Alden paused at the edge of a rolling expanse of farmland, the wind brushing over his shoulders with a faint autumn chill. Behind him lay the harrowing labyrinth he had escaped only days ago, an endless place brimming with illusions that tested him to his core. Yet it was there he had discovered Arc Surge, a power akin to lightning in his veins. The labyrinth had tried to break him, but instead it had awakened something more.
He had emerged into the quiet outskirts of a settlement named Wayfarers Rest, where he nursed his wounds and found brief respite among others who had also stumbled out of lesser Trials. That was where he met Taria, a calm woman who possessed a gentle knack for healing, and Darius, a young man burdened with scars from a forced awakening method known only as Artificial Emergence. The rumor was that certain groups coerced novices into unlocking abilities through harsh means—no illusions or patient training, just invasive methods that left lasting marks. Darius bore these marks on his arms and neck, evidence of a system awakened too soon and in the wrong way.
Taria stood at Alden's side now, scanning the distance. Her hair was pinned back, revealing soft lines of worry at her brow. She glanced toward Alden's battered sword, which he clutched more for comfort than immediate need. Darius trudged slightly behind them, posture tense. None of them had wanted to linger long in Wayfarers Rest once word spread of a structured domain called Sunderhall, rumored to be a neutral place for illusions training, synergy sessions, healing checks, and more. The roads from Wayfarers Rest led here, to these tall walls dominating the skyline.
They had walked since dawn, passing half-harvested fields and simple huts until they arrived at a wide stone gate. Above the arch hung a carved sign in neat lettering:
Sunderhall Orientation
Figures bustled around the entrance courtyard, forming lines in front of tables staffed by uniformed individuals. Some novices carried gear scuffed from lesser Trials, others wore refined garments embroidered with crests. A hush of anticipation spread through the air, as though each person understood Sunderhall lay between them and advanced Trials on a grander scale.
Alden inhaled, trying to center himself. The labyrinth's illusions had left him with bruises and nightmares, but also a sense of purpose. Arc Surge crackled faintly under his skin, reminding him that he still had much to learn. He glanced back at Taria and Darius.
Darius rubbed the side of his neck, touching the faint scars left by Artificial Emergence. The forced process had awakened a raw physical power within him, but it also brought mental strain. "They said Sunderhall remains neutral," he muttered. "No lethal conflicts allowed, but they do not promise safety from infiltration or forced recruitment."
Taria offered him a reassuring nod. "We stand together. We will see if illusions experts or healing specialists can help lessen your strain. Alden, do you sense anything?"
Alden hesitated. The Maze had granted him glimpses of a System that recognized new abilities. He braced for a chime in his head, and almost on cue, a faint message scrolled across his vision:
[System]: Trait gained: Soul Lens. Keep hidden.
He froze, nearly dropping the battered sword from his grip. Soul Lens? The words felt like the labyrinth reaching out from memory. Then his gaze shifted to Taria, and for a flicker of a second, translucent text hovered above her head:
Healing Adept – Support
The letters faded as quickly as they appeared, leaving him breathless. He whipped his head around, noticing the same phenomenon for Darius:
Artificial Emergence – Awakened Body
That text too vanished. His mind reeled. He exhaled, recalling the System's admonishment: keep hidden. He would not broadcast this. If infiltration roamed here, they might hunger for a skill allowing him to read others' traits.
Taria cocked her head. "Alden?"
"Nothing," he lied, forcing a calm facade. "Let's get through that line."
They joined one of the queues forming near the gate. The courtyard smelled of hay and faint incense, likely from small braziers set at intervals. Novices murmured about illusions, synergy, or advanced Trials. Over the tall arch leading deeper into Sunderhall, a sign spelled out categories:
Illusions: Veil illusions (Tier 1), Shade illusions (Tier 2).Artificial Emergence (once rumored doping, now recognized as forced awakening).Elemental: Fire, Ice, Lightning, others.Healing: wards, restorations, mental soothers.
Alden realized this place systematically taught novices how illusions worked, how synergy combined skills, and how to handle forced awakenings or healing. He remembered the labyrinth illusions so strong he nearly broke. If illusions had tiers, he likely faced something beyond Tier 1 in that Maze. Now he would see novices dealing with simpler illusions or newly awakened power.
The queue advanced until a staff member beckoned them forward. She wore a simple uniform, a slim baton at her belt, and her close-cropped hair accentuated sharp eyes. "Names?" she asked briskly, pen poised over a parchment.
Taria answered for them, glancing at Darius's tense posture. "I am Taria. This is Darius, newly awakened by outside forces. We traveled with Alden, who… survived a labyrinth of illusions." She hesitated, not sure how much to reveal. "We seek orientation. The villagers said Sunderhall stands neutral for illusions training or synergy."
The staffer nodded. "We follow a structured approach. Illusions rank from Tier 1 to Tier 2 here, rarely beyond. Artificial Emergence participants undergo checks. Healing novices get standard tests. Is there an illusions user among you?"
Rhaeli stepped forward from behind the trio. She had been lingering quietly, adjusting the star embroideries on her sleeves. "My illusions revolve around star-lights, possibly Tier 1. I overcame a smaller labyrinth. I heard synergy sessions here can refine illusions."
The staffer scribbled notes, then waved a rune-inscribed rod over each of them. A faint glow illuminated Taria for a heartbeat, revealing a gentle healing signature. Darius's reading pulsed erratically, confirming an awakened physical power from forced Emergence. Rhaeli's illusions energy flared lightly. When the rod passed near Alden, the staffer paused. She frowned at the device.
"Your energy is unclassified," she said, looking up. "Not illusions, not standard elemental. Possibly partial illusions synergy but unreadable."
Alden felt a knot in his stomach. The Maze had called it Arc Surge, but no existing category explained it. "I am… uncertain," he offered quietly. "I only awakened a lightning-like power in a labyrinth. I do not know its rank."
The staffer clicked her tongue, writing "Arc Surge (Unknown Rank)" on her parchment. She also typed something on a small device that hummed. "Proceed to Basic Skill Diagnostics in the main hall," she instructed. "They will clarify illusions synergy or artificial Emergence side effects if any. Remember, Sunderhall tolerates no lethal battles, but infiltration might still pose a threat. Report suspicious masked figures."
She handed each of them a slip of parchment labeled with their assigned queue or illusions test. Then she gestured them into the courtyard. Alden felt a tingle of nerves. The Maze illusions had tried to devour him, but those illusions had never used rank labels or structured approach. Here, illusions were studied systematically, and infiltration might exploit that. He glanced at Darius, who crumpled his slip in one fist. Taria touched his arm gently, urging calm.
The four moved deeper into Sunderhall. The courtyard opened into a sprawling compound, tall columns supporting arches carved with runes that glowed faintly. Novices carried small runic tablets, reading illusions instructions or synergy guidelines posted on message boards. Alden glimpsed faint text flickering above random heads:
Illusions – Veil illusions (Tier 1)Artificial Emergence – Dual Body StrengthElemental – Fire Spark (Low)
He swallowed. Soul Lens was an incredible advantage. If infiltration roamed these halls, he might spot them if their trait read something like Shrouded illusions (Tier 2) or something more ominous.
Rhaeli paused under a wide arch that led to the main hall. She brushed her star sleeve. "This is more structured than I expected. A place to measure illusions or awakened powers. The staff remain neutral, but tension is clear. Look at how many keep whispering about infiltration."
Alden followed her gaze. A cluster of novices in the corner, half of them with forcibly awakened signatures, spoke in hushed tones. Another group, wearing embroidered coats, carried themselves with noble arrogance. Murmurs about illusions synergy, forced Emergence methods, infiltration watchers, all mingled in the air. He caught fragments of conversation:
"They say illusions watchers can cast Tier 2 illusions, warping entire rooms.""Forced Emergence novices are easy prey.""Sunderhall only intervenes if lethal violence occurs."
Darius's jaw tightened at the mention of forced Emergence being "easy prey." Taria gently led him forward. Alden noticed a sign above the hall doors: Basic Skill Diagnostics. Fine script beneath it read: "Assess illusions rank (Veil illusions = Tier 1), elemental sub-ranks, healing wards, forced Emergence checks. No lethal hostility permitted."
They joined a line trailing into the hall. Inside, a polished floor reflected the glow of overhead runic lanterns. Rows of desks partitioned novices by category: illusions, elemental, healing, forced Emergence. Occasional illusions flickers danced near illusions novices practicing mild illusions under staff supervision. Alden's attention snapped to a mild swirl of illusions swirling above a robed instructor's hand. The illusions formed fleeting shapes that shimmered like a dream, labeled as Veil illusions (Tier 1) in Alden's Soul Lens.
[System]: Soul Lens stable. Keep hidden.
He took a steadying breath, stepping behind Rhaeli. A staff member waved them to separate desks: Taria and Rhaeli went toward illusions and healing checks, Darius to forced Emergence checks, and Alden was directed to a general line. They exchanged nods, promising to meet afterward near a posted board for synergy schedules.
A tall official with a runic clipboard greeted Alden, scanning him with a small rod. "Your slip mentions an unclassified trait, Arc Surge?" she inquired, raising an eyebrow. "We have illusions synergy, elemental synergy, healing synergy, forced Emergence synergy… but no category for Arc Surge yet." She checked a box on a scroll. "Please place your hand on this orb and channel any energy you possess."
Alden set his palm against a glass sphere that pulsed faintly. He attempted to summon a trickle of Arc Surge, feeling the electric spark ripple in his arm. A single flash of crackling light slid into the orb, making it glow with bluish static. The official let out a quiet hum of interest. "This is… not illusions-based, nor fully elemental. It has a mild illusions disruption property. Fascinating." She made a note on her scroll. "We will log you for synergy training with illusions novices. They might see how your skill interacts with illusions if infiltration arises."
He gave a stiff nod, withdrawing his hand. The orb's glow faded. Memories of illusions devouring him in the Maze fluttered at the edges of his mind. This time, illusions might be tamer, or the infiltration might exploit something stronger. He pocketed the slip of parchment she gave him, reading "Synergy + illusions disruption check. Report at 10th bell."
Before he stepped away, a voice to his left caused him to glance over. A young novice flinched under illusions scanning, the rod revealing some anomaly. Over the novice's head, Alden glimpsed Soul Lens text: Forced Emergence – Rampant Body. The staff seemed concerned at the novices trembling, referencing shortness of breath and illusions vulnerability. Alden closed his eyes briefly, imagining how easy infiltration might corner these forcibly awakened novices.
He left the desk area, emerging into a smaller side corridor where novices sat or leaned against walls. Taria was there, arms folded, wearing a faintly worried look. "They recognized my healing trait," she said softly. "I am assigned to a group demonstration on synergy wards, illusions defense, that sort of thing." She nodded toward Rhaeli, who approached from another desk.
Rhaeli adjusted her star-embroidered sleeves. "Veil illusions, Tier 1, is their classification for me. They want me to do synergy tests tomorrow. And you?" Her gaze drifted to Alden's battered sword and the slip in his hand.
"I am scheduled for illusions synergy checks. They said Arc Surge might disrupt illusions. I have no illusions rank, though." He clenched his fist, feeling mild sparks prickle. "What about Darius?"
Taria's shoulders slumped. "He was sent to forced Emergence checks. They will measure how stable his awakened body is, how well he can resist illusions infiltration. Poor man is terrified infiltration might snatch him."
Alden recalled the infiltration references. Groups rumored to forcibly recruit novices with potent abilities. He dreaded meeting infiltration illusions, especially if they reached Tier 2 illusions or beyond. The Maze illusions had been lethal, but at least it was a single entity. Here, infiltration watchers might roam.
They walked together to a posting board near the corridor's end. Lists of novices scrolled across parchment pinned neatly, grouping them by illusions rank or trait synergy. Alden spotted his name under an "unclassified synergy" label, referencing Arc Surge. Rhaeli's name appeared in illusions synergy (Veil illusions Tier 1). Taria was listed under healing and synergy wards, while Darius's name was grouped with forced Emergence synergy. The staff used the phrase "artificial awakening" to describe novices who had their abilities drawn out artificially, no illusions training, no natural approach.
A hush drifted over them. Rhaeli traced the star patterns on her sleeves, speaking quietly. "This place is more organized than any illusions training I have known. I read that illusions come in Tiers. Tier 1 illusions, Veil illusions, cause mild hallucinations or distortions. Tier 2 illusions, often called Shade illusions, can reshape entire environments, pushing novices to mental collapse. Above that is mostly rumor. They want novices to start with Veil illusions."
Alden nodded, recalling how the Maze illusions had done far worse than mild distortions. "We will handle Tier 1 illusions. But infiltration watchers might have used illusions forcibly. So we remain cautious."
He scanned the corridor. Soul Lens flickered text above a handful of novices: Illusions – Veil illusions (Tier 1), Artificial Emergence – Body Surge, Healing – Restoration. The swirling new knowledge weighed on him. He forced it away, letting no expression betray him.
A staff voice echoed through the corridor, calling novices to follow for a short orientation talk. Alden, Taria, and Rhaeli joined a small group heading into a modest lecture hall. They found seats in rows. An older instructor took the front, wearing a long robe traced with runic lines. He introduced himself as Vellan, one of Sunderhall's lead coordinators.
"My role," said Vellan, voice resonating off stone walls, "is to guide novices who survived lesser Trials or awakened abilities in harmful ways. We foster synergy among illusions users, artificially awakened individuals, elemental novices, or healers. Our laws forbid lethal combat, yet infiltration remains a threat. We encourage vigilance. Do not wander alone if you are at risk."
He lifted a short staff etched with swirling symbols. "You may have heard illusions are ranked. Veil illusions—Tier 1—are mild. Shade illusions—Tier 2—warp entire rooms. Elemental powers also escalate in rank. Healing grows deeper wards, or mental soothers, or advanced restorations. Artificial Emergence can yield raw strength or speed at the cost of mental strain. Sunderhall teaches synergy so novices can stand against infiltration or advanced Trial illusions."
Alden leaned forward, absorbing each word. The Maze illusions had not used an organized system, but this place did. Rhaeli listened, star patterns dimming slightly, while Taria kept her eyes on Vellan's staff. Alden thought of Darius, forced to endure a brutal awakening. If infiltration thrived on forcibly awakened novices, conflict felt inevitable.
Vellan continued, "We conduct Basic Skill Diagnostics for illusions, healing, elemental, or artificial awakenings. Then we assign synergy groups. Soon, advanced Trials will open. Sunderhall is only a midpoint. Use this time wisely."
A brief hush followed. Alden felt Arc Surge spark in his veins again, as if resonating with talk of advanced Trials. Or perhaps it was a memory of illusions in the Maze. His battered sword reminded him that illusions-laced infiltration might try cornering novices. If Soul Lens let him see hidden traits, maybe he could protect those at risk, like Darius or Taria.
Vellan concluded the talk with a mild warning: infiltration could employ illusions up to Tier 2. He urged novices to form synergy or remain in watchful pairs. An undercurrent of worry spread among them. Alden exhaled, thinking of the labyrinth illusions that nearly cost him his life. Now, illusions might reappear in structured tests or infiltration ambushes.
After the lecture, staff handed out printed schedules for illusions tests, synergy practice, healing tutorials, and forced Emergence checks. Alden scanned his schedule: a synergy evaluation the next morning, illusions practice in two days, and an Arc Surge question mark by his name. He grimaced. So they recognized nothing about Arc Surge's rank or potential illusions disruption. This was all so new, but at least they did not reject him.
Taria found him near the hall exit. She held a separate slip marked Healing Wards Session in the morning, Synergy Follow-up in the afternoon. Rhaeli approached soon after, star sleeve clutched in one hand, reading a slip with illusions synergy times. Darius was not with them—likely finishing forced Emergence checks. Rhaeli offered a small reassuring look. "He will join us soon. They might keep him for extra tests, ensuring infiltration cannot manipulate him easily."
Alden nodded. The swirl of novices passed around them, many discussing illusions synergy or elemental combos. He recalled the Maze illusions and how they hammered his mental defenses, forging something called Adaptive Will. Perhaps that intangible trait would help him face Veil illusions now, or even the rumored Shade illusions infiltration might use. He gripped his sword's handle gently, letting the battered leather wrap ground him.
[System]: Arc Surge unranked. Training recommended.
The message floated at the edge of his vision, a reminder that illusions synergy might be only one aspect of his path. He turned to Taria, adjusting the sword at his side. "We can meet Darius at the dorm assignment desk. After that, we rest. Tomorrow, synergy tests begin."
Rhaeli's eyes caught a flicker of illusions near a robed staff. "Yes. Then illusions training for me. I wonder if your Arc Surge can disrupt illusions, Alden. The staff said you have a partial illusions disruption reading. Might help if infiltration tries to ambush forced Emergence novices."
They moved through a corridor, following signs to the dorm area. Over novices heads, Alden glimpsed Soul Lens texts flickering: Illusions – Veil illusions (Tier 1), Artificial Emergence – Strength Factor, Healing – Minor Wards. A hush of sympathy and caution filled him, seeing so many forcibly awakened or illusions novices. Taria offered a nod at a staff guard who stood outside a simple dorm hall, checking the parchment slips novices carried.
Inside, rows of small rooms lined either side of a narrow walkway. Lanterns glowed overhead, casting warm light on stone floors. A sign read: Check your assigned room. The Hall disallows lethal fights. Respect illusions protocols. A staff clerk directed them to their rooms. Taria was assigned a spot with other healing novices, Rhaeli got a single corner room labeled illusions user, and Alden received a small single that matched his unclassified synergy. Darius had a different wing for those with artificial awakenings. They parted ways for now, promising to regroup for dinner.
Alden stepped into his tiny chamber, a space of bare stone walls with a small cot and a trunk for belongings. He set his battered sword against the trunk and exhaled. The Maze illusions that once tortured him felt distant, yet infiltration illusions might approach. He unclasped his worn pack, checking the few items he owned: a waterskin, some spare clothes, and half a loaf of bread Taria had insisted he keep. No sign of lethal illusions or infiltration watchers in these walls, but caution burned in him.
He rested a hand on the cot, letting thoughts swirl. Arc Surge remained a question. Could it truly disrupt illusions beyond Tier 1? Might infiltration see him as a threat? Meanwhile, Soul Lens turned his eyes into a window revealing every novice's trait. If infiltration had advanced illusions, perhaps they could hide from Soul Lens, or maybe they could not. He recalled the staff telling them infiltration was a real risk, that Sunderhall enforced only a no lethal combat rule. Non-lethal illusions or forced abductions might still happen.
He breathed out slowly, letting the tension trickle from his limbs. He had faced illusions far worse in the labyrinth, illusions that nearly cost his mind. Now, structured illusions tests awaited, synergy sessions with illusions novices, and the overshadowing threat of infiltration preying on forced Emergence novices like Darius. The memory of how the Maze illusions shaped him—granting him Arc Surge—sparked a faint confidence. If illusions battered him here, he might push back.
Finally, he slumped onto the cot, exhaustion sweeping in. Traveling from the farmland to Sunderhall had eaten the day, and tomorrow's synergy tests beckoned. He rechecked the slip that read:
Arc Surge Synergy
Illusions Potential
Report at Hall 3,
10th bell
Then he thought of Darius, Taria, Rhaeli, each forging their own path: forced Emergence, healing, illusions star-lights. He recalled his vow not to let illusions or forced methods destroy another life. He closed his eyes, hearing a final muted chime:
[System]: Arrival stage complete. Next stage: Basic Skill Diagnostics.
A faint spark of Arc Surge danced along his fingertips. He smiled wearily. Even if infiltration or illusions threatened them, they would stand together. He might not fully grasp Arc Surge, but he had come too far to falter at the first sign of trouble. Tomorrow, the labyrinth's memories would guide him in a place that systematically taught illusions tiers, synergy combos, and forced Emergence protocols. No illusions would blind him so easily now.
He drifted off, letting the hum of novices in the corridor serve as a lullaby. He was in Sunderhall at last, the domain bridging novices to advanced Trials. Whether illusions, forced Emergence, or infiltration squads loomed, he would meet them with a battered sword, an untested lightning surge, and a vow forged in labyrinth shadows. He intended to keep that vow, no matter how the illusions twisted or how infiltration schemed.