stood victorious in the center of the arena covered in gore with Professor Cyrus out cold at my feet. I wondered if I’d be expelled for knocking him out. Truthfully I was just happy to be alive right now. I looked around, the students were all stunned by what had just happened. All except one pink haired girl who was giggling with glee. I made a mental note that she was either someone I needed to avoid like the plague or the only truly sane one in this damn school. An announcement came booming from everywhere all at once and a Golden window popped up in front of me.

- QUEST COMPLETED -

Eye See You

TYPE - Boss Quest

RANK: S

DIFFICULTLY: ★

REWARD: You lived. Isn’t that enough?*

I nearly screamed out loud when I saw the reward listed there until I noticed the asterisk. I focused on it and it expanded.

REWARD: Okay Okay. Here’s your real reward, but keep it to yourself alright.

+5 to all stats,

S Rank Star Medallion,

Provisional Membership to the Association of Recognized Bounty Hunters (A.R.B.H.)

I sighed and slumped down. I’d inspect those items later. Suddenly the world began to dissolve into that sand effect and I found myself sitting in the Entrance hall. The other members of my group gasped as they saw me and the unconscious body of Cyrus appear. Even the ever stoic Xavier looked shocked. Octavia rushed up to me and knelt down to inspect my condition.

“Holy Shit, August. That was amazing.” she said embracing me tightly even in spite of the gore. I must have smelt awful because Luca finally vomited. He ran to a nearby potted plant and threw up a literal shit load of those yellow tea frogs. I was too tired to even care about that right now. All my muscles ached.

“O, I can’t breathe.” I said as she was squeezing the life out of me. She released me and shuffled back embarrassed.

“Sorry. I was just didn’t think you’d make it.” She said.

“You and me both.” I said wiping some of the cyclops from my face. I looked up and noticed Xavier had moved in close. He was looking at my arm with an expression I couldn’t really read.

“What?” I said to him. He just nodded.

“Well done. You’re now the highest ranked first year student.” He said. I wasn’t following. He must of noticed my confusion and he reached down and wiped my sleeve. That’s when I saw it. My Emblem had changed from a Black Card with no rank to a Bronze card with an S. I blinked slowly.

“Well. That’s definitely something.” I said, right before I collapsed.

----

I opened my eyes in floating in a blue void.

Oh that’s right.

I forgot this was going to keep happening now.

I looked around. Nothing had changed in here. It took a second, but I noticed the faint outline of The Guide sitting cross legged floating near by.

“Good Morning Sunshine.” The Guide said. “You know, when I said not to hold back, you really took that advice to heart huh?” The Guide chuckled.

“Yeah. Lesson learned, read with my eyes not my hands.” I said.

“Well, it all worked out didn’t it?” The Guide said as it floated towards me. “It sure was exciting.”

“How do you know?” I said confused.

“You’ve got me in your quickslot so I can see what you see. Thanks for the reading material by the way. And you’re welcome.” The Guide said holding a thick tome in their hands. I saw the title was “Homer’s Guide to Greek Monsters”. I started to connect the dots.

“You were the one that displayed those stats about what damage I would do on the Cyclops?” I asked.

“You betcha.” He said snapping the book closed. “And don’t worry. I can absorb any books in if you equip them like you did. So it won’t use up any extra slots. Just keep me equipped at all times, alright?”

Something didn’t seem right.

“Octavia said that you’re not allowed to give advice.” I said. The Guide didn’t reply right away.

“She’s right. I can’t. Usually.” The Guide said.

“So what’s different with me?” I asked.

“You didn’t examine your copy of The Guide when you equipped it, did you?” The Guide said. I realized I hadn’t. I’d just equipped it right away.

“Can I access my items here?”

“Yes. Well, it’s not a real version, just your soul ocean making a facsimile, a copy of the item. It’ll match the actual item. And if you discover any asterisk secrets, it’ll carry forward into the real item. I’m not really sure how or why.” The Guide said with a shrug. I immediately pulled out my copy of The Guide.

- ITEM -

The Initiate Magi’s Guidebook Vol #1*******:

(Off-Hand)

~This sentient guidebook provides all young magi with the basic starter knowledge needed to start their journey towards mastering the magical arts of arcana and wizardry. This tome of guidance, when equipped, gives the user extra tips and information about the magical world. Their main goal is to assist you in any way that it can.

+1 to all stats

+10% Spell Casting speed

+ Access to the Library of the Magi

Holy Shit. There were seven asterisks next the title. That definitely hadn’t been there on the version I’d seen here before. That only had 1 asterisk. I looked at the faint outline of The Guide who was floating like they were lying on their back and going down an invisible river. There was absolutely something different about their attitude this meeting.

“What is this?” I asked.

“Well the asterisks mean-” The Guide began. I cut them off.

“No. What’s actually happening here? What are you? I don’t think you’re actually the real ‘Guide.’ You’re doing a lot more than just telling me how items work and how to use my interface.” I said bluntly. The Guide began to chuckle.

“Well well. He does some kind of brain on him.” The Guide said. I felt the book in my hand humm and vibrate. The description changed completely and now had one less asterisk.

- ITEM -

The Collective’s Manifesto ******:

(Off-Hand)

~Don’t let your mother find you reading this. This sentient book provides certain individuals with tips and tricks of the darker side of magic. This tome takes on the appearance of your average copy of ‘The Initiate Magi’s Guidebook’ and will hold up to scrutiny of a rigorous inspection. When equipped it gives the user extra tips and information about the magical world plus a little bit of an extra down low on the shadier elements. Their main goal is to assist you in any way that it can as long as you stick to the plan.

If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

+1 to all stats

+10% Spell Casting speed

+ Access to the Library of the Magi

+ Access to Apocalypse Apothecary stores worldwide

The Outline of The Guide shimmered and it started filling up with what looked like dark black liquid. Suddenly a figure oozing black smoke stood in front of me. It billowed out at the bottom of the figure and seemed to pool around them in thick plumes of shadow. I was taken back by this sudden change. It smiled and it’s bright while teeth were a stark contrast to black surrounding it. A single yellow eye opened in the center of its face. It started to all click into place. I suddenly remembered what the four armed man said,

One of our agents will make themself clear to you very soon.

“So, you’re the agent of The Collective?” I asked.

“At your service.” The shadowy figure bowed. “You can call me Shadow.”

There was a long silence.

“Really? Shadow?” I said incredulously. Shadow frowned.

“What?”

“A bit on the nose isn’t it?” I said holding back a laugh. Shadow crossed their arms.

“That’s a very elegant name for an Imp! You’d be lucky to get a codename half as cool.” Shadow said pouting.

“I get a code name?” I said quickly getting excited. A part of me secretly really wanted a code name.

“If you play your cards right.” Shadow said. “What did else did Avendhal say to you?”

“Avendhal?”

“Sharp dressed man. Four arms. A little too serious for his own good.” Shadow said making a stern face.

“And he’s the Collective’s leader?” I asked.

“Ha! He wishes. No, that’s-Hey! Don’t do that.” Shadow yelled. “Don’t try to trick me into telling you info. You haven’t earned our trust yet.” Damn. I’d really thought that would work. Playing dumb wasn’t the way I would get information out of them.

“Aren’t you meant to help me?” I said meekly.

“There’s certain information I can’t give out. At least for free. You’re basically on probation.” Shadow said. They moved closer training dark smoke behind. “Now I’m meant to give you your first assignment.” They pulled an envelope out of somewhere inside their shadowy form and handed it to me. I shook it and felt something heavier than paper jangling inside.

“Do I open it now?” I said.

“Yes, go on. Go on.” Shadow said as it moved to hover behind me looking over my shoulder. I ripped the envelope open and tried to pour out it’s contents into my hand. Instead as soon as I turned it slightly something small shot out of the envelope and climbed up my arm. It crawled up to my neck and down my back incredibly fast. I tried to shake it of, but I felt a searing pain burn in my lower back. It hurt like I was being poked by hundreds of needles. I looked down at my chest where the small flame was flickering and I noticed a set thorns had now wrapped themselves around it.

“What was that?” I said still looking down.

“Oh. That’s a aether vine.” Shadow said.

“And what the fuck is an Aether vine?” I said my voice carrying an air of malice.

“It’s technically a curse.” Shadow said.

“You put a curse in that envelope and then just gave it to me?” I said absolutely livid. “What does it do?”

“Firstly, I didn’t put anything in that envelope. Even I have limits. Secondly, Aether Vines are harmless to you if you follow a couple rules.” Shadow pointed at the envelope. “I think there’s a letter you should read in there.” I quickly pulled out the letter and read it frantically.

Hello Potential,

I trust this letter finds you well. By now the Aether Vine will have taken root in your Soul Ocean. Do not worry. It’s there as a last resort. If you keep your word you’ll be just fine. In fact, if you regularly feed the vine it may sprout and even be a ‘fruitful’ addition to your magical studies.

All you are required to do is keep the collective a secret and do anything we ask. If you mention anything about us the vines will constrict around that flame and your very soul will be shredded to pieces. Trust me when I say that’s worse than any pain imaginable.

Shadow here can guide you, but a word to the wise.

Don’t trust him.

He’s not a true collective member, he’s here to repay a debt he owes us. He’ll do anything to escape. But for the purpose of giving information about magical items there’s no one better suited for the role. If you keep your goals aligned with his, he’ll be your very best friend. But the moment you’re opposed, he’s your worst enemy. I’ll be in touch soon,

Avendhal - Liaison to new members

“So what does it say?” Shadow said.

“What? The letter? You can’t see it?” I said confused. It was written in a cursive script, but it wasn’t that hard to read.

“I might have an eye, but it’s cosmetic. I can see your flame, but that’s about it.” Shadow said. I stood for a moment and then put my middle finger up right in front it’s face.

“I can’t see it, but I can tell by the flickering you’re doing something rude.” Shadow said.

“You can tell that just by the flickering of my chest flame?”

“Imps have to learn to see in a different way than you humans do.” Shadow said. “I can see everyones flames.”

“Can you only see them in here?” I asked. Shadow paused and seem to consider it a moment.

“I’ve never been anywhere else.” It said a hint of sadness to their tone.

“Have you ever wanted to leave?” I said.

“Every day.” Shadow said.

“What if I could help you with that?” I asked. Shadow froze. Even it’s plumes of dark smoke stopped churning.

“Why would you help me with that?” Shadow said. It’s mouth turned into a thin line.

“Because, you’re going to help me too.” I smiled a plan forming. It was a flimsy plan at best, but Avendhals letter had given me just enough to go off.

“How?” Shadow said narrowing their single eye at me. I wondered for a second why they’d do that if it was just for show. I pointed to my chest.

“The way I see it, we’re both prisoners. Me with this vine and you with whatever you owe the Collective. And look maybe that’s something we caused by our own choices, maybe not. Either way. We should be on the same team don’t you think?” I tried being as charming as possible. Shadow went quiet for a good while. I could tell they were considering the offer.

“And what would that look like? You and I teaming up?” Shadow said with air quotes around the words teaming up.

“It starts by you telling me what you owe them.” I said. Shadow seemed to recede somewhat and looked like they were making themself smaller wrapping themself up in a blanket of more black smoke. They looked like a child or a small animal huddling in fear of a thunderstorm.

“I’ll think about it.” Shadow said finally their voice weaker and quieter than before. I sensed that maybe it was something painful for them and it was best to not push it.

“Okay. Maybe another night.” I said. I looked at the book again. “So is this still you?” I asked. Shadow looked up and seemed to not understand. “The Book? Last time, when you were ‘The Guide’ you said that was you. Is this book the same?”

“Yes. I’m bound to it.” Shadow said sullenly.

“So… when I’ve got it equipped… what’s that like for you?”

“I can hear everything happening at all times. I need to be available if you ask for any information.”

“But where are you? Like physically?”

“I’m physically here in your soul ocean.”

“But there’s some kind of connection from the book to you?”

“Correct. What are you getting at?” Shadow asked. I noticed his normal attitude beginning to return.

“Is there anything we could do to, I don’t know, strengthen that connection enough that you could physically see as well?” I finally asked. I really wanted to use the Imp’s ability to see other’s flames. I didn’t know how, but something in me deep down knew that would be an advantage.

“It’s possible… Yes! In fact, I know exactly how!” Shadow said bolting upright and floating over to me. “We form a pact bond.”

“A what now?”

“A pact bond. It’s what your kind used to do back before the system to help you control your magic. You were called Warlocks and Witches back then. Lots of people didn’t take kindly to you using the darker arts. Resulted in a lot of people being very angry and a lot people being burned alive.”

“You’re talking about the salem witch trials?”

“Yeah. It wasn’t my finest moment.”

“You were involved?”

“Involved? I started everything. How was I meant to know your people were paranoid arsonists?”

“That’s insane.” I said dumbfounded. “That would make you nearly 400 years old.”

“411 to be exactly.” Shadow said nonchalantly.

“How long do Imp’s usually live?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never met another one, but I’m easily the most successful.” Shadow said smiling.

“This is successful? Stuck in this room?” I said gesturing to our surroundings. Shadow seemed to deflate a little. I started to feel bad. “So… this pact? I won’t be burned at the stake for doing it will I?”

“No no. We can make it far more subtle this time. I’ve had about a hundred years to think about it.” Shadow moved closer. “All I need is little bit of your flame.” They reached out a thin arm with a hand that had long claw like fingers. A single finger touched my chest and I felt a cold sensation spreading. I recoiled back on instinct. I could sense something dangerous behind the request.

“And what do you do with it?”

“I eat it.” Shadow said and I thought I saw it’s tongue lick their lips. “It’ll be painless.”

“And then you’ll be bonded to me instead?”

“Yes. I’ll still be tied to the book, that won’t change. But you and I will be connected directly. I’ll see through your eyes and you can use a portion of my power. You can use my eyes.”

“Anything else?” I asked.

“What else do you want?” Shadow said, eager to make a deal.

“Exactly what I asked. You help me with this.” I said pointing to the vine.

“Oh I’ll do you one better. I’ll help you make it bloom.” Shadow said. “That vine doesn’t need to be your curse.”

“What do you mean?”

“So the vine, it feeds on raw magical energy. That’s what the flame is. That’s what this whole place is. That’s also partially what everything is made of. I am, you are, everything is. So the vine, when fed the right things, it’ll grow, fed the wrong things it’ll wither. That’s bad. If it withers it constricts and it chokes the flame. It’s a defense mechanism. So you can teach the vine to respond to certain things. Like how people bred dachshunds to be longer or pugs to look so ugly they’re kind of cute. This particular vine has been grown and bred for a single purpose. It’s one of the collective’s greatest achievements. This vine responds to secrets. It loves when one is discovered and revealed. The more we uncover the more it will grow.”

“Okay, wait, what’s a bigger secret than I’m working for the Collective?”

“Ah but there’s the catch. The Collective is too big of a secret. If you reveal that the vine grows rapidly and shreds your body and soul from the inside out. So we need to feed it secrets slowly so it grows inside you at controlled rate. And, if we feed it the right ones. It will grow fruit and flowers.”

“Inside my body?”

“Technically inside your soul ocean. Look, it already started when I told you about the witch trials.” Shadow said gesturing to somewhere behind me. Sure enough I noticed a section of the blue void had created a solid platform and I could see vines creeping along the surface and creating roots. It was a little strange, but also kind of beautiful.

“Welcome to your new soul garden my friend.” Shadow said whispering in my ear. “So do we have a deal?”

I turned to face them and without even thinking about it I plunged my hand into my chest and pulled a small mote of flame out holding it in my hand. Shadow marveled at it as I threw it into the air like I was feeding a dog a treat. They leaped into the air and devoured it whole. I saw it briefly as it was smothered by shadow’s dark smoke form. I felt a coldness creep into a spot in my chest.

“It’s a Deal.”