“So, what’s the plan, Alisha?” Smiling at me as we once again sat at the table, Elizabeth ruffled through her bag before pulling out a ration pack. “I’d love some proper food. And some alcohol.” Chuckling, she ate the ration pack while looking at me.

“Mm, I’ll sort out food later.” Turning to Xia, I said “Xia, we need to speak first.”

“How can I help, Alisha?”

“Mm, I’m not asking for help.” Taking a breath, I leaned forward. “Xia, what would you say if I told you I hate the Moon Goddess?”

For the first time, her entire face actually showed shock while her eyes seemed confused. “T-that wouldn’t be possible, y-you’re Her Blessed.”

“Mm, no denying that. However, Xia, if you’re to be at my side, you must know the truth. Hiding it from you might cause problems later. I’ll tell you everything, however you’re not to repeat this to anyone without my permission.” Leaning back while giving Elizabeth a glance, I start talking to Xia about everything, starting from Crater until now. I hid nothing, telling her about my thoughts and feelings, about my experiences and hardships, and about those I missed ever so dearly.

As I continued to talk, hours passed. We had gone through a few of the ration packs, which were bland and tasteless, before I finally finished speaking. At first, Xia had been shocked, but soon it was replaced by interest then concern and finally it soon was replaced by her usual expressionless face.

“Alisha, may I speak?”

“You don’t need to ask, just talk.”

“Alisha, I understand your feelings and I won’t attempt to sway you on the matter, as it does sound like you’ve stopped hating the Moon Goddess. I understand now why you would mistrust and hate her, even as a Blessed. I just want to say that regardless of how you feel towards Her, I will still serve you willingly. If there is a day you stop being a Blessed, I will continue to serve you. That is the duty that I will uphold.”

Tilting my head, I asked her why she’d continue serving me if I stopped being a Blessed.

“I will only ever serve one in my lifetime. And that one is you.” I didn’t quite understand her feelings on this matter, but I let them be. For the time being, I would continue to be this so-called ‘Blessed’ since it didn’t exactly harm me in any way, but I didn’t like the idea of my fate being decided for me. I had already decided I wouldn’t join the Sisterhood, and if they tried to decide my fate for me, I would do everything in my power to stop being a Blessed.

“I won’t stop you in that case, Xia. However, stop being so formal. Relax a bit, I know you’ve sworn to stay by my side, but if you want to do something or go somewhere, just tell me, okay?”

“Y-yes, Alisha.”

Smiling at Xia, I turn to Elizabeth. “So about what I’m planning to do…there is a lot, I need to think of where to start. What about you?”

Shrugging, Elizabeth smiled at me. “Seeing as you’re safe…or as safe as you’re going to get with that Church chasing you, I’m planning to explore the city, find a teacher in Summoning magic and do some requests from the Guild. It seems like you’re going to focus on other things, so I’ll make sure we get some income for food.”

“I see. I’m thinking of just relaxing for today. I’m thinking of planting food out the backyard. I've read about some gardening from the book about cooking back in Crater, and I have an Advanced Knowledge book here, so I’m thinking of using that to learn more about food.”

“Alisha.” Turning to Xia who spoke up, she tilted her head and said “Are you playing to use the Tome of Advanced Knowledge on such a thing?”

“Mm, is there a problem with that?”

“W-well.” Looking a bit unsure, she looked at me and I nodded to her. “Those Tomes are very rare, they sell for several Mithril coins. They can become any topic you want them to become, excluding anything related to the System, Divinity or Gods. Topics about high level spell casting, about crafting or an ancient type of magic or knowledge. Those are the uses that people would seek to use a Tome of Advanced Knowledge on.”

Tilting my head, I took out the Tome and looked at it. It was very much like the Tome of Basic Knowledge, just a shade of gold on the cover. I hadn’t thought of the various other topics I could do that Xia had mentioned, but the System said it could do almost any topic. Leaning back, I thought it over for a bit. I could sell it to the Guild, but at the same time…

“Alisha.” Turning to Elizabeth, she smiled. “Do what you want with it. Xia is simply letting you know what is possible. I will say though, the fact that your cooking can give food itself various effects, could there be more to it? The chef who taught you didn’t seem to know much, but perhaps you could make food that gives you strength, something that the System won’t be involved in.”

Getting what she was implying, I felt excited at the prospect of making food like that. Putting the Tome away for now, I decided to think it over later, but I knew I’d likely use it to learn about gardening.

After talking for some time, Elizabeth left after I gave her the key while Xia sat at the table, looking like she wasn’t sure what to do. After asking her if she could get food for us, she agreed and took a Platinum coin with her.

Going back to my bedroom upstairs, I decided to sort through everything I currently had, as well as go through the loot we had gotten from the dungeon. Emptying my bags out, I set outside the remaining healing potions and ration cubes and packs and claimed the reward for killing the bear, the one that had the rapier and wish box of need. Setting that in the pile of items that I was going to sort through, I sat at the desk.

Besides me sat three bags. One was for items that I would use soon, another for items I would use later and the last for items I didn’t want or need and planned to turn in at the Guild. I start by picking up the three keys I’d received. Might, Heroic and Unknown. The Unknown key was large, black with red stripes running off it and heavy.

Key of the Unknown Trial

Takes you to ??? to complete ???.

Recommended Level: 50

Uses: 1

Looking at the rather unhelpful message, I took notice of the recommended level. I had yet to see this before. Looking at the key of Might, it simply said it would take me to the trial of might to complete it. The recommended level however did not show up, and it was the same for the heroic trial. Aubrey said these keys didn’t give previous users many rewards, if at all, but I was still curious about completing them. Putting them in the bag to do later, I pick up the next items.

The items I picked up were two blue boxes, the Wish Box of Need. The box needed both hands to hold, was very light and basic. I read over the information about it.

Wish Box of Need.

Gives you something that you need.

Uses: 1

“Something I need, huh? Would it kill the Archbishop for me?” Shaking my head, I couldn’t really think of anything I needed right this moment. Perhaps it would be useful later when I needed something? I put these boxes away along with the keys before grabbing the golden ticket.

There wasn’t much to think about with this one. I planned to use it as soon as I found a martial art I wanted to learn. I placed it into the bag to use soon. I did the same with the Tome I had acquired. Picking up the Replica of The Blades sword next, I smiled and decided to put it beside my bed until I could figure out how to put it on my wall. Next I picked up the rapier I had received.

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Astrid’s Rapier of Piercing

A rapier that has been crafted by a master craftsman. Honed to its absolute limits, this rapier excels at piercing attacks.

Grievous Wounds: Wounds inflicted by this rapier are slower to heal.

Grants +100 Agility

Grade: B

Looking at the weapon, the hilt was covered by a guard, while the scabbard was a light blue with patterns of white flowers. Unsheathing the rapier, it was a very thin weapon, bladed on both sides while the tip was sharpened. Standing, I swung it a few times but it didn’t feel right. Stabbing forward with it a few times, I suddenly understood that this weapon was similar to punching, it was direct and straightforward. Throwing more stabs forward with it, it started feeling more natural.

You have discovered an affinity.

Seeing the message I hadn’t seen since Cerberus’s Trial, I stop and look at the message in surprise. Looking at the rapier, I wondered why I had an affinity with this weapon and not something like a sword. Did it differ so much, or did I simply not use a sword properly?

Deciding to seek training in using a rapier, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to use since it would allow me to have more reach. One of the things I’d noticed during my battle with The Blade was that closing the distance meant dealing with his sword, so having a long weapon of my own would help with deflecting or attacking.

Satisfied with the unexpected surprise, I set the rapier to the side since it wouldn’t fit in the bag. I’d seek out someone to train me…come to think of it, didn’t Xia use a rapier? Thinking of asking her later, I turn attention to the remaining items, mostly the ones I’d received from the mutated quest.

Picking up a perfectly round orb, it gave a dim silver light. Bringing up its information caused me to raise an eyebrow.

Shard of a Dying Star

Contains pure starlight of a dying star, giving inspiration to those that use Lunar magic. To be used in evolution.

Grade: S+

“Well, that’s new.” Looking at the orb, I could feel the power within it. Seeing that the System said it is to be used for evolution surprised me. The Crystallised Tear of the Moon Goddess that was used in my level 20 evolution never mentioned this. Setting it down in the bag for later, I picked up a small, thin vial with light silver-blue liquid.

Vial of Mystical Moon Energy

Contains mystical energy from the moon, it is used to empower those that use Lunar magic. To be used during evolution.

Grade: S+

“Another one? Do I drink this during evolution?” Speaking aloud again, I frowned as I put it in the bag for later. I found it strange that the System had given me these items…or did the Moon Goddess give these to me? I wasn’t sure if I should use them, plus I still didn’t know if I wanted to continue down this path since it felt…forced. Perhaps at level 50 I could freely choose, but again I didn’t mind being a Blessed, it had given me such strength already.

Shaking my head, I looked out the window. It wasn’t midday yet, but it was getting close. Should I pray to the Moon Goddess and see if I can actually speak to Her? I didn’t know. It wasn’t that I was afraid of meeting Her, but at the same time I felt that I couldn’t trust Her. What if she controlled my thoughts to worship Her? Pursing my lips, I shook my head. I’ll decide at a later date, I have more things to worry about.

Turning to one of the last two items I had, I picked up the sack of Core of the Greater Wind Spirit. They were exactly as they said, and picking one up I saw it was similar to a rock, just green and filled with wind magic. Deciding on leaving them for now, I figured it would be best to find out how to use these correctly first before I consumed them.

Lastly, I picked up the Starfall book. I already knew this spell, and knew I wouldn’t learn anything from it, so I threw it in the bag to sell to the Guild. Nodding with satisfaction, I packed the bags away in the storage closet and picked up the bag I had left over. Heading downstairs, I heard the chime of the door, and wondering who it was I opened it to find an elderly man. It was the man who had appeared to free us of our chains yesterday and gave other people orders.

“Madam Alisha, I have come to you to summon you. The Branch Master requests your presence.”

Sighing, I knew what this was going to be about. I really didn’t want to make the trek all the way to the Guild just to be told by him that I failed. Shaking my head, I dug into my bags and found the light green token.

“Don’t want to. Tell Alexander that I’m busy.” Handing the vip token to the attendant, he looked confused before speaking again.

“I don’t believe you understand, Madam. The Branch Master is requesting that you meet with him.”

“Oh, I know. As I said, I don’t want to. I already know he’ll just tell me I failed and I’m not exactly in the mood to walk all the way down there. If he really wants to meet with me, tell him to come here instead.”

Before the man can speak again, I close the door before turning and going through the rooms once again. Entering the room with the fireplace, it was rather large but barren. Thinking about it, we didn’t exactly have anywhere to sit but the tables. Thinking about how the Guild had couches in some of their rooms, I wondered if we could have the same here. Deciding to stop by the courthouse later, I was about to head out to look at the backyard when I heard the chime again.

Opening the door, I found Xia carrying several bags of different meat, fruits and vegetables. I could even smell bread, spices and seasonings. It seems she went and bought everything we needed. Helping her carry some of it, we stored everything away while I took some out to make lunch. Asking her if she wanted anything, she said anything was fine.

Cooking a rather simple meal for the two of us, a slab of seasoned monster meat with vegetables, I set it down on the table while Xia sat down as well, seemingly a bit unsure. I knew she was still unsure about being casual around me, so I didn’t pay it much mind. As we start eating, I hear yet another chime. Closing my eyes and breathing in, I very much considered just ignoring it but decided it would be best to answer.

Opening the door once again, I was met with a figure that stunned me for a moment. Alexander stood there with the elderly attendant looking a bit fearful behind him. Upon seeing me, Alexander smiled while looking rather amused.

“Well, it’s not everyday I get told to visit instead of people coming to see me. May I come inside? I wish to speak with you.” Chuckling slightly, he spoke with an amused tone.

Holding back a sigh, I decided that since he had shown up here it would be incredibly rude to turn him away. Inviting Alexander inside, I led him inside to the tables. Xia, upon seeing Alexander, stood up quickly and moved behind my chair, standing to my left behind me. Alexander sat opposite of me as he smiled. The attendant mirrored Xia and stood behind Alexander.

“Alisha, I want to firstly congratulate you. You have indeed passed the task I assigned you.”

Tilting my head, I blurt out “Passed?”

“Yes. My intention of sending you in by yourself was in fact never to conquer the twentieth floor. The fact you conquered the tenth floor by yourself was well outside of my expectations. The true reason I had sent you there was so you could figure out your shortcomings, so you could find out you can still improve yourself.

“You accomplished this spectacularly. I won’t lie, if you had gone on to conquer the twentieth floor and not realised your shortcomings, I would’ve expelled you from the Guild without hesitation. I wanted to see if you could admit you needed to improve, because if you failed to realise that, then there is no way for me to truly teach you.

“By admitting to yourself that you needed to improve, you’ve shown not only myself but yourself as well that you’re willing to learn and admit your weaknesses. This is something that I wanted you to discover. However, now is not the time for me to teach you.”

Feeling a bit speechless at his words, I hadn’t expected for this to happen, in fact I had thought he wouldn’t even meet with me. He hands me two items, one is a letter and the other a black bracelet with golden marks on them.

“I know you might not enjoy the sight of bracelets, but don’t worry, this one you can take off anytime.” Glancing at the bracelet that I had on, the one I received from Flannery, he chuckled. “This bracelet will identify you as my disciple within the Guild.

“The letter I have here is an introduction letter to the Ministry of Martial Arts. They are able to recommend dojos or teachers for particular martial arts. To the general adventurer, they will only recommend lower level dojos and teachers, however this letter will ensure they take into consideration masters of particular martial arts. Using this with that golden ticket of yours will ensure that you will be given the best teacher.

“They will of course require a lot of information, including your age and stats, so be prepared to provide that to them. However they are very good at finding the very best for you.”

Picking up the letter, I thanked Alexander as he smiled. “One last thing.” Giving Xia a quick glance, he looked back at me. “Alisha, I expect my disciples to handle their problems with their own power. Unless you’re in a position that you’re unable to resolve by yourself, such as yesterday's incident, I will not help you. This means that the Church of the Moon Goddess that is after your life is something I will not assist you with.”

Nodding, I hadn’t planned to ask for his help in this matter anyway. “Very good. I won’t hold you up any longer, Alisha. I will provide you with a new task in a few months. If you require help with anything, find Elise. She is an extremely experienced individual and will be able to guide you.”

As he stands, I follow him to the door to see him out. Seeing him walk down the snowy road, I close the door while still feeling a bit dazed. That wasn’t the result I had expected. Making my way back to the table, I quickly ate before putting the letter away in my room. Deciding to check out this Ministry of Martial Arts later, I went back downstairs and told Xia of my plans to head to the courthouse, before we headed out.