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Chapter 100 - Deviation

While Aulus muttered to himself, he subconsciously shot a glance to his left, seemingly speaking to someone or something.

 His eyes seemed to fixate on an empty space beside him, and his expression shifted into one of deep contemplation.

His gaze darted back and forth, as though he were engaged in a silent dialogue with an unseen presence.

Marcellus couldn't perceive anything out of the ordinary. He watched Aulus with growing confusion, wondering what had prompted this sudden change in the old man's demeanour.

It was as if Aulus was communing with something invisible, and Marcellus found himself on the periphery of a mysterious exchange, unable to grasp its full meaning.

The old man's actions seemed mysterious, yet Marcellus was left in the dark, unaware of the inquiries taking place beside him.

As Aulus continued to silently interact with the unseen presence, Marcellus couldn't contain his curiosity any longer.

"Aulus," he whispered a little creeped out, "what are you doing? Is something wrong?"

Aulus turned back to Marcellus, his eyes refocusing on the young man. He appeared slightly perplexed for a moment.

"It's nothing, Perhaps, it just shares a root word," Aulus replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "I was just trying to...recall something. But it seems I can't quite grasp it at the moment."

Marcellus furrowed his brow, still puzzled by Aulus' behaviour. "Recall something? Is it related to the Fontenot Diary?"

Aulus nodded slowly. "Yes, it might be. There's a missing piece of the puzzle, something I can't quite remember. But don't worry, it's not essential to your situation."

Marcellus wasn't entirely convinced but decided not to press further. He couldn't shake the feeling that something else was in the room with them.

Marcellus was rather disappointed with the outcome, and he could not help but change the direction of the conversation after a dead end.

"Why didn't you tell Finn about the perils of becoming an Aspirant?"

Aulus responded with a question of his own, "Do you think he would have reconsidered if I had told him?"

Marcellus raised an eyebrow. "Don't answer a question with a question."

Aulus sighed and continued, "The most basic challenge to become an Aspirant is to pass some basic tests with the church. Some of these tests are determined by birth."

"For instance, to become a Warrior in the Church of Combat, you have to have a natural proficiency in any weapon. However, this only applies to outsiders. Learning specific skills does not enhance your progress or make you less than."

"In some cases taking a potion before actually accelerates your learning curve. For example, a Warrior can attain natural proficiency in a weapon of their choice in less than a month. But for a mundane human, even a talented one, it might take a year. If they aren't so talented, it could be four to seven years."

"Do you think that makes sense?"

Aulus' explanation gave Marcellus some food for thought. He leaned back, contemplating the information he had just received.

"It does make sense in a way," Marcellus finally replied, his brow furrowing as he processed the details. "If they want to ensure that only the most talented and dedicated individuals become Aspirants, then having a rigorous test like that could be a way to filter out the less qualified. But it also seems like a system that can be quite intolerant for those who are determined but lack the natural talent."

Aulus nodded in agreement. "Indeed, the system has its flaws, but it has been in place for a long time. The churches believe it's necessary to maintain the purity of the Aspirants. After all, these are individuals who wield considerable power and influence."

Aulus leaned forward, his weary eyes focused as he continued, "The second challenge lies in everything, Blackeye. Aspirants die all the time from random strokes of misfortune. They might have a confrontation with someone they don't like, or something that doesn't like them might kill them. It cannot be said to be a situation unique to Aspirants."

Marcellus felt a shiver run down his spine at Aulus's words. He remembered the stories he had heard from Edwin about Aspirants losing control of their powers or Sacrificing themselves. It was a perilous path, one filled with uncertainty.

"Around four days ago, not far from here," Aulus continued, "seven men were brutally killed Mysteriously, this could be how Aspirants die."

Marcellus reflexively shifted in his seat, his unease growing. Those seven men sounded familiar.

"The third obstacle is the risk of straying from one's chosen path as an Aspirant. It's a precarious balance between mind, heart, and body that must be upheld. Just as the sane can turn irrational, deviation can erode one's sense of self, becoming tainted with delirium, contorting one's nature and propelling them towards self-destruction"

Marcellus couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He knew that Finn was determined to become an Aspirant.

I hope Finn knows what he's getting into, Marcellus murmured, more to himself than to Finn.

"Back in my hometown, I was once caught up in a dream-like ritual..." Marcellus began, recounting the strange experience. He kept his description succinct, summarizing the key points, and then asked, "Will such a ritual influence me? Will I suddenly sacrifice myself to the one who set it up?"

Aulus replied thoughtfully, "I cannot be certain that you won't be driven to harm yourself, but from what you've told me, it's more likely that someone will attempt to exert influence over you."

Marcellus frowned, seeking clarification. "What does that mean exactly?"

Aulus' old eyes fixed on Marcellus. "Dream-like rituals can be a conduit for outside parties to reach into your mind, manipulating your thoughts and emotions. It's not uncommon for those who orchestrate such rituals to have an agenda, In short, they might have a backdoor to your mind and if you've been part of one, you might become a target for their machinations."

Marcellus absorbed this information, his unease deepening. "So, you're saying that someone might try to control me or use me for their purposes because of that ritual?"

Aulus nodded solemnly. "It's a possibility, and you should be vigilant. But remember, your willpower and mental fortitude have been enhanced ever since becoming a Hallowed, you are the best person to resolve situations regarding rituals"

Marcellus nodded.

"Before taking the potion, you mentioned that taking the potion would not directly give me the corresponding knowledge on rituals, that I'll only have the qualifications to learn it. Then, where does the basic knowledge of rituals come from? Did our predecessors risk their lives for it or obtain it via other means?"

Every time he thought about his abilities as a Hallowed, he would find it especially vague. Clearly, this was not a straightforward matter."

Aulus glanced at him, the darkness in his weary eyes appearing abnormally deep.

He answered calmly, "One of them is as you said, experimentation, summarization, and enhancement. Second, being bestowed by the gods. Third, heh. The dangerous murmurs that others can't hear do not only growl and roar senselessly."

Marcellus leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "Murmurs?"

"At times, they will describe some matters regarding mysticism. But according to what I know, people who truly listen to the murmurs on a long-term basis have died without exception. Or they would fall to deviation and become monsters. Of course, we must thank them. The journals they've left behind are precious treasures in the field of rituals."

The room's cold humidity made Marcellus shudder suddenly, The weather in Mythralis was changing.

Aulus chuckled, breaking the momentary tension. "Your choice of the Hallowed path reflects a spirit of curiosity and a reluctance to conform to the norm, much like my own youth. It seems you are destined to be ever inquisitive."

"However, if a man tries to avoid suffering, he has already lost. Metal must go through fire before it becomes a blade. Experiment, and chase after your path."

Marcellus pondered for a moment before responding, "I will experiment further, but how do I acquire those journals you spoke of, the ones about rituals?"

Aulus wore a sly smile as he remarked, "Sometimes, I do worry about your generation. Attend sermons and witness the priests' rituals, or on the other hand, you could pilfer from various organizations. Unfortunately, I have no rituals to offer you."

Marcellus caught Aulus's hint. It was time for him to take his leave. He chuckled and said, "I suppose I've taxed your patience enough with my questions. I'll spare you for now."

Aulus sighed and added, "Cease your frequent visits, Blackeye. Every time you show up, I feel like I've aged a couple of years from all the talking."

With that, Marcellus bid Aulus farewell, knowing that he had exhausted his welcome for the day.

With his back against the sun, he lifted up his sword and exited the building.

The matter has been handled and covered up… some questions answered. As Marcellus walked through the streets, he nodded in a hardly noticeable manner.

Suddenly, he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand, as though needles were stabbing at him.

Someone is watching me? Observing me? Monitoring me? Various thoughts welled up in him as Marcellus had a faint realization.