Combat Test

"You said house. Is his family so important?" I quietly inquired, unsure if the mere mention of his family was considered taboo.

"Not really, but 'he' is different than most due to his looks and character. But that's beside the point," Kali said, clearing her throat, "As you have yet to become an Empyrean or part of any mercenary group, it's safe to say you are ignorant about what we do; at the Adventurer Guild."

"That is correct."

"Good, then let me explain. We are basically contractors to the world, from finding cats to clearing out bandits or monsters. We do it all. But our main source of income comes from exploration," She said, pausing for a moment in thought. "Arcadia is a perilous world that dates back longer than anyone can remember."

Listening patiently, I felt my skin tingle with a longing sensation as my mind flashed back to the sight of myself covered in goblin's blood. It was scary at first, but the more I whipped my blade through the winds, the more my sword cut through those goblins like butter. I felt something grow within me, something I wished to resist yet didn't.

"Now, as I'm sure you've heard enough of me talk, let's get down to why you're here. Missions." My ear twitched as I lifted my gaze to meet Kali's icy blue eyes, " There are two types of missions. The first is from the Adventurous Guild, which is optional but usually pays more with higher risks. The second is also optional but is employed by a third party; these are the most common type of missions, but there is a high degree of betrayal or problem with payment. While the guild does a good background check, anything can happen in the field."

"Is there some ranking system? Surely you don't allow people to accept missions randomly?"

"We do, actually," She answered, to my surprise. "It's up to you to determine the risk. The guild will usually warn you of the potential danger, but in the end, It's your life that hangs in the balance. We trust that your greed will not get above you. There is no logical way to determine a mission's rank. You just need to be careful and hope you don't die. Guess that's another reason it's called the Adventurers Guild. Lol, right?"

My brow twitched at the sudden use of a modern term, but I guess it's logical to think that there had been people beforehand that used such terminology. There seem to be people going around kidnapping worlds, bringing them to Arcadia.

"That being said. We need to test your combat skills to get a feel for the types of missions we can offer you. " Kali added, pointing towards the upstairs, "Head up to the third story, where you will meet an old man with a long beard; just tell him Kali sent you to get a Combat Test. Worry not, it's quite safe, and all your personal information shall not be shared with anyone."

I chuckled, concluding on my own that everyone would know. Just how many people could keep a secret?

"When you're done, I'll have your Adventurer card ready. Oh, and if you pass and become an Adventurer, I have a surprise for you unless that crusty old man ruins it."

Unsure how to respond, I followed Kali's instructions and walked up the stairs to the third story, catching sight of a long hallway with a grizzly-looking old man with an elegant-looking beard stretching towards his stomach. A little handsome for an old fox, he stood in the middle of the hallway, seeming lost in confusion.

"Excuse me?" I called out, startling the old fox out of his stupor.

"Huh? I didn't hear you approach the young lady." He said, turning his ancient gray eye to me; he smiled, " You have very light footsteps. But how may I help you?"

"Are you the crusty old man Kali spoke of?" I inquired, unsure if this was the man Kali was speaking of. This man didn't look crusty; he seemed rather noble, dressed in a jet-black tailcoat to match the elegance he portrayed as he stood.

"It would seem I am?" he said, and I knew I wasn't talking to the right person. " Come with me, girl. I will administer your test." He glanced at one of the doors, " Number six should be open."

Heading into one of the rooms in the back of the hallway, I could only follow, as I was sure it didn't matter if this man was a part of the Adventurous Guild or not. He'd force me to follow.

"May I ask who you are?"

"Vincent," He softly answered, shooting me a stare that made my footsteps pause outside the doorway. Taking in the room filled with all kinds of weapons, Raipiers, broadswords, sythes, daggers, all wooden, I grew amazed and stepped in.

Picking up a wooden sword, his fingers traced over the smooth surface of the oak, and he chuckled. "You can look on your own time. For now, pick up your weapon, and challenge me... if you got the balls, use that sword on your waist. It might ensure you last past a few strokes."

I frowned and was about to reject his proposal when I was suddenly blasted away by a vicious force of battle intent. I slid back, and my hood slipped from my head. Startled by his battle stance, I felt I was standing before Father or Uncle. However, my father's aura was far scarier.

"Oh?" He said, looking surprised that I withstood that.

FOOL! It's not my first battle to the death! Papa has a sick mind, Uncle, too.

Unable to help myself, I cracked a smile and stepped forward, pulling out a wooden katana and dagger.

"Remove those things in your eyes blocking your vision as well. I need to face you fully. Show me everything. Black Rose."

DING!

<LIMIT BATTLE>

[Parameter: Face the Guild Master with your full power! Show him no quarter!]

[Reward: Ten Free Points]

Startled by how Vincent knew of my title and the random mission, Lily's voice echoed into my mind, " Free points will allow you to put them in any category on your stat chart. Good luck."

Hesitation pressed against my lips, but I nodded and slowly slid my fingers over my two eyes, removing the contacts I'd been wearing since birth.

I'd always asked uncle Zariel about them, as they not only helped me block my vision to a human degree but also stopped one of my abilities.

<Eyes of Causality Detected>

[Classification: Abyssal]

[Rarity: ???]

[Awakening: .01%]

[Description: N/A]

Ability: [Replicate Lv 1], [Causality] [Causation]

The world had come once again to a standstill. Almost like standing in a domain of silence, a cool sensation of emptiness overtook me, washing away the noise. And from the vacuum, images of billions, trillions, quad trillions of vision whip across my mind. Piercing my soul without mercy with every single outcome, I stared at Vincent.

Sweating where he stood revealed millions of goosebumps prickling his skin, sending his heart and breath in a downward spiral. His sword arm trembled, and he lowered his blade, "You? What are you?" He inquired softly, his voice trembling.

"I'm Izalith," I uttered one last time and dashed towards the Guild Master with the intent to kill.