CHAPTER 63: THE APPRENTICE

Soren woke up with a deep yawn. He had no idea what time it was—there was no way to tell while being deep underground, but he felt like he had slept well enough. Even though he missed the luxurious rooms he slept in back in Yadria, the one offered to him by Star Fate Guild wasn’t completely uncomfortable either. The lonely and silent corridors made sleep come much faster for him for whatever reason.

After heading to the bathroom to take a much needed shower which was surprisingly close to where his room was, Soren changed his clothes from what he found in his dresser. It was oddly hilarious when he first discovered them—something told him Myrin was probably behind it.

Black checkered mage robe, mage hat, and black trousers as well as new oxford shoes to fit the bill. At the top of the stack, a paper note was left for him to read:

“Consider this a gift from your senior!”

Soren smiled as he donned the new outfit. It somehow fit him perfectly. Did that bastard take my measurements while I was asleep, he thought.

Picking up the books Sienna had given him alongside his own Soul Weapon, Soren strode outside toward the lounge area. He didn’t need to walk far to reach it. He announced his arrival with a knock and entered inside. Myrin, Cassia and Tina were sitting on the stools at the minibar manned by Joyce. Myrin turned around to face him and smiled.

“Aha, you arrived right on time, friend.” He said with a whistle, admiring his new outfit.

Tina chuckled, “I was about to drag you out of bed myself if you didn’t come.”

Soren walked up to the minibar and sat next to Cassia who was enjoying a glass of milk. “I guess I’m lucky then. Do you guys not have something to set the time?”

Myrin smirked, “Nay, I let my body wake me up.”

So he’s just as hopeless as I am, Soren thought.

Cassia clicked her tongue, “I'll get you a Timekeeper Orb. I don’t want to deal with another lazy idiot…”

Joyce handed him a plate of what she called Ironbrew Stew. A meal that supposedly originates from the Eclipse Moor. To say it was delicious was an understatement. He glanced up at her and smiled,

“Thank you for the meal.”

Joyce smiled back, “Take your time. You’ll be officially starting your work with us today with Nicholas. He’ll be coming here in a bit to fetch you.”

“Nicholas?” He remembered it was the tan-skinned silver-haired gentlemen he had seen the night before.

Cassia nodded in response, “Our mistress is in charge of this library, remember? We don’t just explore dungeons and go on dangerous missions. Most of our time is spent tending to this library. Nicholas is a librarian and historian here. He’ll be teaching you how to sort books.”

A day job, Huh. He smiled. “Understood. Do I get paid for this by the way?”

Myrin glanced at him, “I forgot to mention that! We need you to sign an accord with us at the nearby Brilliant World Church later.”

“An accord?” The words made him remember what happened yesterday.

Tina nodded while taking a sip of her drink, “Yes, it will be a contract that will outline your employment with us. We will present it before the Gold-Giver as a witness to our commitments.”

I guess it’s different then, he thought. “Interesting… If only such a mechanism existed back on Earth.”

Cassia glanced at him curiously, “Your world had no deities to sanctify and bind agreements with Their divine presence?”

Soren shook his head, “I doubt we even had deities to begin with. I don’t recall any of my prayers even being heard,” he chuckled.

They all glanced at each other and frowned. “That’s impossible…” Cassia said.

Sensing the mood, Soren corrected, “Maybe gods did exist, but they never replied to me personally. I guess I might have been that much of a sinner to them?” He laughed dryly but no one followed up on the joke.

The awkwardness lingered in the air for the rest of the meal before the door to the lounge flung open. Nicholas had arrived.

“Soren Andersen, right?” He glanced at him directly. “I didn’t properly introduce myself last night. Nicholas Silvers at your service.” He bowed with his top hat pressed against his chest.

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Soren nodded at him from the stool, “Likewise.”

“I figure they already told you about your new role?” He asked.

“Yes, do I need to agree to the accord now?”

Nicholas nodded, “Yes, I'll lead the way.” He then glanced at Cassia who was finishing the rest of the milk in her glass. “You’ll be needing to come with us as well.”

“Huh?!” She shifted around with an annoyed expression. “Why do I need to come also?”

“The mistress wants you to take Soren to a nearby magus shop. He needs a Spellfocus.” He answered.

She clicked her tongue and got off the stool. “Let’s go then,” she commanded Soren impatiently.

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Soren was once again out on the busy streets. The library was only a block behind him, but his eyes were now laser focused on the distant Celestine Citadel he had emerged from yesterday. He was a fool not to glance back at its magnificence.

From what he understood, this entire city was placed on a mountain, all of which were sloped upward toward the peak of the citadel. He was only able to make this connection when he viewed the Avalon Ruins he had seen from the cliffside terrace that Sienna had shown him. The streets Myrin had taken him through when they first arrived made it seem like the city was on a flat surface.

Aside from that, the street vendors were a hundred times busier this time than when he first arrived. Countless exotic foods, interesting music, performances and arts were on full display across the different plazas. The hubbub was nauseating—he would have gotten lost if not for Nicholas who’s top hat was taller than the crowd was. Cassia was at an even worse disadvantage, until she got annoyed and unfurled her dragon-like wings. Even now, seeing her fly slowly above the crowd was hard to get used to—he didn’t know the Drakar had such an ability.

“We’re almost there,” Nicholas said, pointing toward a large, marble-white cathedral. They navigated through the busy crowd—Soren decided to ask,

“I’ve always wondered… Myrin made it seem normal for anyone to enter the church to allow the Gold-Giver to grace their agreement with His presence, but doesn’t Myrin worship The Flower Maiden?”

Nicholas nodded, “The six orthodox deities may have some differences, but their believers tend to accept one-another… For the most part. It is fairly common for believers of a different orthodox religion to interact and even take part in some traditions and rituals pertaining to other deities. You’ll see this in full display during the Greenfather Festival a month from now.”

Soren nodded in silence. They strode past the crowded streets and made their way toward the Cathedral. Now that he was looking at it closer, it was very detailed. Ornate golden decorations lined every wall, pillar, and tile. It was extremely lavish. They don’t call him the Gold-Giver for no reason, he guessed.

They waited in line for a while before entering inside. Almost immediately, the smell of incense invaded his nostrils. Visually, however, it was just as stunning. Finely decorated glass panes dyed in countless colors cast their reflections across the floor. At the very back of the cathedral, a large platform was placed with a golden scale that levitated on its own.

Ignoring his shock, Nicholas strode in front of him and greeted the finely-robed priest standing before them. He was an old man with innocent eyes, fidgeting with a golden prayer bead in his hands.

“Father Rumis,” Nicholas said. “We are here in hopes of obtaining the approval of the Gold-Giver to grace the arrival of our new member.”

The old man smiled. “I see, I see… Come with me.”

Cassia and Soren followed behind Nicholas to the large stone platform. Soren’s eyes trailed up at the grand golden scale. A golden aura was laced over it, making it seem even more mysterious. He pondered whether he should try using [Eyes of the Fairy] but decided to hold off on that thought—there was no telling if it would offend the church or not.

“Place your hands on the altar,” the husky voice emerged from the old priest.

Soren glanced down at the platform—two stone altars, one to the right and left, were carved out directly below the golden scale. Glancing at Nicholas who gave him an approving nod, Soren reached out and placed his palm on the altar. Nicholas also followed through with the priest’s demands.

“Now the party that will outline the terms of the accord shall speak their intent.” The priest voiced.

Nicholas stared up at the holy scale and closed his eyes in prayer.

“He who weighs the scales,

“He who grants and takes wealth,

“The ruler of Prosperity and Brilliance,

“I beseech you, Gold-Giver,

“Sanctify this accord: Soren may join Star Fate Guild as an official member, receiving 500 Lorins each month as base pay, with additional rewards for mission contributions. He shall share the duty of manning the library with, I, Nicholas and my wife, Candice, on behalf of Mistress Sienna. The guild will provide him with shelter and sustenance in return. These terms will last for one year and one year only. Judge it just and bind it true.”

The moment the declaration ended, movements began to appear within the scale. Sometimes the weight shifted from one side, at other moments, it shifted to the other. The priest glanced at Soren who was still reeling from the experience.

“Young man, do you accept this accord?”

Although he didn’t know what 500 Lorins meant for him financially, he didn’t really care. In his mind, he was still benefiting more than they were. Not having to care for food or shelter while he trains his abilities as a magi were already good enough terms for him. As for manning the library, he didn’t mind it. It will give him countless opportunities to find things to add to his Soul Weapon.

He smiled, “I accept these terms.”

The golden scale shifted, evening out on either end of its weights. “The Gold-Giver has witnessed this accord and given His blessing. May wealth shine upon you all eternally.” The priest said solemnly.

Cassia tapped his shoulder smugly, “Welcome to our guild, junior apprentice.”