The streets of Kertan at night were a world of their own, cloaked in a quiet vibrancy. Kashi's sharp gaze swept over the lamps lining the cobblestone roads. They weren't magical orbs, as one might expect in a city of this size, but actual lanterns filled with flickering flames. The warm, uneven light gave the streets a rustic charm, casting dancing shadows on the stone walls and adding to the air of mystery.

Miote, walking beside him with his tail swishing lazily, broke the silence. "So, why're you learning all these crafts if you're not planning on taking one as a class? Seems like a lot of effort for something you're not committing to."

Kashi smirked but didn't slow his stride. "I've got my reasons."

Miote tilted his head, ears twitching with curiosity. "Oh? Mysterious, are we? Fine, keep your secrets," he chuckled, though his tone carried a note of genuine amusement.

The duo soon arrived at one of the shops Quavean had described. Compared to the gritty, utilitarian feel of the blacksmith's forge, this place had a charm all its own. Flowers adorned the entrance, their vivid hues adding a splash of life to the wooden building. Mannequin busts flanked the doorway, dressed in intricate gowns that practically screamed style over everything. The frills, lace, and patterns were a stark contrast to the plain clothing Kashi had seen most people wear around Kertan.

"Definitely different," Kashi muttered, stepping through the shop's front door.

Inside, the shop's inviting facade gave way to organized chaos. The floor resembled a flea market, with tables piled high with clothes in various states of disarray. Drab brown shirts, gowns, and trousers made up the majority, clearly catering to the practical needs of the local populace. Nothing about the mismatched piles hinted at the elegant pieces displayed outside.

Miote wrinkled his nose, poking at a stack of brown trousers. "Well, this is... disappointing. Where's all the fancy stuff?"

Kashi, already scanning the room, spotted a door at the back marked No Entry. Ignoring Miote's half-hearted protests, he strode toward it.

"Kashi, it says No Entry!" Miote hissed, his tail puffing up slightly.

Kashi didn't bother replying. He pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The air in the backroom was different—thicker, almost alive. The room was surprisingly neat compared to the chaos outside. Tables held neatly folded fabrics, containers brimmed with colorful dyes, and racks displayed unfinished pieces of clothing.

But it wasn't the decor that drew their attention.

In the center of the room, pieces of fabric floated, held aloft by an unseen force. Scissors darted around them, snipping with surgical precision. The rhythmic sound of blades slicing through cloth filled the air, and at the heart of it all stood a figure.

The man's back was turned, but his presence was undeniable. His cerulean eyes tracked the movements of the scissors and fabrics with the intensity of a predator stalking prey. Luxurious waves of jet-black hair cascaded down his back, perfectly styled despite the late hour. His lean frame radiated strength, not from sheer muscle but from the sharpness of someone who honed themselves relentlessly.

Miote froze, his ears flattening against his head as a cold aura washed over them. It was as if a giant spider had suddenly loomed above them, ready to strike. His knees wobbled involuntarily, and he took a half-step back.

A firm hand clamped down on his shoulder. Kashi.

The daeben's calm, unwavering gaze met the weaver's aura head-on, refusing to falter. Miote swallowed hard, but Kashi's grip steadied him.

The man turned slightly, his polished obsidian eyes locking onto the duo. His brow arched in mild surprise when Kashi remained unshaken, but he said nothing. Instead, he turned back to his work, his focus unbroken.

"Not normal," Miote whispered, sweat beading on his brow. "This guy... he's not normal."

Kashi raised a hand, silencing him. Miote fell quiet, though his unease didn't fade.

They watched in silence as the weaver's work reached its crescendo. The scissors finished their task, and a set of threaded needles rose from a nearby table. They zipped through the air, stitching the fabric with a precision that rivaled any machine.

Within minutes, five elegant blue gowns floated in midair, each more intricate than the last. But the man wasn't done. With a wave of his hand, frilly fabrics and gold threads joined the dresses, adding embellishments and embroidery. Tiny golden birds seemed to take flight from the hems, their paths etched with impossible precision.

Finally, the man lowered his hands, and the completed dresses floated down onto a nearby table.

Kashi exhaled, realizing he'd been holding his breath. This wasn't the first time he'd seen someone tailor clothing, or even use magic while doing so. Razznik had mastered blending tailoring and magic to absurd levels.

But this was different.

To this man, clothing wasn't just protection or decoration. It was an extension of himself, a reflection of his identity. Every stitch carried his passion, his love for beauty. His intent resonated with the fabric, making it more than just clothing—it was art.

For Kashi, the experience was transformative. With Razznik and Suzuki's memories, he already understood the technical side of crafting, but now he began to grasp its true beauty. Crafting wasn't just stats and efficiency—it was expression.

A faint breeze stirred in the room, carrying a strange warmth. Kashi's red eyes glowed faintly as a system prompt appeared before him.

Congratulations! You have unlocked a new Comprehension!

Weaver's Comprehension [F-]: Threads of Expression

The weaver begins to understand that clothing is more than function; it reflects the wearer's spirit. Each stitch conveys an intent—modesty, power, beauty—and garments tell silent stories of identity.

Effect:

Passive: +50% Will

Active: +100% Will when weaving.

The weaver turned with measured grace, his cold, obsidian eyes locking onto Kashi with a stare that could freeze a wildfire. His features, now illuminated by the dim light of the shop, showed signs of experience and age. Deep lines carved his face, each wrinkle a testament to decades of toil and artistry. Though he seemed to be in his late forties, there was an aura about him—like time dared not weigh too heavily on this man.

He studied Kashi with a calculating look, his expression unreadable. Without a word, he reached into a spatial bag hanging at his side, tapping it once with a deliberate motion. A faded tome appeared in his hand, its leather cover scuffed and worn. Without so much as an explanation, the weaver tossed it to Kashi, the book landing in the daeben's hands with surprising weight.

Kashi's brows furrowed as he looked down at the mysterious tome. The brown cover was utterly unremarkable save for the intricate sigils embossed into the leather. Despite the tome's age, there was a strange vitality to it—as though it was alive, waiting for something. Or someone.

"What's this?" Kashi asked, his voice calm but tinged with suspicion.

The weaver offered no answer, only narrowing his eyes slightly.

Sighing, Kashi decided not to overthink it and opened the cover. Or at least, he tried to. It didn't budge. He furrowed his brows deeper and attempted again, but the cover remained sealed shut as though bound by industrial-grade glue. Kashi frowned, feeling a twinge of annoyance.

Not one to give up easily, he activated Identify on the book, hoping to glean some insight. Instead, the system returned the same error three times in rapid succession:

[Identification Failed.]

"What the hell?" Kashi muttered under his breath, glancing back at the weaver. "This thing's locked tighter than a dungeon chest. What's the point of—?"

The weaver's voice interrupted him, gravelly and cold, "Will it."

Kashi blinked. "...Will it?"

The words felt more like an enigmatic riddle than an explanation. Miote tilted his head, whispering, "What does he mean? Like...you've gotta want it to open?"

Kashi shook his head slowly. "No, that's too simple." His mind churned as he recalled the system prompt from earlier. The Will stat was meant to impose one's intent upon the world—forcing reality itself to bend. A ludicrously arrogant concept. Yet, he couldn't shake the logic.

The weaver's words echoed in his mind: Will it.

"Alright," Kashi murmured to himself, his tone shifting as he steadied his breathing. The faint glow of lanterns in the shop seemed to dim slightly as the daeben's demeanor changed entirely. His red eyes sharpened, radiating an unyielding resolve. Holding the book in both hands, Kashi directed his full attention to the stubborn cover.

"Open," he commanded, his voice quiet but carrying an undeniable weight.

Suddenly, an immense pressure bore down on him. Kashi felt a force pulling at his very soul, as if the book was challenging his resolve. His knees wobbled, and a sheen of sweat broke out across his forehead. Every fiber of his being screamed to let go, to throw the cursed tome away. But Kashi gritted his teeth, his grip tightening as he pushed back against the invisible pressure.

"Open!" he growled again, this time with more force.

And then, just as suddenly as it had begun, the resistance vanished.

The book levitated from his palms, floating inches above his hands. With a sharp clack, its cover snapped open, and an intense beam of light shot out, striking Kashi squarely in the forehead.

"Gah!" Kashi winced, nearly stumbling as his vision went white for a moment. The light seared into him, but there was no pain—only a rush of overwhelming energy. Then came the system prompt:

[System Notice!]
You have unlocked the skill: Will Telekinesis.
Will Telekinesis [F]

Passive Bonus: Manipulate objects without physical touch. 

Proficiency dependent on a hidden stat

Kashi blinked as his vision returned, the world feeling sharper and more vivid. His lips curled into a smirk as he glanced down at the book, now resting silently in his hands as if none of the chaos had just happened.

Miote, still trembling slightly, gave him a wide-eyed look. "What the heck was that?! You looked like you were about to pass out!"

Kashi exhaled slowly, a slight chuckle escaping him. 

The weaver, who had been silently observing the entire ordeal, let out a faint scoff. "Interesting," he murmured, his cold demeanor thawing ever so slightly. His black eyes glinted with something resembling approval. "Perhaps you won't waste my time after all."

The weaver clasped his hands behind his back, his dark eyes, sharp and piercing, scanning Kashi with an unnerving precision. The faintest smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he remarked, "I never expected to meet another with such... perverse will."

Kashi raised a brow. "Perverse? What's that supposed to mean?"

The weaver's smirk faded into a more measured expression. "This is neither the time nor the place for such explanations," he replied, his tone polite yet distant. He offered a deep bow, his movements as fluid as silk. "Forgive my lack of manners. I am named Kasai Tsuchigomo, of the Tsuchigomo clan." His voice, deep and velvety smooth, carried the cadence of a noble, each word enunciated with care.

Straightening, Kasai's black eyes bore into Kashi's. "Now, would the would-be intruders do me the honor of introducing themselves?"

Kashi inclined his head slightly. "Kashi of the Daeben. And this is Miote," he said, gesturing toward his feline companion, who offered a small, reluctant wave.

Kasai studied them for a long moment before speaking again. "I see. And what business brings you to my workshop, Kashi of the Daeben?"

"I want to work for you," Kashi said without hesitation, his tone resolute.

Kasai's eyebrow twitched, his expression inscrutable. Without a word, he turned and glided toward a corner of the room where a kettle rested atop an ornately carved table. Placing a hand on the kettle's surface, he murmured an incantation, and the metal began to glow faintly as the water within started to heat. Three delicate teacups floated down from a nearby shelf, aligning themselves neatly on the table. Kasai glanced over his shoulder. "Tea?"

"Sure," Kashi replied, while Miote mumbled something about not trusting tea served by enigmatic strangers but accepted anyway.

Kasai nodded. A jar of tea leaves hovered into view, its lid unscrewing with a faint pop. A few leaves floated into each cup, followed by a stream of steaming water that poured itself without spilling a single drop. Kasai took a cup in his hands while the remaining two cups floated gracefully over to Kashi and Miote, landing gently in their grasp. At the same time, chairs slid into place behind them.

As they all sat, Kasai took a slow sip, savoring the tea's aroma. "I find discussions flow more civilly over tea," he remarked, setting his cup down. "Now, tell me—how did you find me?"

"It was Quavean's idea," Miote chimed in, his tail flicking nervously. "Apparently, he owed you a favor."

Kasai's eyes glinted with interest. "Quavean? That brute? It has been some time since I've heard his name. And yet, for him to recommend someone... Curious." He turned his gaze back to Kashi. "You must be more intriguing than you appear."

Kashi took a sip of his tea and let out a low hum of approval. "This is surprisingly soothing," he admitted. "It feels like it's washing away years of stress."

Kasai inclined his head slightly. "Seraphmint leaves. Known for their ability to clarify the mind and ease tension." He took another sip before continuing. "Now, tell me, Kashi. What experience do you have in tailoring?"

Kashi straightened in his seat. "Plenty. But I can't say how much will translate here. The materials and techniques are likely different."

Kasai nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I do not doubt your claim. However, as you can see, my workshop is... unique. No spinning wheels or looms, no mundane tools. Every thread, every stitch, is guided by Will Telekinesis." His gaze turned sharp. "It is not a matter of strength but of a peculiar perversion of will. Few across this world can wield it."

"That's fine," Kashi said, determination burning in his crimson eyes. "I'm willing to learn. In my old world, I had some experience with telekinesis, though through magic. Perhaps there are similarities."

Miote shot him a quizzical look, but Kasai only raised a brow. "Interesting. However, you came here seeking employment, not an apprenticeship. I cannot pay you to train."

"Of course not," Kashi agreed. "I have another way to prove my worth." He set his teacup down and gestured for a sketchbook and pencil.

With a wave of his hand, Kasai summoned a scroll of parchment and a charcoal pencil, both of which floated over to Kashi. Catching them with practiced ease, Kashi began sketching swiftly, speaking as he worked. "Every tailor has their specialty. Yours seems to be clothing that elevates beauty into something ethereal, like a fairytale come to life. My strength is in designing armor—practical, yet beautiful."

Miote leaned forward, curious despite himself, while Kasai watched silently. Kashi continued, "This design blends cloth, leather, and metal for rich Summoned looking to stand out without sacrificing stats. Let's see if this fits your standards."

Minutes later, Kashi turned the sketch around, revealing an intricate two-piece ensemble. A Victorian-style jacket with sharp, elegant lines framed a body-hugging blouse that burst into cascading frills. Thigh-high stockings and a short skirt balanced sultry elegance with refinement. Subtle armor elements—a pair of sleek pauldrons, greaves, and a heart-shaped breastplate—added protection without detracting from the aesthetic.

Miote gasped. "You whipped that up in minutes?!"

Kasai's expression froze, his hand pausing mid-sip. The sketchbook floated out of Kashi's grasp as Kasai examined it, his black eyes shimmering faintly. A long silence stretched before he spoke.

"This... will do."

Miote, ever the opportunist, pulled out a parchment and grinned at Kasai, the glint in his golden eyes betraying his scheming mind. "You know, Kasai, designs like these aren't just works of art—they're money in its purest form. They're a steady source of income, especially when you consider the Summoned market."

Kasai's gaze remained calm, his expression unreadable, though one corner of his mouth twitched in what might have been amusement.

Miote pressed on, gesturing dramatically toward Kashi. "Few Worldborn understand the Summoned's tastes, let alone how to capture their attention. But with Kashi's designs, you wouldn't just tap into that market—you'd dominate it. Get ahead of the copycats, secure a loyal customer base with clever branding, and by the time others catch on, you'd already be a household name."

Kasai set the sketchbook down gently and folded his hands in his lap. "A compelling argument, little merchant," he said with a faint smile. "But surely there's a point to all this. What exactly are you proposing?"

Miote leaned forward, pointing between Kashi and Kasai. "A partnership," he declared, his tail swishing with excitement. "Not an employer-employee dynamic. A true partnership. It's the only arrangement that benefits you both."

Kasai should have been offended at the audacity, but instead, he chuckled softly, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder. "I'm listening."

Miote's grin widened. "Here's my offer: a 90-10 split in your favor on proceeds from clothing made with Kashi's designs. In return, you train him in Telekinetic Will and all things Weaving until he's adept. Simple, fair, and mutually beneficial."

Kasai sipped his tea, the faint sound of porcelain clinking breaking the silence. "An intriguing proposal," he admitted, his tone mild. "But I have a counteroffer."

Miote's ears twitched with anticipation. "Go on."

Kasai's smile deepened. "A 60-40 split in my favor. In exchange, I'll require twelve designs from Kashi upfront, your personal guarantee to promote the products to both Summoned and Worldborn markets, and one more condition." He locked eyes with Kashi. "If you ever form a guild, you will hire me as your weaver."

Kashi's brows knit together. "A guild? I don't have any plans to form one."

Kasai's gaze sparkled with knowing amusement. "If that's the case, treat my words as air. But the rest of my terms stand. Still, for my peace of mind, I'd like Miote to include that stipulation."

Miote glanced at Kashi, who shrugged noncommittally. The felur merchant pulled out a quill and began drafting the contract on the parchment with swift, practiced strokes. Once finished, he slid three copies across the table. "Don't worry about my commission," Miote added with a sly grin. "I take one percent of Kashi's cut."

Kasai chuckled, signing each parchment with a flourish. "It's rare to see a merchant hitch themselves to a client so early."

Miote laughed, handing the quill to Kashi. "It's not every day you stumble upon a guaranteed winner."

Kashi sighed, scrawling his signature across the documents. As the final signature was completed, the parchments glowed with a brilliant light. A sigil of divine craftsmanship formed upon the paper, its intricate design glowing with celestial precision.

At the center was a set of perfectly balanced scales, representing fairness. Beneath the scales lay a coin engraved with labyrinthine patterns, symbolizing commerce. Surrounding the sigil was a chain of runes, unbreakable and binding, and above it all, an open eye that glowed with watchful authority.

The light condensed into three motes, each darting into Miote's chest. The felur staggered briefly, then stood tall, beaming as he gathered the contracts, binding them neatly. "One for each of us," he announced, handing them out.

Kasai stashed his copy into a spatial pouch with a flick of his wrist. From it, he produced a gleaming gold coin and flipped it to Kashi, who caught it with a confused frown.

"We're partners," Kashi said, his tone puzzled. "Why are you paying me? Don't tell me this is an—"

"Investment," Kasai interrupted, his smile cryptic. "Consider it a gesture of faith."

Miote tilted his head, tail flicking. "There's a story there, isn't there?"

Kasai merely chuckled, standing. "Perhaps. For now, I suggest you two return tomorrow at dawn. Training will begin then. And a word of advice—most shops are closing soon. You'd be wise to wait until morning before attempting to contact any more stores."

Kashi sighed, rising from his seat. He gave a short bow. "Thank you, Kasai. I'll be here at dawn."

Miote followed him out, grinning from ear to ear. Once outside, he turned to Kashi. "So, where to now?"

"The Archery Training Hall," Kashi replied, already walking in the opposite direction of the nearest one.

Miote blinked, glancing between Kashi and the path. "Uh, that's the wrong way."

Kashi didn't respond, his steps steady. With a resigned shake of his head, Miote trotted after him, muttering, "You better not be dragging me into something weird."

The Archery Training Hall hadn't changed much since Kashi's last visit. The supervisors were all in their usual spots, like characters frozen mid-frame in a looping animation. The kafu with the perpetual nap had swapped which leg he crossed over the other. The wisben engrossed in his book seemed to be on the final few pages, and Skardi, the towering Nord, had traded polishing mugs for lounging on a stool by the bar.

As Kashi strode through the doors with Miote in tow, Skardi looked up, his pale brows raising in mild surprise. "Well, if it isn't our daeben prodigy," he chuckled, his deep voice carrying a friendly rumble. His eyes shifted to Miote, and he grinned. "And you've brought a friend. Here for another round of training, or are you planning to show off?"

Kashi didn't miss a beat. Taking out a gold coin, he flicked it toward Skardi, who snatched it out of the air with an audible snap. "I did say I'd be back, didn't I?" Kashi replied evenly, his crimson eyes sharp.

Skardi examined the coin with amused reverence, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Back already, huh?" he mused before flicking the coin back with such force that the air shifted. The gust made Kashi step back, his hair rustling as the coin whizzed through the room. "Oi, Serti! You've got work!" Skardi called out.

The wisben, Serti, didn't even glance up from his book. Instead, he raised a fist into the coin's path. Just as it reached him, his fingers flicked with effortless precision, halting the coin midair before it lost all momentum and dropped neatly into his open palm. The display was so fluid, so controlled, that Kashi's brows furrowed.

Power was common in their world—he'd seen individuals lift boulders the size of houses or summon storms with a wave of their hand. But control? The kind of precision Serti just demonstrated? That was rare, even among elites. In Kashi's mind, the wisben had just been promoted to someone to watch closely.

"And I was at the best part, too," Serti sighed, setting his book aside with exaggerated drama. His voice, a rich baritone like a drum reverberating in a cavern, carried a teasing warmth. Rising to his full 6'3" height, he towered over the daeben, his sharp brown eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Not bad," he said, eyeing Kashi with appraisal. "You seem... adequate."

Kashi's lip twitched. "Adequate?"

Serti only grinned, gesturing for Kashi and Miote to follow. "Come on. Let's see if you're more than just talk."

They passed through a door to the left of the bar, descending a spiral staircase illuminated by softly glowing green bioluminescent plants clinging to the walls. The descent continued for over ten minutes the air growing cooler with each step. On the way, they passed a few landings with doors to the side, but Serti ignored them all, continuing down until finally, they emerged onto a wide stone landing with no more stairs and a singular door a few meters away.

With a mischievous smile curled up the corner of his lips, Serti pushed the door open, leading the duo to their destination.

Once through the door, Kashi and Miote both stopped short, their eyes widening as they took in the vast cavern before them. The space was massive, easily the size of four football fields. Bioluminescent flora lined towering stalagmites, casting an ethereal glow across the cavern. Below, the expansive area was divided into ten distinct sections, each connected by paths radiating from a circular base platform surrounded by ten heavy doors.

Serti conjured a wooden chair from his storage pouch and placed it on the landing, plopping down lazily. "This," he began, gesturing grandly at the cavern, "is the training hall for talents we think might be worth nurturing. Skardi does not send people down here unless he sees true potential."

Kashi raised a skeptical brow, glancing at the doors lining the cavern. "And the doors we passed on the way down?"

"Regular training halls. For regular people," Serti replied, his grin widening.

"And you think I'm a 'talent' because...?" Kashi folded his arms.

Serti chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Let's just say a guy who leaves here a regular daeben and comes back hours later with at least double the strength—and all without hitting Level 1—tends to attract attention. Plus," he added, his tone growing lighter, "you do not walk like a rookie. You have seen combat. You are not here to learn how to hold a bow properly; you are here for the real benefits. This place? It is where you shall get them."

Kashi's eyes narrowed. "How do you know my level?"

Serti tapped his temple with a playful smirk. "Items are not the only things that can be inspected, you know. If you do not want your stats being read like an open book, you should spend some coin to learn a defensive skill to block inspections. Or grow your Will strong enough to make such intrusions impossible."

Miote perked up. "Where do we get one of those skills?"

Serti shrugged, his grin cheeky. "You will come across one if luck favors you. Or, you could try the Adventurer's Guild, or the Bazaar. "

Kashi sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Right. And the doors down there?" He gestured toward the cavern floor.

"Each one is a challenge," Serti explained, gesturing lazily. "Pass one, and you get a week of free access to all our facilities—nutrition, lodging, the works. Pass all ten, and you can take the Comprehensive Test. If you clear that, we shall gift you a little surprise." His eyes glinted mischievously. "Oh, and the free access usually includes a plus-one deal. You know, for spouses or partners. But we shall extend it to your... friend, here, if you want."

Kashi shot Serti a flat look before turning on his heel and heading toward the base platform at a brisk pace.

"Hey!" Miote called after him, scrambling to keep up. "Where are you going?"

"Seven gold is a lot," Kashi replied without looking back. "I'm getting our first week secured."

Kashi descended the stone steps, his boots tapping a steady rhythm against the worn surface, until he came to a halt before an imposing door engraved with the words: Archery Training Pavilion. Beside the door stood a tall stele carved with instructions in the local script, which Kashi—despite never having studied it—found effortlessly legible.

He frowned. It wasn't the first time something like this had happened. Miote's earlier contract had also been written in Destian characters, a script he shouldn't have been able to understand, let alone interpret so fluidly. Even stranger, the contract's complexity indicated a mastery of the language that went far beyond casual familiarity.

For a brief moment, Kashi wondered if this was somthing Genaco ever intended on releasing to the public. The ability to innately understand other languages, written and otherwise, was technology that could sell for billions! Then again, such a technology would need to be connected directly to the user's brain at all times to be of any use. The world was just getting comfortable with the thought of gaming with a device connected to their brain. He doubted the world was ready to have a permanent chip in their brains to make something like the translator work. Shaking his head, Kashi dismissed the thought. No time to dwell on philosophical rabbit holes—there was gold to secure.

He turned his attention to the stele and began reading the rules etched into its surface:

No external weapons allowed. All bows and arrows will be provided by the training hall.

No elemental powers unless explicitly permitted. This is a test of archery, not elemental manipulation.

No external help. Summons, familiars, or other aids are strictly prohibited. An archer must rely on their skill and Will alone.

Each test consists of three stages: Easy, Medium, Hard. Prizes will be awarded for clearing Hard difficulty. Each difficulty's conditions are detailed on its respective stele.

Tests must be completed sequentially. Begin with Door 1 and proceed in order. Skipping tests is not allowed.

Difficulty of subsequent doors are unlocked by completing equivalent of previous doors.

The rules were straightforward, but Kashi almost chuckled as he reread the part about no external weapons. His longbow—a barely functioning weapon he picked from the prison scraps—wouldn't be allowed? He sighed, his gaze carrying mock pain as he glanced at the ornate grip sticking out of his quiver. Guess you're sitting this one out, partner.

As he pushed open the Pavilion door, Miote caught up, panting slightly. "Kashi, slow down! Not all of us have daeben stamina, you know!"

Kashi raised an eyebrow. "Maybe if you spent less time haggling and more time training, you'd keep up."

Miote huffed indignantly. "Haggling is training. Mental fortitude, verbal combat, the art of negotiation—"

"Sure, sure," Kashi interrupted, stepping into the Pavilion and cutting off Miote's spiel. The air inside was crisp, almost too clean, and carried a faint earthy scent that reminded Kashi of freshly tilled soil after rain. The interior was lit by the same bioluminescent plants that adorned the cavern walls, their gentle green glow casting a tranquil, almost sacred, atmosphere.

Directly ahead and around them stood a circle of ten massive doors, each one engraved with a number from 1 to 10. Beneath each door, smaller steles detailed the conditions for their respective tests. Kashi strode purposefully toward Door 1, directly to the right of the entrance, ignoring Miote's continued muttering behind him.

"So, what's the plan, O Master Archer?" Miote quipped, leaning casually against the nearest wall. "Gonna breeze through all ten tests in a single night?"

"That's the goal," Kashi replied without hesitation, his voice steady. He paused before the stele for Door 1, reading the conditions for the test:

Easy: Hit fifteen targets.
Medium: Hit all thirty targets.
Hard: Hit all thirty targets consecutively without missing a shot.

A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Piece of cake," he muttered under his breath.

Behind him, Miote's teasing voice cut through the quiet. "You really think you can clear it on the first try?"

Kashi glanced back, his smirk widening. "Clear it? I'm about to make it look easy."

Miote crossed his arms, raising a skeptical brow. "Right, right. And when your 'easy' confidence lands us sleeping outside in the rain, don't come crying to me."

Without missing a beat, Kashi shot back, "Sleeping outside? Pretty sure I'm the one shooting, so what's this 'us' business?"

Miote opened his mouth to retort, but the mechanical groan of the door silenced him. It grated open with a low whir, revealing a narrow pathway illuminated by that familiar green bioluminescent glow. Without another word, Kashi stepped forward, flexing his fingers as he walked, the light reflecting off the sharp angles of his determined expression.

As the door began to close behind him, Miote's voice rang out, tinged with mock cheer. "Good luck! Try not to embarrass us!"

Kashi didn't respond, already focused on the task ahead.

Emerging from the corridor, Kashi entered a sprawling shooting gallery unlike anything he'd seen before. The cavern stretched out in an immense annular sector, its range extending over 200 meters. Jagged rock formations jutted out irregularly, creating natural obstacles and cover. Streams of faintly glowing water trickled through the terrain, pooling into small ponds surrounded by tiny, glowing creatures.

Kashi's eyes narrowed as he took in the details. Small reptilian beasts basked in the eerie light, their shimmering scales reflecting the glow, while others skittered about, splashing in the water or gnawing on bits of moss. For a brief moment, he wondered if they were the targets.

Just as the thought crossed his mind, Serti's voice resonated in his ears, calm yet commanding. "Pick a bow and quiver from the wall behind you. No external weapons, remember?"

Kashi turned to find a row of neatly arranged bows, each a unique design. Some were simple wooden curves, while others were adorned with runes or intricate carvings. Next to them hung quivers filled with identical arrows, their fletching dyed in shades of blue and green to match the cavern's aesthetic.

Kashi lifted one bow after another, noting how light the first few felt compared to the others. More importantly, the bowstrings for the first few bows pulled to an almost full moon when Kashi exerted his full strength. He eliminated these as an option as they would definitely not let him output his greatest strength.

He eventually reached for a sleek, unadorned bow that felt perfectly balanced in his hand. Testing the string, he noted its tautness, his lips quirking into a satisfied grin. The accompanying quiver sat snugly against his back as he secured it.

"All right," Kashi muttered, rolling his shoulders as he turned back to the range. "Let's see what this place has to offer."

Kashi's gaze swept across the chaotic battlefield of the range, his crimson eyes narrowing in assessment. Targets of varying sizes—ranging from massive, one-meter bullseyes to frustratingly tiny, ten-centimeter dots—rose and fell in an erratic dance. Some lingered lazily in one spot as if taunting him, while others zipped unpredictably between rocks, darting in and out of cover like mischievous sprites.

And then there was the distance. The closest targets hovered a mere ten meters away, a warm-up at best, but the farthest stood almost 200 meters out, their movements practically a cruel joke. One even moved in an elliptical orbit, dipping in and out of a shimmering pond, as if daring anyone to hit it.

"Yeah... this isn't for beginners," Kashi muttered, a sharp grin curling his lips.

The revelation struck him as he observed the chaos. This wasn't a training ground for amateurs to learn the basics: proper stance, steady breathing, or how to string an arrow. No, this floor was a crucible. It was designed to forge those who had already mastered the fundamentals, pushing them into realms of precision, adaptability, and sheer skill.

It was a gatekeeper, ensuring only the worthy could proceed.

"Want to test me, huh?" Kashi whispered under his breath, the grin growing into something dangerously cocky.

His hand moved with practiced ease, nocking an arrow onto the bowstring. His gaze zeroed in on the farthest target—a tiny, five-centimeter bullseye bobbing in and out of the pond almost 200 meters away. Its elliptical path made it disappear behind ripples just as it reappeared, and the absurdity of its motion practically dared him to try.

Drawing the bowstring to its full length, Kashi exhaled slowly, centering himself. Thwang! The arrow shot across the range but landed with a disappointing plop in the pond, nowhere near its mark.

Behind him, Miote's voice rang out, muffled through the closed door. "What was that? Don't tell me you missed already!"

Kashi scowled, ignoring him and nocking another arrow. His second shot was better, grazing the bullseye's edge but still missing.

"That's fine," he muttered, eyes narrowing. "Just warming up."

On his third draw, everything about him shifted. His aura grew sharp, like the edge of a finely honed blade. The playful confidence was replaced with deadly precision. Kashi adjusted his aim by a fraction, accounting for the elliptical motion and the subtle drift of a breeze that had crept into the cavern.

He released the string.

The arrow sliced through the air, a streak of deadly intent. It struck the bullseye dead center just as it bobbed out of the water.

Kashi's smirk returned as he nocked another arrow. "Let's wrap this up."

One by one, the daeben worked his way through the targets, starting with the farthest and most difficult. Wind picked up in the cavern, a faint mist rolling in to obscure the field, but it was little more than a nuisance to Kashi. He adjusted effortlessly, every arrow finding its mark as if guided by fate.

As the range cleared, only the comically large, two-meter bullseye remained.

Kashi rolled his eyes. "Seriously? This one counts?" With a casual flick of his wrist, he let the final arrow fly, striking the target dead center.

"One week secured," he muttered smugly.

Before he could bask in the satisfaction of his performance, a faint chime echoed through the room, and a translucent prompt materialized in his vision.

Congratulations!
You have passed the first level of the Hidden Archery Test.
Hard Difficulty Cleared!
As a reward, the Goddess of the Hunt has chosen to bless you with the following:

+2 Dexterity

+1 Speed

+1 Strength

Hidden Achievement Unlocked: Clear Hard Mode on First Try!

An archer's sight is everything! Your skills have pleased the Goddess of the Hunt! The Goddess of the Hunt calls out to you...

New Primary Stat Block Unlocked: Perception

Second Occular Stat: [True Sight] Unlocked

Secondary Occular Stat: [Far Sight] Unlocked

Perception: Covers your ability to sense the truth of the world. With a high enough Perception, even the truths of the universe will be laid bare before you.

True Sight: Your eyes can peer through disguises and deceptions to see the hidden truth.

+1 Stat Point per level

Bloodline Bonus [Daeben]: +0.5 Stat Points per level

Class Bonus: Nil

Far Sight: Distance is nothing to you. Your eyes can peer further to see beyond the horizon. One day, your gaze might even pierce the heavens.

+1 Stat Point per level

Bloodline Bonus [Daeben]: +0.5 Stat Points per level

Class Bonus: Nil

Kashi reviewed the prompt with a level gaze. It appeared there was a trick to the test as he expected. The Perception Stat should not be so easy to unlock at these early levels, unless one chose a class that heavily relied on it, like the Archery Class. Since Kashi was still Classless, he had no business unlocking this stat, but it seemed the Goddess of the Hunt paid special attention to these trials for some reason.

On the platform far away, Serti's brow rose when he saw the light envelope Kashi. "He unlocked Perception? There seems to be more to this daeben than meets the eye."

Miote, who had returned to the platform so he could get a bird's eye view of Kashi's test, asked, "Why is that special?"

Serti crossed his arms, leaning forward slightly as Kashi began exiting the test. "To understand, you need to know what it means to unlock a stat." With a wave of his hand, Serti's Oracle appeared, displaying his status screen. Naturally, the stat numbers were grayed out, but that was not the focus.

"Each one of us has hundreds of stats that are tracked by the Oracle at all times. However, most of these stats only increase by fractions of fractions every couple of levels. Oracle researchers have long concluded that the Oracle does not bother displaying these stats as it is considered information overload that can cause people to focus on the wrong growth path. Instead, it only focuses on those that see at least a full stat increase every 5 levels."

Miote's eyes widened, understanding flashing in his golden irises. "So, to unlock a stat means it has received a significant enough boost in growth potential, to the point it at the very least increases once per five levels?"

Serti nodded. "Exactly. Most stat unlocks come with Class selection and upgrades. Their advancement, blessed by gods, significantly boosts stats they deem necessary to progress in the chosen class."

"That explains why you can pick up a skill, and yet not get the class advancement," remarked Miote, thinking back to Kashi's blacksmithing skill.

"Precisely. By default, a regular blacksmith should never catch up to a blacksmith with the class advancement. The stats and skills gained through the class advancement should put them firmly ahead of a non-class blacksmith. Furthermore, with a more streamlined upgrade path, alongside the extra stat bonuses per level, catching up should be equally impossible - that is the importance of a class."

Miote looked down at Kashi, who had begun making his way to the next sector. "Yet, without a class, he has unlocked a stat block that should have been unlocked with the Archery Class. That.. should be considered cheating, no?"

"With the blessing of the gods, anything is possible," answered Serti with a sardonic smile. "Though you should bear in mind such a thing is only possible while one remains classless. The gods are prideful beings; they would not easily give their blessings to one who carries the class of their rivals and peers."

"Hehe... I suppose it might be too late for me then," Miote chuckled, his tail swishing lightly, but the confidence in his eyes contradicted his deprecating humor. "Still, thank you for the insight. I dare say this information alone is worth both our weights in gold. The right parties would happily shell out millions to groom their forces with this in mind."

Serti's lips curled in a light smile, a mischievous twinkle in his eye as he looked at the golden-furred merchant. "Will you sell it though?"

Miote paused. He slowly turned to face the veteran wisben, his lips parting in a wide, toothed grin that threatened to spill out of his face. "Now, why would I do something so foolish?"

"Thought as much. Oh? Now, would you look at that: your daeben friend seems to be doing something quite presumptuous"

[Profile: Kashi]

[Name]: Kashi

[Bloodline]: Daeben (F-)

[Affiliation]: —

[Class]: —

[Level]: 0 [0/200xp]

[Experience Points]: 2,275

[Fame]: Unknown

[Coins]: 20 Syros

[Titles]: Scourge of Farukath [F-/S]

[Attributes]

Physical: 19

Strength: 24

Constitution: 15

Dexterity: 25

Speed: 11

Mental: 27

Intelligence: 12

Wisdom: 10

Charisma: 11

Will: 50 [100]

Perception:11

True Sight: 10

Far Sight:11

Luck: 12

[Skills]

Archery [F-] [1/20] (400xp)

Will Telekenis [F]

[Professions]

Blacksmith [F] [2/20](5000xp)

1000 Refinement Technique [E-] [10/20] (10,000xp)

[Comprehensions]

Blacksmith Comprehension [F-]

Weaver Comprehension [F-]

[Miscellaneous Skills]

Silent Step [F-] [2/10] (800xp)