Chapter 10 - The Debuting (Special, Extended)

=====>[ Forest's Nightmare ]<=====

Forest was looking at person standing before him. It was covered by a dark cloak split into multitude of flowing tassels, despite that he could distinguish a lithe body underneath it.

Suddenly he felt a great fear.

-' I must run! ' He thought, but could not understand the reason.

Ominous figure extended a  hand, which looked like it was the one of a small girl, and it gave him some silver.

He asked something, but could not understand or hear what was being said. He just knew that he needed to take the money, so he put it into his pouch.

Suddenly, a cloaked figure moved forward and a flowing motion sent tassels into the air like some sort of a dark wave - a wave that looked disconcertingly similar to wispy tentacles. He wanted to run, but his body was sluggish and unresponsive, events transpired as if they were played in a slow motion. He could see a white hand coming at his face, it was bearing a dark promise of something terrible.

He hid his face behind his crossed arms in terror, in a vain protective gesture. He could not see, but still felt that the hand was getting closer and closer, he knew that he was doomed. He wanted to run, but the moment he tried, ice cold grip clamped on his forearm, robbing his body from the ability to move.

The air escaped from his lungs and he looked down to see a dagger buried into his stomach. Sudden weakness assaulted him, the blade seemingly draining him of all of his strength making him fall to his knees.

He looked up and saw a hooded death enveloped in darkness that was bending over him. Lithe, white hands came closer and held his face up.

He could see a red gem shining on the deaths forehead, showing him her enchanting image.

Deep black hollows of darkness bound in almond shaped eyes, framed by delicate eyelashes. Soft bent of a jaw making small, but pouty lips all the more distinct. A small, slim nose would have given her a mischievous look if not for the crimson glow shining on her forehead that twisted her features with sinister intent.

He was stunned, while beauty looked into his eyes, somehow she looked both tragically sad and ferociously cruel.

In that moment he knew that this was the end, last thing he felt and heard was a sudden twist and a loud snap that followed...

...He woke with a shout, almost running into the wall opposite to his bed.

Still shaken he tried to calm down.

-" Its only a dream, only a dream, only a dream... " He kept repeating as last parts of the nightmare faded into obscurity.

Robert felt really bad after what happened in the alley, but he was not going to give out easily.

-" I will be back and stronger than ever! , He confirmed his resolve loudly.

-" Robert, what happened? Are you alright? " He heard voices of his family coming from outside his room and it took him a while to find a reasonable excuse to explain the commotion...

=====>[ Blair's Investigation ]<=====

Blair was still annoyed by what happened earlier. After finally getting a D-ranked quest to look for signs of a criminal smuggling operation he got stuck. Every lead he pursued struck hollow and after a time, he was called before the Captain and told that it appears that the rumours about smuggling operation were untrue.

-' Hmm, how could a D-level quest end up in E-level contribution. I have researched everything thoroughly. ' He thought.

However long he pondered about the case it all narrowed to one thing - to a girl with a strange cloak.

-' What If she wasn't a lead, but was working to deter me. Even if the killing before the Castle checked out, every lead afterwards quickly  become a miss, straining reputation of the guard and my standing with incessant questions. '

He decided to find out everything about what happened, as his pride could not stand the failure.

He began by investigating the strange cloak that the girl was wearing. Initially it was hard, but by asking all around the Merchant Quarter he managed to get a lead.

It looked like there was someone shipping cloaks to influential people, but the contact did not know where to find that someone. Instead he was told that he could get more information in one of the abandoned warehouses near the slums. Without hesitation he made his way there.

The building looked old and shabby, Blair could see that there was some light inside, as some illumination escaped from deteriorated doors. He sneaked near the entrance and started checking the big door. Worn out woodwork offered plenty of slits that could be used to spy on the inside.

As he peeked inside, he could see a table which was set in the middle of an empty space and two people that were sitting around it. Blair noticed that the candles, which illuminated the warehouse, were new and fresh. Also, he saw a large stack of crates occupying significant part of the building.

One of the men at the table was a giant, with heavy red beard and blue tattoos covering his arms and face. He was wearing furry leather vest and a battle Axe was laying within arms reach, he could easily be mistaken for a viking warrior. -' Or rather  a really big viking warrior. ' Blair thought.

Other man was much shorter and unimposing, one could say that he was remarkably unremarkable. He was clothed in a colourful and fine clothes that were giving him a look of someone important, also he didn't seem to carry any visible weapons.

Both of the men looked like they were waiting for something.

-' Big one must be a barbarian, probably a bodyguard. The other one seems like the client... I should capture him and shake him out for information. ' Blair thought and took a look around, making a satisfied expression after making sure that the street was still empty. -' I should be able to do them in before anyone that they are waiting for will arrive. '

He checked the door and discovered that it was not closed. Then, he unsheathed his blade quietly and took a deep breath.

-" Let's do this. " He whispered to himself and swung the door open.

As he jumped in he noticed that duo at the table was strangely composed. The giant with almost nonchalant motion picked up the Axe and risen slowly. Meantime finely clothed guy turned in his chair and looked calmly at Blair.

-" Nice of you to not keep us waiting. " The smaller guy said.

-' It looks like I have walked into some sort of trap. ' He thought to himself as he re-evaluated the danger presented by the unarmed man.

-" I assume there is no chance of you dropping your questioning habits and going...to the sewers or something? " Unremarkable man said in a light tone..

-" I am afraid that I have already become too interested in answers to my questions. " Blair replied.

-" Very well, lets get this show on the way then. This is Baleg and you may call me Oliver, any last words? " Smaller man stated casually.

-" You seem awfully confident, aren't you going to fight together with your friend? " Blair countered.

Oliver only shrugged and smiled in response.

In that moment Baleg charged, brining down a powerful overhead blow of his Axe. Blair sidestepped and was going to skewer him, but he was forced to dive to the ground instead as a knife that was thrown by Oliver passed thorough the place he had been just a moment ago.

On the ground, he continued the rolling momentum as the giant quickly took another swing at him, Blair managed to dodge but could not recover the initiative, every time he tried he had to throw himself around to avoid Oliver's knives.

-' This is not good, I cant do anything from here and that Baleg guy is not stupid, he keeps his position well and I cant get him with those knives flying at me. ' Blair thought fervently as the giant kept brandishing his Axe, all the while making sure that his partner can throw his knives freely.

Baleg took another swing at Blair, who realized that he is close to being cornered by the boxes.

-' That's it. I've lost. ' Blair admitted defeat  as he concluded that he could not win with his skill alone.

His pride suffered a bit when Baleg swung a finishing blow at him. -' Though that does not mean that I am just going to let myself be killed. ' Blair decided to use some of his in game skills, which considerably hurt his pride. Resolved, he struck his sword in a wide arc, pouring his focus into the attack, forcing the blade to move at surprising speed, leaving shining after images behind it. Both weapons met, but edgeless blade hit with an overwhelming power knocking the axe out of Baleg's grasp, into a  wall few meters away. As if was an afterthought, a metallic clang reverberated thorough the warehouse.

Blair used the momentary surprise to roll forward, to use Baleg as cover. Baleg realized Blair's intent but was too slow to react, Blair safely hidden behind the giant That way he didn't have to worry about Oliver's knives and slashed at Baleg freely.

-" Arcing Slash! " Blair shouted and blade accelerated to  astonishing speed, leaving a trail of afterimages that seemingly went through giant's chest, sending him flying through the air with a loud, crunchy sound.

Blair was feeling uneasy about what he had done.

-' Those abilities are such a cheat, but I had no other way... ' He tried to console himself and salvage his pride as a member of Knighthood Order.

Blair let out a sigh and looked at Oliver, who was standing near the table, with four knives still in his hands.

-" You fight well, I surrender. " Oliver stated casually and placed knives on the table.

-" You seem a bit too calm about this. " Blair said suspiciously.

Oliver sat on the chair and showed his empty hands.

-" There is no use fighting any more, you are obviously stronger and since I can't win...I will have to parley with you." Oliver admitted matter-of-factly.

-" Very well... speak. "

-" Let me start from the beginning. Firstly, I was sent here to silence you and secondly, if I cant convince you, someone much stronger will do the job...that or simply you will be framed into something. " Oliver''s casual attitude unnerved Blair.

-" You seem awfully full of yourself for a defeated person. " Blair said.

-" That should keep you thinking then, I will say this now,  you are way over your head and since I do not want to die or loose face, I will extend an offer to alleviate some of your curiosity. In exchange you will stop asking awkward questions. "

-" How do I know you will tell me the truth? "

-" That's simple, I want you to go about your own way and if you find loopholes in my story you will start the trouble again. Of course I won't tell you everything, but what I can tell you that you are asking about Assassin's Guild business and that's something much bigger than you realize... ".

[ The Talk lasted a while, but what's more important Blair realized that there is much more to the quests and world than he initially thought... ]

=====>[ POV: The End ]<=====

In the morning I was woken up by Clothilde, accompanied by Ollie and Live, three maids had already made preparations and male servants were ushered out of the room.

I sighed and surrendered myself to their care. After I was bathed and groomed, maids began to dress me up in my new costume. It took almost half an hour and I was befuddled by the amount of clasps, knots, laces, hooks and chains that needed to be put in their proper places.

-' I have no idea how to get out of this thing now. ' I thought to myself and silently admitted that I was thankful for maids help,though I was still unsettled by their *bathing help*..

The final clasp had been fastened into place and I felt ready to fall down.

-' How am I going to survive the day with this thing on - it feels like it weights more than I do! ' I gritted my teeth, anguished over the prospect.

My breathing was laboured and I felt lie fainting because my vision went dark suddenly.

Unfortunately, it turned out that it was only a wide brimmed hat that was placed over my head, that way I was denied any relief from today's activities.

-" Everything seems to be fastened in order, Milady. Is there any discomfort or chaffing? " Clothilde asked considerately..

It was quite a labour to just breath in and out, so I responded in a strained voice:

-" *huff* Its just too heavy...*huff* ".

-" I am afraid that nothing can be done about that, Milday. You might inquire with the Master if he will be willing to postpone your departure to the academy, until you are comfortable with the costume. "

I made my way to the bed and sat down. In act of desperation I opened the status window.

-' Thank the gods, I still have twenty unused points to spare! ' I thought, as I placed all of them in strength, which suddenly allowed me to breath without being suffocated.

[ She was level8 when she finished D-level quest, which raised her level to 10 and then the Master offered her a new class. ]

The costume was still heavy, but now it was at least bearable and I didn't run the risk of collapsing under its weight.

-" Thank you, Head Maid. I think that I feel better now, lets make our way to meet the Master.  I assume that he wished to speak with me before the departure. " I said politely.

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

-" That was indeed his wish, Milady. " Clothilde affirmed, somehow she seemed relieved.

I stood up and went outside.  As usual maids escorted me, Live and Ollie in front, with Clothilde following behind to my right. Soon maids were knocking on the door to Master's study, after some muffled answer they handled it for me, letting me in.

Master was sitting in his armchair with a document in his hand. He shifted his gaze from it and said:

-" Good day, Apprentice. I see that Master Dal have outdone himself with your new outfit "

-" Greetings, Master. I am afraid that is the case, I find this attire quite...stifling. " I responded evenly.

-" I do not doubt that, considering the amount of things he put into it. Do you wish to delay your visit to the academy, so you can familiarize yourself with it first? " He asked in a neutral tone.

-" I think I will manage as I am now. Could you explain about the academy and this outfit? " I asked, curious.

-" You will be living at the Academy, in one of suite rooms, maids will be accompanying you there as well, since you must have an appropriate retinue. Clothilde will provide you with additional details that you need to know. As to the rest, I leave it in your hands, learn as much as you can and don't get exposed. " Master's pose seemed non committal, but I was somehow able to tell that he paid his full attention to me.

-" Thank you, Master. " I exclaimed warmly.

He gave me mischievous half-smile as he said:

-" You are welcome, Apprentice. I do hope that you will enjoy your time learning. " He returned to reading the document.

I understood that it was a dismissal and bowed before leaving.

Afterwards, I was led to a coach house and departed for the academy...

* * * *

Coach passed thorough the streets of the city and I felt nervousness seeping into me. I was really anxious, thoughts of showing up in this ridiculous outfit...in the middle of a class...out of nowhere...with maids...

I almost began to laugh as realization dawned upon me.

-' I am just a mysterious transfer student, it shouldn't be that hard to role-play that one. ' With that realization the anxiety was replaced with a feeling of adventure.

As we passed thorough streets of the city I took a look outside the carriage . Crowds of people, great stone buildings, cobbled streets, colourful merchant stalls, all the details that I usually did not notice, I took it all in and felt alive for the first time ever.

Soon, we have arrived at the Academy, it was a stone building, resembling a palace of renaissance era with its multitude of windows, cream coloured facade and rectangular shape. Though there was a slight difference as there were several smooth towers sprouting from the black tiled roof.

The building was surrounded by sizeable green park or garden, grounds of the academy were quite big considering it was the middle of the city.

We have passed gate made of wrought iron  and progressed on a wide road made of marble gravel, at the end of it there was a big  cul-de-sac. I could see a wide marble stairs that led to grand double doors made of white wood. Coach followed the edge of cul-de-sac and stopped in front of the entrance.

When I was exiting the carriage I received a small surprise, I had to steady myself and put a sizeable weight on coachman's hand to keep my balance, but he didn't budge in the slightest. I gave him a measuring look, but apart from the uniform he was a really unremarkable man with a pleasant but plain face, brown eyes and hair, calm dutiful look... despite taking inappropriately long look I couldn't find any distinctive quality to him...

-' Its not like its surprising to find spies in assassins retinue, I am quite sure that's what he is... or an assassin... ' I sighed to myself and nodded my thanks to the coachman.

Waiting maids led me to the entrance and opened doors for me.

Inside, I could see a decorative wooden foyer, riddled with small wooden pillars, there were wide stairs leading to a second floor and long lines of blue carpets lined the corridors. Though the most notable thing was a strange sphere made of metal mirrors, shining gems and flowing blue flames that floated above the centre of the room in complicated shifting patterns. It was a truly magnificent sight and one could spend hours admiring moving lights and reflections.

I was brought back to reality by exchange of pleasantries between blue robbed figure with a staff and my maids. I was glad for maids presence and for costume's cover, as I wouldn't want to get caught with slack jawed expression on my face.

Receptionist, satisfied with maids explanation led the way upstairs. After passing few corridors we have arrived before an imposing double door that was covered in shining arcane runes.

Our guide knocked few times with his staff and entered, leaving us behind. After a moment the doors swung open and I could see a plain stone room, which didn't match the corridor that we just came from at all.

Room was oval and almost empty, only notable thing was a skeleton of some strange beast hanging from the ceiling and something like an arcane circle painted in the middle of the room.

Next to the circle stood a woman clad in a pale, cream coloured robe with a gold trimming. Her hair was grey and long, weaved into multitude of small braids, their ends were affixed to a large hairpin located on top of her head.

Woman's face was ageless, but looked old and mature, she had almost no wrinkles, but her features radiated stern attitude and decades of experience. Her eyes of pale lavender were narrow and slanted, one could say they were stern and dangerous.

She gave us a piercing, inquiring look.

-" I am Aliyah, the Head Mistress, Let me welcome you to the Academy. " She stated in a deadpan voice and gave me a measuring look. Her glance was really unsettling.

-" My Greetings and my thanks for your hospitality, Head Mistress. I am afraid that I am unable to reciprocate your generosity, therefore let me call myself Audentia for the duration of my stay. "I introduced myself, quickly choosing suitable name. -' If I remember correctly Audentia means daring in Latin.  '

Aliyah gave me another measuring look and somehow seemed like she was smiling, despite the fact that her facial expression didn't change.

-" Very well, somehow it seems fitting...Audentia you seem like a promising novice, therefore I will extend you an invitation, after you have grasped the basics I might find time to give you some private lessons... " Aliyah said casually and suddenly I felt really, really scared by the implications. Especially after hearing the rest:

-" ...if you are not afraid to risk being exposed. " Somehow her casual voice didn't fit her playful words.

Mage that led us here seemed surprised by the invitation and I felt like I have just been singled out by the cat ( a really big, mischievous and dangerous one ).

I swallowed hard and wondered what I should do. Person in front of me was really intimidating, but my blood was boiling when I thought about that challenge, I just couldn't let it go.

-" I really look forward to our future meetings, Master Aliyah. " I responded politely and bowed respectfully. I have decided that calling her a Master would be better than settling for a Head Mistress.

-" I am really glad to hear that, Audentia. Now excuse me, as I am in the middle of an experiment, Killgorn will help with the details of your stay. " Aliyah  waved her hand dismissively.

I bowed and left the room, accompanied by Maids and a blue robed mage. On the corridor Live and Ollie started walking behind me, while Clothilde walked next to the leading Killgorn and discussed details of my stay ( and there were a lot of them as far as I could tell).

Eventually, we arrived on a corridor that was slightly different from the rest, the doors there were spaced much further apart and there were benches, tables and alcoves placed along it. From details spoken by my guides I managed to gather that we are nearing the classroom where I will be introduced to the class and will spend the rest of the afternoon.

We stopped in front of the room and Killgorn went to talk to the Teacher inside, soon he was back and I was trying my best to remain calm as I was ushered inside...

=====>[ Eric's Class ]<=====

Eric was sitting in the lecture hall while Professor Raghnall was rambling about a magic theory. He wished for it to end or somehow turn into a spell casting class, but that one was already concluded in the morning. Unfortunately, he had to attend this boring lecture, because spell casting lessons had requirements...one of which was to survive, while not dying of boredom, a magic theory classes.

He looked to his right and noticed that Nevan was scribbling something in his book. Eric looked closer and noticed half finished grotesque image taking form in Nevan's book.

-' Pity I can't draw, I wouldn't be so bored during those lectures. ' He sighted and smirked as he thought about Nevan's book.

Many pages of that book were covered in abhorrent images of nightmarish creatures giving it a look of wannabe demonology manual, total opposite of simple learning diary that it was supposed to be.

Eric looked at rest of his class, which was consisting of NPCs as far as he was concerned, he refused to believe that any real person would be willingly listening to the lecture.

He concentrated a bit and thought:

-' ...this is retarded...just make him stop! Seriously, explaining the difference between Ice and Fire?! Bi*ch, please! ' exasperated, he almost said the last part out loud.

Though it seemed that his prayers were heard somewhere, as doors to lecture hall were suddenly opened and Adjunct Headsman Killgorn entered.

[ Headsman in a meaning from before c.1400 ie Chief, Leader; and NOT as it become known around c.1600 - Executioner, though students of the Academy might not be able to spot the difference~ ]

-" What is this about? " Nevan whispered.

-" Beats me, I am just glad that something interesting is happening for a change. " Eric replied.

-" Maybe its that rumoured transfer student? " Nevan mused in a loud whisper.

-" What transfer student? And shouldn't he take some supplementary classes before he can join? "

-" I know what you think of NPCs, but Eric, you shouldn't look down on them so much. They actually have a lot to say and its not a preprogrammed tosh you get in standard game. "

-" Ok, whatever, just tell me what you know. " Eric whispered demandingly.

-" It seems like some kind of big shot is coming, like a prince or something... " Nevan began to explain.

-" So, its just an event with some NPC coming over, pff give me a break. " Eric interrupted, suddenly loosing interest.

-" ...you really don't get it, do you? Just listen... ", Nevan tried to explain.

-" . . . " Eric wanted to interrupt again, but shut up under the seriously annoyed gaze of Nevan.

-" So, as I was saying, someone important is coming to the class and don't you get it? That's your one in a million chance to meet a future duke or prince or whatever...I don't really get how you managed to get into Academy with that kind of attitude. " Nevan interrupted his explanation as he noticed that Eric wasn't listening.

Nevan wanted to chastise his friend, but his attention was brought back to what was happening in a classroom. Three maids entered, followed by someone...

-" You gotta be sh** me! Maids?! Seriously? " Eric muttered under his breath.

Nevan ignored him and focused on the person that entered...and was baffled.

She was covered from head to toe in black costume brightened by red accessories and silver runes embossed in the leather. Amount of detail presented by the outfit was staggering and it was so ridiculous that it seemed that it was somehow fitting and appropriate...

-" A-a-a Cosplay?!! ", Nevan face palmed himself when Eric shrieked in a suddenly silent classroom...

...Then a killing intent struck...

=======================

Hey~, Author's Here~

I have done all kinds of twirls, flips and turns to finally write up this chapter. *suddenly moves with unnatural lurking motion*

[ No! Just stop - I am getting sick by just looking at it ]

You, must~, tell me what you think...I have done all kinds of research~ and it should be best there is, tell me what you think~...

[ *Covers eyes* ...about that...research... Owlbear General had found hidden ending to the Monk class, its called The Best Washmaster and I am willing to negotiate with one to come and clean up the castle...

Its ridden with corpses, blood and strange liquids...and other...research implements...so just come... or I will find you and destroy your world! ]

[ Seriously just come clean this up! I wont even be scary...too much... please? ]

Cheers,

Mea

Ps I will spread out releases a bit, but to compensate I will make longer chapters (3-4k words on average)- my research indicates that it should offer better quality.

NEXT CHAPTER: Chapter 11 - The Schooling

EDIT: Ps 2 Good news everyone, [ Imagine proffesor from famous TV show ]

Chapter 6.5, which was promised in chapter 6 is confirmed for release together with Chapter 11.

[ All hail me, as a Narrator above the Gods and woe to the Owlbear General ]