[Year 10: A violent tremor suddenly shakes the land from afar.
You go to Feren for answers. His face is ashen as he tells you that the "Bone Pope" of the Cult of Bones has awakened and has shattered the main fortress of the Sunfire Knights.
The fates of the Grand Master and the Chapter Masters are unknown.
You realize that Millian is no longer safe and prepare to flee with your family.]
[Year 15: In just five years, the Cult of Bones destroys several outposts of the Order faction.
You wander from place to place with your family, unable to find a safe haven to continue your training.
Fortunately, you have finally broken through and become a Novice Mage, gaining some power to protect yourself.]
[Year 18: While out gathering herbs, you are ambushed by a mage of the same rank from a chaotic faction.
Though gravely wounded, you fight a desperate battle that lasts the entire day. In the end, you are overpowered and killed.]
Alaric muttered to himself as he read the text, "I lasted quite a long time... But why couldn't I get Feren's recommendation?"
Where did it go wrong? Could it be...
Before he could ponder it further, the simulation results appeared.
[Simulation Complete]
[Evaluation: You once again completed your advancement, proving that becoming a Novice Mage is no longer a major hurdle for you.]
[Based on the simulation, you may choose one of the following rewards:]
[1. View a first-person recording of the simulated life.]
[2. The rank of a Level 9 Magic Apprentice.]
[3. Combat Skill: Phantom Spear Strike]
"Again? I was already a Novice Mage in the simulation!"
Alaric was still quite bitter about not being able to inherit his full power.
He grumbled for a moment before considering the rewards.
He ignored the third reward. A purely physical combat skill was practically useless to him.
The only options that mattered were the first two.
He couldn't figure out why Feren hadn't recommended him this time.
If he chose the first option, he might find some clues in the recording.
But after a moment's hesitation, he gave up on the idea.
He already had a good guess based on the text descriptions—the problem most likely stemmed from that Potent Mana Potion.
The shopkeeper of "The Verdant Phial" must have discovered something about it.
If that was the case, there was no need to waste a reward on the replay.
With that, Alaric said in a low voice, "I choose 2."
As he spoke, a familiar torrent of power surged into his mana core, rapidly filling and solidifying it to its absolute limit.
Level 9 Magic Apprentice!
Alaric could clearly feel the mana within him had become incredibly dense.
With every move, he could feel the ambient energy stirring in response.
At this stage, he could begin preparing for his advancement.
However, his most urgent task wasn't advancement, but getting Feren's recommendation.
The last simulation reminded him of the hardships of a wandering mage.
Without the support of an organization, even with his Level 7 Wood Element Affinity, it had taken him more than a decade to barely break through.
The Knights might be doomed to fall in a decade, but until then, they could provide protection and ample resources for his training.
The only problem now was how to get that letter from Feren.
For the next few days, Alaric mentally rehearsed how he would explain his origins to Feren, all while continuing to master his new power and inscribing a few magic scrolls for emergencies.
Early on the ninth day, just as expected, there was a knock on his gate.
Alaric opened it. Standing there was a handsome young man with a steady, calm demeanor.
It was Feren.
Though he had 'interacted' with him many times in simulations, this was their first true meeting.
Alaric arranged his features into an expression of curiosity.
"May I ask who you are looking for?"
Feren gave a slight bow, a formal salute of the Knights. "I am Feren, an external member of the Sunfire Knights, responsible for the peace of Millian.
I heard a mage of extraordinary presence had arrived, so I took the liberty of paying a visit."
Alaric smiled. "So it is Sir Feren. Please, come in!"
After a simple exchange of pleasantries, he led Feren inside. He didn't immediately ask the purpose of the visit.
Instead, he took out a tea set he had prepared and calmly brewed a cup for Feren.
Though Alaric was a novice at tea, with the precise control of a Level 9 Apprentice, every movement was deliberate and graceful.
Feren took a symbolic sip and set the cup down. "You seem to have a fine appreciation for the art of tea."
Alaric shook his head with a smile. "To be honest, Brother Feren, I've only been learning for a few days.
For the past decade, I've been too busy with my training to have time for such leisures."
The gesture was meant to show his peaceful intentions.
Feren's posture relaxed. After a few more pleasantries, he asked, "Are you planning a short stay, or do you intend to reside here for a long time?"
Alaric paused thoughtfully.
"Since you are a member of the Knights, I won't hide my intentions from you."
"I know all too well the hardships of being a wandering mage, and I hope to join the Sunfire Knights."
"owever, I've heard that one needs a clean background to join. I was unsure how to prove my own, so I could only settle here for the time being."
Feren continued to probe.
"Is there something complicated about your background?"
Alaric let out a soft sigh. "I won't lie to you, Brother Feren. I grew up in Baker Town."
"And as you know, that is the territory of the Cult of Bones. With an origin like that, how could I possibly pass the Knights' inspection?"
Alaric had already guessed his background was likely exposed.
Since he couldn't hide it, he chose to lay his cards on the table, hoping to project an image of honesty.
He was betting that his place of birth alone wasn't enough to get him rejected outright.