Chapter 91: Reinhart


    Abel sat quietly in the Vice Tower Master’s chambers, a large, ornate room adorned with tapestries and elegant furnishings that contrasted with the austere atmosphere of the rest of the Tower. The air was thick with an air of formality and subtle pressure. A fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting dancing shadows on the walls, while moonlight streamed through the large windows, bathing the room in a pale glow.


    Across from Abel sat the Vice Tower Master, a figure of undeniable authority. His regal gray robes, trimmed in gold, shimmered in the low light, and the dragon insignia on his chest gleamed with the fire’s reflection. His blonde hair was neatly combed back, and his sharp blue eyes studied Abel with an intensity that made the young apostle shift slightly in his seat. Yet, despite his aura of power, there was a calm charisma about him, a warmth beneath the layers of his formidable presence.


    "You’ve done well, Stargazer," the Vice Tower Master began, his voice smooth but laced with authority. "You’ve caught my attention. Now, tell me about your background. Your full name, specifically."


    Abel hesitated for a moment, feeling the weight of the question. “My name is Abel Noria,” he said, his voice steady, though his nerves buzzed beneath the surface.


    The Vice Tower Master’s golden eyebrows lifted slightly, and his gaze sharpened. “Noria, you say? Are you from the Noria family of the central region?”


    Abel blinked, his confusion evident. He shook his head slowly, unsure of what the Vice Tower Master was referring to. “I’m not sure what you mean. I’ve never been to the central region. I’m from a small village called Duskton, near the black ravine which is what we called it in my village. It’s… far from here.”


    The Vice Tower Master’s expression softened slightly, disregarding his comment about the Noria family, though his surprise remained. “Duskton?” he echoed, as though the name carried a weight of its own. “That village is not part of our typical recruitment route. How, exactly, did you find your way into the Tower?”


    Abel took a deep breath and began to recount his journey, explaining how he had stumbled upon the Mossy Floater and the strange events that had led him to the Tower. He spoke of the hardship of leaving his village, of being thrust into this world of magic and danger without warning. As he spoke, a flicker of pity crossed the Vice Tower Master’s face, but it was quickly replaced with his usual calm demeanor.


    “I see,” the Vice Tower Master said thoughtfully, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest of his chair. “Yours is a tragic story, Abel. But,” he continued, his voice hardening slightly, “you must understand that your past hardships do not grant you special treatment here. The Tower is not a place for favoritism. You will be assigned where you are needed, not necessarily where you desire to go.”


    Abel’s heart sank slightly at the words, though he tried not to show it. “But… is there any way I could be stationed near my old village? Just to check on my family? To see if they’re alright?” His voice held a quiet urgency, the longing to return home clear in his tone.


    The Vice Tower Master regarded him with a measured gaze. “I understand your desire to return, but Duskton is not under the Stone Tower’s jurisdiction. It lies beyond our reach. However, I will not forbid you from traveling there, provided it does not interfere with your duties here and the town you''re overseeing. But remember,” his voice dropped slightly, “your primary responsibility is to the Tower and the wider picture. You cannot let personal matters take precedence over that.”


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    Abel swallowed his disappointment but nodded. “I understand.”


    “Good.” The Vice Tower Master leaned back in his chair, his demeanor softening again. “You will be stationed in a town called Reinhart, to the southwest of the Tower, near the southern border of the Bask region. It’s an up-and-coming town, quite beautiful from what I’ve heard. Historically, the area has been safe, untouched by the dungeon corruption that plagues the southern territories. However, the recent influx of immigrants from other less fortunate villages in the far south has made things more difficult for the local authorities.”


    He paused, studying Abel’s reaction before continuing. “You will be working closely with the town mayor, ensuring his safety and that of the village. Your task will also involve investigating any strange magical phenomena in the area. There have been reports of strange sightings—nothing confirmed yet, but we cannot take any chances.”


    Abel nodded slowly, processing the information. He was disappointed that he wouldn’t be closer to Duskton, but the idea of being stationed in Reinhart didn’t seem so bad for the moment. Besides, whenever he had the chance and power to do so, he would visit his family.But this was a new adventure, another step on his journey. “I’ll do whatever is needed,” he said, his voice determined.


    “There is one more thing,” the Vice Tower Master added, his tone turning more serious. “You must keep your magical abilities hidden from the civilians as much as you can. Only the mayor is vaguely aware of our presence, and even then, his knowledge is limited. I understand that the town''s knowledge towards the world of magic is growing due to the introduction of Magical artifacts and with that more individuals touched by magic, however, we ask that even if you do use your magical abilities, remain coy. You will act as a protector, but from the shadows. The townspeople must not know of your powers unless absolutely necessary and even then leave room for possible reasoning that might explains some of the magical phenomena.”


    “I understand,” Abel replied, though the thought of hiding his abilities felt strange to him. However, he was aware of how certain people will react once discovering that there is a vast magical world hidden in plain sight.


    The Vice Tower Master nodded, satisfied with Abel’s response. “In half a year, you will be assigned as the leader of an expedition. It is a rite of passage for apostles, leading the new recruits into the unknown. It is a dangerous task but necessary. Expeditions will help you grow—both in power and in knowledge.”


    Abel felt a surge of excitement at the mention of an expedition. He had always craved more understanding of his affinity for the stars, and the thought of exploring unknown territories thrilled him. “I look forward to it,” he said, his voice brimming with anticipation.


    The Vice Tower Master’s lips curled into a small smile. “I thought you might. And there’s more. Reinhart''s location is near Apostle Iron Knight, stationed in a nearby village toward the north about one hour or two away from yours by foot. I will give you his information later so that you can communicate through your Tower badge. There are a few other apostles stationed farther away, but I am sure you will meet them in time.”


    Abel nodded, feeling a strange mix of nerves and excitement as the Vice Tower Master continued. “Reinhart was chosen for a reason,” he said, his voice lowering slightly, as if revealing a secret. “There is an ancient, forgotten nomadic settlement near the village. Its history is tied to the stars, much like your affinity. You may find your talents… useful in more ways than one. And I''m sure that your experience with the last nomadic ruin might give you an edge.”


    Abel’s eyes widened at the implication, his heart racing with curiosity. The possibility of discovering more about his connection to the stars was tantalizing. “I’ll do my best to uncover whatever I can,” he promised.


    The Vice Tower Master’s gaze lingered on him for a moment, then he stood, signaling the end of their conversation. “Good luck, Abel.”


    As Abel left the room, the weight of his new responsibilities settled on his shoulders, but so too did the excitement for what lay ahead. Reinhart, the stars, the forgotten settlement—it all awaited him.