As Jayce crossed the threshold of the castle walls, his eyes were met by the piercing gaze of a soldier adorned in a blue cape, a stark contrast against his bronze armor. The soldier observed the events that had unfolded at the entrance, silently assessing Jayce's actions. With a commanding tone, he beckoned, "Follow me, newbie."
As they ventured away from prying ears, the soldier spoke, his voice laced with a blend of admiration and caution. "That was very nicely done at the entrance. Word of advice, kid. You might be scared, but you have to pretend like you own the place and everyone is lucky to be in your presence. Just like you did with the guards at the entrance. And then maybe people might not try and attack you. It's prison rules here under the Duke. He likes tough, cutthroat people, and any smell of weakness can get you killed by someone that wants to take your place. If someone disrespects you even a little, even by accident, draw your sword and teach them a lesson. If you don't, you won't last very long."
Jayce's brows furrowed in confusion. "Where the hell have I stumbled into?" he questioned, his voice tinged with disbelief.
The soldier chuckled, his laughter a blend of amusement and reassurance. "It's not that bad," he replied, a smile playing on his lips. "The Duke takes care of us and expects us to step up and do our part. Watch this."
With a swift motion, the soldier hazed two guards who failed to salute him as he passed. Their voices addressed him as "Captain," and Jayce took note of the significance of the soldier's blue cape—a symbol of his rank.
Once they were clear of the hapless guards, Jayce voiced his concern. "There are still people outside. Shouldn't you let them in?"
The Captain's response was firm, reflecting the harsh realities of their environment. "If they can't find their way inside, then they don't deserve to be here in the first place."
The soldier's demeanor shifted as he revealed their impending trials. "I will now administer the trials to prove who is and who isn't worthy to join the Order of the Black Phoenix. We here at Hotel Kassadin intend to weed out the weak to make room for the strong. By the end of the week you will either become one of us or die. Are you ready?"
"I was born ready," Jayce replied, summoning his best imitation of a confident man.
The Captain's eyes gleamed with approval. "I like your confidence. If you face your trials and serve the Duke with unwavering loyalty, he will ensure that you get anything you desire. Your name will be etched in the annals of history, and your descendants will never toil again."
"That sounds good. Where do I sign up?" Jayce responded.
"You learn fast," the soldier remarked with a grin. "First, you'll need a proper weapon. That dagger is only fit to kill rats here," he said, gesturing towards the bandit's weapon in Jayce's belt. "Beneath the castle lies the tomb of Leblanc the Warlord. He was buried with his prized collection of weapons, so we use his tomb as an armory. Make your way there and return with a proper weapon. This concludes your orientation at the Order of the Black Phoenix."
The soldier's voice carried a final warning. "Oh, and before I forget, be careful of the Tomb Walkers. Nasty creatures are drawn to ambient magic within the tombs."
Jayce's bravado shone through as he dismissed the threat. "If they don't have the sense to avoid me, then they're as good as dead."
The captain erupted in laughter, his amusement echoing through the castle corridors. "Let's hope you can back up that confidence. I've given this talk to three people already today. You're the fourth."
Jayce's apprehension flickered briefly. "What happened to them?" he inquired, attempting to conceal his fear.
The captain shrugged casually.