Chapter 20: Exorcist Test
Several weeks had passed, and finally, it was time for the Exorcist test.
Since it was an ancient event, a long-standing tradition of the kingdom dictated that the streets remain empty. Entire villages were abandoned for the occasion, leaving only the Exorcist guards and special forces stationed at various points. No merchants, no wandering citizens, no distractions. The reason behind this custom was simple—to allow the children taking the test a clear and uninterrupted passage through the village, ensuring that nothing stood in their way as they embarked on the most important trial of their lives.
Under the guidance of the man who had instructed them weeks earlier, the candidates moved in pairs and small groups. Each individual carried an air of anticipation, some eager, others anxious, all aware that this test would determine their future.
Among them was Asher, walking alongside Fey, his assigned partner. The two were clad in the limited armor they possessed, though their choices differed significantly.
Fey wore a sturdy chest plate and gauntlets, the metallic sheen of his armor reflecting the soft rays of the sun filtering through the cloudy sky. His movements were precise, calculated—traits that Asher had observed throughout their weeks of training.
Asher, however, had opted for something vastly different. His attire resembled ordinary clothing, but it was an ancient type of Exorcist armor, deceptively light yet thick and impenetrable as reinforced metal. Unlike Fey, who relied on conventional armor, Asher found such bulk restrictive. He preferred agility over sheer defense.
Throughout the weeks of rigorous training, Asher had taken careful note of Fey's abilities.
"So far, all I know is that his talent with weapons is alarming, almost like it's an in-game skill."
He had observed Fey wielding swords, spears, and even daggers with astonishing proficiency, adapting to each weapon as though he had been born with the knowledge of their use. It was unnatural—almost too perfect.
Finally, after a long trek, the crowd of students came to a halt in front of a vast temple, its ancient structure towering over them like a sleeping titan.
This was no ordinary temple.
Guarding its entrance were high-ranked Exorcists, their presence alone enough to affirm that whatever lay inside held great significance. The students instinctively understood that this was a place of utmost importance, and many began whispering among themselves.
Asher, however, already had a suspicion about where they were.
The exorcist at the front, a towering figure draped in ceremonial robes, raised his hand, commanding silence.
"This is the Sacred Temple of Oramon," he began, his voice steady yet powerful enough to echo against the temple walls. "Within this temple lies a magical orb deeply rooted in the core of the earth. This orb serves as a conduit for travel—one of the greatest gifts bestowed upon the world by Oramon himself."
Murmurs rippled through the gathered students, their eyes widening with intrigue.
"These orbs, named in honor of Oramon, allow one to traverse great distances in mere seconds. Journeys that would otherwise take months or even years can be completed in an instant. This will be your means of travel."
With that, the Exorcist leader strode forward, reaching for the large arched oakwood doors. With a firm push, he swung them open, revealing the grandeur that lay beyond.
"As you enter, I expect absolute silence," he commanded. "Remain here and wait for my return. I must first discuss matters with the other Exorcists."
Without another word, he turned and disappeared toward the left wing of the temple, leaving the massive doors wide open for the students to step inside.
One by one, they entered, their gazes drawn immediately to the breathtaking interior of the sacred hall.
The brick walls, adorned with elaborate carvings, exuded an ancient yet unyielding presence. Water streamed gracefully down from the walls and flooring, clear and pure, flowing like a network of delicate silver veins.
It was majestic.
Even Asher, despite his knowledge of this world, couldn't help but feel awestruck.
"The streams of water... the high-graphics architecture... the indestructible walls? Wow, just like the game."
A faint smirk stretched across his face. This was nostalgia at its finest.
Shifting through the crowd, he maneuvered until he found an unobstructed view of the grand chamber.
At the center of the room, towering over everything else, stood a massive pearl-like orb, glowing with an ethereal white light.
It was embedded in an elegantly carved diamond pillar, its base fused seamlessly with the temple floor. The way it gleamed—almost pulsating—reminded Asher of the magician's orb embedded in a staff, an artifact of immense power.
This was an Oramon.
At least, that was what it was called in this world.
But to Asher, it was something entirely different.
"A quick-map device. A save-state point."
The realization settled in his mind like a puzzle piece snapping into place. In the game, Oramons were used to save progress and teleport to other Oramons or nearby locations without having to travel manually.
But was that mechanic still intact here?
"If I had a save-state... would this still feel like a game?"
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His thoughts were interrupted as he turned to speak to Fey.
But—
He was gone.
Asher's brows furrowed as he scanned the area. He must have lost sight of Fey while weaving through the crowd for a better view.
Instead, his gaze landed on someone else.
His sister.
Silent. Alone.
She stood in the distance, her expression unreadable. Unlike the others, she had no companions, nor did she seem inclined to make any.
[What are you thinking about?]
His mind wandered.
"How long it's been since we actually talked... it's quite sad."
[In what way?]
"The way my plans are already edging closer. The game's story is about to begin."
His mind raced, analyzing his progress.
So far, he had not even reached average strength. His pace was frustratingly slow. He needed experience, abilities, power.
[Your perception of the game is mind-blowing. How, by chance, did you figure out that the world is shifting into the first phase of story mode?]
His eyes flickered upward, staring into the sky.
"Right. The birds in the air. The butterflies. Their numbers are dwindling."
[So you believe the fewer birds you see, the closer the apocalypse?]
Asher nodded.
"Back in the game, there were no birds or flying creatures in most areas. And yet, here? There's an abundance of them. That's just my theory, but if it's correct, then time is running out."
His voice was firm as he muttered, "I need to get stronger. Not just me—but Fey. He's going to be my first guild member."
[You don't have much of a choice for now. I'll notify you when there is.]
With that, the notifications in his mind fell silent.
Asher stood frozen in thought.
His fingers curled slightly, tension building within him.
He still wasn't sure if there were others like him—real people trapped within the game, just like him.
The uncertainty was suffocating.
And then, another thought took root in his mind.
"These complications are too tight... Should I just run away during this expedition?"