The days that followed were deceptively quiet. The seven chosen ones now lived in a mansion reserved solely for their training. They only attended lessons with Aurus—and those lessons were nothing like the ones before.
Their days started at sunrise and ended at sunset, filled with studies in biology, anatomy, astrology, and mathematics. Breaks were brief, meals balanced, and the rhythm unrelenting.
William refused to waste a single moment. While the others rested or chatted, he trained with his sword in the back courtyard, drenched in sweat, repeating every movement from the technique Jayce had shown him.
One day, after a class on arcane anatomy, William approached Aurus and presented his sword. He drew it slowly, like revealing something sacred.
Aurus gave it a single glance. His normally unreadable face twitched ever so slightly.
"Don't show this sword where we're headed," he said, voice low. "Not unless you're strong enough to protect it. Even Rank 2 mages would kill for a weapon like this."
"Do you want it, Master?" William asked, cautious.
Aurus let out a short, dry laugh.
"I'm no swordsman. I've never wielded a blade. It's of little use to me. But others... others won't be so kind. They don't need to use it. Just selling it would fetch a fortune."
The honesty in those words put William at ease. He had always felt uneasy around Aurus—unsure whether the man's kindness was real or a façade. Knowing he didn't covet William's most precious possession helped lower his guard, if only a little.
During those days, he also began interacting more with the girls. Not in the intimate way he once had, but genuine, regular conversation. After digging into a few books and consulting with Aurus, they realized something: their current status was closer to magical nobility than runaway slaves.
That realization showed in their behavior. They moved differently, spoke with newfound confidence, and carried themselves with the grace of those who believed they had been chosen by fate. William noticed—and didn't like it much. He kept quiet, though. "True character reveals itself when power shifts," he thought.
He hadn't seen Rose either. This part of the city was off-limits to her. Even if she wanted to come, she couldn't.
Two weeks passed before the real rulers of Caerlin arrived.
You might think the city was named after a noble family, but no. Caerlin meant balance in ancient Remika. And balance, here, was maintained by the mages.
Over a dozen of them came, each escorting their own group of students. The once-quiet mansion filled with footsteps, voices, and pulsing magical pressure. The air grew heavy.
Aurus gathered the seven into the main hall. His face was darker than usual.
"Don't leave the mansion," he ordered. "In fact, stay in your rooms if you can. Don't open the door unless absolutely necessary."
No one questioned him. His tone left no room for discussion.
And so, they stayed hidden for two whole weeks. Meals were left at their doors. They had water to wash and all essentials, but no contact with the outside world.
William used the isolation to push his body to its limit. The books Aurus had given them were already scanned and memorized thanks to Angel, so he had no need to reread them. Every waking hour was spent training.
His stats improved noticeably:
Strength: 3.1
Agility: 3.3
Vitality: 3.9
Chip Sync Rate: 24%
He could now chain five consecutive strikes from the Plum Blossom Style. He was halfway to mastering the eight-blow technique.
At last, after those long weeks, Aurus summoned them to his study.
"You're free for the rest of the day," he said, with a rare, soft smile. "Go out. Explore the city if you wish."
The six girls nearly sprinted off to get ready. After days of confinement, the outside world was a long-lost dream.
Aurus made a subtle gesture, signaling William to stay.
Once they were alone, the old mage walked to his shelf and retrieved a bottle made of sky-blue glass. Inside, a glowing liquid shimmered as though it held a constellation of stars.
"You're probably wondering what all this secrecy was about," he began. "The answer's simple. Every mage here has the right to kill any mortal they deem careless—even apprentices. The recruiters in this city are washed-up mages whose potential has run dry. They survive by working for the Alliance. The more talented students they bring, the more resources they get. But if someone else brings a better candidate... their rewards shrink."
He paused, looking out the window as if remembering something foul.
"Every recruitment season, dozens of apprentices die. Petty reasons. Silly excuses. That's why I told you to hide. William... the magical world is brutal. Never let your guard down."
The words chilled William more than he wanted to admit.
Aurus placed the bottle in front of him.
"As I told you before—mages follow the law of equivalent exchange. You're helping me recover my strength... helping me get the hell out of this place. So I owe you something, whether you want it or not."
He leaned forward slightly.
"This potion is called Dark Star. It's arguably the best potion for an apprentice. I'm also giving you a hundred spirit stones. And when we return, I'll let you access my personal collection of books. It doesn't compare to what you've done for me, but it's the least I can offer."
William bowed his head respectfully.
"I'm deeply grateful, sir. I wouldn't dare ask for more."
Aurus nodded. That was enough.
He dismissed William with a wave. The young man took the glowing bottle carefully and stepped out, the mage's final warning still echoing in his mind.
The magical world is brutal. Never let your guard down.