Chapter 14: New Role: Counter? What's that?
Cipher felt satisfied, finally having the chance to see all the sights the town of Sol had to offer was an amazing experience. Toli had shown Axel every part of the city and even took him to a bunch of restaurants Cipher didn't have the chance to experiance while he was training. Overall it was a very calming day and enjoyable one, Cipher made sure to take advantage of the gift Axel had given him.
Finish up his last bowl of food he thanked Toli, "Thank you Toli, I can't say enough how much I appreciate everything you have done for me today. It was amazing getting to experience the town, the food, and meet all the wonderful people". Looking back at Cipher, Toli gave a smile, "It is always my pleasure to share with others what this 'beautiful' town has to offer. Also the townspeople and myself wanted to give you a gift to take with you."
Looking down at the gift, Cipher's eyes grew big as he picked up the folded piece of fabric. It was a light silver hooded jacket. While Cipher looked at its jacket, Toli explained the different aspects of it, "As a Knight of Light, we understand you will be required to go place others wouldn't dare to go. So we wanted to provide you with something that would give you comfort and protection. This jacket is made out of dream thread, which makes it water repellent, fire-resistant, and the face cover attached will provide protection against poisons, toxins, and shadow vapor. It should be able to withstand attacks from (B Class) Nightmares, but since it hasn't been tested, I wouldn't go using it as a shield."
Giving Toli a customary bow Cipher left, making his way back to the Church. It was getting late and he'd still needed to meet with Axel before the day was through, with it starting to get late Cipher picked up the pace. Opening the door to the Church, Cipher could see Axel standing in the middle of the hall, " I hope you got the chance to fully enjoy yourself today, sadly I cannot let you rest yet as we still need to go over a few things before tomorrow. Follow me to the library we will use the time to multitask, while we can talk, DEM can collect more information for you.
Making their way to the normal sitting area within the library Cipher placed his hand on the end table next to the chair. Alex looking at Cipher and then fixed his glasses before speaking, "Cipher you have worked diligently the past two years and shown just how amazing you are, not through your words but through your actions. Now before we continue I would like you to pull up your stats screen and tell me your role." Cipher pulled up his screen and was surprised to find an additional piece of text added to his role.
[System Display]
Name: Cipher Starlight
Age: 17
Role: Knight of Light - Counter (Immortal)
Strength: B-Class (12%)
Magic: C-Class (75%)
Endurance: B-Class (15%)
Intelligence: A-Class (27%)
Weapons: Twin Stars {Mastery Level 12%}
Learned Magic: Amplification {Mastery Level 100%} | Sound Manipulation {Mastery Level 60%} | Reinforcement Magic {Mastery Level 65%} | Sound Magic {Mastery Level 100%} | Dimensional Magic {Mastery Level 2%} | Void Magic ?????????
| Extradict {Mastery Level 100%}|
Dream Credits: 200
Replying to Axel's request Cipher spoke, "My stats screen says 'Knight of Light - Counter', what does that mean?" Axel took a deep breath slowly exhaling, he had a look that was hard to describe as it was a mix between upset and disappointed. Taking another deep breath Axel spoke, "Don't get the wrong idea, I am not upset with you. Given your past, I was hoping you might receive the role of Guardian or Scout. Given your natural ability to understand and comprehend magic and other skills I really shouldn't be surprised." Cipher not understanding just looked at Axel, "What do you mean, you never spoke about roles before?" Axel nodded, "You are correct during your training process we are prohibited from speaking about them, this way it allows you to grow naturally without the preconceived idea of the path you need to follow." Cipher gave an understanding nod before asking, "so what is the difference between the roles?"
Axel fixing his glasses which started to slip explained to Cipher, "I will start with the role of Guardian, most of the lands and cities have at least one Guardian.
Guardians stay in the town they are designated and protect it from dangers. I was hoping you might obtain this role given your previous life, as it is the easiest of the three to start or have a family.
There are also specialized Guardians that take care of each of the five Churchs of Light, I myself am included within those five. We receive new Knights of Lights from the Goddes of the Void and are tasked with training them."
Axel making sure Cipher was paying attention continued his explanation, "Scouts move around a lot but are still tied to a particular land or area. This role requires you to search out Darkness hit spot and then notify the Church. Their role is imperative when understanding the whereabouts of the Darkness. Lastly, we have 'Counters', they have the most dangerous and difficult role. They are constantly on the move going to dangerous places, fight deadly creatures, and completing tasks given by the Goddess of the Void. Counters are as they sound, they counter the Darkness they are the sword that fights back the Darkness."
Finally understanding the role he was given, Cipher was able to better understand Axel's prior comment about Cipher being a Guardian. Cipher was happy with his role though it would allow him to keep growing strong and obtaining his own strength.
Axel hearing Ciphers' inner thoughts commented, "Listen, Cipher I understand your need to get stronger, but if you have a chance at any point to experiance what it is like to have an actual family...take it. Also, you may be along a lot through your journey, new lose your way don't fall into despair. Remember your job is not to eliminate all the Darkness, that isn't possible, your job is to counter it. This leads me to elaborate on your role. As a counter you will have the freedom to destroy any and all Darkness you come across, I will remind you that doesn't mean you have to go seeking it. You must also be careful to understand how the Darkness works, if you kill or destroy Darkness without using 'Extradict' the consequences could be catastrophic. I will provide you an example image for a moment are fighting a swarm of zombies, and you go on a rampage decimating them all, what do you think might happen?"
Giving Axel's question some serious thought Copher waited a moment before he responded, "Well the Darkness can be sent to the void, or reformed." Axel replied to Ciphers' comment, "Correct but if you don't have enough time to 'extradict' all the Darkness before it reforms what might happen?" Cipher had never thought about it in that way, but as he thought he realized what if the Darkness could form together. Cipher looked back at Axel with wide eyes and asked, "Can the darkness of lower-class Nightmare form together to create a new higher class Nightmare." Axel was pleased that Cipher understood what he was implying, "Yes, while it may be easy handling a swarm of lower level Nightmares, it becomes a major problem if that Darkness begins forming a new higher level Nightmare."
Trying to have another chapter out tonight!