The next day, Leo woke up at 7. It was Tuesday, and he needed to head to the Grand Cathedral for his new schedule. Though fatigue lingered from the small celebration his family had thrown the night before to mark his recent promotion, he had no idea how long it would take to get there, so he got up earlier than usual.
After completing his morning training and eating breakfast, Leo set out on foot to time the journey. As he walked his mind drifted back to the previous night. His recent rank-ups had become so frequent that they felt almost routine, which was why they kept the celebration at home simple. He also remembered that Peter hadn't mentioned anything about his new salary.
It took him 5 minutes to reach the main square and another 20 minutes to arrive at Elbridge Square, totaling 25 minutes for the trip. Checking his watch, Leo noted the time: 8:35. He still had plenty of time before his class began.
Leo stood before the Grand Cathedral, its sheer size and splendor overwhelming as the early morning sun bathed it in a golden glow. From a distance, he had been awed by its silhouette but up close, its grandeur was staggering. Each step brought new details into view: the intricate carvings that adorned the facade, depicting tales of legendary heroes and sacred rites. The massive white stone pillars at the entrance towered above him, ancient runes etched into their surfaces glowing faintly with an otherworldly blue light.
The metal gate at the entrance was colossal, wrought in a silvery material that seemed impervious to time. The ornate design included embossed patterns of swirling vines intertwined with depictions of mythical beasts. Leo couldn't help but wonder how such an immense gate was opened; they seemed almost immovable, as if guarding the secrets of another world.
As his gaze traveled upward, he caught sight of the four towering statues of winged guardians perched at the top corners of the building. Each one held a massive sword at their side, their expressions carved into stern watchful gazes that seemed to follow him as he approached. The precision of their craftsmanship was breathtaking, the feathers on their wings so detailed that he almost expected them to flutter in the breeze. The effect was both awe-inspiring and slightly unsettling, as if the statues were not mere stone but vigilant sentinels ensuring that only the worthy passed through the gate.
After a few minutes of absorbing the majesty of the structure and the weight of what lay beyond, Leo steadied himself and stepped forward.
As he stepped through the entrance, he felt a subtle yet unmistakable shift in the air—a tingling sensation that swept over him, as if he had passed through an invisible wall. The barrier was subtle but potent, likely some sort of magical ward designed to scrutinize those who entered, ensuring that only those with permission could step foot inside.
The Grand Cathedral's interior was breathtaking. While the Paladin Association had an impressive structure, this place dwarfed it in both size and grandeur. The central chamber stretched before him, immense and bathed in a soft ethereal glow. High vaulted ceilings arched overhead, lined with intricate gold and silver tracery that seemed to shimmer with an inner light.
Flanking either side of the main hall were six smaller pillars, each carved with motifs of battles, divine beings, and ancient scripts that told tales of forgotten times. These pillars supported three distinct archways on each side, each leading to corridors that disappeared into the unknown. The air carried the faint scent of incense mingled with the cool, earthy aroma of ancient stone.
The light filtering through tall stained-glass windows cast multicolored patterns across the polished marble floor. Each pane depicted legendary figures, mythical beasts, and historical events pivotal to the paladins' and mages' shared history.
At the far end of the main hall a larger archway loomed, its apex reaching up to the middle height of the cathedral, flanked by twin statues of cloaked figures holding staffs. This grand archway led to another corridor its darkened path suggesting a deeper journey into the heart of the Cathedral where only select few ventured.
The gentle murmur of voices and the occasional soft footsteps echoed through the hall, adding a living energy to the stillness. The combination of ancient reverence and present activity made the space feel timeless, suspended between the past and the present.
While Leo was admiring the grand architecture, a sudden voice echoed in his mind, startling him into a small jump.
'Mr. Mantine welcome to the Grand Cathedral. Please proceed to the second corridor on the right and follow the arrow.'
Leo's eyes darted around without turning his head, searching for the source of the voice but found nothing. It was as if the building itself had spoken to him. Taking a deep breath, he decided to follow the instructions. He moved to the second corridor on the right and just as he began to wonder where the arrow might be, a floating golden arrow appeared mid-air, pointing down the hallway.
'An illusion?' Leo thought immediately. As an illusionist himself, he recognized the craft but was impressed by how seamlessly it integrated with reality.
Leo began to follow the arrow, taking in his surroundings as he walked. Every few meters, massive doors each towering twice his height, lined the right side of the corridor. The corridor had no windows yet it was fully illuminated by soft, golden orbs embedded at regular intervals in the stone walls. The glow they emitted was steady and warm, bathing everything in a tranquil light.
The silence was profound interrupted only by the soft fall of Leo's footsteps on the smooth polished stone floor. He felt as though the walls themselves were sentient, watching his every move.
As he walked deeper the air grew cooler, tinged with the faint scent of old parchment, candle wax and an underlying metallic tang that hinted at powerful enchantments. The golden arrow continued to lead him, moving smoothly and pausing if he slowed down, as if sensing his pace. Its glow pulsed gently, a beacon guiding him deeper into the unknown.
Occasionally, distant sounds floated through the corridor—soft chanting, rhythmic incantations, and the subtle clash of metal that suggested warriors training nearby. This was a place where scholars and warriors converged, where knowledge and strength intertwined seamlessly.
Finally, the golden arrow stopped before a door. It was adorned with an intricate pattern of Illusion runes, each line etched with precision and grace. The runes glimmered faintly. Leo's pulse quickened as he took a steadying breath, reaching out to push the door open. The air around it vibrated faintly.
When Leo opened the door, he was met with complete darkness. Hesitant but curious, he stepped inside, and the door shut firmly behind him. Almost instinctively a small orb of light materialized near him, floating gently as it began to orbit around him. Its faint glow barely illuminated a meter in any direction leaving much of his surroundings obscured. Glancing to his right and left, he noticed the close proximity of the walls and deduced he was standing in a narrow corridor.
After taking a few steps down the corridor, Leo slowed down as faint movements echoed around him. Instinctively his left hand rested on the hilt of his light sword while he activated his calm gem, steadying his nerves. In his right hand he gripped his sword cane, using it both for balance and as a ready weapon should the need arise.
"So, you're the boy who's been catching everyone's attention lately," said a voice that seemed to echo from all directions. From the youthful tone, Leo guessed it belonged to someone his age.
'I hate kids' Leo thought with a grimace.
"Let's see what you've got" the voice challenged.
Before Leo could respond a smaller boy lunged at him from the right. Reacting quickly, Leo raised his cane and blocked the attack with a solid thud.
The boy paused, momentarily startled before a sly grin spread across his face. "So, you saw through the illusion? But what about the one you can't see?"
Leo's eyes narrowed as he calmly drew his light sword. "Light," he whispered.
The blade ignited in a brilliant glow flooding the room with light and dispelling the illusion of a second attacker. Another boy, previously cloaked in the false image appeared on Leo's left, mid-strike.
Being an illusionist himself, Leo recognized the spell and anticipated the ambush. The sudden burst of light disrupted his opponents' focus. The second boy staggered back, shielding his eyes as his illusion shattered.
When he opened his eyes again, the blinding blade of light was already descending toward him. He raised his dagger in a desperate attempt to block, but the strike hit with such force that it sent him flying. The boy crashed into the door behind him, breaking it with a loud crack.
"Ray!" the first boy shouted, panic lacing his voice as he ran toward his fallen companion.
Ray coughed a few times then glanced up at Leo, who stood silently in front of him. As Leo lowered his light sword he noticed something surprising: from this distance, it was clear the two boys were twins.
The other boy, glared at Leo with open hostility, his fists clenched as if ready to strike. Leo tensed, certain an attack was imminent, but then their expressions shifted suddenly, their anger giving way to fear.
Leo followed their gaze and turned around. Standing behind him was a man in a sharp black suit, glasses perched on his nose. At a glance Leo could tell this was his teacher.
The man's face was stern, his voice carrying a sharp edge. "Ray, Jerald… you did it again? And this time, you went this far?"
His piercing gaze shifted to Leo. Even with the calm gem active, Leo felt a chill run down his spine, his instincts screaming at him to stay cautious. Taking two steps back, Leo lowered his head in a respectful bow.
"I'm sorry, sir. It's partly my fault. I used too much force," Leo admitted, his voice steady but polite.
The teacher studied him for a moment, then glanced at the light sword still at Leo's side. His sharp eyes shifted back to the twins, his tone firm and unyielding.
"Tell me everything that happened. Now."
…
After listening to the entire story, Edgarth adjusted his glasses, letting a brief silence settle in the room.
"Ray and Jerald," he began, his tone measured but firm, "you'll receive one penalty point on your next exam. Also, you're paying for the door."
"But sir, he's the one who broke it!" Ray protested, pointing accusingly at Leo who opted to remain silent, hands resting calmly at his sides.
"That's because you ambushed him," Edgarth replied without missing a beat.
Leo barely had time to feel relieved before Edgarth turned his attention to him.
"Though," he continued, narrowing his eyes, "using that sword was a bit excessive."
Leo stiffened, bracing for the inevitable punishment. To his surprise, Edgarth simply motioned toward the seats. "Take a seat."
The classroom was designed like an amphitheater, with rows of seats that ascended in height as they moved further back. As Leo turned he noticed another student already present, seated at the very back of the fourth and final row. The twins marched to the last row as well but chose seats on the opposite side of the room from the girl.
After a brief moment of consideration, Leo decided to take a seat in the front row.
Edgarth watched him settle in before addressing the four of them. "Now that we have our new member, let me introduce myself again. I'm Edgarth Wells, your teacher. This is the second session of this course. Normally, I don't allow anyone to join after the first session but... well, you can thank Edmond for that."
Leo blinked in surprise at how casually Edgarth mentioned Edmond. Although Edgarth might hold the same rank as his captain, Edmond was still a paladin captain—a position Leo thought commanded more reverence. Yet, Edgarth seemed completely at ease as if addressing an old colleague rather than a figure of authority.
"We can skip the part where I test your abilities," Edgarth said dryly, glancing at the twins, "since you've already beaten the crap out of them. Instead, we'll jump straight into today's lesson.
"All of you should already be familiar with the basics: Illusion, Calm, False Aura, False Power, Fear, Courage, False Image, and Blur. Starting today, we're adding one more Word of Power and five new spells. Once you've mastered those, we'll move up a level."
He walked to the board and began sketching a complex symbol, its design fluid yet intricate.
"The Word of Power is 'Whole.'" Edgarth turned to the class, his expression stern. "You're all going to draw this word two hundred times. Start now."
As he finished speaking, a piece of paper and a pen materialized in front of each student. Leo's eyes lit up with amusement as he picked up the pen.
'This is going to be fun' he thought with a small grin, ready to dive into the task.