Cyprus stood before the foggy cave and called out.
"Modrid, come in." His voice resounded off the walls of the cave, echoing deep within and immediately causing the figure of the old overseer to appear.
"Yes, Chief." Modrid bowed his head, his eyes quickly scanning the faces of the five young servants.
"There are thirty minutes left before the deadline, but I have more important things to do. Stay behind and pick up the ones who make it back in time. As for these ones," he pointed toward the five youths, "prepare their amenities for tomorrow. They will resume their duties immediately."
Hearing this, Modrid could not help but protest calmly; after all, this wasn't how things were usually done.
"Isn't it too fast, Chief? Them resuming so quickly?"
Cyprus sighed annoyedly before turning his sharp gaze along with mounting pressure toward the overseer.
"And when did you start questioning orders, huh, old man?"
Modrid flinched, biting back the growing dread sent through his psychic link with his spirit, which was urging him to kneel. He gritted his teeth and made sure his words carried as much respect as possible.
"I apologize for my missteps. All your will shall be done."
"Good," said Cyprus, a cold glint flashing in his eyes, well aware of the old man's rebellious nature. He turned to the five youths.
" you've all done well.Follow me."
Corvus had noticed the short, tense conversation between Cyprus and the old overseer. It didn't surprise him since Modrid had been the Chief Servant years before Corvus was even born.
Everything had changed though,during his father's generation, when Cyprus became the favorite of the current clan head.
Following behind the other four, Corvus stepped into the cave leading back to the outside world.
The sudden shift in the air and environment never failed to perplex him; the profound mysteries of spirit realms were truly beyond his understanding.
As they emerged, Corvus saw the assembled spirit servants by the fog wall bow at the sight of Cyprus. The two overseers standing before the crowd, Hog and Fei, immediately stepped forward as Overseer Hog handed a thin, leaf-bound book to each of the five youths, while Overseer Fei provided them each with a spirit marble.
Cyprus turned back to the five youths with a smile.
"Like I said, you've all done well. Take this marble as a taste of what you'll receive from your duties. And That book contains the training methods I'll be guiding you in; so make sure to memorize it tonight while you rest."
...
Corvus and the other four were eventually led back to the training fields by Overseer Hog. He remained silent, only reminding them of the Chief Servant's words to rest before departing and leaving the five youths to themselves.
This immediately led the others into small talk, excitedly sharing their experiences of the binding process and the sensation of spirits dwelling within their cores. Corvus, however, stood to the side, scanning through the new book they had been given.
He was amazed to see that the book contained a series of mortal martial art techniques, most of which were designed to be integrated with the strengthening abilities of their spirits. It was obvious the clan had thoroughly mapped out the uses of strength spirits, tailoring martial arts to fit each specific type. Corvus wondered if any of these styles would suit the peculiarities of Red Ball, but before he could delve into the sketches and illustrations, a shout drew his attention.
"Corvus! What type of spirit did you bind?" Aaron stared at him defiantly, drawing the attention of Leon, Blake, and Luna.
Luna interjected before Corvus could even decide whether to respond. "He doesn't have to tell you that, Aaron."
"Hmph, what's wrong with me wanting to know his strength spirit? We'll be working together soon," Aaron retorted, his bravado rising. He had convinced himself that the reason Cyprus hadn't asked Corvus about his ability in front of them was because it was likely an inferior spirit. This crude conclusion made Aaron forget that the Chief Servant had congratulated them all and it made him forget Corvus's infamous reputation.
Corvus noted the challenging light in Aaron's eyes and slowly shook his head before turning and heading toward the servant's district.
'It would seem I'll need to renew my reputation a bit,' the fleeting thought crossed his mind, his focus already shifting back to the book in his hand.
This blatant disregard caused anger to flare in Aaron. He was about to charge after Corvus when Blake grabbed him by the shoulder.
"Stop, Aaron. You don't have to bother with him. Don't forget what he—"
"So what? We have our spirits now! I'm certain his is probably an inferior spirit, and even if it's not, I'll make sure to avenge Jerad!"
Blake flinched at the mention of the unfortunate Jerad, Aaron's cousin. The memory of the tragedy that had befallen him because of Corvus made Blake's grip on his friend's shoulder slacken.
Luna lowered her eyes in slight sorrow, thinking of that incident and the stigma that now haunted her distant friend. She turned her gaze toward Leon, who had also begun making his way toward the servant district.
As she watched the retreating backs of Corvus and Leon, Luna felt a pang of longing to talk to Corvus like they did in the old days, but she was intimidated by his new, expressionless silence.
"Leon!" she called out, quickening her pace to catch up to him. "How's Cecil?"
"Oh, she's fine, Luna," Leon responded, a bright smile breaking across his face and he couldn't keep his excitement from spilling over. "I can't wait to finally take up higher duties and get Cecil her cure."
"Yes,She'll finally be able to walk!. I'm so happy too. Why don't you bring her for dinner tonight?" Luna suggested.
"Really?" Leon asked, his eyes widening.
"Yes, of course! Come on, Leon, we're spirit masters now. Besides, my father could give us some beginner tips he already broke through to the next realm."