The boy mastered the skills quickly, but there was always more to learn. For years the Guild was his home, his school, and his life. But as time passed his thoughts returned always to the world outside. The life he had lost. The family that had been torn from him. At last, only the final tests remained. Success would mark the end of his training. He would receive the Guild Seal and be free to forge his own destiny. He would become a hero.
Today was the day for Barron to prove himself. Surprising everyone he got up as the sun was just starting to rise. He prepared, and once he felt ready for his final test he went to the melee training arena and waited there for the Guildmaster. When the man arrived he spared no formalities.
"Before you can graduate, there is one final test you must complete.", he said sternly.
"Go to the Guild Woods and go to the log at the top of the hill. The test will be revealed to you there. Good luck.", and with that he left.
As did Barron. He made the short trek through the woods. Once he made it to log he leaned against it. Hoping that whoever was directing the test would get there soon. He wanted to get this over with, he wanted to get out of the Guild and into the outside world as soon as possible. He looked up when he heard the familiar "twiring" of someone using a Guild Seal to teleport and stared coldly at the blue light that followed. However, his eyes widened when he saw his instructor was no other than Maze.
Looking over at the young man Maze said, "I suppose you are wondering how you pass the final test then? It's simple."
Barron gave him a skeptically raised eyebrow before the man continued, "You must defeat me, using all you have learnt in your years of training."
Calmly, as if the possibility of either party getting severely injured, Maze said, "We'll begin with your sword. Hit me, if you can."
Barron quickly unsheathed his sword and lunged at his mentor only for the man to teleport away. Barron moved quickly and swung his sword before Maze would even begin to teleport again, only for the man to block the sword with his staff. That was still a hit however, and there were only six more to go before he passed the Melee section of the test. So he swung furiously, and stayed light on his feet so he could chase the man down when necessary. After what felt like hours, but at the same time felt like just a few seconds, Maze began to speak as to indicate this portion of the test was over.
"Very good. Now shoot me with your bow. Don't get too close!", and with that the game of cat and mouse through the woods began a new. Barron mindlessly going through the motions of attacking his "enemy".
Once that portion of the test was over Maze said, "Excellent. And finally, cast lightning at me."
Briefly Barron felt unsure, remembering the scorched bodies of the dead, floating bandits. However, like many things that upset him in even the slightest way, he put the memories of his kill in the back of his mind. His resolve for revenge remembered Barron called the magical lightning to his hands and began throwing the energy around. Doing his best to strike Maze down. This game of cat and mouse did not last as long as the other two. Or it didn't feel like it did at the least.
When Barron stopped he was congratulated, "That's enough. Yes, quite impressive, for a novice." The young man inwardly cringed when the word "novice" left Maze's mouth. However, he continued to listen to the older man.
"You'll find real battles rather more fatal than this.", he said more to himself than to Barron.
"But you have passed your final test, and you are ready to receive the Guild Seal from the Guildmaster.", he confirmed. With that he slammed the bottom edge of his staff into the earth and disappeared in a blue glow. Still processing that his training was officially over he walked slowly back to the Guild. The Guildmaster was waiting for him at the gate.
"Well. This is the day, lad.", the old man said as Barron walked up to him.
Thoughtfully he continued, "I remember the first night you came to us. Now look at you."
Barron took a moment to think of that day. The blood, screams, fire, and smoke.
The loss of being able to have a good dream. His will to speak escaping. His dead family. A truly horrible day. A day he'd get vengeance for soon enough.
Breaking Barron out of his dark thoughts the Guildmaster continued on still, "Maze's faith in you was well placed. Now come along. The graduation will take place in the Chamber of Fate, the oldest part of the Guild."
Barron shook his head at the old man's tendency for over exposition. Of course he already knew what the Chamber of Fate was. How many years had he been living at the Guild? His mild frustration with the old man did not last however. When the Guildmaster had opened the doors that Barron had once feared would be forever closed to him. Had anyone else walked into the room for the first time they would have been amazed. The grey, and white stone walls, and floors had not a spec on them. Each brick had been skillfully carved and handled with care the day they were put together like a puzzle. Beautiful etched carvings laid across the stone walls.
Attached to the walls were magnificent stained glass windows, each with their own design. The way the sun shining through them and made colorful cascades of light would be enough to brighten an average person's heart. But not Barron's own. His was far too eroded to recognize such beauty. To him, this was nothing but a room. A special room, one that would help him get that much closer to his goal, but still just a room. Unlike most people would he had no plans to come back and relive it's beauty.
Soon Whisper came in with her elder brother and Maze. Both apprentices were told to stand in the center of the room by Maze, whom quickly retreated to stand to the Guildmaster's left. Thunder moved forward to stand at the Guildmaster's right. Soon the area behind them was flooded with Heroes who watched in anticipation. They were either worried over their potentially new rivals, or excited to watch the two children they had watched grow join their ranks. Very suddenly the crowd behind Barron and Whisper quieted as the Guildmaster spoke.
"Let the apprentices approach."
As the duo walked towards their teachers the Guildmaster continued to speak, "For many years you have worked hard to earn yourselves the title of Hero. Today your apprenticeship ends and you go out into the world to do great deeds."
"Deeds that will bring you the gratitude of thousands. Or strike fear into their hearts. These are dark times. The shadows of Albion are stirring, and strange winds are blowing."
"Your choices, whether they lead you down the path of good or evil, will change the face of this world."
As Thunder and Maze walked towards them and handed both young warriors their Guild Seals the crowd began to cheer and the Guildmaster said, "Now take your Guild Seals, and venture forth as Heroes!"
Whisper quickly turned round with a large grin on her face. Jutting her hand into the air she showed her Seal to all other Heroes. Parading it like a trophy. Her enthusiasm earned even louder cheers. Barron on the other hand, tucked his Seal away and walked slowly out of the loud Chamber. He began to wonder what challenges he and Whisper would face next.