Climbing out of bed, I still mulled over the remnants of the lucid-like dream, or possibly even nightmare. Despite the lingering unsettling feeling, I knew it was just a dream though the thoughts of it meaning something deeper or the fact it could be due to the overuse of my ability.
I went about my new morning routine, putting on my suit ready to go to work, feeling the comfortable fabric against my skin. Walking down the stairs to the dining room and kitchen, I noted that Caius still hadn't returned. Where could he be? Not that I cared, of course. It was merely curious confusion that floated through my mind.
With a shrug, I decided to continue with my routine undeterred. I stepped outside and walked through the streets, making my way to the town centre. The early morning sun casting a warm glow over the cold stone, and a gentle breeze carried with it the promise of a new day.
I picked up breakfast from the bakery along with a coffee and finished it up just as I turned onto Argyle Lane to see the Den up ahead. My new routine feeling comfortable and familiar to me as I finally felt as though I had adapted to this new life. Leaving my old routine and habits of my old life behind, and settling into this new environment.
As I approached inside, Lucas was stationed at the lobby desk instead of Jean who I was used to seeing. I guessed that the crew rotated around, taking turns seated at reception. It would be my turn at some point if that was the case.
I waved to Lucas to say good morning but he just gave me a glance and looked back ahead at the door with his arms crossed, leaning back in his chair. As I mostly expected.
I walked past, making my way towards the meeting room. As I pushed open the door, I was met with an unexpected sight. Fleur was engaged in a conversation with Felix. It was surprising to see him here, considering I had only encountered him once before at the library.
Curiosity piqued, I approached the pair, Fleur noticing my presence first. She greeted me with a warm smile. "Good morning, Elias. I was just catching up with Felix here. He has some interesting new information about what's going on around town."
Felix glanced up from the book he was reading, his gaze lingering on me for a moment before he nodded in acknowledgement. His silence seemed to speak volumes, and I couldn't help but wonder what thoughts were hidden behind his piercing eyes.
Before I could inquire further, Darius walked up to us, his presence commanding attention. "Good morning, Elias," he greeted with a nod. "I hope you're feeling well-rested. Alexei left something for you yesterday before he departed for the capital."
My interest piqued, I raised an eyebrow. "Good morning to you too Boss. What did he leave me? Was it the revolver he mentioned?"
"No no, I'm not actually sure what it is. I never went to look for myself," Darius replied. "Although I did manage to issue you one. I've already signed off on it and it's ready for your use.
Darius motioned for me to follow him, and I fell in step beside him as we made our way out of the meeting room and into the familiar corridors of the Den.
We reached a small armoury tucked away behind a reinforced door. Darius unlocked it with a key from his pocket, revealing a collection of firearms neatly organized on racks. The sight sent a shiver down my spine.
Darius approached one particular rack and reached for a polished black revolver. It gleamed under the dim lighting, its handle wrapped in worn leather. He handed it to me, the weight of it settling comfortably in my grip.
"Remember, Elias," Darius cautioned, his voice carrying a note of seriousness. "A firearm is a tool that demands respect and responsibility. It is not to be taken lightly. Take the time to familiarize yourself with it, practice proper handling and maintenance."
I nodded in acknowledgment, fully aware of the responsibility that came with wielding such a weapon. The revolver was more than just a means of self-defence; it was an extension of my abilities, a way for me to arm myself as I was without offensive abilities as an Arcanist.
Cleaning up, Darius continued, "I have a private contract with the owner of a firing range not too far from here. I can arrange for you to have access to it. It's a secluded place, perfect for honing your skills. Just let me know when you want to go, and I'll make the arrangements for you to practice."
Gratitude swelled within me as I accepted the revolver and listened to Darius's guidance. "Thank you, Boss. In fact, would I be able to go today? I would like to get some practice in before I have to go out in the field again."
Darius nodded approvingly. "Of course, Elias. I'll make the necessary arrangements. Just give me a moment."
While Darius took care of the arrangements, I took the opportunity to go check out what Alexei had left me so I made my way to the chemistry room. Alexei had mentioned leaving something for me here, and my curiosity was piqued.
The room was quiet, illuminated only by the soft glow of the lanterns. I approached a table near the back, where a box-like chest awaited my attention. Similar to the one Alexei had me touch yesterday, but much larger.
I hesitated for a moment before reaching out to open the chest. Its lid creaking slightly as I lifted it, revealing its contents. Inside were several new books, their spines pristine and filled with untapped knowledge. My excitement grew as I picked up one of the books and flipped through its pages, eager to delve into its contents.
But there were also a couple of smaller fabric bags tied shut, catching my attention. I carefully put the books back and untied one of the bags, revealing a collection of small blueish orb-like materials. They sparkled faintly under the light, each smaller than a fingernail. Their significance was a mystery to me, but I knew they must be a purpose since Alexei included them.
Another bag contained an orange-tinted dusty powder. Its vibrant hue intrigued me, and I couldn't help but wonder about its purpose. The remaining bags held other various materials, each with its own unique appearance.
A sense of anticipation filled me as I looked back over to the books. I carefully closed the bags and set them aside, and picked up the older-looking book wrapped in a leather cover. Its cover was adorned with intricate patterns and symbols and titled, Language of the Early Arcanists. I knew that studying languages would be essential, but it would require dedicated effort and time.
Putting it back in its cover, I picked up the second book which I noticed had no cover title or inscriptions of the sort. Only small tabs sticking out from the pages. Probably Alexei's doing. With a mixture of curiosity and excitement, I flipped open the book to start reading.
On the tabbed pages, it went briefly into detail about the materials inside the fabric bags. Hollow Marbles—which were the blue orbs—are used to harness small amounts of spatial manipulation power by those who are not able to naturally using their Arcanist abilities, and the orange dust is known as Giant-soil for some strange reason, and it's used for rituals, much like a catalyst material.
Flipping a few more pages into the book, I came across a passage that mentioned higher arcanist tiers. It was an unexpected revelation, as I had assumed such information would be kept closely guarded by something like the Church. Even just the process for me to even be given a title and the abilities as an arcanist was very secret, just knowing this information would make someone rather powerful.
The page detailed the existence of a few Tier 7 arcanist paths, each with their own unique abilities and focus. Tier 7 Visionary, Tier 6 Whisperer of the Mental Pathway, Tier 7 Blinker of the Physical Path, and Tier 7 Warden of the Spiritual Path were each listed, though they didn't mention anything about their abilities or sets of skills they possess.
I couldn't help but feel a twinge of curiosity about Tier 7 Visionary, as it was the next step up from my current Tier 8 Watcher ability. What could it entail? What secrets and insights would it grant me?
I could assume there could be a clue within the very title as my Watcher abilities revolve around watching or observing. Therefore Visionary in that sense would have something to do with visions or a higher form of observing something time-related.
Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice Darius knocking on the door until he entered the room. His presence brought me back to the present.
"Elias, I've taken care of the arrangements. The owner of the firing range is expecting you," Darius informed me, his voice firm but encouraging.
"Thank you, Darius," I replied, snapping the book shut and setting it back on the table.
"Anytime, Elias," Darius said, giving me a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Take all the time you need.
With that, he left me to my preparations. I carefully stored the books and materials Alexei had left me back with all my other things by my uniform, making sure they were safely tucked away. Then, I secured my new gun in the holster that Darius had provided and left the Den, walking the short distance to the firing range around the corner a few blocks away.
The range was tucked away in a secluded area, shielded from prying eyes and distractions. Its entrance was marked by a weathered sign that read "City Arms Firing Range." Pushing open the heavy metal door, I stepped into the foreign environment, the air heavy with the acrid scent of gunpowder. The range was divided into multiple lanes, each equipped with its own targets at specified distances.
The owner, a tall, grizzled man with a serious smile, approached me as I entered. "You must be Elias. Darius told me you'd be coming. Welcome."
"Thank you," I replied.
The owner handed me a box of bullets and showed me to a lane. "Here's your lane. Take your time, and don't hesitate to ask if you need any assistance."
As the owner left me to my practice, I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. I loaded the revolver with the bullets and took aim at the target downrange. My hands were slightly shaky as I held the firearm, but I focused on my visualisation training with Alexei, remembering the importance of concentration and control.
Inhaling slowly, I steadied my grip and gently squeezed the trigger. A loud bang echoed through the range as the bullet found its mark on the target. It was not a perfect shot, but it was a start.
Over the hour, I practised diligently, honing my shooting skills. The repetitive motion of loading, aiming, and firing helped me find a sense of focus and tranquillity. With each shot, I felt more at ease, and the anxiety that had built up within me started to dissipate.
As the sun started to get high in the sky, longer shadows began to form over the range, I took a break to collect my thoughts. I sat down on a nearby bench, my heart rate slowly returning to normal. It was in this moment of solitude that I had the chance to reflect on the whirlwind of events that had transpired.
From my induction as an arcanist to the revelation of higher tiers, my mind was abuzz with possibilities and questions. Tier 7 Visionary intrigued me the most, and I couldn't help but wonder what it entailed. Would it grant me the ability to peer even deeper into the past and future? What was the Tier 6 Whisperer and what about Tier 5, or 4, or higher?
Lost in my thoughts, I held my revolver in my hands. Rubbing my fingers over the polished metal. Curiosity struck me, and I contemplated using my Watcher ability on it. What would the future hold for this weapon? Would I ever have to use it for something more than mere practice?
Deciding to give it a try, I focused my mind, closed my eyes and activated my ability once. I envisioned the revolver in my hands, trying to envision a future where I would be using it for its intended purpose.
I opened my eyes and saw the webbed fractures in my vision, clear as day. The scene resembling a dimly lit, old-fashioned theatre. The lights were low, and the seats were empty, except for a few of my coworkers from the Den next to me as I held my revolver aiming straight ahead at a figure in black. Was this the intended future?