The guild headquarters

We return to the hall we passed by to get to Tom’s office.

“Officially, this is the information or the quest hall. Over here you can see all the information you need to know before setting off for a sighting. All those binder and pages have information about slumberwalkers, like their behaviors during different aggression levels and the old scroll contain information of completed sightings by other guild members so you can use them as reference.”

Heading outside we reach the main grounds again just as night starts to fall. Lantern like lights start to float around illuminating the entire place.

“This was one of the places where our ancestors first awaken when Lady Sonala interfered. Is like the very place is directly blessed by her. It just makes the night look so beautiful. I almost forget how dangerous it can be.” Gora says while looking at the lights.

The training seems to have stopped and now groups of people are walking around or simply resting on the patches of grass, also looking at the beautiful lights.

Is a little unexpected to see. All these creatures with different appearances, just peacefully taking in the moment.

Once again Gora pulls me, and we head into what looks like the inner part of the HQ.

“You could say that here on the top floor of the outside is all about business. Heading down is where we can rest and take it easy.”

We get to an entrance into the mountain with a staircase that heads down into the core of the mesa. Lots of other members are also heading down now that it is getting dark.

After taking the stairs, the entire underground is completely hollowed, like it was carved out. The high ceilings and what look like windows that peek outside of the cliffside of the mesa are so meticulously sculped that I forget we are technically underground.

(It’s almost like we are at an skyscraper building except that the entrance is from the top floor.)

Everything is well decorated like we are inside a magic academy. With paintings, carpets and even a couple of statues.

After walking a little more, we reach the library.

“This is probably where you spend the next week. Poor you…” Gora looks clearly annoyed.

“Is reading really that bad? The way that Salazar guy referred to you I could have sworn you were amazing both in strength and academically.”

“Definitely not. I did more than enough of studying back in the orphanage. Here is where you are going to learning new things. The history of the world, different ways to use blessings, and a bunch of other things like which plant you can eat. I don’t get the appeal, but some people enjoy it.”

“What about protections? Books only teach you about blessing?”

“Well, blessing have sort of a how to do it, ya'know. Since they are sort of a borrowed power from lady Sonala, anyone can use them if they try hard enough.” She points to all the books around us. “It’s also pretty much unlimited what you can do with it. But it is very tricky to get a feel for it since it is not natural to us. Protection on the other hand is all about suppressing our past natural instincts. Also, the reason why is so easy but also dangerous to let them go wild”

I can see it. Many people here don’t look like physical types or are on the smaller and skinnier side.

Among all the orange and purple, I see a tall woman with white clothes. She’s as tall as Tom which makes her stand out. She’s putting a couple of books away.

Before I can question it Gora once again pulls on me to follow her.

We reach the cafeteria. It is full of long tables and is getting packed with people, but we manage to grab some food and sit down. I’m once again surprised by the taste. You would expect this medieval setting to have dull flavors, but it is quite the contrary.

(There must be some really dedicated cooks here.)

As I eat, I notice I’m really drawing in looks. At first, I think back to what that Salazar guy said. A civilian here must definitely be odd. But deep down I feel that’s not the only reason.

No matter how much I look around I’m truly the odd one out. My lack of features really makes me stand out. I think back on what Volkan said about rarity.

We finish eating and Gora once again pulls me until we reach the end of a corridor. It splits into two sides.

“And we finally reached the end. Past here is the dormitories. Left for the gals, right for the guys. I can’t really go with you to look for a new room but…”

“Oh my, my! We meet again!”

(Oh no…)

As we look back, we can see Salazar rushing over to us.

“We really must be drawn together by fate my friend. Is the only conclusion!”

“Perfect! Salazar could you show Akihiko to a vacant room?”

“Why of course! My Senpai’s order are my command!”

“Is not an order dude… May your dreams be blessed Akihiko, we’ll meet tomorrow on the cafeteria, ok?”

Gora leaves to the woman’s dorm and I’m left with… him.

“Akihiko! A fine name indeed! Do not worry, because I’ll make sure to only go to sleep today after clearly memorizing both your name and face!” Salazar says as he begins to stare right into my soul.

“Thanks… But I would be even more thankful if you could just show me to my room. I’m really tired from all the travelling.”

“But of course! Right this way my tired friend!”

Salazar starts power walking through the corridors.

(I just want to sleep.)

We pass what looks like a common room with some people talking and the bathroom.

“At this time of the night the baths are a little too hot for me, so I like to wait until a little later.”

“Cool…”

(Please just let me lay down).

All the rooms until now seemed to be used until we reach a point where the doors have their keys in the keyholes.

“And here we are! They are all ready in preparation for the new recruits arriving in a week so make yourself at home!”

“Thank you, Salazar, very nice of you…”

“Don’t mention it! I wish a most pleasant night of sleep and may your dreams be blessed of course, and make sure to stretch before going to sleep, it increases blood flow which allows you to relax and…”

“Thanks, good night, have a nice bath.” I say as I slam the door in his face.

I let out a deep sigh of exhaustion.

Looking around is a compact room. A single bed with a small hook on the side wall. A wardrobe with a few changes of orange and purple clothes and coats. And a desk with the same sun with a moon inside that the Church used.

On the side opposite to the door is a window that’s carved into the cliffside of the mesa. It’s almost like I’m on an apartment. Looking outside the view is clear thanks to the bright moonlight and the stars. It’s been so long since I had such a clear view of the night sky.

So much happened in so little time. The start wasn’t ideal, but I made a lot of progress.

One week until the exam. The excitement I feel makes me smile from ear to ear. But the tiredness is really hitting me.

I lay on top of the bed and my eyes glue shut, as I fall asleep. The fastest I ever had.

In the darkness of my sleep I suddenly see hundreds of lights circling around me. They bunch together forming the shape of a figure and a familiar voice talks to me.

“I’m glad you’re finally here.”

(Me too, after all you owe me a better explanation. Right, Sonala?)