The three Vice Guild Masters of the major guilds argued, teetering on the edge of an all out brawl. Meanwhile, their disciples focused on their counterparts and scrutinized their rivals. Everyone except for Luke, that is. He was excitedly chatting up a storm with Liam.
“Did you hear what Vice Guild Master Hansel said just now?! You’re part of the Adonis Guild, Liam! We can climb the Tower together now!”
Liam doubted it. “I think the Vice Guild Master was only saying so out of anger. Let’s not get our hopes up. I’ll be ok. I’ll figure it out.”
Luke slapped Liam’s back, upset at his negative rebuttal. “Don’t say that! A real man doesn’t go back on his words. I’ll make him keep his promise!”
Liam didn’t want to cause any trouble for Luke and responded, “you’re being rash. He didn’t promise anything. I’m already very thankful for you and the Adonis guild helping me. This is more than enough.”
A familiar blonde lady next to Reld chided in between their conversation. “Ha. You got more than any lowly Dysfunctional deserves! I didn’t know the Adonis Guild was so charitable. They’ll lose their spot as one of the major guilds at this rate. A pathetic guild recruiting pathetic climbers.”
She glanced over to Darrel and continued her beratement. “I can’t believe you took their offer, Darrel. And now you’re hanging around the bunch of peasants too?! You’re a disappointment. No wonder you clumped together. At least all of our old friends will get a good laugh from your farce.”
The three from the Adonis Guild scowled at their old classmate, Liza. Her beautiful looks hid her rotten personality.
Darrel solemnly looked at Liza and replied to her accusations. “My father approves of my decision. That is all that matters. You used to be more intelligent than this, but I guess you can’t judge a book by its cover.”
Luke was quick to find a new nemesis to be at odds with, now that Darrel was in a complicated relation with him and Liam. “Oh. Talking about covers are we? Then we should talk about the fake saint blabbering bullshit over there. No longer hiding your spoiled personality behind that pretty face of yours now, huh?”
Liza stared furiously at Luke.
Luke laughed. “Stop checking me out. I don’t like fakes!” He pointed at Liza and continued to laugh. “How befitting! Your mentor took on a disciple exactly like her. Your charming facade can’t hide the wretched banshee inside.”
Hansel came to Luke’s side and laughed at his comment. “Hahaha! You sure know what you’re talking about, my young disciple! Don’t be like me and fall for the beautiful exterior! You’ll regret it!”
Mia screamed at Hansel, and her eyes glared daggers trying to stab the mocking man. “I’m beautiful inside and out! We’ll show the world Fortuna is the best guild in the upcoming kingdom competition! Let’s go! We’re not going to stoop to the level of a poor and feeble guild!”
Reld gave a condensing look at Luke. “You’ve gone backwards, Luke. Don’t come crying to me when you realize your mistake. I warned you before to stay away from Dysfunctionals. What good does he serve you? Nothing. He’s nothing but a burden. And now everyone looks down at the Adonis Guild. Your stubbornness will be your demise.”
The members of the Fortuna Guild haughtily turned around and climbed up to the fifth floor of the Tower. Vice Guild Master Antwon of the Polaris Guild hesitantly looked at Liam. Not all people hated Dysfunctionals. Antwon knew as he had a Dysfunctional part of his guild as well. He didn’t comment about Liam, only focusing on their tasks.
“See you later, Hansel. We’re taking our leave first.”
Hansel nodded. He was on decent terms with the Polaris guild. His group watched as they ascended to the next floor.
Once they all left, Luke turned to Hansel and immediately pestered him about what he said. “So Liam’s a part of the Adonis Guild now, right?! That’s what you said! You can’t lie! I’ll tell the Guild Master if you take it back! I’ll tell the whole kingdom!”
Hansel was irked with Luke, and he took his head and Liam’s head and smashed them together.
Liam rubbed his forehead, feeling wronged by Hansel. “Why’d you do that?! I didn’t do anything?! Is this how you treat nonmembers?!”
Hansel smirked. “Well then, you're now a new member.”
Luke jumped up and down in excitement on Liam. “Did you hear that?! I told you it would happen! You wouldn’t believe me! See!!!”
Liam looked at Hansel dumbfounded. “You’re joking right? Did you do so because of what you said to the Fortuna guild?”
“Brat! This and that are two different matters. I said that, but I already planned for you to join. You work well with the other two disciples. I will notify the guild when we return, so stop hesitating. Welcome to Adonis! I’m going to work you to the bone! Prepare yourself, young Liam!”
Liam noticed Hansel stopped calling him, ‘Dysfunctional.’ He realized he was finally recognized. The last piece of doubt holding him back disappeared, and he felt himself growing more comfortable with his comrades. His long lost self-esteem was slowly coming back. He rebuilt his broken confidence piece by piece.
Hansel smiled and looked at the three. “Alright, you bunch of arguing newbies! It’s finally time to get your second summon! Go on! Climb the stairs to acquire the next part of your destiny!”
The three rushed forward. They pushed and shoved each other as they raced up the small steps.
Hansel’s grin slowly faded and waited before the trio disappeared before saying, “get something good, young disciples. We’re going to need all the firepower we can get.”
The trio rushed out the stairs and into a half circular room designed like a large lecture hall. They stood at the top of the room and looked down towards the bottom. Empty rows cascaded down to a flat platform. At the base of the platform stood Antwon and Mia, talking to the large statue of Lady Gwendell.
Hansel soon walked out from the stairs and questioned his three disciples. “Why aren’t you guys going?” He looked down, following the path of their stares. He assumed they couldn’t take their eyes off the statue of the beautiful lady. “Lady Gwendell is sexy, but staring at a beautiful woman too long will only make you look like creepy perverts.”
Darrel huffed at Hansel’s joke. Liam looked away, while Luke rushed down the cascades of row-like stairs. He bent on one knee and greeted the moving statue. “We meet again, my lady!”
Lady Gwendell’s charming laugh echoed sweetly in the air. “I remember you, young climber. Luke was it? I shall never forget you.”
The two Vice Guild Masters were unsure whether to scold or applaud Luke’s display. Hansel chuckled as he came down, and the remaining two followed.
Hansel bowed and greeted Lady Gwendell. “Greetings, my Lady. Please do not be offended by my new rambunctious disciple.”
The statue smiled and responded, “not at all. I rather enjoy his company. Are the two behind you also your disciples, Mr. Hansel?”
“Yes, my lady.”
“Hmmm…” Lady Gwendell looked at Darrel, but she stopped a bit too long on Liam.
“Is there a problem, Lady Gwendell?” Hansel worriedly asked.
“Oh. Nothing at all. I was merely lost in thoughts. Worry not.”
Lady Gwendell’s reaction didn’t affect the three disciples, but all the Vice Guild Masters knew better. There was something that drew Lady Gwendell’s interest. They made note and planned to report it back to their respective guilds.
She looked at the three Vice Guild Masters and commented. “You all have an interesting batch of recruits this year. I look forward to how they all turn out. Train them well.”
Lady Gwendell turned and looked at the three, speaking in a heavenly voice. “Your fellow peers have all begun their trials for their second summon. The second trial can be different, or may be the same. It depends on your luck, and the entity you are attempting to contract with. Make sure you have everything you want to offer prepared. Are you all ready?”
The three searched their bags and confirmed. Lady Gwendell snapped her fingers, and the three disappeared to take their trials.
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The other two Vice Guild Masters looked at Hansel, wanting to know the relation between Liam and Lady Gwendell.
“What? Why are you two staring at me?”
“Nothing.” Antwon replied.
However, Mia wanted more answers. “What’s going on, Hansel? You’re up to something. I know it.”
“I have no idea what you're talking about. Stop acting so familiar with me, I’m getting chills.” Hansel honestly didn’t know about all that went on in Lady Gwendell’s head. However, he knew it had to do with Luke though.
Mia exploded and the two began berating each other. Antwon sighed, turning his head up to apologize to Lady Gwendell. “I’m sorry my Lady, that you have to witness the unsightly buffoonery before you.”
However, Lady Gwendell was not paying any attention and opened her eyes. “Oh! What was that?” She glanced and saw Hansel and Mia bickering. “Oh, those two. I don’t mind. I understand. I’ll be busy for a little while. I apologize if I miss what you say.”
She quickly closed her eyes again, focusing on something Antwon couldn’t see. He was curious as to what she observed so intently.
Unbeknownst to the Vice Guild Masters, Lady Gwendell watched Liam with keen unblinking eyes. She did not want to miss a single detail of his trial.
Liam appeared in the familiar darkness and stood up easier than last time. He noticed, unlike last time, the darkness gradually lightened from a dim glow, emanating from above where he stood. The silence was broken by a familiar, deep and loud, bellowing laugh.
“HAHAHA!!! WELCOME BACK, LITTLE MINION OF THE TOWERS!!!
A heavy pressure pushed down on Liam’s shoulders. He resisted and continued standing.
Due to the dim light, Liam could partially see the mysterious giant being, towering over him. He was a bipedal humanoid, robed in an odd dark mist. Liam tried to see his face, but it was too high up to make out any features.
Liam spoke to Ordinance. “Can you analyze the entity?”
Ordinance quickly responded, “I currently advise not to, master. I doubt information will be displayed, and doing so might agitate the being.”
Liam sweated. He didn’t want to draw the colossal entity’s ire. But he took the initiative to speak and respond. “Yes. I have returned. I do not know how to address you. By what name should I call you?”
“SLIGHTLY LESS COWARDLY. AN IMPROVEMENT. YOU DON’T DESERVE TO KNOW MY NAME, BUT SINCE YOU…WAIT, YOUNG ONE. WE HAVE AN ANNOYING EAVESDROPPER.”
A deafening boom blasted the area. Liam collapsed to his knees, covering his ears.
“THERE. NOW WHERE WERE WE?” Noticing Liam on the ground, he sighed and waited for Liam to collect himself. “CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?!”
Liam felt his soul palace shaking, and nodded his head at the being’s question.
“FINALLY. I FORGET HOW FRAGILE LOWER BEINGS ARE. DAMN TOWER SEPHARATH INTERFERED WITH OUR CONVERSATION, BUT WE CAN NOW SPEAK FREELY. SHE WON’T DARE TRY TO OFFEND ME AGAIN.”
Liam was shocked Lady Gwendell hid and listened in on him. However, he was more afraid of what the entity would do when offended.
“NOW THEN. BACK TO YOUR QUESTION. SINCE YOU WILL BE CONTRACTING SOMETHING FROM ME, YOU WILL BE GRACED KNOWING MY NAME! I AM PART OF THE BEGINNING AND WILL BE HERE BEYOND THE END. I AM LODROS! RULER OF TWILIGHT!”
“Ruler of Twilight?”
“ALL OF THE SUPREME BEINGS ARE RULERS OVER THEIR ELEMENT OR ELEMENTS. I RULE OVER THE MESH OF LIGHT AND DARK. THE MIDDLE GROUND BETWEEN THE TWO. I AM THE LIGHT AND YET ALSO THE DARK. DO NOT CONFUSE ME FOR THE OTHER TWO CONFOUNDED RULERS, CELEST OF THE LIGHT AND DAARD OF THE DARKNESS!”
Liam shuddered at the entity's raised voice.
“YOU’VE COME TO REQUEST A CONTRACT FROM ME, CORRECT? GIVE ME WHAT I HAVE ASKED FOR, AND I SHALL BESTOW UPON YOU ONE OF MY OWN!”
Liam took off his backpack and scrounged for the tokens of the tower and dungeon. He held up the two tokens to Lodros.
“YES. THIS WILL DO! USUALLY I WOULD REQUIRE CONTRACTORS TAKE A TRIAL FOR THE FIFTH FLOOR, HOWEVER, SINCE THIS WILL BE YOUR FIRST CONTRACT FROM ME, I WILL MAKE AN EXCEPTION. NOW SHOW ME THE SOUL HOUSE THAT MY FOLLOWER SHALL BE RETAINED IN!”
Liam gulped. He hoped that his hasty efforts would be enough to hold a being from Lodros. Liam paused, unsure how to show his soul house.
“Um…How do I show it to you, Lodros?”
“IT'S LORD LODROS TO YOU! …I FORGET YOUR STILL GREEN, YOUNG TOWER MINION. I WILL LOOK MYSELF. DO NOT RESIST ME.”
Ordinance alerted Liam, “Master! Giving access to your soul palace will allow Lodros to see all your memories! He will know all you know! He may even know more!”
“Wait! Is there another way, Lord Lodros?” Liam said, stopping Ledros from entering his soul palace.
Lodros grumbled. “SINCE YOU CANNOT SHOW ME, NOR WILL YOU LET ME SEE INSIDE, THEN OUR DEAL IS OFF!”
“Wait!” Liam spoke to Ordinance. “Is there any other way?”
Ordinace replied, “not currently, master. He wouldn’t be able to see my data, but he will be able to see all of your memories. You must make the decision, master.”
Liam paused and debated, but Lodros wasn’t having it. “CHOOSE NOW! TAKE MY OFFER OR NOT!”
Liam gave in. His choices were limited. He didn’t have much to hide from a supreme entity anyway. At least that’s what he thought. “I agree with your terms.”
“HAHAHA! I KNEW YOU WOULD! NOW, DO NOT RESIST ME.”
Liam felt a pressure lift from his body. Liam relaxed, but he did so too early. All of the pressure was redirected above his head. It stabbed down like a blade, deep into his soul palace.
Laim screamed and collapsed on the floor.
Ordinance shouted out at Lodros. “DO NOT GO TOO FAR, LODROS! I MAY BE POWERLESS AGAINST YOU NOW, BUT NEVER FORGET WHO I AM!”
“I AM NOT AFRAID OF YOU, NON-CREATION. HOWEVER, I AM NO FOOL, ORDINANCE. I ONLY WANT TO SATIATE MY CURIOSITY. YOUR LUCKY MASTER WILL NOT BE HARMED.”
Lodros first peered into Liam’s soul palace and saw Liam’s two soul houses.
“WHAT IS THIS, ORDINANCE?! YOU CALL THIS A SOUL HOUSE? HOW WILL ANYTHING FIT THERE? THE SECOND SOUL HOUSE IS NOT EVEN HALF THE SIZE OF THE PRIMAL! DID YOU NOT CARE?”
“Lodros, you would do well if you learned how to reduce the volume of your voice. You literally shook my master’s soul palace. And of course I care! His well-being is my well-being! That’s all he could do given his actions and limitations.”
“OH, HOW THE MIGHTY HAVE FALLEN. THERE’S NOTHING I CAN GIVE HIM. NONE OF MY FOLLOWERS WOULD BE ABLE TO STAY IN SUCH A CRAMPED SPACE.”
Unable to do more, Lodros went through Liam’s memories. “HMMM… FOOLISH… OH… INTERESTING… VERY INTERESTING…”
“Stop immediately. You’re going too far!”
“I AM VERY CURIOUS. YOU SHOULD HAVE ALREADY SEEN WHAT I SAW. DID YOU NOT KNOW?”
“Know what?”
“HOW RIDICULOUS! ORDINANCE, I SHALL GIVE YOU A HINT: THE CORRUPTED. YOU NEED TO RECOVER YOUR DAMAGED MEMORIES.”
“You could have just told me everything!”
“FOR WHAT? YOU HAVE NOTHING LEFT TO EXCHANGE WITH ME. I DON’T RUN A CHARITY. A PRICE MUST BE PAID! BESIDES IT’S MORE INTERESTING THIS WAY. HAHAHA!”
Ordinance went silent. He traded everything away long ago and went dormant. He was on the brink of fading into nothing, and Liam had saved him by contracting him.
Lodros gave Ordinance some hope. “ALTHOUGH NONE OF MY FOLLOWERS WOULD BE ABLE TO FULFILL MY DEAL WITH YOUR LITTLE MASTER, I DO HAVE AN ALTERNATIVE AFTER SEEING MORE. WE SHALL SEE IF HE DECIDES TO TAKE THE OFFER.”
Lodros withdrew his soul energy from Liam’s soul palace. “NOW AWAKEN, MINION OF THE TOWER.”
Liam awakened with his face on the cold hard ground. He groggily pushed himself up and sat upright. His head pulsed with pain. He felt like he had been slammed head first into a mountain.
“What happened?” Liam asked.
Ordinance replied with concern, “Master! Are you alright?! You knocked out and collapsed.”
“My head feels like it’s going to explode, but I think I’ll be okay.” Liam responded.
“NO, YOUNG TOWER MINION. YOU WILL NOT BE OKAY.
YOUR SECOND SOUL PALACE IS INADEQUATE FOR A REGULAR AVERAGE BEING.”
Liam's heart dropped. Ledoros shattered his hopeful future. “Are you saying that I can’t contract a summon?”
“YOUR SOUL HOUSE IS UNABLE TO CONTRACT ANY OF MY FOLLOWERS. TO CONTRACT A BEING FROM ME REQUIRES A MINIMAL SOUL HOUSE DOUBLE THE SIZE OF YOUR PRIMAL. YOU CANNOT FULFILL THE CONDITION.
TELL ME, WHAT WILL YOU DO NOW?”
Liam paused to think over Ledros’s question before replying. “I don’t know yet. Maybe I overstepped my capabilities, but I need to overcome my obstacles to reach my goals. There’s no going back! Only forward! I will achieve it somehow!”
“HAHAHAHA!!! AH!!! HAHHAHAHAHA!!!”
The deep laughs made Liam flinch. He didn’t think his response was funny enough to make Ledros laugh.
“YES! THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED TO HEAR! YOU WILL NEED THAT RESOLVE TO OVERCOME WHAT IS TO COME! YOU WILL NEED TO DEFY THE IMPOSSIBLE!”
Lodros continued with a solemn voice.
“I HAVE AN ANSWER TO YOUR LITTLE PREDICAMENT.
THE QUESTION IS: CAN YOU HANDLE ALL THAT COMES WITH IT?
I WILL TAKE THE TOKENS AS PAYMENT AND EVEN GIVE YOU MORE CHANCES TO CONTRACT YOUR FUTURE SUMMONS FROM ME.
DO YOU WANT MY SOLUTION?”
“What is your solution?” Liam vigilantly asked.
Ledros dropped something high from above. The object hit the ground, making an echoing metallic noise. Liam caught sight of it. The small metallic machine-like sphere bounced off the ground and rolled towards Liam.
“MASTER! DANGER! RUN AWAY, NOW!!!” Ordinance immediately yelled in Liam’s head.