I would like to skip the Ascension Ceremony, mainly because I tried so hard to not have an anxiety attack because of all the people (I was reciting poems and songs under my breath most of the time) that I didn't pay attention to most of what was happening.

After the ceremony was over, Jucleas, apparently concerned for my sanity, asked me, "Are you certain you are well? You still seem nervous, Tiny."

"It could always be worse," I said, "At least I can now upgrade my weapons and armour and search for my brother. Because other Daevas didn't even think of investigating his disappearance."

"Spite is a good motivator, but not something that will keep you alive. Should your brother have truly fallen to Asmodians, you will have to fight harder than ever before."

"That's why I've been training for the past months. If no one wants to help me, I have to help myself. Do not concern yourself with me, Jucleas, I will be fine once I touch earth and leave the people behind."

"Not social, eh," a voice behind me said. It sounded like the speaker was smirking. I turned around slowly.

"I am Anthreptes. Nice to meet you, Tiny. Want to train with me? I need a break from hunting Balaur."

I may have stared, and my jaw may have dropped. Anthrepted was the name of my Spiritmaster. And she had just offered to train me. I may have also said "Squeee" very quietly. Possibly "holy shit" too. Of course I agreed.

Anthreptes made me her room mate in her studio in Oriel, where most of our training would happen for the next weeks. Having an experienced fighter and her spirits, mostly her wind spirit (so adorable and badass, holy wow!) as my trainers helped me grow. Aside from teaching me about muscles I hadn't known existed. But she also refused to help me search for Toby.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart, but if he is in Asmodian territory, as you assume, I won't be helping you much. I can get you there, but the rest of the way will be lonely. And dangerous. I have to get back to Heiron soon, the Balaur are advancing again, but you're always welcome here in my studio."

That was a very polite way of saying "Nope, gotta go". I bade here farewell and promised to cherish the memories we had made, and to remember her lessons, and then I left her again.