Tarphus sat with his friend unconscious and a floating skull in his face, its 'eyes' focused on him. A small black, round object slowly descended from the mouth of this floating Skull. "SC-CC21/B reporting, the owner found, the link established. Adrenaline found, fifteen percent, adjusting to owners' biology, systematic fear detected…."

Tarphus blinked at the floating Skull. He stared at it with both fear and curiosity forcing his heart to fasten its pace. He did not know what to make of this Skull, at least until it spoke again in its cold metallic tone, like a small tinkling bell. "Owner must make a new designation for SC-CC21/B to increase familiarity."

This is not what Tarphus expected. However, he could ask so many questions now, the questions that had eluded him from the palace. First, however, he must find a name for this… thing. "Do you have a preference?" Tarphus would not lie; he had a terrible naming sense; the Skull took a few seconds before answering. "A short name would be best." Tarphus paused, the chuckled saying. "How about Kit? Short and to the point."

Tarphus was about to ask questions when he was surprised by a question from the skull "Why Kit, what purpose would that name entail?" Tarphus smiled bashfully and rubbed the back of his head. "Well, you are an important piece of kit for me, hence the name. I know such a name is ba-" "adequate, the carriage will arrive at its destination in a few minutes, therefore SC… Kit will return, and when you are in a non-hostile position, this conversation will continue."

Tarphus was less than pleased by the fact that the Skull just vanished through another portal, leaving him alone with his unconscious friend who just so happened to be stirring. Dimitir looked around as he sat up a minute later. His eyes unfocused, he looked lost and confused Tarphus laughed at his fellow's misfortune, and Dimitir could only meekly chuckle. "Hey, you try to get some sleep on this rickety old thing. Anyway, are we not close to your home? Where I can truly rest and enjoy some merriment before you go down into that library of yours."

Tarphus only laughed harder, eyes watering at the mirth of his so-called indomitable friend, forgetting about his scare. Then a thought occurred, maybe he did fail, this splashed cold water to Tarphus's face. However, he did not know how to pry without showing his hand. At this point, the carriage stopped and opened to reveal a small mansion two stories tall, made from typical granite. It looked more like a fortress than a mansion though the patrolling guards did not help give a welcoming feeling to the guests.

The guests entered the fortress, that is when they learned that the house of Cullivan was strict and spartan in its arrangements. The walls were barren of any sort of art. A few started loudly commenting on how one with wealth should put to show it. However, the sparing room was immaculate, rows of weapons and sections of the floor devoted solely to the purpose of honing one's skill.

Off to one side were benches with weights on them, as well as contraptions with weighted pulleys. This room was on full display as the procession went from the entry to the main hall. That same hall held a remarkable feast for those who had completed the awakening.

The night was full of merriment though Tarphus kept out of the festivities; he did not envy those drinking as they would experience such pain in the morning. He saw the nobles laughing and joking with one another; though people spoke with him, it was polite and cordial, something he loved. However, a maid came to see him with a parchment in her hands; he nodded gratefully and dismissed her while offering a silver reward for being a carrier. He read it and nodded.

Tarphus was the last to exit the party after escorting his guests to the private chambers. The maids took the females while the males were accompanied by the butlers. It was only after this was accomplished did Tarphus retreat to his father's office,

Inside the office was Tarphus and his father, both staring at a floating skull. Tarphus looked in wonder, and his father looked with morbid curiosity. "It's a skull, a human one at that. It is curious to see it float around. However, this smells of tech to me, which means that you are not going to be liked here, boy." Lord Cullivan sighed, rubbing his face. He looked haggard and weary.

"Unfortunately, you have to be moved to the north, but you will be under a different name, as the Kingdom is under a very uneasy peace with the Federation… Does anyone else know about this?" Tarphus looked down and replied. "Yes, as I have stated, father Dimitir wanted to know what I got. Forgive me I did not know what a Servo Skull was…."

Lord Cullivan looked down at his son, prodding him with an "and" Tarphus lowered his head further. "I wanted to show off. He got the Juggernaut class and was talking a big game, so I-I-I thought that it would be okay."

Cullivan chuckled solemnly. "Well, now we must move you much more quickly; you are to go to an old pal of mine. He is a Guild Master, do not smile, boy, he is a mercenary guild master, he will give you jobs up north, and you will complete them, or I will personally tan your hide. Of course, you are to stay here until you pass this challenge. After that, you will receive a small amount of gold, and we will not speak again until you become powerful enough to stand on your own two feet. This is all I can do… son I…."

Tarphus's father paused, a frown on his face. Tarphus could only nod, he asked. "Will I get any aid?" Lord Cullivan shook his head, his face solemn. "I cannot be associated with a technology user. Therefore no one will be able to assist you. However, when you get to the front, you will be free of the responsibilities of an heir."

A soft chuckle emanated from Lord Cullivan's lips. "I would suggest resting and learning as much as you can from this Skull before your challenge. Go to your room now." Tarphus turned slowly and meekly left the Skull following him. After he left, Lord Cullivan turned to the forest and whispered. "Was that the right move Cassandra, will he survive out there? First, I must attend to this disrupter and then petition the king. However, he would only help if it benefited the Kingdom… What can I do?"

Tarphus took the time to personally walk each noble to their carriage, as was his duty as the Host's son. But, when he escorted Christapher, his gorge rose. As the fool tried to intimidate and swagger Tarphus, all Tarphus could do was sit and take it. He took solace in the fact that he would not see Christapher in the north.

That thought made the walk bearable, others tried to talk with him, and he kept it polite, though he and Dimitir spoke about what they thought would happen. Still, Tarphus told him he would attend the academy as all awakened should. Dimitir snorted and tried to turn Tarphus, but he was countered at every turn until Dimitir sighed. "Well, at least it won't be boring with you and me there." Although Tarphus felt regret as he watched the carriage leave, he felt the determination to earn his summons.

The day after, he questioned the Skull while using the weights to work out, "Who was the Skeleton?" "The God-Emperor." "What am I going to do?" "Unable to answer." and so on, Tarphus just smiled as he learned everything he could about the tactics of this military.

Day after day, he asked and was answered. He wrote everything down, the cultures, yes cultures, thankfully their low gothic seemed similar to common. Finally, at noon on the fifth day, he received a message as the world turned bright, then he felt the ground rumble. Some horrid thing screamed, "WAAAAAAAH!"

Objective: Survive five waves

Bonus: Kill one hundred orcs

Lives: Unlimited but will restart the simulation upon death.