What I’m signing myself up for

I feel that meeting her is going to be important.

“Is she here? I have so much I want to talk to her about!”

“Unfortunately, you just missed her. She left on a mission yesterday.”

“Oh, I see… That’s too bad.”

That really sucks. I was counting on talking with her to see if I could get some things sorted. How different are humans from here and the ones I’m used to?

“Do you know when she’s coming back?”

“Really hard to tell. It could take weeks or months depending on the sightings she took.”

“I see.” It is hard to contain my disappointment, and Tom and Gora clearly notice. I can see I bit I pity in their eyes.

“Don’t look so sad! If you are to join us, you will surely meet her eventually!”

(Right, focus on the objective Aki. Joining the guild is the next step I have to do.)

“Yes. So, could you give me an explanation for what I’m signing myself for?”

“But of course. As a member of the Resting Guild your main objective is to handle the slumberwalkers that appear near towns and settlements.” Tom picks up a scroll, like the one we saw on the hall.

“They townsfolk are constantly observing their surroundings. Seeing the kins that show up, their numbers, their level of aggressiveness. After they record all the information they find it will be useful to us, it is delivered here. These are called sightings.” He hands me the scroll.

“They will work as your mission briefings.”

“Wait, I don’t think I know how to read.”

Except, I do?

Opening the scroll, I can see lots of symbols I never seen before, but I can understand them. I know they are letters, and I know what they sound like.

Come to think of it, I also had no problem understanding everyone I talked to so far.

“One of the many blessings we received from Sonala. To be able to understand one another and express our feelings trough words and writing.”

“Here Akihiko” Gora gets close, touching shoulder to shoulder and starts pointing at the scroll.

“Here’s the town that submit it, here’s the slumberwalker species, here’s the quantities…”

The information inside the scroll is perfectly detailed. This one is about Dire Bats starting to fly around and take shelter on the crevices of the cliffs of a mesa called Ortolana.

“You job is to choose the sightings you feel comfortable with and head out to put the slumberwalker to rest. We have carriages to take you to the towns and cities, and once there you can talk to the guards positioned there to get a better grasp of the situation.” Tom fixes himself in his chair.

“But of course that is not something we can just send anyone out to do. So that’s why we have our selection exam.”

This is what that Salazar guy was talking about. The next one is in one weeks’ time.

“First, we have a test to learn if the applicants have the potential to use blessings and protections. Usually, this is where the biggest culling happens. We get really lucky to have around half a dozen candidates to be able to use them.”

“Next is training. We will teach you how to properly, and safely, use your abilities.” Tom takes a deep breath.

“And finally. The first mission. I won’t lie this is the hardest part. You will be sent on your first sighting in a team of other recruits. Your objective will be to put to rest members of your own kin.”

“Member of our own kin? Why not just any slumberwalker?”

“This is a tough job. But one that must be done, and slaying your own kin will teach you that.” Tom looks beyond sad speaking this.

“When you’re out there, there’s no room for failure, no room for hesitation. If you fail the first mission, it means you don’t have what it takes. Not that it’s a bad thing, is just... this job is not for everyone. Trust me.” Gora says.

“Of course, there’s nothing wrong with that. There’s plenty of other roles here in the guild for those who fail. But if you go out on a sighting, we need to know you’re capable of doing what needs to be done.”

“I think I get it. So, what do I do now?”

“The next selection will be in around one week time. Usually, the new recruits are only allowed in the HQ grounds when taking the potential exam. But you are a special case, so you will be allowed to stay here for the next week in the dormitories.”

“But what if a can’t pass this potential exam?”

“From what Volkan and Gora testified the exam will be merely a formality for you.”

(I hope so.)

“And what can I do during this next week?”

“You’ve recently awaked. I recommend our library. Theres much to learn about our continent. It changed a great deal while you were asleep.”

“I see. I’ll do just that then. Thank you, Mr. Tom, it was a pleasure to meet you.”

“It was all mine. Few have the courage you all have. To be joining the vanguard in this fight against Umbravar is something that not everyone out there can do, even those who wish to. And I’ll forever respect all of you who possess this courage.”

After that we take our leave.

“So, guess that’s it for now.”

“Should I be worried? What if I fail the exam?”

“To be honest the chance is very slim that you fail.”

“Why is that?”

“Because you awakened. It has been 10 years since one so almost everyone that applies nowadays was born in their blessed form. They have to discover from zero the feeling you get when using protections and blessing. But not us, we lived it. Almost everyone one who awakened has the potential.” Gora says “What happens most of the time is people who have awakened to not wish to fight instead choosing to live a peacefully life. But it is said that guild members who have awakened go to become extremely powerful. I can’t tell you from experience since I haven’t reached that stage yet but is what the rumors said.”

“I see.”

Whenever someone from this world talks about the awakening process I never know how to react. I didn’t go through it like them.

“Well let’s change the subject, shall we? You got to meet your new home!”

Gora takes me by the arm and goes on a tour of the facilities of the headquarters.