----
As Apollo entered the Tethered Shadow Origin Room, the door closed behind him almost imdiately. As that happened, Xezym rose from Sapphyr's shadow, "Lady Sapphyr, it seems that child has a destiny with darkness. The amount of tis the Headmaster has allowed such a thing to be done can be counted on hand. Do you believe she has taken interest in him?"
Sapphyr's looked at Xezym with an equally interested expression, "It may be possible. To enter the Tethered Shadow Origin Room, you know what that ans. There's a chance he'll contract with a spirit similar to you."
Unlike a regular area, the Tethered Shadow Origin Room was special. The environnt was created by an artifact that ca from a world specialized in utilizing shadows. As a result, anyone who trained inside without already possessing a contracted Spirit would be more inclined to contract with such a being.
The shimring orb in the middle that also rooted the independent space of that room in place doubled as a tool that subtly morphed one's predisposition. This was one of the reasons students typically joined one Institute and nothing else. It was rare to find a Spirit that gave off enough supplental spirit energy to substantiate taking up a second elent.
Typically, a Spirit would follow one strict path. In turn, this would influence their contractor's body by storing the Spirit's essence inside their Soul Temple. anwhile, only sotis would there be so unexplained mutations or anomalies. However, the chance of such a thing happening was infinitesimally slim.
On the other hand. Xezym beca pensive. He wondered if it was the correct ti to ask this. But, when he realized his earlier words about having ties with the destined path of the shadows, he spoke up, "Lady Sapphyr, there is sothing I must ask you in place of that lad."
"He wants you to train him, doesn't he?" Sapphyr responded, sparing Xezym a aningful glance. Since there was nothing but loyalty with him, he nodded without hesitation.
"That is correct, my Lady," Xezym admitted. Then, he looked at her with an expression to showed he possessed so desire for such a thing. In fact, he lowered his hood that usually hid his face. What appeared was a handso appearance with snow-white hair and abyss black eyes.
"This isn't sothing you need to seek my permission for. If you would like to train him and his abilities agree with your thods, then by all ans train him. In the future, he will be an ally, or at the very least, he is one to repay those who help him. Also, is it offensive or defensive techniques that he wants to learn?" Sapphyr questioned.
"Neither, he wanted to learn evacuation techniques. Actually, his current technique is similar if not identical to the rudintary form of mine. It intrigues . I wonder just where he learned such a technique without eting a Spirit," Xezym muttered while falling into thought.
In the anti, Sapphyr also mulled over a few things. Firstly, she recalled defensive being Apollo's leading shortcoming. During the trial, all of his movents showed that he was what they called a pure attacker. Even if he utilized defensive techniques, they didn't exist outside of the elentary Essence Aegis technique.
Thus, Sapphyr thought he would try to tend to this matter. However, as she thought more about his personality, she realized that wasn't sothing he would do. To correct any inconsistencies, she was sure he would find a way to make his offensive absolute.
And, what better was there to do that than to use the boost in agility given from movent techniques to increase lethality. Soon enough, a small smile crept on Sapphyr's crimson lips, 'That kid is too zealous and aggressive. He belongs with those Dongguangs.'
----
anwhile, as those two decided on the matters of Apollo's future, he was focused on other things. Upon entering the Tethered Shadow Origin Room, the first thing that caught his eye was the environnt. Even though it wasn't as enrapturing as the shimring obsidian orb in the middle of the space, sothing felt off.
First and foremost, there was no atmosphere. It strictly comprised Spiritual Essence with faint amounts of Natural Essence. Yet, it felt more relaxing to breathe here than anywhere else. Unbeknownst to him, at a set interval of 20 seconds, the orbs undulated a wave of energy.
Those who possessed a decent Dark Affinity would have their bodies refreshed. For those who didn't, it would feel like a portion of their energy was sapped away. If Fuhrer was here, he would tell Apollo this was the basis of a strong Sin's ability and a famous Noble Art.
As he looked up, he witnessed what seed to be a black vortex moving in an orthodox and unchanging pattern. Yet, as he stared into it, he felt as if his soul was being sucked from his body. Fortunately, a hand touched his shoulder that allowed him to regain his wits.
"It seems you're new here," spoke a newcor as he assisted Apollo in extricating his entire focus from that vortex. When he recovered, he looked at the person to find it was soone he had seen once before.
"Lance?" Apollo muttered, before continuing, "I took a glimpse and it felt like my consciousness was being consud. Mind informing about the matters related to that thing?"
"Before I do, I have a question of my own. How did you get in? Furthermore, it seems to be without vital prior knowledge. This is a first for . The Institutes shouldn't reopen for another 2 days. You must be rather famous, what was your na again?" Lance rubbed his chin, examining Apollo closely.
"Apollo Kaiser and I just happened to stumble inside his," Apollo stated. Based on what Sapphyr told him, it was best not to disclose when preferential was given and who bestowed it. Not only did it create hostility, but it could also result in the environnt of the academy becoming chaotic.
Even though the students weren't naive enough to believe the world didn't have scenarios where favoritism was shown, they still liked to believe in the rules laid bare by the administration.
In response, Lance gave a knowing smile but didn't pry further. However, he also didn't do any to garner a relationship. In fact, he crossed his arms, "If you want information, we can perform a transaction."
"A transaction?" Apollo praised his eyebrows. He then followed Lance's line of sight and noticed he was eyeing his academic identification card. Naturally, Apollo was at a loss. Besides containing his identity, he was sure it didn't contain much importance.
Of course, he was wrong. "Correct, we'll deal in Academic Credits. If you're interested, I can offer 3 tiers of information. A basic breakdown of the guidelines here will only cost 10 Academic Credits, more detailed shall be 60 Academic Credits and lastly, a complete run-down will be 150 Academic Credits."
When he heard the large differentiation in the prices, Apollo's jaw almost dropped. Not only did he have to pay 3x the typical student, he felt he was being extorted. Truth be told, he was.
A few of the ditating students opened their eyes and sneered in Lance's direction. So of them even mumbled things under their breath. Although they didn't an to butt in, Apollo's acute hearing picked up on what they were saying.
According to what they said, except for the basic information, the prices were trumped up a great deal. Needless to say, extortion was not sothing Apollo would let happen willfully.
"Where's the generosity amongst peers? Would you really go as far as to extort your upperclassn? I know those pieces of information aren't worth more than 30 and 50 Academic Credits respectively," Apollo replied with a chuckle.
At first, Lance was shocked, "How did you know? Ahem, I an-" Lance recovered his deanor after stuttering before shalessly talking, "It seems you're a smart one, the wool has not been pulled over your eyes. Very well, which will you choose?"
"That's better, I'll choose the largest one," Apollo responded.
Lance then went on to show Apollo how a transfer of credits took place. Holding their cards together, a screen appeared. Once they agreed on 30, that was the exact amount that deducted from Apollo's card. Shortly after, Lance gave him an in-depth breakdown the of area.
He even explained how certain areas were special zones. Sadly, they were almost always occupied by the most monstrous individuals. Upon receiving all the need-to-know knowledge, Apollo claid a seat and sat down to ditate.
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