We walked for quite a while across campus. This place was especially alluring during the fall, with the warm colors, the drifting leaves, and the intricate decor we passed.
The facilities of the Phoenix Branch weren't exactly surprising for a place with this kind of curriculum, but they were still impressive.
There was a massive pool beside a structure that looked like a dojo. I saw a few students training there. It wasn't Olympic-style swimming or anything related to sports; it was closer to military conditioning. The sight was jarring.
It's where students train for the Domination Crest.
"Ray, how's your course? What's it like?" I asked as we walked, not in a hurry, even though we were already nearly late.
"You mean the Precision course?"
"Yeah, that one. How does it work in this university?" I clarified, though honestly, I had a vague idea of how the Blasphemy Crest system functioned, except my memory's been... unreliable lately.
I lacked any real information about how this university's curriculum works, only relying on the notes Rayleigh had provided me.
"Hmmm—" Rayleigh thinks for a moment before explaining...
"So you know that at 7 years old, we get general education, right, Lud?"
"Of course, I read it in your notes..."
She smiled. "Good. So you graduate at 14, and at that age, everyone gets to choose which Orlan branch to enroll in."
So far, I can understand it.
"I picked the Phoenix Branch, but the entrance exam for it was quite grueling, and I don't wanna remember the sleepless nights I spent trying to pass it—"
"So I'm lucky that I'm skipping the entrance exam?" I said.
"Yeah! I'm not sure of the exact numbers, but only a small handful of students ever pass the Phoenix Branch exam. Most who fail end up joining the Lion Branch instead, if they still want to help out with the military."
"I see... at least they have somewhere to go, right?" I replied.
"Indeed. But once you pass the Phoenix Branch entrance exam, you earn the right to choose a course."
"And what kind of courses are there? How many?" I asked, curious.
"In simple terms, there's a TON!" she said, her enthusiasm catching me off guard.
"Just give me a quick summary," I replied.
"Every Blasphemy Crest has specific courses meant for them. For example, my course is the Precision course, meant to train students for the acquisition of the Precision Crest..."
"For four years, we're trained in honing our aim, and we usually practice at the lake south of the university," she finished.
---
That does make a lot of sense. A unique course tailored to each type of Blasphemy Crest... Fascinating.
"So... since you're in the Precision course, does that mean when you take the Ascendant Trial here at the university, you'll receive the Precision Crest when it's time for calibration?" I asked, choosing my words carefully.
"Yes!" she replied.
"Excuse me, I'm asking too many questions, but... what's Calibration?"
Rayleigh giggled. "It's fine, I don't mind," she said. "Calibration is the important day, where all passing students go to the Stadium of Heroes—a huge place where everyone can watch each student step up to the center podium and place their chosen hand in the Origin Well, the thing that engraves you with the Blasphemy Crest that it deems suited to the recipient."
"Ahhh, I get it now. So even though each course is tailored for a specific Blasphemy Crest, it's still the Origin Well that ultimately decides which one you're given? And it all happens publicly?"
Just picturing it—me, a Banshee, stepping onto that platform with all the students watching...
I can already feel the judgment, the mockery waiting to pour in.
Rayleigh nudged my shoulder, pulling me out of my thoughts. "Exactly! The courses sort of 'guide' the Origin Well toward giving you the right Blasphemy Crest. It's pretty rare for someone to end up with a Crest that doesn't match their course."
Could I end up with a different Blasphemy Crest? Something other than one meant for casters? What are the chances I get the Domination Crest...?
"So I'm guessing you're fully aiming for the Precision Crest, Rayleigh?" I asked.
"Of course! I've been preparing for it my entire life," she replied with conviction.
---
While we were still on the topic...
It had been pushed to the back of my mind, but it was important.
The original Luden never used his Blasphemy Crest. He deliberately avoided awakening it, relying solely on his wand.
Should I be worried about that system?
» [System]: Indeed. Caution is advised, player. I highly recommend vigilance once your Blasphemy Crest is manifested.
I see... then why does this unease still linger?
But I need the Crest to even begin ascending the Tower...
"Lud," Rayleigh called my name, trying to get my attention—
"What is it?"
---
She kept side-eyeing me. "So... I haven't told you yet, but the king's letter to the principal has already decided which course Ascendant Trial you'll be examined for..."
"Ray... It's kinda obvious what they're gonna give me," I said.
She laughed, slightly amused. "Yeah, it's the Sorcery Course. You'll be aiming for the Sorcery Crest."
"Can I pass it?" I asked because I couldn't think of a way to succeed, especially against students who've been studying it for years...
"Hmmm, well, Lud, you have to realize, you're different."
"Aren't Banshees gifted with Arts?!"
I know Banshees are supposed to be gifted with Arts... but I've never seen another one in action. I have no idea how I compare.
...I needed to clarify something...
... I'll be careful with this one...
...Here we go...
---
"So... I read somewhere in the mansion's library, where we first met, that once you receive a Blasphemy Crest, you're considered a Type-2 being."
"A being capable of interacting with the systems."
I didn't want to tell her that I could already see the system without a Blasphemy Crest.
She took a breath, inhaling, exhaling, then relaxed. "Yeah, Luden. At that point, we're no longer normal people. But you're a Banshee, so that sentiment doesn't exactly apply to you."
I let her continue talking.
But there's a sudden shift in her demeanor that concerns me.
"Hey... Luden..."
She called me by four syllables again, and I asked what it was.
---
"So everyone naturally has AD, AP, HP, DEF, etc., but we can't see it, right, Lud?" she asked.
"Yeah..." I said, while staring at my stats in the system...
"It's said that once we get the Blasphemy Crest, only then will we be able to see those stats. It's a sign that we've broken through human limitations," she said. But... why is her tone... sad?
I tapped her shoulder. "Hey, are you alright? You're suddenly gloomy."
She chuckled. "I feel like I should be saying that to you!"
I laughed in return, and it seems like she's not used to seeing me laugh...
It showed in her intrigued expression.
"Hey, Lud... I've been thinking about it since we were young..." she said, her tone sorrowful.
"What is it?"
---
"Ever since I gained consciousness, and learned that our being is predetermined by... numbers upon birth, despite everything happening around us..."
"Sometimes I wonder… am I real?" she said.
Rayleigh...
...How do I handle this?
I genuinely didn't know what to say...
As I'm trapped in this world and she's born in it...
"And the Tower… the Terminal at the peak… It's said to have the power to control those numbers—everything we are."
"Still, no one's ever climbed the first block of the Tower... not in all of history. Isn't that strange?"
"Our past is messy. And unexplained."
I stopped walking and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Hey, don't think about that right now," I said softly.
"You've got your Ascendant Trial to focus on."
"When all this is over, let's invite Adelaide and get drunk," I added with a small smile.
It seemed to ease her mood, just a little.
"Yeah—let's walk faster, Lud. After all, we're late!"
We picked up the pace.
Burying those thoughts before they dragged me under.
Because the more we talked about it...
The more my sanity slipped, faster than the dead leaves falling around us.
» [System]: Sanity 180/180 ↓ , 160/180 ↓
Somewhere in her dialogue, there was a corrupted memory...
Chapter End.