I mentally thought about pulling the card out and it appeared in my right hand.

“So I mentioned the colour of your soul ocean right?” The Guide asked. I nodded showing I understood. “Okay, so this card, while also being what houses The Quartermaster System™ it’s also your ranking in the school.” The guide reached forward and swiped up on the card and several different copies of the card spun out of it. Each one was a different colour. They all lined up in a row from the black one I held to another at the end that shone in a solid gold.

“Your card will rank up as you complete classes and quests. It will rank up separate from your Job or Level. Each colour of card consists of 7 ranks, From the lowest rank of F to the final rank of S. Once you reach S rank on your current colour you’ll be assigned an advancement exam by the Quartermaster. Different ranks offer different benefits and features. You’ll discover them over time as you progress. Currently you’ve not been assigned any rank. Your first task once you wake up, will be the entrance exam. How well you perform in that will determine your starter ranking. I’m limited in what I can say about it, but I can give advice based on your personal situation. Don’t hold back. You need to be aiming for any lettered Iron rank, that will give you access to your skill section. The professors will get the most influence to what rank you’ll get, but after that it’s up to the Quartermaster system’s discretion. The higher you get your rank straight away the less exams you’ll need from the Quartermaster, so aim high. Understand?” The Guide said in a serious tone.

“Got it.” I said. Honestly I wasn’t planning on holding back much anyway. If The Guide was telling me to let loose, I was going to aim for the moon.

“Okay, there’s one final thing I get to introduce to you now.” The Guide did another flourish with their hand and a small book appeared. “So, this is me.” The Guide said as it reached out to hand me the book.

“What?” I was utterly confused.

“It’s why I’m called The Guide.” It laughed. “When you wake up you’ll find this book sitting somewhere nearby. That’s how I was able to access your soul ocean and give you your first lesson. So make sure you keep me in your inventory.” I mentally examined the book before I picked it up.

- 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.

Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

+1 to all stats

+10% Spell Casting speed

+ Access to the Library of the Magi

“If you ever have any questions about anything you see during your studies you can equip me as a weapon and you can easily ask. You’ll hear my voice as clear as day in your head. No one else will be able to hear my reply as an added bonus. I’m also a special off-hand that you can equip in one of your quick slots and still receive the full benefits. I’d recommend doing that as soon as you get system access.” The Guide said.

“Understood.” I nodded.

“I’m afraid that’s all I have to teach you at this point. You’ll need to collect more volumes to learn more. Any questions?” The Guide said.

“I have one.” I said.

“Okay. Shoot.” The Guide said.

“Do you have a real name? You’re clearly more than just some book to hand out to every student.” I said. The Guide smiled.

“What makes you believe that?” The Guide asked.

“Why would they go to the effort of setting all this up so we could talk? It would be a lot easier to read about this ourselves or have our professors run us through it.” I said.

“You’re right about that. But your reasoning is flawed a little.” The Guide said.

“How?” I asked.

“The biggest thing you’ll learn about magic is it never takes the easy path. In your books and myths, magic might seem like the easy answer. It’s powerful beyond measure, but it’s also incredibly dangerous in the wrong hands. The system, for all its flaws, creates situations that are designed to push you to be better and test your limits. Nothing here is easy. Everything has to be earned. Remember that in your darkest moments. And don’t forget, you always have a choice, August.” The Guide said and it sent chills down my spine. Suddenly, I had another question.

“Have you ever heard of the Collective?” I asked. The Guide didn’t respond right away and the silence was incredibly tense. I thought for a moment that it had stopped functioning as it hadn’t moved in nearly a minute. Just as I was about to speak it moved close to me.

“Can’t say I have. And I think it’s better if you say the same.” The Guide finally said. The Guide then swiftly tapped the middle of my forehead and my eyes opened and I was staring at a view of the stars again suddenly awake. I rolled over and next to me on the pillow was the exact copy of the book I’d just been holding. I could have sworn I heard a shushing sound coming from it, but when I went to flip it open I couldn’t hear it anymore. I sat up and there was a knock at the door. I heard the muffled voice of Professor Cyrus from behind the door.

“Rise and shine everyone! I hope you had a restful sleep! Gather your things. We’ll be arriving at the station in 20 minutes.” He yelled from in the hallway. “Meet me in the Bar car when you’re ready. There’s breakfast prepared if you’re hungry. See you in few.” I heard a door slide close as it sounded like Cyrus had left. I stood up and realized I was wearing the Pajamas on my bed somehow. I really hoped that was something magical. I noticed a new pile was sitting at the foot of my bed next to the wrapped up gift. It looked to be my new school uniform. It included a dark green blazer, waistcoat, black slacks, a white dress shirt and a green tie. I held them up and they looked to be perfectly sized for me.

I could get used to all these little conveniences.

I turned to the gift that was sitting on my bed. Cyrus had said it was an apology from the hellhound professor, Dos. I untied the bow and opened the box. Inside was small vial of a dark crimson red liquid and something I hadn’t expected. A long metal rod with a handle, a wand.

I smiled as I picked it up and gripped it in my dominant hand.

“Now we’re talking.”