Ruby looked at Arath stupified. "You want this book?"

"Yeah, what is wrong with it?"

"Nothing, but won't you have access to all the books and bestiaries the Councils has collected over time? Isn't it kind of stupid? First of all, if they catch you, you are going to be in big trouble. Secondly you can take a good weapon or anything that might help you survive."

''I know, I know. It's just that I have a good feeling about, can't really describe it"

"Alright, your choice. So tell me, how have been doing? How do you feel?"

"I'm fine really. On my way back home I rescued a bunch of slaves and two of them followed me."

"Oh, that's good news. Did you kill the bastards?"

"No. Bloodworms did the hard work for me."

"Serves them right. By the way, do these two have a place to sleep?"

"For now I told them to stay in my apartment, but once I go to the dungeon I don't know what wil happen to them."

"How old are they?"

"One is young, I think she is twelve or something. The other one looks a little younger than me so probably sixteen."

"I am planning on renovating the shop and making it a little bigger so I might use a pair of hands. I can take the younger one under my roof, she could play with Clementine and help in the shop. The older one, I don't know. She is already of age so there is little we can do."

"Thank you, Ruby. I will pass the news and bring her here."

"No problem"

"Anyway, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, anything."

"How did Clementine end up with you?"

"Her mother, a distant relative of mine died and the only ones who wanted to take care of her were slavers, so I had no choice but to take her in."

"You are too good for this world Ruby, we don't deserve you."

"Haha, I know." The two continued to converse until the bell signaled that it was almost police hour. The boy quickly packed the journal, bought some salted meat and took his leave. The streets were almost empty and last few that had yet to get home run with all their strength. Arath was no exception, when he finally arrived at his destination he panted no stop for few minutes before calming down. Anga and Clara were sitting on the bed looking at him confused. They were covered in dust and looked as if they had just left a mine.

"I've got good news" Arath was the one who broke the awkward silence. "My old friend said she can accomodate you, Anga. She is a wonderful person and I envy you a little here." Clara smiled sadly and patted her sister.

"That's great, amazing." She was trying to sound cheerful but a gulp in her throat blocked any positive emotions from escaping her mouth. "Can we meet her?"

"Sure, we will go there the day after tomorrow." He stood up and started to search for something. "Have you girls seen my washtub? I am afraid I'm really smelly right know and that is not how I want to be thought of by Heroes. They might be stupid but I still want to be on good terms with them."

"Well, about that..." Anga said while looking at Clara with a weird look in her eye.

--------

The Awakening Hall was a huge cathedra-like hexagonal building. Every person that showed indications of even the slightest magical talent had to visit this place at least once. Firstly to awaken their powers, and secondly to register their existence. Moreover one of it's branches was responsible for everything regarding the heroes and dungeon. This was the place where every dare-devil willing to risk their life for money had to register in order to be able to enter The Tower. At the very end of a long queue leading to this office was standing a group of three youngsters. They all looked battered, dirty and all-in-all tired. None of them spoke a word until few hours later it was almost their turn.

"Next please." With that Arath shook his head and approached the lady behind a desk.

"Good morning, what is your name and what role do you wish to have?"

"Arath. Scout"

"Arath what?"

"Arath, just Arath. I don't have a last name."

The lady raised her hand and after seeing the miserable picture before her she nodded and filled the documents.

"Please put an "X" over here."

"There is no need, I can sign it properly. I can read and write."

"Oh." The clerk gasped in surprise. "Then please sign here and here."

After finishing with formalities she asked last question. "Have you been awakened or do you need to go through the procedure?"

"I've been awakened 2 years ago."

"Alright, next one please."

Arath turned around and wanted to leave when he heard a familiar voice.

"Clara, Scout. I've yet to be awakened."

He immediately turned around trying to understand what just happened. He saw Clara standing before the clerk and going through the procedure. 'What does she think she is doing? Has she lost her mind?' He wanted to stop the girl, but she threw a determined look at him that said 'Don't interfere.' Arath almost jumped, that girl scared him more than he was willing to admit. One minute she was all obedient and caring for her sister, the next one ready to kill anyone causing her problems.

"Please sign here and if you can't write put an 'X' here." Clara without hesitation drew a clear 'X' in a big bracket.

Then another clerk came and took her to the building in order to carry out the Awakening process. It took about half an hour before a suitably biig group was collected and with that they entered another room. An explosion of bright, pure, white light was visible under under the door and the newly-awakened left the room.

"You will discover your powers slowly from now on if you have any talent. If not nothing will change. Don't expect the changes to be big, most of already rare talented humans can't use magic beyond the basic level."

Clara headed towards the exit without even throwing a glance at Arath, who completely not understanding what devil possesed her followed her few meters behind. Next to the door was standing another clerk repeating one message to everyone leaving the facility. "The Awakening of the Heroes will take place in 2 days, don't forget to come. All who have registered themselves are invited!"