The group arrives at Mount Cedar and are immediately stunned at their surroundings. While you can see Mount Cedar from Fountain City, people rarely see this place. Beautiful waterfalls with crashing white water into a small valley like area. The area seems to be surrounded by log cabin like structures that have colored signs on them, that seemingly match the attire of the Blades that the others have met before. The only building that was different was a big white mansion at the top of hill. Long white pillars, and a large fountain in front of the home.

The group all seem to simultaneously nod in approval. They look around their new home in awe of its beauty. Many can be heard fawning over the beautiful waterfalls and the foliage that surround them. All the while hyper focused on he houses and how they notice all the bright colored jackets walking into the cabins with signs that matched their respective jackets. These new recruits seemed more like fans than future Blades.

"This is Mount Cedar, your new home.", Rashad says. "I know some of you still need to go off and let people know that you will be here. But that's the expectation... you WILL be here."

"I'm ready now, I have nothing to go home to. ", Madeleine said. "When do I get to meet Sylvia?"

"Sylvia? How do you know her?", Marcus replies.

"She saved me once, and I have to see her again.", she said.

"Well, there will be plenty of time for that tomorrow. For those of you who plan to go back, you can go through the portal and tie up any loose ends. Those who intend to stay, can go to the house with the blue sign. That is where you'll be staying. I will come for you tomorrow.", Marcus instructed.

The new recruits step back through the portal, having a very excited and animated conversation. All but Madeleine and Marcus. Madeleine heads off to the cabin, adorned with a blue sign that has a logo that resembles a circle drawn with a paint brush, with an oriental styling. Marcus separated to call his mother, as he reasoned that he couldn't bear to see her.

Marcus never really expected to have this conversation with his mother. As a result, he wasn't prepared to deal with her reaction to the news. While she understood why Marcus wanted to be a Blade, and somewhat accepted it now, it didn't stop the sadness. While this affected Marcus, he absolutely wanted to be a Blade at all costs.

He ended the call with his mother and was immediately covered in sadness. She was all he ever knew, the only important thing in his life to that point. They took care of each other and now they were to be separate for who knew how long. As Marcus continued to contemplate what this change meant, Rashad seemingly just appeared behind him, and put his hand on Marcus' shoulder.

"It's always hard to separate, that's why many people want to do it face-to-face.", Rashad said.

"I just couldn't look my mother in the face, I knew I would break her heart.", Marcus replied. "She didn't want me to be here in the first place."

"Only time will tell if you made the right decision or not. You're young, there will be many important decisions to make. This is only one of many.", Rashad said as he attempted to console Marcus.

"Well, I wish I knew more about what I'm doing here, to ensure I'm making the right decision."

"Marcus, tomorrow you will know everything you need to know at this stage. Get some sleep and prepare yourself.", Rashad replied.

That cryptic response from Rashad as he walked away made Marcus feel like he'll likely never feel comfortable at Mount Cedar. Marcus head over to the cabin, to get some rest. There was at least some value in the speech from Rashad, it was time to get some rest. Marcus found a room in the blue cabin that had his name on the door. The room was small but simple, it reminded him of his room at home which made it much easier to get comfortable. Before he knew it, he had fallen asleep.

The next morning, the other recruits had returned to Mount Cedar, and Rashad had assembled everyone outside of the blue cabin. It was time for the group to get reacquainted and understand what it meant to be a Blade. The assembled group follows Rashad to a big white house on a hill seemingly away from everything at Mount Cedar. This house is the biggest in all of Mount Cedar, it's size invokes thoughts of mansions that only the rich would live in. The group enters the house to find marble floors and a giant atrium full of big plants, the group looks around in awe at the amazing palace.

The group continues to follow Rashad through the atrium to another large room. This room was more like an auditorium. Many seats surrounded a stage like area, where there was a long table with people of colorful robes sitting behind the table. These people seemed so regal, the importance exuded by them created this intense pressure that none of the recruits had ever felt before. There were three people at this table, that was way too long for just a few people, yet it still added to the ambiance of the room.

Rashad introduces the people sitting behind the table, as the Congress of the Sword. The members of the congress were the heads of each of the houses. First, on the far left of the three was Theodore Simpson. Leader of the Rune house, his bright green robe with white trim signified his leadership. The Rune house specializes in magic, and one couldn't help but notice Master Theodore stereotypically resembled a wizard. His thick framed glasses, and long blonde hair gave him a look like something out of childhood wizard fairytales.

On the far right of the three, was Master Sylvia Cruz. She is the leader of the Crimson house. Her robe was bright red with white trim. The Crimson house specializes in battle, and Sylvia is rumored to be one of the best fighters to ever be a Blade. Her young age seems to prove that, she is the youngest member the Congress has ever had. Her long black hair was mesmerizing, and no one would ever assume that the most dangerous blade had such a perfect smile.

The last to be introduced was Master Henry Draco, he sat right in the middle of the three at the table. Henry was considered royalty within the Blades due to his heritage. That heritage granted him respect and leadership of the Blades. His all white robe was meant to signify his royalty and overall leadership of the Blades. This much older man more resembled a grandfather than anyone that could possibly be considered a threat.

"Welcome to Mount Cedar, what you will experience here will be preparation for something that few have the opportunity to experience. Respect and treasure this opportunity.", Master Draco said addressing the recruits.

The group introduced themselves to the members of the Congress one-by-one before being dismissed from the house. When Madeleine introduced herself to Sylvia she couldn't help but gush. She told Sylvia how much she admired her, and only wanted to be a Blade just to be like her. Sylvia smirked and welcomed her to Mount Cedar.

As Marcus introduced himself to Master Draco, he noticed an odd look. Master Draco stared intently at Marcus and then Rashad and smiled. Marcus wasn't quite sure what this meant, but Master Draco's smile calmed him. Marcus followed the others as Rashad ushered them from the house.

When all the recruits made it outside, they noticed another man with a blue robe was waiting for them. His short blonde hair stood out against his robe, and it wasn't hard to notice the two katanas strapped to his back. Rashad walked around the group and shook the man's hand.

"It's about time you got out here.", the man said.

"You know the importance of the introductions.", Rashad replied.

"Oh, I remember.", the man answered.

"Everyone, this is Garrett Richards, he will be helping me train you. All houses have apprentices, and he is mine.", Rashad said while gesturing towards Garrett.

The group of recruits waved and greeted Garrett, who returned the favor. The group sat on the stairs to the white house, as Rashad and Garrett prepared to address them. Marcus sat in the front of the group in awe of his company. More than ever, it began to hit him, that he's really becoming what he always wanted to be.

Rashad began with telling the group his background as a Blade. How he started as a member of the Crimson house, because of his love for battle. Garrett began to regale the group with tales of Rashad's prowess as a fighter. Before he got too excited, Rashad stopped him, so he could continue.

Rashad began to explain that he was once a master himself. He was Master of the Omnia house, before he stepped down to focus on training other Blades. Omnia's signature blue robes identify its members. Though there aren't many members due to no longer being an officially recognized house, since there is no longer leadership in the congress. He further explains that the recruits will be a part of the Omnia house but will not receive a colored robe until they have completed their training and joined their respective houses.

The group learns that Blades were created to manage the presence of demons. No one knows why they began showing up, but that they posed a threat to humankind. Master Draco is considered royalty because slaying demons can be traced back through his lineage. Since the beginning, any descendant of Draco lineage has been considered royalty. Though it wasn't until Henry Draco that the congress was created, to give a voice to those who fight.

"When do we get weapons!?", Madeleine interjected.

"That's coming, training will begin soon.", Rashad explained. "Allow me to finish this introduction, and you'll soon know all you wish to know."

Madeleine rolled her eyes overtly showing her impatience. Rashad continued to explain that individuals choose their own weapons. Any bladed weapon could be used to defend one's self and that it is important to choose carefully. Every member of the Blades has their own preferences, but most members choose a katana because of how light and balanced it is. Per Blades lore, all trainees will start with a wooden weapon before choosing their preferred bladed weapon.

Rashad apologized to the group for being long winded but promised that they were nearing the end of his introduction. He next began to explain what aura stones are. Aura stones supplement a Blade's power and strength. Aura Stones are typically found on the hilt of a Blade's sword and amplifies their magical and battle abilities. It affects their speed, strength and mental abilities. The stone's user is tied to it once the user attaches it to their weapon, it's destruction most certainly means the user has been destroyed.

Once a user is given a stone, it remains dormant and not colored until they continue to train and become stronger. Every user of an Aura Stone has different opportunities to increase the level of their stone as it has everything to do with their individual abilities. Each Blade can advance their stone's color and power through slaying demons, but only a member of the Congress of Swords can release their new color once earned. Blades start with clear Aura Stones and progress through white, red, green, blue, and gold stones. Golden stones are often indicators that you are in the presence of a master.

Marcus took in a lot of this information similarly to the others. The group appeared to be in awe, partly due to the vast amount of information they just received, but also because of the idea of them becoming Blades really began to sink in, while listening to the lore of this cult of fighters. Marcus now had an even better understanding of the shiny stones he so often saw when interacting with Blades in the past.

"You will now change into the gray robes in your rooms. You will have to earn your colors.", Rashad instructed.

Marcus and the others head back to the Omnia house to change. They can't help but notice Madeleine's quickened pace. The group seems to look at her as a joke at this point, but they still can't help but respect her drive. Marcus is starting to find himself more and more intrigued by Madeleine and is anxious to get to know her.