Adam couldn't help but exclaim: “Useless!?”

Cathryn replied: “Yes, remember that I said that you have to see the formation for it to be copied into your soul? Presently you are unable to see so you cannot use this normal method to gather spirit essence.”

Adam started to get crestfallen as he listened to Cathryn's words. True, he did not have the foresight to realize that this would not work for him. He had just assumed that there would be something intrinsic to the formation that would still allow him gather spirit essence like everyone else. But without this method to start the process of gathering spirit essence, how could he proceed along the path to becoming a spiritualist?

Plainly seeing Adam's brooding thoughts, Cathryn quickly spoke: “Don't worry though, after class I can give you a spiritual tool that can replace the pages for you! You will still have to work harder than everyone else to get it to work for you, however!”

Adam quickly looked up with excitement in his eyes. There was still something that could help him! Adam also heard his other classmates start to whisper among themselves. Since he had first entered the class room, everyone else thought Adam to be an oddity. He brought his own mother to the classroom after all! Now it seemed that he was getting some sort of preferential treatment? Wasn't this a little unfair?

Adam was at a loss at how to respond to these whispers. He had never had to deal with such things before. The truth was that his preferential treatment only allowed him the same chance as everyone else to become a spiritualist. He was blind so he couldn't see what they could. How was this him being unfair to them?

Cathryn spoke up to support Adam. “I see that everyone is rather curious about Adam receiving some extra care, compared to everyone else.”

The classroom turned silent as the candidates realized she was was referring to them. Cathryn continued with their attention gathered: “If none of you has yet to realize it, Adam is blind. The tool I will give has the potential to give him the exact same benefit as these pages allow everyone else, who can see, to receive. But for the tool to work and give Adam the opportunity to gather spirit essence, he will have to work at least twice as hard as everyone else. You can just look at the pages and it is all done for you. Adam will have to figure out how to use the tool to his own benefit without actually being able to see it. How exactly is this preferential treatment?”

Cathryn's words stung the ears of the candidates. They had been a little stuck up about Adam receiving something extra, not thinking at all about how far behind he is compared to themselves. They furtively sent a few guilty looks over towards Adam, as if to apologize with their eyes alone.

Adam relaxed now that Cathryn had been able to diffuse the whispers from behind his back. Even Vivienne was happy for what Cathryn had done for Adam. Vivienne had been thinking that Cathryn was a rather eccentric individual who did not really care for her students, as she had been constantly pulling them around with her words. But this time, Cathryn showed true authority as a teacher by protecting Adam from false accusations of unfairness, as well as leading the others from going astray in their thoughts.

After giving the class an extremely brief moment to recollect themselves, Cathryn then told them: “Now then, let us all open up to those golden pages. I will give you all a moment to peer at the pages before I discuss them! Vivienne, if you want to, you can also take a look at the pages to understand what Adam will be trying to learn. I just recommend not looking at them for longer than a few minutes to be on the safe side.”

The class turned silent with the ruffle of pages in the air. All the candidates, including Vivienne, now fully opened their books to the two gold leaf pages. At first glance, there was nothing special about the pages, besides being made of gold and still being flexible. There were a few strange runes on the front and back pages, though. As they tried to peel the pages apart to see what was on the inside of the two pages, they found that they were stuck together. It was as though the pages were magnetized and did not want to part from one another.

Seeing the class struggle, as they tried to gingerly open the pages without damaging them, Cathryn said: “Don't be afraid to use some strength when opening the golden pages, they will not break or tear easily like the rest of the book.”

Finally, everyone put enough strength into their fingers to forcefully pry open the pages. Gentle waves collected towards the books and what greeted them was a marvelous sight. The left page was left blank, as though it was just used to cover the right one. The right page contained the essence gathering formation. Looking at the formation, which glowed with wondrous colors without emitting light, no one could actually see it in its entirety!

If they concentrated on one particular place on the formation, they could make out the lines that formed it. However, if they were to look at the entire page at once, the entire formation distorted and moved with a rhythm that matched the glowing and pulsing colors that formed the lines themselves! They could no longer see the shape of the formation, only the swirling colors of it. It was also when they stared at the entire page at once, that everyone, including Vivienne, felt a strange stirring deep within themselves.

During this quiet time, as everyone was too astonished to speak, Adam felt rather uncomfortable. At first the class was quiet with the rustle of pages as they tried to open the golden leafs. After they were finally able to open them, Adam felt the gentle waves collecting towards the books around him. Those faint sounds, that didn't exist, also started dancing at the cusp of his comprehension.

It was silent as everyone gazed at the pages. Adam felt more waves that were collecting on the candidates and even his mother. Adam got a little impatient with worry as the silence continued for over a minute. Adam tugged on Vivienne's sleeve: “Mom are you alright?”

Adam's words resounded in the silent class room. These words brought everyone out of their stupor from staring at the formations. Vivienne was startled by Adam's words. “Yes, dear, I am fine. Sorry for worrying you.”

Vivienne quickly closed the golden pages as she realized that she had gotten too absorbed in looking at the formation. The golden leaf pages snapped neatly and orderly back into place without much effort from Vivienne, as though they were intended to do so.

Cathryn was actually going to speak up in order to wake the class, but was beaten to the punch by Adam. As Vivienne closed the book, Cathryn spoke to the class: “Quite a sight, right? But now that you have all gotten a good look, you should have realized that you lost track of the time a little. It should have felt like you were only looking at the pages for a few seconds. You were actually staring at the formation for a little over a minute!”

All the candidates were a little stunned. It wasn't so bad that they lost track of the time a little, but it truly felt like only a few seconds had passed. If they tried to stare at it for what felt like a full minute to themselves, how long would it have actually been?

Cathryn continued: “This is where the danger of the book resides; you can easily loose track of time and become absorbed in the formation! It is very important that you pay attention to the state of your body and soul while staring at the formation. You don't have to worry so much about time, as you do about whether or not you are tired and can handle the collection of any more spirit essence.”

Cathryn continued to explain the formation and methods one can use to monitor the status of their body and soul. She explained that if anyone felt any sensation when the pages were opened, like the waves that Adam felt, that it was spirit essence gathering to the spirit formation. Most of them felt the same sensations they had when Cathryn had unlocked the drawers in their desks.

They were also told that it was best to find a quiet, secluded spot when they utilize the formation. It was recommended that they find somewhere away from their home. They may think their homes would suffice, but they will quickly realize that there will be too much activity at home for them to properly study.

She also explained that the reason for the distorted lines was because they could not yet comprehend the spirit formation. They could receive the benefits of gathering spirit essence without comprehending the formation, but they would not be able to receive it's full benefits until they could. Though, it was unlikely that they would actually be able to comprehend it before they became a spiritualist. Only when they could more astutely understand the nature and energy of spirit essence, could they begin to comprehend the formation.

The class continued for the entire afternoon. There was more information in the book than they had time to go over. Soon it would be time for dinner, which would also be provided for them. Cathryn started wrapping the class up with a final important notice: “After spending the entire afternoon learning for this book, you should all have begun to learn the importance of it. Before you leave to day, you will need to make an important decision that will affect you path to becoming a spiritualist.”

Everyone started to tense up at Cathryn's words. They had thought that all the serious stuff was already over with. Now, right before class was finished, there was yet another thing that could potentially mess up their hopes of becoming a spiritualist.

Cathryn continued: “You don't have to get so uptight about this one. The choice is whether to take this book home with you, or leave it here in the institution. Now it sounds like a simple question, but let me elaborate. There are many people who want to get their hands on these books, since their production is limited. By taking it home, you will have to bear full responsibility for the book. If you try to sell it, you will be expelled from SILU and will not be allowed re-admittance! Also if you loose the book or it gets stolen, you will not be provided another copy!”

Everyone was deathly quiet. While it was mostly the same type of repercussions as the badges they all carried, there was one big difference: If they lost the book, it would not be replaced! This book was the entire center of their chance to become a spiritualist. If they took it with them, they would have to guard it zealously. If they left it here, they would have to come from home all they way to the institution to use the book. Just for Adam, it would already eat up around two hours of his day just for traveling here and back! Not to mention the travel costs.

Once again, Cathryn continued: “If you decide to leave your book here, there will be a room where they are placed on the first floor. Speak to the receptionists at anytime during the month to have them help retrieve your book. Like this, at anytime you can decide to leave the book in the safe keeping of the institute, or take it home for a day or two. During the rest of the month, the third floor is off limits to you, unless you are given special permission. You can study your book in the lounge area on the second floor, but that is it.”

“Regardless of your decision, we will ask that you bind these books to yourselves, like you did with your badge! If you look in the top drawer on your left, you will find a small case with a needle in it so you can bind the book. After it is bound to you, you will be the only person who can open the clasp that holds the book closed!”

At their own pace, the candidates started pulling the needles out to bind the books. They were more busy trying to come to their own decision about their books, rather than thinking about binding the book. Adam simply placed his hand palm up on the desk and said: “Can you do it for me, mom?”

Vivienne's lips pressed into a line. She hated doing this to her son, but he was prepared and asked for it. She did her best to make the needle as quick and painless as possible as she pricked another one of his fingers. Then, like she did with the badge, she pressed his finger to the book and it gave off a soft glow for just a split second.

Shortly after Cathryn dismissed the class with a few simple words: “Dinner will be ready in around a half-hour. You can take the books with you and show them off to your families, if you wish. As you leave to night, you can decide whether you want to get a receptionist to help you store the book away or not. You are dismissed!”

Everyone started to collect themselves as they were readying to leave. As Adam was closing the book, Vivienne stood up to talk to Cathryn. They still had yet to receive the tool that would help Adam. By the time Vivienne had gotten out of her chair, Cathryn had actually taken the initiative and was walking directly towards their desk.

Cathryn spoke to them: “why don't we head over to my office. I can give Adam his spiritual tool as well as explain to him on how to use it!”

After they agreed. Adam got up after putting the book in his arms. He felt nervous and expectant about what awaited him. Cathryn led as Vivienne stood behind Adam and guided him forward by his shoulders. The candidates who were remaining in the class watched as they left. They were rather curious about Adam's spiritual tool themselves. But, alas, they would not be allowed a peek.

After exiting the classroom, they went all they way down the weirdly shaped hall, towards the opposite end from the stair landings. Many other candidates passed them on they way, as the other classes were getting out as well. They were filing out of two doors on the right side of the hallway. All the way down the hall, the walls opened up into a wider area. In front of them, there was another wall the curved towards them, following the shape of the building, but was further back from the outer wall to create an enclosed space. There were three doors in the wall that separated the space into three offices for the teachers. Cathryn directly entered the center office.

The office that they entered was even more grand than Janette's at Madame's. As ever, Adam could only feel the luxurious carpet and the fine cushions in the chairs. Vivienne, however, could admire the fine furniture and the curved glass at the back of the office that showed the view outside, while letting in large amounts of light that came from the setting sun.

Vivienne and Adam were seated in two chairs in front of Cathryn's grand desk. Along the walls of her office were shelves piled full of items and books of various sizes and shapes. Already lying on her desk was a flat wooden box. It was longer and wider than it was tall, about the size of a small plate, though a little taller.

As soon as Cathryn sat down opposite of Adam and Vivienne, she got right to business. “Inside this box is the spiritual tool that we are allowing Adam to borrow. It is the more powerful than the formation in the book from class, so it is also more dangerous as well!”

Adam and Vivienne were a little stunned. The book was already pretty valuable and dangerous, yet they were willing to give Adam something that might be even more valuable and dangerous in addition to his book!

Cathryn pressed a button on the front of the box and a mechanism flipped the lid open. Both Vivienne and Adam were startled by Cathryn's actions, did she just not say this thing was more dangerous? Shortly after, though, Vivienne became a little relived but confused. There was a black cloth attached to top lid that draped down and covered whatever was lying in the bottom portion of the box.

Adam was a little more tense, though. The waves that were approaching the box, as spirit essence gathered, were clearly stronger than those from his book. And that sound! That sound that he could almost hear, but couldn't comprehend! It was so much closer but he still could not actually hear it, even if he felt he could!

He felt some trepidation towards what was within the box. It was already said that it was hard enough becoming a spiritualist by learning to control the spirit essence gathered by the book. Even with help those that could become spiritualists were still one in a thousand for those who could sense spirit essence. Others could learn to control more gentle waves of spirit essence, but he would have to learn to control this more powerful wave that the tool made.

Feeling the waves and being disturbed by the 'almost sounds' his attention was gathered at the box. After Vivienne tore her eyes from the black cloth, that hid the tool underneath it, she looked at Adam. Her heart nearly stopped. Adam seemed as though he was looking directly at the box! He still had his blind fold on, so she couldn't see if his eyes were truly focused on the box or not. Still the air he gave about was one of acuity, as though he could still see.

Cathryn was also excited to see Adam's response. His future road would still be difficult to become a spiritualist, but he showed promise. If he had not been blind, she estimated that he would have close to an eighty percent chance at attaining a spiritual path. But as it was, his chance now was equal to or lower than the other candidates. Their chances were more typically lower than one percent.

Vivienne could barely speak, she wanted to believe it, but didn't dare. “A-Adam, are you actually looking at the box?”

Startled Adam tore his attention away from the box and asked “What about the box?”

As he did so, that acuity Adam had gained seemed to leave him. Turmoil assailed Vivienne's heart, as she didn't know what was going on. Before she could find a response to give her son, Cathryn choked her off. “Quiet, Vivienne! don't confuse Adam right now!”

Anger flared in both Adam and Vivienne's eyes. Before they could rebuke Cathryn for telling Vivienne off, she once again interrupted them. “Adam, when I opened this box, you sub-consciously focused your senses on it! It almost looked as though you could see! This shows that you have good promise in becoming a spiritualist and regaining your eyesight! But only if you put in lots of hard work.”

Cathryn's words hit home. Adam and Vivienne held back their words of anger. Cathryn continued with a gentle smile: “Vivienne, if you see gain this sort of acuity again, you must not disturb him! It is only with his complete attention that he can gain any benefit from this tool. You should only disturb him if he appears to become tired and does not notice it himself. Only in this way can you help Adam on this path!”

After she let her words settle a bit, Cathryn began to explain what the tool hidden in the box was. Unlike the books, which had a formation drawn on the golden pages, the item inside the box was the physical form of the formation! It was a piece of gold metal that was forged and drawn into the actual shape of the formation. This is what made it so powerful. This is also why there is a cloth covering the formation. It was much more hazardous to normal people to look at than the book.

In order for Adam to gather spiritual essence inside his soul, he would place his hand on top of the symbol underneath the cloth. He would have to feel the shape of the formation and, as best as he can, recreate the same image in his mind.

This brings out many challenges to Adam. The first is to get the form correct enough in his mind so that his soul could begin to collect spirit essence. Another problem was the nature of spirit formations. Just like the one in the book, as soon as he forms the image, it will start to distort itself as he does not actually understand the formation. As it distorts, he will loose focus on the shape of the formation and will stop collecting spirit essence.

His task will be to constantly recreate the image of the formation in his mind every time it distorts. But the formation is only truly working when it is clearly distorting! Every time it distorts, he will gain a little spirit essence, but then the formation stops as he losses focus on its form. In this way, little by little, he will collect spirit essence.

Adam did not fully understand everything that Cathryn was saying. It was rather hard to follow. All he could do for now is to figure out the shape of the formation and start trying to gather spirit essence. He could figure the rest of what Cathryn was saying after he managed the first step.

Adam tried placing his hand on the formation that was hidden by the cloth. He felt the cool metal of the gold, but could only faintly make out its shape. This much was not enough to start gathering spirit essence. His hand also felt an itchy sensation from the metal. Apparently this was excess spirit essence the formation had gathered leaking out.

Cathryn also had Adam bind the wooden box to himself, so that the lid would only operate to his touch. Vivienne really didn't like taking his blood so much, even if it was small drops. Adam readily gave his consent, though, so Vivienne could only complain to herself while pricking Adam's finger. This was all for Adam's future. Adam was also given the same choice with the box, as with his book. He could leave it here or take it home with him.

After binding the box, Adam and Vivienne were finally preparing to leave. Cathryn spoke to them: “Sorry that I have been holding you for so long, they may have already started the banquet without you. There is only one more thing I need to say to the both of you. I am the one that has been appointed to take care of Adam's supplemental classes. If he decides to attend, I will be here every Zonntock. So the three weeks in between the normal scheduled classes, you can come for extra classes.”

Vivienne responded by saying: “Very well. If Adam wishes to come on those days, I will ensure he has a method to come. Does it matter on the time of day?”

“Any time from mid morning till the end of the afternoon. No matter what time he comes, he will receive a three hour supplemental lesson.”

Vivienne nodded as she dedicated the information to her memory. Vivienne then took the wooden box as Adam picked up his book. They then excused themselves as they left to go dine. They had mixed feelings as they descended to the second floor. Cathryn was a person who means well but could easily strike your nerves. This person was going to be Adam's teacher.

They were not the only ones who were tardy. Coming down the stairs there were still a few candidates, who were reading some of the books available in the classroom, that came down with them. The banquet was already in full swing by the time they found chairs to sit and eat in.

After they had eaten their fill of delicious food, Vivienne decided to ask Adam: “So, do you want to take the box and the book to Madame's or leave them here?”