The old man took the crystal with a smile that seemed almost malicious and, in return, handed Wallace a heavy hardcover book. The volume was so thick it resembled an ancient dictionary. "All the mentors willing to take on apprentices are listed in there. Take your time and choose wisely!"
Suddenly, the sound of something slamming on the table echoed throughout the hall. A massive hourglass, with golden sand falling slowly, appeared beside the old man.
"Oh, I almost forgot to mention," he said casually, turning the hourglass with one hand. "A magic crystal only grants you one turn of the hourglass. If time runs out before you decide, you'll need to pay another crystal to continue!"
Wallace turned pale. He swallowed hard as he watched the golden grains begin to fall relentlessly.
Hurriedly, he started flipping through the book. It was evident the content was vast. Each page seemed to contain long and elaborate descriptions of the mentors: their skills, their requirements, and their areas of expertise.
From where I stood, I could see sweat forming on Wallace's forehead. He was murmuring something to himself, clearly distressed. "This hourglass lasts five minutes at most! That's not even enough time to read everything!"
The other acolytes around me began to shrink back. Some glanced at their own pockets, perhaps weighing whether the price was worth it. I, on the other hand, watched with curiosity. It wasn't just about the money. Choosing the right mentor could change anyone's destiny here.
Before we realized it, the sound of the book slamming shut echoed in the hall.
"Time's up!" said the old man, watching Wallace with an inquisitive gaze. "So, did you make a choice? Or will you need more time?"
Wallace took a deep breath, visibly tense. He clenched his fists, but his voice came out firm: "I've decided! I choose Mentor Noah!"
The old man nodded in approval. "Very well." He handed Wallace the same items as before: acolyte robes, an identification badge, a crystal potion, and books. "Take your belongings and follow the servant!"
Another light servant was summoned. It looked identical to the first: motionless, floating, with the same impeccable suit and unshakable expression. Wallace bowed respectfully and followed the luminous figure until he disappeared through the doors.
"Next, Liam!" called the old man, and another acolyte stepped forward.
As Liam approached, I observed his confident posture. Unlike Wallace or James, Liam had a polished, almost arrogant demeanor. Even after the beating he had taken from Oliver, he seemed unshaken. It was obvious he came from a wealthy family, as he pulled not one but three shining magic crystals from his robes.
"I want more time to choose," he declared disdainfully, placing the crystals on the table.
The old man smiled, almost amused. He handed over the book again, and a new hourglass appeared. This time, it was larger and seemed to hold twice the amount of sand. Liam began flipping through the book leisurely, as if he already knew exactly what he was looking for.
I watched closely, analyzing his every move. "Three magic crystals for this? It must be nice to come from a rich family…" I thought, almost with a touch of envy.
As the minutes passed, Liam finally closed the book with a satisfied expression. "I choose Mentor Viego," he announced firmly.
The old man said nothing, simply repeated the process: handing over the belongings and summoning another light servant.
The old man finally called my name. "Next! Tylerl!"
I took a deep breath, adjusted my robes, and walked to the front of the hall. "I will choose on my own!" My voice was firm, even though a small part of me was still hesitant.
The old man raised an eyebrow but said nothing. He accepted the magic crystal I handed over and, with a deft movement, turned the hourglass again. The sound of the falling sand seemed to amplify the weight of my decision.
He placed the heavy book in my hands.
Opening it, I was relieved to see that the text was in a language I could understand. "It seems this list was prepared especially for us acolytes," I thought, satisfied.
Even so, time was short, and the pages were many. "Laboratory, record and extract the most relevant information!" I ordered mentally, activating my analytical knowledge to optimize the reading.
As I flipped through, names and specializations stood out. Each mentor had something unique to offer, but their requirements were no less challenging. Choosing was harder than it seemed.
["1. Mentor Eny"]
Department: Scribing.
Specializations: Transformation, runes, and crafting magical scrolls.
Benefits: Can provide information on three topics for free.
Requirements: The acolyte must participate in one experiment each month and cannot refuse it for any reason.
["2. Mentor Marcelina"]
Department: Modified Bodies.
Specializations: Anatomy and vampirism.
Benefits: High proficiency in the use of light for combat and defense.
Requirements: Acolytes must pay one magic crystal per month and cooperate with experiments.
["3. Mentor Miguel"]
Department: Technology.
Specializations: Mechanics and crafting various magical items.
Benefits: Can provide information on one topic for free.
Requirements: Acolytes must assist with construction and manipulation of prototypes, as well as tasks necessary for the technological field, such as mining. All under guaranteed safety.
["4. Mentor Daniel"]
Department: Blessings.
Specializations: Blessings and body transformation.
Benefits: Can provide information on one topic for free, with the category chosen by the acolyte. Always available to guide his apprentices' studies.
Requirements: Acolytes must accept practical field missions involving anatomical and spiritual studies.
...
And so the list went on.
...
The thick pages of the book made a hollow, rough sound as the final turn revealed the last page. At the same moment, the last grain of sand fell in the hourglass. "Done at the very last second," I thought, letting out a small sigh of relief.
The old man looked at me with a curious smile. "You seem well-read. Did you enjoy books before coming here?"
I took a step forward and raised my gaze to him. "I even wrote a few books and conducted some studies on my own. In my father's territory, I think I was the smartest."
The old man raised his eyebrows, surprised, but his smile remained. "Interesting," he said, eyeing my physique. "It seems you're diligent. A warrior and a lover of books... A rare combination."
I didn't respond immediately. I closed my eyes, letting my mind analyze everything I had read.
"Laboratory, report!" I ordered mentally.
["Beep! Data is in order. Information on 30 mentors collected."]
As the information passed through my mind, I began to reflect.
"Miguel is a promising choice, with his focus on technology and experiments involving mining and construction. On the other hand, Marcelina's work with vampirism finally explains her peculiarities… It makes sense now."
I also considered Daniel, whose experiments transformed his students' bodies. "That explains the acolytes I've seen with strange features—extra eyes, additional limbs… Choosing a mentor like that would be a risk I'm not willing to take."
Pushing those thoughts aside, I focused on what mattered. "Virtual laboratory, filter the results. Condition: Match with my current circumstances."
["Beep!"]
A blue light shimmered, and a translucent screen flashed before me, displaying only one relevant option:
["Miguel – Department: Technology"]
I had expected this choice.
To those watching me from the outside, it must have seemed like I made my decision the moment I closed my eyes. Straightening my posture, I announced without hesitation: "I choose Mentor Miguel!"
The old man blinked in surprise, stroking his long white beard. "Technology? Intelligent youths often gravitate toward that field. But remember... Magical technology is treacherous. It requires many resources, and one mistake can ruin everything. I've seen students blow up their rooms in disastrous experiments."
Bowing respectfully, I smiled with confidence. "That's exactly why I chose this field. I trust my mind and my ability to avoid such mistakes."
The old man shook his head, though there was a hint of doubt in his eyes. "If that's your wish, so be it."
Taking a quill, he scribbled something on the parchment before him. After a moment, he pushed a set of belongings toward me: robes, books, and a shimmering potion.
"Here are your belongings. Now, follow the light servant to Miguel's laboratory."
Bowing deeply, I took the items and made sure to nod at the other acolytes before leaving through the large wooden door.
Outside, the light servant awaited—a floating figure glowing like a magical torch, its movements light and fluid, occasionally vibrating as if adjusting its direction. It began moving slowly, and I followed easily, keeping pace thanks to my preparatory warrior training.
We passed through corridors illuminated by magical lights, two large halls with vaulted ceilings, and a fragrant garden filled with flowers that seemed to glow faintly in the dark. Finally, we arrived at an isolated and heavily reinforced area, with signs indicating it was the experimental laboratories.
The light servant stopped in front of an ornate iron door, with engravings of gears at its center, alongside a name:
"Engineering Laboratory."
...
1549 Words
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Power Stones Campaign!
- 100 Power Stones = 2 chapters
- 500 Power Stones = 5 chapters
- 1000 Power Stones = 8 chapters
- 3000 Power Stones = 10 chapters
...
Gift campaign!
- 20 Golden Tickets = 1 chapter
- Red Dragon = 3 chapter
- Magic Castle = 10 chapters.
- Spacecraft = 20 chapters.
- Gachapon = 30 chapters.