"What do you mean?" Elara asked, her voice tinged with playful defiance as she sank into the couch nearest the open door.

  She crossed her legs, tossing her hair back, "Realistically, I'm the better-looking one, aren't I?" she continued, a smirk curling at the edges of her lips.

  She adjusted her bandana—a stylish accessory with intricate, swirling patterns that added an edgy flair to her outfit.

  She wore loose, baggy jeans that hung comfortably around her waist, paired with a simple yet elegant white top that complemented the bandana's elaborate design. Her entire look was an effortless blend of casual and chic, reflecting her carefree attitude.

  Leonardo hesitated, caught off-guard by her sudden question. His gaze flicked from Elara to Anna, who stood beside the open door, arms folded as she leaned against the wall.

  Anna's attire was more vibrant, but still retained a serious edge—she wore a white t-shirt underneath a long-sleeved purple top, tucked into a pair of brown pants that featured stripes in various colors.

  Her brown hair cascaded neatly over her shoulders, the hues perfectly complementing her outfit.

  Despite the brightness of her clothing, Anna's expression was stern, as if she were always prepared for whatever situation arose.

  "I mean, compared to how you dress—" Leonardo started, but his words trailed off as Anna's piercing gaze met his, silencing him mid-sentence. Her presence often had that effect—commanding, unyielding, and resolute, no matter the scenario.

  Anna exhaled deeply, her posture relaxing slightly as she moved closer to the couch and plopped down beside Elara. "I feel refreshed," she admitted, her voice tinged with relief.

  "I was wearing the same tattered clothes for two freaking days. It's like I could feel every stare lasting longer than three seconds." She clenched her fist, her knuckles whitening as she recalled the discomfort. Then, with a slight grin, she glanced at Elara. "You'll get your bath later. For now, let me tell you about my new skill. It's pretty basic—'Mind Fortitude.' That's why I didn't crack under pressure earlier, but now that I think about it… it's actually quite useful." Anna's smile broadened as she considered the potential of her ability.

  Before Anna could continue, Elara's excitement burst forth, cutting her off. "Strength Amplification!" she exclaimed, practically bouncing on the couch. Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, her energy infectious as she reveled in her new power. "You should've allowed the tour guide to give you a skill, you shouldn't follow everything I say, well maybe everything but still; now it's your turn," she said, nudging Leonardo playfully.

  The room fell silent, the tension palpable as everyone turned their attention to Leonardo. Anna broke the silence with a curious tone. "Are you the Tour Guide's son?"

  Leonardo stiffened, sweat beading at his temples. The truth about Tour Guide Milah should be unknown, shrouded in mystery like the sages.

  People knew little beyond what the man in the hololo-gram said, in the hololo-gram— he was a figure who offered free tours to those curious enough to listen which Is almost everyone. "I mean thats what I think, marquis was shocked when I told him, make up a lie-"

  "Yes," Leonardo finally answered, breaking the silence that had hung in the room like a weight.

  "Oh," Anna responded, resting her head in her hand, mirroring Leonardo's posture from earlier. She studied him carefully, her expression hardening slightly. "Then you should be strong, or at least have potential… you know, like the old geezers always say."

  "Uh yes..,"

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  "How are you his son?, you lived in the museum your whole life?, and have you ever went to like an era?"

  "Era.." Leonardo mutters slightly, everyone since he came here, Anna herself was reading a story on her phone,

  The guy in the hololo-gram said he wanted to make everyone go into one, the Grand bibliotheca, the place that man was talking about, should have the information.

  Anna looks at him, elara sensing the tension, the thought of The tour guide having a son, is, its,

  "Absurd!" Anna says exclaiming, "we thought-, im lying I really didnt believe what you said, we genuinely picked you because we couldn't find anyone else, and the meeting was technically in a few hrs"

  "Yeah, marquis also didnt believe me.." Leonardo says embarrassed

  "You told marquis?!-Show us your stat screen," Anna suggested, her tone almost commanding, "ill go first!". Elara was the first to bring up her stats, a faint glow illuminating the text.

  Name: Elara de Meaux

  Age: 15

  Story Skill: Wizard, Stage 4

  Attachment Skill: Energy Shift

  Unwritten Skills: Priest, 3

  1: Strength Amplification

  Title Skill: N/A

  Rasvian Control: Rank: Adept

  Anna leaned in, scrutinizing the floating text. "Your skill set is pretty wide-ranged," she remarked, noting the diverse array of abilities.

  "The Story Skill—Wizard? How did you get it?" Leonardo asked, recalling something Milah had said about story skills being tied to one's importance to a quest or role.

  Elara tapped her finger against her lip in thought. "I read a lot of books on Rasvian energy applications. There were a ton of theories, and I guess I just absorbed them. My Story Skill was 'Heads' Last Daughter' before it changed. It's funny how easily these things shift when you're a kid," she mused aloud, then looked up with a sly smile. "And now, raise your hands. I want to test this new skill."

  "Sure," Leonardo said, checking his own text screen as enhancements flickered into view. "I did receive a few increments."

  "Where are you all going to put your hands?" Anna interjected, rubbing her forehead in exasperation. "Elara, activate your Energy Shift. I want to show Leonardo its applications."

  "Sure," Elara said, focusing.

  Double Category: Energy Shift

  Description: Allows Elara to alter the form of Rasvian energy around her, adapting it to create barriers, bridges, and reshape energy in her immediate surroundings to suit her needs, offering both offensive and defensive capabilities.

  "Double category… is that good?" Leonardo asked, genuinely curious.

  "Yeah, it means a more versatile use of the skill," Anna explained, watching as Elara demonstrated. "She can alter the form, whereas I can only simulate changes. Elara's is more literal, but it's still somewhat limited. We'll need to check the grand bibliotheca later; it'll help with the categories."

  Elara spread her hands, forming a large, translucent cup-like shape glowing with a faint green hue under the dim lounge lights. "I can only create a few forms, though," she admitted, her voice tinged with frustration.

  "She should be able to create weapons, but they dissipate easily," Anna sighed. "Defense," Leonardo muttered quietly.

  "Offense," Anna corrected firmly, meeting his gaze with an intense look. He cleared his throat, visibly flustered. "Anyway," Anna continued, "let me show you my skills." Just then, a loud bang reverberated not from the grasslands they came from, they were undistoubly the training grounds

  "Kaelan?" Elara murmured, momentarily distracted.

  "Forget about it," Anna said, shaking her head as she accessed her stats.

  Name: Anna de Meaux

  Age: 17

  Story Skill: Real Illusionist, Stage 4

  Attachment Skill: Fool/Trick

  Unwritten Skill: King

  Title Skill: N/A

  Rasvian Control: Rank: Adept

  "This is mine. Fool/Trick—odd that it's listed twice," Anna said, clicking for more details.

  Double Category: Fool/Trick

  Description: This skill allows to manipulate Rasvian energy or individuals by creating deceptive sensations—such as pressure or a presence—that do not correspond with the current situation.

  Leonardo's eyes widened in surprise. "That's impressive! How does it work?"

  Anna smiled slightly, clearly pleased with the reaction. "It's weaker than it seems. Watch." She focused her energy and, with a subtle gesture, pressed Leonardo down with an invisible force.

  He fought against it, managing to lift himself into a push-up position before being forcefully pinned back to the ground.

  "What was that for?" Leonardo gasped, struggling to rise.

  Anna released him with a shrug. "It's effective against ordinary people, but for stronger opponents, it's more of a distraction. Altan, for example, broke through it easily with his attachment skill. Honestly, he could've done it without the skill. He's pretty overpowered." She's says sighing a bit,

  Leonardo, still on the ground, looked up at her with a mix of curiosity and confusion. ""Oh yeah why did..nt.. you… pick.. him.. as.. yet guide?" he manage to get himself in a somewhat push up form,

  Anna smirked and shook her head. " oh sorry, I just wanted to give you a demonstration of my skills. Besides, why would any sane person pick him"

  Another loud crash echoed through the lounge, causing Anna and the others to glance in its direction. The tension in the room shifted as the noise faded, replaced by a sudden, eerie silence. Anna's expression softened as she looked around.

  "Well, it seems like the training is in full swing," Anna remarked, her tone more reflective. "Let's not get too caught up in the commotion. We've got more to focus on. And that is your skills"

  Leonardo, still recovering from the earlier pressure, nodded. "I suppose so, it really isn't anything special, I don't even know how to use it"

  Anna gave him a prideful smile. "Exactly, none of us really do, so its pointless to go to the training grounds and smash the whole place, studying is better."

  "Well mines-"