["Beep!"]
["Identity and personality variation detected."]
Those words made my brow furrow.
What does that an now? I wondered to myself, but before I could form a question, another notification sounded.
["An anomaly has been detected in the Host’s brainwaves!"]
Even on my very first day as an Acolyte, it seed my own mind was determined to play tricks on .
I closed my eyes and issued a ntal command.
Run a report!
["Beep!"]
A holographic panel appeared within my ntal vision.
["Processing..."]
Lines of code streaked across the panel as the system dove into the depths of my mind, searching for sothing—anything—that could explain the anomaly.
["Results inconclusive."]
["Insufficient information. Please update the database to proceed."]
I sighed again, this ti with a mix of frustration and resignation.
It seems there’s a shift in spiritual energy, but I don’t have enough information about this field to investigate further for now.
Miguel noticed that I was a bit dizzy.
He lifted his head, a slightly ironic smile on his face, and pointed to the small box where I had left my belongings upon entering the laboratory.
—The ditation technique infused in the potion was given to you, right? he asked. —Take a look when you return to your room. You can absorb the information now. It will help stabilize your mind and your spiritual connection.
I nodded in agreent as he continued.
—Tomorrow, co here at six in the morning! I want to start working on sothing more advanced with you. But rember...
He narrowed his eyes, and his voice carried a warning tone.
—Don’t wander around. There are things in this tower that can make a child like you disappear without a trace.
—I’ll do as you say, ntor, I replied, bowing slightly in respect.
I walked to the box and carefully gathered my belongings.
Before leaving, I cast one last glance at Miguel.
He was already back at his workstation, his skilled fingers adjusting the incomplete device he had been working on earlier.
As I left Miguel’s laboratory, the long, empty corridors of the tower stretched out before , wrapped in unsettling silence.
Luckily, I passed through here earlier; otherwise, I wouldn’t even know where the dormitories are located!
I paused for a mont and issued a ntal command.
Biochip, create a map based on what I’ve seen since arriving here.
["Beep!"]
In the corner of my vision, a small holographic projection appeared.
A three-dinsional map of the tower began forming, based on everything my eyes had captured so far.
["Updating information..."]
["Information updated!"]
The map displayed corridors, rooms, and areas I had already passed through, adapting in real ti.
Mark restricted or potentially dangerous areas with red dots.
I don’t want unpleasant encounters with magi—or worse...
After all, if Miguel warned beforehand, there must be hidden dangers in this place.
As red dots began appearing on the map, I adjusted my route to avoid the dangerous locations.
Step by step, I moved through the corridors until I finally reached the dormitories.
Holding my belongings tightly, I took out the heavy silver key I had received earlier.
The number "999" was engraved on it, its cold, smooth edges reflecting the dim ambient light.
My eyes wandered across the doors lined along both sides of the corridor.
Each door bore a number carved into its wooden surface, marking a student’s room.
It didn’t take much effort to find my door—marked "999."
I raised my arm and inserted the key into the lock.
Click—
The tallic sound echoed, heavy and decisive, as I turned the key clockwise.
With a gentle push, the door opened, revealing a dark space.
At that mont, a faint light flickered on automatically above.
The lamps, encased in so kind of glass covering, emitted enough glow to illuminate the room.
Not bad... I murmured, dropping my belongings onto the floor and taking a detailed look at the place where I would spend the coming years.
The room was simple, but functional.
On one side stood a wooden bed with a thin mattress still wrapped in protective plastic.
Beside it was a small desk with drawers and a chair, probably for studying.
There was also an empty bookshelf, ready to be filled with books and supplies.
In the opposite corner stood a sturdy wardrobe with bronze fittings, perfect for storing my clothes and equipnt.
A small washbasin had been built into one corner of the wall, complete with a sink and a mirror above it.
The walls, like the rest of the tower, were made of rough stone, giving a sense of solidity.
However, the environnt felt cold and impersonal.
The only sound was the faint hum of magical lighting.
I sighed, feeling a mixture of exhaustion and relief.
This place will be my ho for years... I’d better start getting used to it.
After everything that had happened that day, I finally had a mont to relax.
I raised my arms and imdiately caught a horrible sll.
Ugh...
I grimaced in disgust, realizing just how filthy I was.
The stench of dried blood—remnants from the acolyte explosion caused by Marcelina—mixed with the sweat accumulated during the long balloon journey, where I hadn’t had a chance to wash.
Alright, I need a bath.
I looked around the room and noticed the clothes I had left on the floor.
They were the standard acolyte outfit—hooded robes, simple trousers, boots, and gloves.
I gathered everything and walked to the wardrobe in the corner of the room.
First things first!
I stored the clothes carefully, folding them and arranging them on the wardrobe shelves.
Then I turned to the books I had received earlier, stacked on the floor.
I picked them up one by one—heavy and ancient, with titles in languages I recognized but still didn’t fully understand.
I placed them on the empty bookshelf.
Well... reading is an exaggeration, I thought with a faint smile as I arranged the books.
After all, with the biochip storing all the information in my mind, I didn’t need to spend hours flipping through pages to learn the content.
Finally, I picked up the potion the old mage in the tower administration had given .
The shimring liquid, in shades of blue and gold, swirled inside the vial as if it had a life of its own.
I held it at eye level, admiring it for a mont.
This is elental ditation...
I carefully placed the vial on the desk beside the bookshelf, arranging it next to the books.
At last, my attention turned to the small bathroom attached to the room.
I approached, opened the door, and caught sight of my reflection in the mirror.
My God...
I felt a slight shock as I took in my appearance.
My blond hair was ssy and long, falling over my eyes.
Stains of dried blood were still scattered across my face and tangled in my hair.
Sweat had left my skin oily, and a short, uneven beard was beginning to appear, accompanied by a patchy mustache.
I sighed deeply. At least I can take care of this now.
I began removing my clothes.
First, the boots.
They were tight and heavy, and when I freed my feet and stepped barefoot onto the floor, a wave of relief washed over .
That’s good...
Then I removed the rest of the dirty clothes and tossed them straight into the trash bin in the bathroom corner.
There was no way to save any of it.
Finally, I stepped into the shower.
I pressed a button on the wall, and the old pipes groaned before a torrent of cold water poured over my head.
The initial impact made gasp, but soon the refreshing chill revitalized my tired body.
Ahhh...
It was exactly what I needed.
I let the water wash everything away — the blood, the sweat, the dirt.
I ran my hands through my hair, scrubbing every strand until the remnants of the day vanished down the drain.
I stayed there for several minutes, simply letting the cold water run over ...
...
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