to keep moving forward, become stronger than my enemies, and even if I wasn’t stronger than them, I needed to face them without stumbling. Breathing in, my mind cleared itself as I remembered how I’ve acted recently…no wonder why Elizabeth kept thinking she needed to protect me.
Breathing out slowly, I opened my eyes, feeling much more determined than before. I had a clear goal, to reach Platinum in the next year, and to do that I needed to face what was to come. Looking at Alexander’s face, he nodded as a small smile appeared.
“Good. If you falter, remember why you’re here.” Sitting down at his chair again, he spoke once again. “Alisha, let me apologise to you. I used a subtle technique that gave you a mental suggestion to have you hide nothing from me when you told me your story. I did this to ensure you revealed the source of your doubts. I apologise.”
Surprised at his words, I became cautious. Seeing my reaction, he once again nodded. “That is the right reaction to have. But don’t fear, the technique can not do any harm, it only induces one to speak the truth in its fullest detail. It wore off as you were finishing your story, about when you entered Vale.”
Thinking over what I had said earlier, I matched what he said and recalled that I had become less and less detailed in my recollection. Looking at Elise, she smiled and nodded. Deciding to trust her, I looked at Alexander, and while a bit nervous at first, I felt determined to talk to him.
“So why did you do all of this?” As I asked this, he rapped his knuckles on the table before interlocking his fingers once again and sitting back.
“Various reasons. First of all, if you are to become my disciple, I expect you to never falter and always have the determination to face any challenge that you may face. While you might be fine having some confidence while just fighting, your uncertainty from everything else will affect your combat, ending with your death. You felt uncertain about that bear, fear about dying when it appeared, right?”
As I nodded, he continued. “And that is why I say, you lack confidence. Being confident in yourself is important to your foundation. Now, the second reason. Because I wish to see you become stronger, and I fully believe you have the potential to step past everyone here. Not only did you use a spell that even Platinum Grade would struggle with, but you created it while in a crisis. It’s also why I was slightly surprised you appeared so nervous and timid. A genius who had potential to craft such a spell was walking around like she was unsure of herself. Since you were like that, I wanted to find out why and instil some determination into you and spark that flame. After all, I can't have my disciple looking so timid.”
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Frowning, I interrupted him. “Why are you so sure that I’ll become your disciple? What if I don’t want to? And why do you want me to be your disciple?”
Raising an eyebrow, Alexander looked surprised while Elise looked horrified. After a moment of silence, Alexander starts laughing.
“That’s much better! I haven't had anyone speak to me in such a manner for so long!” Straightening up once again, he smiled. “Certainly, you are correct. Why would you accept me as a Master when you barely know me? Well, let me tell you why I want you to be my disciple, then you can decide after that.”
Standing, he walks towards the window before turning once again to face me. “I won’t lie nor hide anything. You fascinate me. A human and monster hybrid that has the appearance of an evolved monster that climbed out of Crater Hell. A Lunar Mystic Fox that is a Chosen of the Moon Goddess that caused a Demigod and pseudo-Demigod from the Sisterhood of the Moon Goddess to move to ensure her safety.
“You’ve been acknowledged by a Shrine Master. You’ve gained the Aspiring Hero title. Your strength is ten levels higher than your actual level. You’ve also faced events that would put all others to shame, yet you’ve overcome those time and time again. You might’ve been a bundle of nerves when you entered this room, but you’ve already become more determined, which means that once you have set your mind on something, you will grow much faster.
“I want you to become my disciple because I see your potential and I want to draw it out completely. I want to see where you go and what you will achieve. Call me selfish if you want, but this is the truth of the matter. Now, I could sit here and promise you the world for being my disciple, but I know such things won’t motivate you. So all I will say is I will train you to the peak of what I can do, and if I can’t train you any further I will ensure I find someone who can.”
Hearing his words, I knew this man was speaking the truth. Before I could speak, he spoke first, and as if reading my mind, he poured cold water on a hope that had built.
“I can not help you back to Crater Hell. There are…problems that need to be addressed. I can not tell you everything yet, however the teleport gates are not as simple to get access to as one may think, even for a Black Grade. However, I will ensure that when you do make the trip back, you will be as strong as I can make you.”
Feeling a bit disappointed with those words, I knew there wasn’t anything I could do. Plus, I had already prepared myself for a long wait either way. Thinking it over, there were many advantages to becoming the disciple of someone so strong, and no downsides that I could think of either. I had felt how strong he was, so I knew he could guide me.
Both Alexander and Elise had remained quiet while I sat here thinking. Even Alice was just looking at me. I still felt nervous and a bit unsure of what was to come, but thanks to Alexander I knew I couldn’t just keep being so timid in front of it. Taking a breath, I decided to keep my head up and accept his offer.
Looking back up at Alexander, he nor Elise had spoken while I had been thinking. Facing Alexander, I made sure to gulp down any nervousness as I said “Alright, I accept.”
Clapping his hands once, Alexander nodded. “Very good. Now, I will tell you how this works. You will call me Master from now on, however I understand that your past may have defiled that term so I will permit you to call me Teacher for a short while.” Pursing my lips, I understood what he meant when he said that, however I didn’t have much of a problem with the word Master. After all, the humans of Crater didn’t allow us to speak to them.
“I will assign you tasks. When you have finished a task that I give you, I will summon you through Elise and will teach you for a day. I will forewarn you, my training is not to be taken lightly. As for what I will teach you, I will leave that for when you have finished your first task.
“These tasks are aimed at making you both stronger and more confident in yourself. You’re more determined now, but I want you to etch it in your bones. I can still see some hesitation and nervousness affecting you even now, but it is much better than before. Have faith in yourself, Alisha. If you don’t know how to face something, come to me and I will guide you, but always face it with determination.”
“How do I come to you?” As I ask this, Alexander hands me a small metal plate, but it didn’t match any of the Grades in colour. It had a soft green colour, and I could feel a faint pulse of magic from it.
“This will identify you as a VIP of the Guild. I need time to prepare something that identifies you as my disciple, but using this you will be brought to me directly. In addition, the staff will all be informed you are my disciple so they will be able to identify you.”
As I put it away, Alexander continues. “Now, for your first task. Conquer the twentieth floor of the Tomb of Lilith. Bring me the Guardian’s head. There is a condition to this that you must abide by.” Looking at me deeply, he says in a commanding tone “You must complete this with only yourself and your bonded pet, Alice. I will permit you to bring Aubrey for guidance, however she is not to assist you in any form with combat, she is to purely guide you through the floors. You are to receive no help from within, I will know if you do. You have five days starting from tomorrow to complete this.”
After he finished speaking, and before I could say anything, Elise spoke up in shock. “Sir! I must object to that task! You’re asking her to do something no one has ever accomplished! She is still recover-” Raising a hand, Alexander cuts her off while still looking at me.
“Can you do it?” Meeting his gaze, I wanted to understand why he wanted me to do such a task. I knew my body had yet to completely recover, my right leg was still weak. I realised though that he wouldn’t set an impossible task, meaning doing the task would be possible.
“I can.” Giving him a simple reply, he smiles.
“Good answer. Rest for tonight, head in tomorrow. I will have a message passed down to Aubrey to meet with you. If you fail this task then I won’t bother training you or giving you another task. Make sure you’re prepared.”
Elise folded her arms with a frown, but she didn’t raise any complaints. Alexander taps the desk and a box appears in front of him. It was the box from earlier that had the gloves.
“Your reward from earlier. In the box will be the 5 Platinum coins. The gloves will assist you greatly. You can even wear your gauntlets over the top of them.” Handing me the box, I accept it as I open it to see the gloves.
They were black in colour and a sort of sinister aura was wrapped around them, giving me goosebumps. It was like the gloves were releasing a heavy bloodthirst. Picking one of them up, I noticed a lack of details. In fact there wasn’t anything special to them. I noticed there were two letters, “G.A” on the inside of the pinky fingers of both gloves.
“Pretty bland, right?” Looking up, I saw Alexander watching me with interest. Nodding to his question, he laughed. “Honesty is good, many would praise those as the most beautiful gloves crafted if they knew who made them. The craftsman that I commissioned doesn’t bother with design, he instead draws out the latent power within any material he uses. Weirdly, he is thrilled whenever someone calls a creation of his beautifully designed. I will never understand it.”
As he finished speaking, I brought up the System and checked these gloves over.
Ursine Gloves of the Berserker.
+75 Strength per glove
Self-Repairing
For every minute you spend in combat, you will gain +10 Strength.
If you become severely injured while wearing these gloves, you will enter a Berserk state. You will gain double your strength, however you will no longer be rational until your enemy, or you, are killed.
Gulping at the last line, I knew these gloves were powerful, but losing my rationale while being severely injured was dangerous. Taking off my ordinary gloves, I put the new ones on, and thankfully they covered the bracelet I had received from Flannery. They felt natural to wear, like I was wearing nothing at all. I felt a surge of power flow from the gloves, like when I had put on the elven armour I had in the past.
“Good. Now, take the rest of the day to prepare for tomorrow. I expect to see that Guardian’s head in front of me in six days.” Standing, I thank Alexander as I put the box away in my bag. It still had the coins in it, I kept it in mind to move them to my coin purse later.
Leaving the room with Elise, she led me down the corridors once again while muttering to herself. I couldn’t make out what she was saying, so I continued following her in silence. Arriving outside, she turned to me.
“I hadn’t expected for any of that to happen. Well, let's focus on getting you ready. Let’s start with what we were originally going to do.” Looking at me, she smiles before saying “Let’s get you a home first. I have a few places in mind, so it won’t take long as one of those is something you’re happy with. After that, I’ll arrange for supplies for you and Aubrey while you focus on resting.”
Pursing my lips, I sigh as I say “I had plans too...” Hearing Elise giggle, as she ruffles my hair.
“You’ll have time once you leave the dungeon. The Branch Master won’t stop you being an adventurer. He will assign these tasks and space it out over time. Just take care of yourself. Oh, and that determined look suits you much better you know.”
Feeling a bit embarrassed by her comment, I put Alice on my head after feeding her a monster core. Once I finished this task, I planned on talking to Elise about why my stats were high. As I followed her, I felt myself become more determined as my mind became clearer.