Chapter 16: Invitation for Correspondence Education Admission |
“Detective, we’ve resolved the incident caused by the Poet-grade relic and helped you deal with the trouble surrounding the death of the previous detective. Now, let’s return to our original topic.”
The blue-eyed doctor on the single-seater sofa looked at Shade:
“What’s your view on St. Byrons Comprehensive College now?
Since the awakening time for Ring Warlocks is only 72 hours, both the True God Churches and the Three Grand Arcane Academies mainly recruit from their core believers and affiliated industries, as it’s easier to monitor this way. However, both sides don’t mind bringing in new blood unrelated to their factions—it’s just that the training for such individuals differs greatly from those who are already trustworthy talents.”
“Can you give an example of how we, ordinary people originally unconnected to the mystical world, are treated when we join the Church or the Academies?”
Shade pondered, carefully weighing the meaning of the words, and found it reasonable not to be fully trusted.
“Of course. For the True God Churches, Ring Warlocks who aren’t devout believers are not allowed to leave their district for the first ten years of employment, and their access to Church resources is limited. It takes at least 20 years for them to earn complete trust.
For the Three Academies, the conditions are more complicated. We use a correspondence system to train talented individuals who weren’t originally part of the mystical world.
All external students are taught via correspondence, prohibited from direct access to the Academy itself, and are not allowed to enter its premises. Correspondence Ring Warlocks are grouped by region into teams of 3 to 7 people. If the team achieves at least one Six-Ring Warlock, one Five-Ring Warlock, and one Four-Ring Warlock while exceeding five members overall, the team can pass the test and officially enter the Academy. This must be achieved as a group—no one can be left behind. This ensures mutual supervision and accountability within the team.”
“If I join St. Byrons Comprehensive College…”
Dr. Schneider nodded, confirming Shade’s guess, and pointed to himself:
“Then my team would once again have five Ring Warlocks. Right now, we have four members. Specific details about the others cannot be disclosed before you join, but I promise that we’ll wait until you reach the Third Ring before we proceed with the formal admission test. After all, we’re still far from meeting the other requirements.”
This was why Bill Schneider was so eager to guide Shade into the College. “Wild” talents were exceedingly rare, only slightly less difficult to find than a needle in a haystack.
Seeing Shade still deep in thought, the doctor added:
“Mr. Hamilton, I’m very satisfied with you—your background, your origins, and your attitude toward the mystical world. A few hours ago, when we saw that horrifying scene together, your mixture of empathy and feigned composure was quite commendable. Please think over my proposal carefully—the conditions here are quite favorable.”
“I don’t understand. Why are the True God Churches and the Academies so… wary of people like us?”
Shade remained hesitant. As an outsider newly arrived in this world, it was hard to trust anyone lightly.
“You haven’t become a Ring Warlock yet, so you don’t understand how dangerous this world truly is. The world is like a maddened ocean; the realm of ordinary people is but a small, tranquil island. Ring Warlocks venture into those deep waters, gaining more but also facing greater risks—madness, whispers from evil entities, or the malice of nature itself. Even with our ‘other self’ to help resist such distortions and horrors, Ring Warlocks not raised in this system are more likely to misstep and lose control entirely. That would be terrifying.”
The doctor kept his explanation simple, as if afraid to say too much. Shade, on the other hand, felt that this world’s structure might include not only steam and mysticism but also elements of Lovecraftian or unknowable themes.
“Is it possible to naturally become a Ring Warlock without guidance or training?”
Shade pressed on.
“Absolutely not. You don’t understand what it means to be a Ring Warlock. We mentioned this morning that during the 72-hour awakening period, without guidance, various outcomes can occur. Most people go insane, some die, and a tiny fraction transform into bizarre entities—flesh amalgamations, screaming spirits. These are nightmares made manifest.”
Hearing this, Shade finally grasped the gravity of his situation. He sat upright and summarized:
“My time is limited. I must make a decision quickly. And if I refuse to join St. Byrons Comprehensive College, you surely won’t let me leave here with today’s memories intact.”
Shade looked at the doctor. The blue-eyed man nodded cautiously:
“As I explained at the outset, students of the Three Academies conceal their identities in areas under True God Church influence. Yes, if you decline, I will erase your memories using methods I’d rather not detail. I specialize in manipulating emotions and dreams, which also makes me adept at altering memories. Of course, this is because you’re an ordinary person. It wouldn’t be as easy with a Ring Warlock.”
Shade didn’t take this as a threat; he understood these measures were for self-preservation.
“If my memories are erased, I won’t know about the 72-hour limit…”
He analyzed further.
“Exactly. I imagine Tobesk City’s sanatoriums would gain a new resident. But don’t worry, Detective. I have acquaintances in every mental health facility in the city… Just kidding. Let’s relax a bit.”
The doctor evaluated cautiously:
“I won’t force you to join St. Byrons Comprehensive College, but as adults, we must bear the consequences of our choices. Besides, compared to the Church, being a correspondence Ring Warlock allows more freedom. For someone like you, who isn’t a believer, entering the Church’s training system provides care but restricts personal freedom.
Correspondence Warlocks, on the other hand, only need to pass exams, earn enough credits, complete practical tasks, and refrain from major crimes. Beyond that, the Academy doesn’t care much about what we do.
Now, do you understand the difference between Academy-trained Warlocks and Church Warlocks?”
“I do.”
Shade nodded. Judging by the doctor’s words, the Academy indeed seemed more appealing.
“The Three Grand Arcane Academies are St. Byrons Comprehensive College, specializing in the containment and utilization of [Relics]; Zarathwin Academy, focusing on Elemental Rune-based Mystical Arts—essentially the magic of stories; and Cirxith Advanced Medical College, knowledgeable in all areas but particularly skilled in alchemy.
Mr. Hamilton, this isn’t just my opportunity; it’s yours too. Joining the formal Ring Warlock training system through legitimate channels, rather than secret cults or underground organizations—do you realize how rare that is?”
The doctor emphasized again, using his professional skills to persuade.
Still hesitant, Shade nodded once more. Though the original Shade might have lacked intelligence, as an outsider, he could still make his own judgments.
“So, how can you prove that everything you’ve said is true? So far, all the information I have comes from you.”
Shade asked seriously.
While questioning the doctor, Shade’s attitude actually pleased Schneider, as it showed the young man was interested.
“I can apply to the Academy for a Poet-grade (Level 5) [Relic] to prove my words. However, doing so will alert the Academy to the discovery of a new talent. While they won’t force you to enroll, they will record your information. So, do you wish to encounter the Poet-grade relic, [Dream of St. Byrons Comprehensive College]?”
“May I… think about it? Give me two hours? No, one hour. I need time to process everything that’s happened today.”
The amount of information was overwhelming, and Shade couldn’t decide immediately. Still, he leaned toward trusting the doctor and asked for some time to reflect.
“Of course. For ordinary people, this is an immense amount of information. You can think it over here or elsewhere. Coincidentally, I have some minor tasks to attend to. Let’s meet here at…”
The doctor glanced at the clock in the corner of the room. The glass-encased pendulum’s base was heart-shaped:
“Two o’clock in the afternoon.”
“Sounds good. I’ll stay here.”
Shade replied. Where he thought didn’t matter. If the doctor had ill intentions, he wouldn’t have waited this long—he could have acted at the sanatorium earlier.
“If you stay, there are some enrollment materials here that aren’t suitable for public distribution. You can take a look. I’ll be back once I’ve finished. If you need anything, you can ask Mrs. Carla for assistance.”
Mrs. Carla was the middle-aged housekeeper who had served them tea earlier.