Place to Learn New Skills (2)

"An aptitude test?" William echoed, curiosity piqued. "Where can I find one of those?"

"The Mages' Guild," Gorn replied, taking a hearty swig of his ale. "It's not far from here. We can head over after breakfast."

William nodded eagerly, his mind already racing with possibilities. What kind of magic would he be suited for? He imagined himself conjuring fireballs, summoning lightning bolts, or perhaps even manipulating the very fabric of time with his newfound magical prowess.

They finished their breakfast, the tavern slowly filling with the morning rush of patrons seeking a quick bite before starting their day. Gorn settled the tab, his movements practiced and efficient, and they stepped back out into the bustling streets of Alderanth.

The Mages' Guild was an imposing structure, its tall spires reaching towards the sky, its walls adorned with intricate carvings depicting arcane symbols and mythical creatures. William felt a sense of awe as they approached the grand entrance, its heavy oak doors adorned with gleaming brass handles shaped like intertwined serpents.

Inside, the atmosphere was hushed and reverent. Mages clad in flowing robes of various colors glided through the spacious halls, their voices low, their expressions serious. Shelves lined the walls, overflowing with ancient tomes and scrolls, their pages filled with arcane knowledge.

Gorn approached a young mage seated at a polished mahogany desk. "We're here for an aptitude test," he announced, his voice carrying a hint of respect.

The mage, his eyes sparkling with intelligence, gestured towards a nearby chamber. "Please enter," he said, his voice smooth and melodic. "The test will assess your natural affinities and guide you towards the path best suited to your talents."

William, his heart pounding with anticipation, followed Gorn into the chamber. It was a circular room, its walls lined with mirrors that reflected his image a thousand times over. A strange energy thrummed through the air, a tingling sensation that sent shivers down his spine.

He took a deep breath, his gaze settling on a crystal orb resting on a pedestal in the center of the room. The orb pulsed with a soft, inner light, its surface swirling with a kaleidoscope of colors.

"Place your hand on the orb," the mage instructed from beyond the door. "And focus your mind. Let your magic flow."

William stepped forward, his hand trembling slightly as he reached for the orb. He closed his eyes, his thoughts swirling with anticipation. What secrets would the orb reveal? What path would his magical journey take him on?

William extended his hand, his fingers brushing against the cool, smooth surface of the crystal orb. A jolt of energy surged through him, causing him to gasp. The orb, which had been a tranquil swirl of colors, erupted in a blinding flash of crimson light, the intensity momentarily blinding him.

He stumbled back, shielding his eyes. When he could see again, the orb was no longer glowing serenely; it was pulsating rapidly, the crimson light deepening to an almost bloody hue. Cracks spiderwebbed across its surface, and a faint humming sound emanated from within, growing louder with each passing second.

Suddenly, the orb shattered, exploding in a shower of crimson sparks that dissipated as quickly as they appeared. William stared at the fragments scattered across the pedestal, his heart pounding in his chest. What did it mean? Had he failed the test?

The mage, who had been observing through a hidden window, rushed into the chamber, his face a mixture of shock and awe. "Incredible!" he exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief. "I've never witnessed such raw power, such potential..." He knelt down, carefully examining the shattered remnants of the orb. "This is... unprecedented. The orb reacted to your touch with an intensity that nearly overloaded its capacity. It seems you possess an extraordinary affinity for Body Enhancing magic."

He looked at William, his expression turning serious. "But this level of talent comes with a price. Unlocking it will require a rare and costly catalyst." He turned to Gorn, his voice softening. "I'm afraid the fee for this procedure will be substantial."

Gorn, who had been watching the proceedings with a mixture of concern and excitement, simply nodded. "Whatever it takes," he said, his voice firm. "This lad has a gift, and we won't let it go to waste."

The mage smiled. "Very well. I will begin the preparations immediately." He led them to a smaller chamber, where he instructed William to sit in a meditative pose. He then produced a small, intricately carved wooden box from his robes. Inside, nestled on a bed of velvet, lay a shimmering, emerald-green gem.

"This," the mage explained, "is a Viridian Shard, a crystal imbued with the essence of life force. It will serve as the catalyst to unlock your latent potential." He placed the shard on William's forehead, where it adhered gently, emitting a soft, green glow.

William closed his eyes, feeling a warm sensation spreading through his body, invigorating his muscles and sharpening his senses. He could feel his power surging, his connection to his own physicality deepening. When he opened his eyes, the Viridian Shard had vanished, its energy absorbed into his being.

The mage smiled. "Congratulations, William. You have successfully unlocked your Body Enhancing talent. You will find that your skills in this domain will be far more potent and efficient than those of an average mage."

A notification appeared before William's eyes, confirming the mage's words:

[Body Enhancing Talent I (B Rank): All Body Enhancing skill cost 20% less, are 20% more effective, and last 20% longer.]

Stepping out of the Mages' Guild and back into the bustling streets of Alderanth, William felt a newfound confidence surging through him. He practically bounced down the cobblestone streets, his eyes wide with excitement. He couldn't wait to put his new talent to the test.

Gorn, ever observant, chuckled at William's barely contained enthusiasm. "Seems like someone's eager to start their magical journey," he remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice. "So, tell me, lad, what grade did that passive skill of yours come at?"

"It's a B rank!" William announced, beaming with pride.

Gorn's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "A B rank? That's impressive for a starting skill! Most beginners are lucky to get a C or even a D. You've got a good foundation to build on, lad. It's possible to improve those skills further, you know, so starting with a B rank is among the best."

William's grin widened. "Really? How do I do that?"

"Practice and training, mostly," Gorn explained. "But also by finding higher-ranked skills to replace or enhance your existing ones. Which is why our next stop is the Alderanth Library. They have a decent collection of magic scrolls, and we'll see if we can find some body enhancing techniques for you to learn."

The Alderanth Library was a haven of tranquility amidst the city's hustle and bustle. Its high-ceilinged reading rooms were filled with rows upon rows of bookshelves, the air thick with the scent of aged paper and leather. Gorn, with his familiarity with the library's layout, led William through the labyrinthine aisles towards the section dedicated to magic.

"Here we are," Gorn announced, gesturing towards a shelf laden with scrolls of varying sizes and colors. "Now, let's see what we can find..."