Although Alexandra and the girls strongly advised us to focus on the aspects of the principle we were still lacking in, we could also choose to strengthen the aspects we were already showing promise in.

As I arrived at the training area I found Geo struggling to conceal is presence. The very time when it seemed he had succeeded he began talking which broke his concertation and made the effect vanish in thin air.

Others tried their best to utilize this in mobility or even combat. But for myself...I wanted to see what could happen if I could improve the control of the principle overall.

First starting at what I had a clear understanding of.

"Cultivation".

I sat down on the ground and made sure to rid me of all distractions.When finally I succeeded in jumping into my consciousness.

The next step was to use the cultivation to improve the lasting effects of the principle.Like for example keeping the effects even when your focus wavers.

That was what I wanted to improve most as everyone noticed that with a lag of focus and conviction none could keep up the steady effects.

Something should be possible... Something could be done to improve this, right?

Going in the training with good faith and courage I noticed as trail and error continued that the effects began lasting longer. In turn the start-up took less time.

Geo still struggled with the build-up because it meant he had to stay still and quiet for a while.But then after much-deserved efforts he too succeeded in building-up the usage of the principle.

As I was content with my capabilities, for now, I wanted to train other aspects, but doing so would require a partner. I saw that Geo stood up and decided to ask him to train together.

As I walked up to him Geo lost focus.And as quickly as the shadows came they went away as well...

I saw that he was finding it difficult, still... he didn"t want to give up.

I slammed my hand on his shoulder trying to motivate him.

"What do we do when it doesn"t work?!"

I asked showing enthusiasm towards Geo.

He funnily looked at me and raised himself from the ground, standing up straight he replied with the same level of enthusiasm screaming his reply.

"We work even harder!!!"

We both raised our fists in the air and held on to our shoulders like brothers with the same goal,I replied; "Exactly!! Work even harder!! Haha."

I could see this had done Geo good and immediately rook my chance to ask him if we could help each other out as he too seemed to struggle to try to do this all alone.

"Geo, look... I too am struggling with the principle on my own, maybe we could help each other out and train together, what do you say?"

Geo turned to me with a smile in his face and pointed both his thumbs and index fingers towards me replying in an astounding; "YES!"

"Question; how are we gonna train together, what should we train? My guess would be combat, Sparring and such, but what would be the focus?"

"Sparring sounds good, that way we can get a better feel for how to use what during different conditions. Then, without further ado, let us jump right into it."

We both initiated the principle, Geo appeared to be faster and launched straight at me. As the idea was to use the principle I quickly vanished, dodged Geo"s attack, and reappeared next to him.

I continued to do so for a while, allowing me to get a feel for it. When this felt more like second nature to me we switched roles and I explained to Geo how it felt.

"I understand how to use it, but honestly, It"s not my style.I prefer to get up close and personal. You know, letting bodies clash against one another.

Still, I have to admit those flashy moves you used during our match and during our sparring just has its uses. I have to say I am quite interested in those, but then, it"s still not my style...I do have an idea I want to try out, maybe it"ll work. Care to help out?"

I agreed, preparing myself and partly shrouding myself in shadows. Allowing Geo to prepare what he had in mind it became clear he had thought of a way to enhance his capabilities.Strengthening himself in the process.

His earth elemental slowly covered his arms and legs,

something interesting began to happen when he tried doing what he had planned. Utilizing the principle his now covered arms began eroding the rocks around them, making them look like the rocks were never there.

"How interesting... mastering this could give you a huge advantage as you cover up the essence of your earth style, giving you the element of surprise."

As Geo and I found multiple ways to use the principle we noticed Alexandra, June, and Ragnee were judging what everyone was doing. By the end of the day we got a.s.sembled by them as they wanted to announce the results of everyone"s training.

Alexandra stepped forth. Having an important announcement to share with the entire group.

"Everyone, I know these few days have been rough, but I want you all to know that these days haven"t been without fruition of every one of your skills. My girls and I have been carefully evaluating every single aspect of the training properties and want to congratulate you on your efforts.

We know the purpose of the training has been shared with you all, but just to be sure I"ll let June explain it shortly."

June joined Alexandra and took over explaining the purpose of the sessions.

"As you all know we presented the opportunity for the top pupils of Sharoo giving them a unique opportunity to partake in exclusive training prepared by our a.s.sociation.This in turn had another purpose.

"The Expedition."

This rare opportunity gave us the chance to pinpoint the finest and strongest as the king of Mineral himself ordered the a.s.sembly of the strongest in the land. Why? Because these ruins have recently been discovered are from the "Age of Void". As you now understand the importance of the mission to come, we will have Ragnee share the results with you all."

Ragnee joined the others as she firmly held a clipboard containing a small pile of paper on them. June finished her explanation allowing her to start the evaluation of skills for each pupil who was still present.

I didn"t realize it until now...But looking around it became clear one-third of the pupils were missing.

As I thought to myself it had to have been the tr.i.m.m.i.n.g of talent she continued to call forth the pupils one by one.

"First and foremost, let me congratulate you all for being chosen to represent the Rogues a.s.sociation on this crucial mission, now then… as I will call your name, please step forward so we can discuss your position and purpose during the said expedition. How everything will be executed will become clear tomorrow, as that will be the day you will be meeting the other party members,as well as who will be in which party.

Meiko, please come forward."

A gentle young-looking girl with long black hair stepped forward.I noticed she was wearing gla.s.ses, her eyes were a deep violet and had some form of maturity to them. Hesitant to hear what Ragnee had to say she played with her hair.

As her bang was rather long I noticed she was wearing her hair in a ponytail.

Probably so it wouldn"t get in the way of training.Before I knew it Ragnee firmly continued what she had to tell Meiko.

"We are glad to inform you that we are pleased with the results of your training.

We also think that you are a wonderful addition to the expedition as you will be able to cover the blind spots of the others, giving support from afar. Your position will be "Scout".

As you can swiftly move through the darkness undetected.

Thank you Meiko, you can go and rest now.

Ah, before I forget, if everyone wants to hear what we have to say about the others too, then please stay present until we finished evaluating our results.

Then without further ado, Karen, please move forward.

I beautiful woman stepped forward dressed all flashy in yellow. Her hair was long and light brown as it waved backward she turned to the guys and winked with her forest green eyes hoping to provoke a reaction out of them.

Geo turned to me making remarks about her looks and outfit.

"I wouldn"t be wearing something flashy like that… Not if I had to use the element of surprise that is… it looks to me that she wants all the attention to herself. She"s hot though. Haha.

I nodded in agreement as I had a feeling my eyes met with Karen"s turning me all red,fl.u.s.tered I didn"t know where to look quickly looking away and occasionally looking back.

I noticed she had to laugh because of this and continued teasing the other men.Soon after Ragnee continued her evaluation.

With the use of your weaponry and swiftness we like you to be at the frontline as one of our trusted "Rogues". I believe you can handle this task as it will bring great responsibility.

The men and woman all screamed in unison congratulating her in total ecstasy.

Ragnee got annoyed as the crowd was going wild, quickly stopping them in the hopes of continuing the evaluation.

"QUIET YOU FOOLS!!! Want to be dropped out of the selection?! HUH?!"

Instantly the loud and chaotic cheering had died out as everyone feared for their chance pa.s.sing by. It was clear to see Ragnee wasn"t annoyed by the cheering, but rather, the sheer compet.i.tion.

"You in the middle! Brendan Shield!! Get over here!!"

The young man with short brown hair who had given Geo a fight for his money stepped forward.

"Seeing as you seem to like Mrs. Goody-Two shoes I"m a.s.signing you the position of Guardian.

The Martial Novices had sent you here with a reason, capable in close-combat as well as stealth tactics you"ll be the tank in the party you"ll be a.s.signed to. One thing is for sure.There will be people counting on you, so don"t let us down."

"Yes Ma"am!!"

He replied, quickly moving back to his place in the group.

"Now then… Serenity Gale, please step forward."

A young woman equally as beautiful stepped forward. Instantly it became clear she was more feisty than Karen, her short orange hair,bloodred eyes and well-endowed body made her fierce compet.i.tion for the boys. Instead she was more down to earth and didn"t like the attention, al lone wolf so to speak.

"Serenity, As we have seen your ability to conjure wind projectiles on you own, you will be a crucial addition to this expedition, we will reward you with the position of "Magical Archer" as you will be giving the others much needed support. Please, allow the next in line to proceed.Sheila, please move forward."

An enthusiastic blond woman with green eyes stepped past me wanting to step forward she tripped. Falling headfirst against my back. I turned around worried if she had hurt herself, but it seemed to be okay.

She giggled and relieved I let her pa.s.s to the front.

"Sheila, as your enthusiastic and warm personality helps to keep the morale of the party high,as well as your scouting capabilities in versatility we have decided to allow you to partic.i.p.ate in the expedition. a.s.signing you the position of "Scout" and "Support". Well then… I would like to call forward Geo Birchwood."

"Finally, it is our time!"

"I do hope so, man!"

We slapped our hand together as Geo walked forward wishing for the best.

"Geo, in the beginning, you were recruited because of your extraordinary capability to use two types of elements at the same time. To be honest you being here has been somewhat of an experiment for us…"

"What?! An experiment?! So… What does that mean, exactly?"

"You see, we didn"t let you join because you had the capabilities of mastering the shadow principle. Instead, we wanted to see if someone so closely related to earth and nature could learn something of a completely different element.

I have to regrettably say, this had not worked out as we had hoped.

Still… you will be a strong a.s.set to the success of the expedition.

You see, we need several parties that can go in one after another, allowing the save retrieval of members and items alike.Knowing you have the fighting capabilities and understanding of nature to venture for yourself, we want to request something unique only you may be able to do."

"Which is? Woman… stop beating around the bush already!"

"We want to request from you that if things so south and certain members don"t make it out…

If this turns out for the worst, that you, Geo Birchwood form a party with the remaining leaders and dive back in to retrieve what is left of them, allowing a 2nd chance for saving or worst case scenario give out allies a proper burial."

Geo turned his head as he rubbed his chin thinking hard about the conditions and opportunity presented to him.

"Hmm… So, if I understand correctly, you want me as the back-up plan to retrieve and cover-up anything that may have gone wrong?"

"That is correct."

"Okay, it sounds like a ha.s.sle, but since it"s a unique opportunity I will accept!"

"Glad to hear that Geo, then… we will be evaluating one last person.

Michael, If you would be so kind as to get over here?"

Surprised about what she said I moved forward, uncertain I answered Ragnee.

"I… was the last? So, not everyone will be taking part in the expedition?"

"Yes! The others according to the results, were rating high enough for them to be of use.So if those who weren"t called out could please leave?"

Frustrated the others left the area, as one stayed behind wanting to start a scene.

Just before he could he was knocked out by some of Alexandra"s pupils. Allowing Ragnee to continue as if nothing had happened.

"Like Geo we have a unique request of you. This has to do with your condition so let me explain.

You see, after sealing what was eating away your soul sea, we found the need to monitor your progress. We did so in the agreement of the other guilds and our advisor Amaris.

For a case like yourself has only happened five times in the history of Arganthes.

This is why we will a.s.sign you to a party represented and led by one of our own if you want June or I will take on that role. And yes, this is also why I requested the retrieval mission to Geo. For your see, the last known records of this so-called demon tell about host losing their minds and breaking apart, eventually allowing the beast to consume them from the inside.

Not wanting this to happen we have prepared for one of us to become a surveillance member of the party. Now… for your progress, it seemed you had an affinity for lightning if I remember correctly?"

"Yes, The Cracking Lightning Affinity, to be exact."

"Well… the most peculiar thing has happened, it seemed we could see glimpses of it during your affinity reading, but now we have proof. You too have a second affinity, one we have never seen before, combined with h.e.l.l-fire affinity, we think it might be the work of the beast inside."

"Why is that?"

Ragnee looked away uncertain if she could tell me.

"I… I don"t know if I"m allowed to tell you, but the beast has an affinity strongly attracted to shadows, which is why you have been expelling and quickly learning while understanding the principle. The affinity I am talking about is known as nothingness or "void" so to speak.

But before the other-worldly catastrophe we only thought "they" were capable of using it…"

"Who are "they"? I asked alarmed and confused as I knew nothing of what she told me.

"Oh? It"s nothing to worry about… like I said, I"m not sure if I"m allowed to tell you…

Well since we have talked about your evaluation let me finish by saying that we want you to join the expedition."

Before I could bring up what we had talked about she abruptly broke up the conversation telling us to prepare for the coming expedition.

"It"s better… if we leave it at that Michael… Please, go and prepare yourself for departure, later today we will be meeting up at the rendezvous point, where you will meet the other party members."

Fl.u.s.tered and ashamed of herself having to resort to the dodging of conversations had hurt Ragnee"s pride. She left soon after allowing us to prepare for what was yet to come.

Worried I began talking to Geo along the way.

Weird… I am certain they are hiding something from me… didn"t think she could last under the pressure of talking to me, haha. Oh well… let"s get ready Geo. Better be on time, right?"

True, especially to something important like this… don"t worry buddy,I will get to the bottom of this, you have my word!"

As Geo and I began preparing,the time crept ever closer as we were soon embarking into the unknown…