The Sons of Gods

With their business at the stable concluded for the day, Quin said goodbye to Garrick and his new companion, Albert. Together, Quin and Lief went to the training grounds where Lief had supposedly reserved an area for the cohort’s training that day. At least, that’s what Lief had told Quin. Quin quickly realized that Lief had done no such thing and had instead delegated the task, along with all the paperwork, to Lauren, who was waiting there for them.

“Good morning, Quin. Good morning, Instructor Stoneheart. I booked this training ground for every five days for the foreseeable future as you instructed,” Lauren said upon their approach.

“You booked the training grounds, huh?” Quin asked his mentor, who had been caught in a white lie.

“Ahem, I delegated the task to the candidate most suited for it. That’s proper leadership. A good leader recognizes their weaknesses and compensates by effectively utilizing their subordinates,” Lief excused himself shamelessly.

Lauren looked as stunning as when Quin had first met her the previous day. She wore the same robes and carried the same clipboard and quill. Quin smiled slightly as his eyes lingered on her. Then he realized what he was doing could be considered incredibly impolite to a normal woman, let alone a follower of Purity. He blushed and quickly averted his gaze. Quin was suddenly glad that Lief was more focused on being caught in his lie than noticing Quin’s change in demeanor.

It was then that four boys wandered into the training grounds, loudly arguing. Sam, Zach, Cal, and Westin had arrived.

Sam, Zach, Cal, and Westin were arguing animatedly while walking toward Quin, each of them chewing the last bits of their lunch. It was clear they had come from the market, where they had gotten their meal.

“I’m telling you, that was red snapper,” Westin said, gesturing animatedly with his half-eaten piece of fish. “I know the taste of red snapper. The guy says it’s white, but he’s lying.”

Sam shook his head, rolling his eyes. “Why would the vendor lie, Westin? He advertises white snapper, sells white snapper. It’s not some grand conspiracy.”

“I’m not saying he’s lying,” Westin countered, “but maybe he doesn’t know the difference! Or he mixed up the catch. I’m just saying—it tasted like red.”

“Who cares?” Cal said, shrugging indifferently. “It tasted fine. Fish is fish. You eat it, and that’s the end of it.”

Zach, standing between the two of them, blinked in confusion. “Wait—does it really matter? I mean, red snapper, white snapper… it all tastes pretty much the same, doesn’t it?”

Westin looked at him like he’d just suggested the moon was made of cheese. “No, Zach, they taste completely different! White snapper is milder, a little firmer. Red snapper’s sweeter, softer—it’s a whole different texture.”

Zach scratched his head. “Okay, but… are we really still talking about fish? I’m starting to think you care more about this than the food itself.”

“Because it’s important!” Westin insisted, though even Cal had started chuckling under his breath.

Sam crossed his arms, clearly entertained but also annoyed. “Look, Westin, whether it was white or red, we paid for white. End of story. You’re imagining things, which I suppose is standard for a follower of Luxor.”

“I’m not imagining anything! Besides, that’s a ruthless stereotype. Followers of Luxor don’t just randomly imagine things and become complete loons!” Westin protested, his voice getting louder as they walked. “I just happen to have a refined palate. I know snapper.”

“You’re just obsessed with being right,” Cal smirked.

The bickering continued, each of them throwing in jabs while Zach tried—and failed—to understand why the debate even mattered. Sam remained steadfast that the vendor had no reason to deceive them, while Westin became more adamant about the potential mislabeling of snapper.

But just as the argument was about to hit another peak, they arrived in front of Quin, Lauren, and Lief, who had been watching the entire interaction. Like a switch had been flipped, the argument disappeared.

“Good morning!” the group chorused as though nothing had happened. And just like that, the conversation shifted to something else, the snapper debate left behind as if it had never existed.

“How the hell did you get assigned to this clown show? You’re a Chosen One. You should have been put with the best of the best,” Lief asked Quin in disbelief.

“I didn’t choose them! It's not my fault,” Quin protested.

“If you say so,” Lief replied skeptically. “This isn’t some joke you put together?”

“No, this is the correct group, Instructor Stoneheart,” Lauren replied calmly, having long adjusted to ignoring the four's antics. Lief frowned slightly.

“Well, I suppose since everyone is in such an energetic mood, we can spend today on strength building and cardio. No using your powers; we are strengthening your natural bodies,” Lief stated.

What followed was its own form of torture.

Lief led the group through an unrelenting routine, starting with sprints that had them charging across the training field over and over again, their legs burning as they pushed through the pain. Every time they thought they’d reached the end, Lief would bark another command, sending them right back to the start. The midday sun hung heavy in the sky, beating down on them as sweat poured off their bodies, turning their clothes dark with moisture. After what felt like an eternity of sprints, Lief transitioned to push-ups.

“You stop when I say stop,” he commanded, pacing back and forth as they hit the dirt. Quin’s arms shook with the effort as he forced himself to keep going, each push-up feeling harder than the last. Zach and Sam grunted through the pain beside him, determined not to let their exhaustion show. Cal, though strong, was breathing heavily, his jaw clenched in concentration.

And then there was Westin. From the very beginning, Lief had singled him out, knowing full well that he was the weakest in the group. Every time Westin slowed down or faltered, Lief was right there, calling him out. “Pick up the pace, Westin! You think your enemies will wait for you to catch your breath?”

Westin, his face flushed from exertion, shot back between labored breaths, “At this rate… I’m hoping… they’re as tired… as I am…”

Lief gave a dry chuckle but showed no mercy. “The only thing tired here is your effort. Keep going.”

Next came the burpees. Lief watched with a critical eye as they dropped down, kicked their legs back, jumped up, and repeated the motion until their muscles screamed for relief. Every time someone’s form started to slip, he was there to correct them. Westin was the first to falter, his arms visibly shaking as he tried to push himself off the ground.

Lief leaned in, just close enough to make Westin feel the weight of his attention. “What’s the matter? Need me to bring you a pillow so you can lie down properly?”

Westin groaned, collapsing into the dirt before pushing himself back up with what little energy he had left. “Honestly, Instructor Stoneheart… a pillow sounds amazing right now…”

“Maybe you can dream about getting stronger,” Lief retorted with a smirk. “Keep moving!”

They moved on to squats, lifting heavy stones as they did so. Each squat burned worse than the last, their thighs trembling as they powered through. Quin felt his legs buckle a couple of times, but with a deep breath, he forced himself to keep going. The sounds of heavy breathing and grunts filled the air, and it was clear that everyone was reaching their limit.

Westin struggled with his stone, his legs quivering as he squatted down, barely able to push himself back up. “This… this is just cruel. I’m fairly certain there is something within the laws of the Light Pantheon against abusing spellcasters with strength training.”

Lief gave him a sidelong glance. “The only crime here is how weak you are.”

As the routine dragged on, Lief kept the intensity up, pushing them through planks, sit-ups, and more grueling sprints. By the time they reached the final circuit—lunges with weighted bags slung over their shoulders—Westin’s witty complaints had only grown more creative.

“Lief, I think we’ve officially passed strength training and entered medieval torture. Pretty sure I saw this exact routine in a history book under ‘How to Break a Man’s Spirit.’”

Lief didn’t miss a beat. “Consider it a history lesson, then. Keep lunging.”

By the time they were finished, each of them was drenched in sweat, their bodies aching from head to toe. But as hard as it was, they all knew it had been necessary. Even Westin, lying on the ground and groaning dramatically, knew that this training would make them stronger.

Lief watched the group collapse to the ground, their muscles shaking, breath coming in ragged gasps. He paced in front of them for a moment, allowing them a brief reprieve from the torture he’d just put them through. Then, after a long pause, he finally spoke.

"Alright, that’s enough for today,” Lief said, his voice firm but not unkind. “Hit the baths, all of you. You stink. Except for you, Lauren.”

The group groaned in unison, too tired to even argue. Lauren allowed a small smile at the comment from Lief. She had spent the last few hours simply watching from a bench on the side, making her a target of envy from the boys.

Westin, flat on his back and barely able to move, managed to muster a reply. “Isn’t that… a sign of hard work?”

Lief smirked. “Or laziness catching up to you. Either way, no one’s going to want to be within ten paces of you lot.”

“I’m not arguing with that,” Cal pushed himself up with a grimace. Zach and Sam exchanged a glance, both drenched and sore, and nodded.

“I’ll take the bath over another round of sprints any day,” Sam muttered, stretching out his aching legs.

Quin wiped the sweat from his brow and chuckled. “If we smell as bad as we feel, then yeah… baths sound good.”

Lief gestured toward the exit of the training ground.

“Go on, get yourselves cleaned up before someone mistakes you for the livestock. And Westin, I expect more from you in five days' time,” he added with a teasing grin.

Westin, still sprawled out on the ground, groaned. “Instructor Stoneheart, I don’t even think I’ll be able to walk tomorrow, let alone improve before I see you next.”

“That’s the spirit,” Lief called over his shoulder as he turned and walked away, leaving them to stagger off toward the baths, sore, exhausted, and thoroughly beaten—but stronger for it.

The group trudged away from the training ground, their bodies aching from the grueling session Lief had put them through. The midday sun had finally begun to wane, casting long shadows as they made their way toward the baths. The path was relatively short, winding through the courtyard and into the temple, but it felt far longer with every step, each of them dragging their feet.

“Is it just me, or did Instructor Lief get some twisted joy out of watching us suffer?” Zach muttered, rubbing his sore shoulders.

“Oh, he definitely did,” Cal replied, stretching his arms over his head. “You saw the way he smiled when Westin complained. He probably lives for that stuff.”

“I can confirm that Lief Stoneheart has one thing on his mind and that is strength. He is probably going to drill us like that every time. He was the same when he was raising me in the mountains,” Quin confirmed.

“I swear, the man’s part sadist,” Westin grumbled, limping along behind them. “That whole ‘strengthening the natural body’ bit? Yeah, sure. More like ‘let’s see how many ways I can inflict pain on Westin.’”

“Well, at least you were entertaining. I thought I was going to drop dead laughing when you asked for a pillow. Do you know how hard it is to do push-ups when laughing?” Sam chuckled.

“Laugh all you want, but I don’t know how any of you made it through that without losing your minds. I think I’ve died and come back at least twice today,” Westin groaned, wiping his sweat-soaked forehead.

“I do not think reincarnation is a part of Luxor’s repertoire. That might be Renewa’s domain. Perhaps you should change who you worship. I think Lauren would let you take her place before she left,” Zach commented.

“Don’t tempt me,” Westin stated. “Rituals instead of running do not sound like the worst option anymore.”

Quin smirked at his friend’s melodrama but said nothing, his thoughts focused on how much his legs burned. Despite the exhaustion, though, there was a sense of camaraderie between them. They’d been through the fire together, and somehow, the shared suffering made it bearable.

Finally, they reached the baths. The stone building was simple but elegant, tucked away behind the main courtyard of the temple. The moment they stepped inside, the cool air that met them felt like a blessing from the Gods.

“Thank Valor,” Zach breathed, already untying his sweat-drenched tunic. “I think this is the first time I’ll be grateful to take a cold bath.”

“I didn’t think it was possible to feel this filthy,” Cal agreed, peeling off his tunic and tossing it into a basket by the door.

The baths had two sections, heated and unheated. The boys chose the unheated section this time. The bath itself was a large, sunken pool, cooled by icy underground springs that bubbled from the earth. The air was chilly and sent a shiver down Quin’s back. For lighting, soft light from high windows filtered down making it feel almost serene—if not for the fact that every muscle in their bodies was still screaming in protest.

“This… this is heaven,” Westin was the first to ease himself into the water, letting out an exaggerated groan of relief as he instantly cooled down his sore muscles.

Sam followed, sliding into the pool with a sigh. “I’m with you on that. I think I’ll just stay here until tomorrow.”

Zach, Cal, and Quin quickly joined, and soon all five of them were submerged in the cool water, the aches and pains slowly beginning to melt away with the refreshing feel. The silence stretched out for a few moments, the only sound the gentle splashing of water as they sank deeper into the bath.

Eventually, Westin broke the silence. “So… anyone else feel like they’ve been hit by a cart, or is it just me?”

They all laughed, the sound echoing off the stone walls as they relaxed into the bath, grateful for the reprieve. For now, at least, they could let the aches and bruises fade away, knowing full well that training would resume tomorrow. But that was a problem for later. For now, it was time to rest, and that's what they did.

After an hour or so, the boys went their separate ways, each returning to their respective temples. Quin was left with some spare time on his hands, so he decided to grab a meal and then visit the library. He wanted to relax and do some reading, perhaps explore new sections of the library. He made his way there, wincing as his muscles protested.

Eventually, Quin stood before the grand entrance to the library of the Temple of Solarius, its heavy wooden doors towering above him. The ancient wood was intricately carved with sunbursts and symbols of light, all paying homage to the God of wisdom, might, and light. A faint scent of aged parchment and polished oak wafted from the crack beneath the door, inviting him to step inside.

He pushed open the doors, which groaned slightly as they gave way, and stepped into the vast, echoing chamber beyond.

The library was enormous, far larger than most would have imagined. The wooden architecture dominated the space, with rich, dark beams stretching across the ceiling high above, supporting the weight of multiple floors. The walls were lined with seemingly endless shelves of books, scrolls, and tomes, each one meticulously organized. The shelves themselves were made of the same dark wood, polished to a high shine that reflected the soft glow of the golden lamps hanging from the ceiling.

On either side of the entrance, reading areas had been set up with long tables and sturdy chairs, their surfaces scattered with manuscripts and open books left behind by previous readers to be returned by the librarians. Large, arched windows allowed natural light to filter in, casting soft beams onto the wood-paneled floors, which creaked underfoot as Quin moved deeper into the library.

To his left, he spotted the librarians' offices—an enclosed space with glass windows looking out onto the main floor. Through the panes, Quin could see the figure of a librarian hunched over a desk, quietly writing in a ledger, surrounded by towering stacks of books. The office, like the rest of the library, was made of dark wood, its door adorned with brass fittings shaped like the sun.

Quin's gaze swept upwards. Multiple floors stretched above him, each connected by spiral staircases made of wrought iron, curling elegantly toward the upper levels. The floors were lined with more shelves, some so tall they required ladders to reach the highest volumes. Every shelf seemed to stretch on forever, vanishing into shadowed alcoves and corridors that hinted at hidden knowledge.

It was a place that radiated wisdom and the pursuit of truth—a fitting tribute to Solarius.

Quin moved forward slowly, his footsteps echoing in the cavernous space. He had always thought of libraries as small places of peace, but the sheer size of this one made him feel small. He ran his fingers lightly along the spines of the books as he passed, many of them bound in leather, some so ancient the titles had faded. It was almost as if he could hear the whispers of the past, the knowledge stored in these countless volumes calling out to be discovered. Lief would be so disappointed if Quin turned out to be a bookworm.

Quin came across another reading area deeper into the library. He approached one of the reading tables, pausing for a moment to take in the scene. The chairs were worn, their wooden frames smoothed by decades of use, but they looked comfortable enough. On the tables lay thick, leather-bound tomes, their pages crinkled and yellowed with age. Candles in brass holders flickered gently, casting dancing shadows on the floor.

Quin inhaled deeply, savoring the quiet sanctuary of the place. Here, amidst the wood and wisdom, he felt a deep connection to the God he served and shared blood with. This was more than a library—it was a temple of knowledge, a place where light illuminated not just the world, but the mind. Quin had never felt so connected to the domain of wisdom that his father governed.

Spurred on by the pursuit of knowledge and exploration, Quin decided to dive even deeper into the library. He wandered through shelf after shelf of books. He took a few of the staircases and ascended higher and higher in the library. He read titles as he passed, walking past books on history, instruction manuals, adventure novels, and more. Books old and new were shelved alongside each other in a method that eluded him.

It was there, in the quiet, shadowed depths of the library, that Quin came across a bookshelf that seemed... out of place. He had ventured further up the spiral stairs, away from the more frequented sections, and found himself among shelves where time had clearly taken its toll. Thick layers of dust coated everything in sight, the air itself heavy with the scent of old parchment and wood.

But one particular shelf caught his eye. Although many of the bookshelves were dusty in this remote corner, this one was especially neglected. It was caked in so much dust that the titles on the spines of the books were completely obscured, save for one. One spine, standing out amidst the blanket of dust, was completely clean, as if untouched by time.

The title gleamed faintly in the dim light: The Book of Ideals by Arthur the Honorable.

Intrigued, Quin stepped forward, his fingers hesitating just above the smooth, undusted surface of the spine. The rest of the shelf seemed ancient, forgotten, but this book... this book looked pristine. Carefully, he pulled it from its place.

The leather cover was a deep, rich brown, unblemished and supple, as though it had just been bound yesterday. Delicate gold filigree lined the edges, forming intricate, swirling patterns that gave the tome a regal air. In the center of the cover, embossed in fine, flowing script, was the title again: The Book of Ideals. Beneath it, the author's name shimmered in polished gold leaf: Arthur the Honorable.

Quin ran his thumb across the cover. It felt cool to the touch, the leather smooth, almost luxurious. Opening the book, he found that the pages inside were just as well-preserved. The parchment was crisp and white, completely free of the yellowing that typically marked the passage of time. The ink was bold and clear, the writing neat and flowing, as though it had been penned mere hours ago.

It was peculiar. How could a book in such perfect condition be hidden away in the dustiest corner of the library?

Frowning slightly, but undeniably intrigued, Quin carefully closed the book and made his way back toward a reading area. His footsteps echoed softly on the wooden floors, the familiar creak of the boards bringing him some comfort as he descended the spiral staircase.

Once he reached a quiet spot by one of the large arched windows, he settled into a chair. The soft golden light filtered in through the glass, casting a gentle glow on the reading table. Quin placed the book before him, its pristine cover looking almost out of place against the well-worn wood of the table.

He ran his hand over the cover once more, marveling at its condition, before opening it to the first page. There was an author’s preface.

The page was blank except for a single block of elegant text, the letters flowing in that same, fine script. Quin leaned closer, his brow furrowing as he read.

“In this book, you will find no secrets to power, no mysteries to be unraveled, no knowledge hidden from the world. There are no paths to greatness or shortcuts to victory. Instead, what lies within are the ideals I believe every warrior and devoted follower of the Light Pantheon should embody—truths that should guide your actions, even if it leads to your own harm. In the light, we do not seek glory or self-preservation, but the good of the world above all else.”

Quin's eyes lingered on the final sentence, his curiosity piqued. This was not the tone of a typical instruction manual or tome on battle strategy. It felt deeper—something philosophical, perhaps even spiritual. He turned the page and found the table of contents. Each chapter was dedicated to an ideal that the author held. These ideals were not centered around any specific God or Goddess and their domains. These ideals were purely a standard that the author thought everyone should strive to hold.

It was unlike anything Quin had been taught. He had always been instructed to follow the ideals of his God or Goddess, honing those to the greatest state. This book, however, suggested that each Light Pantheon Deity held principles that were excellent in a person, and that they should strive to embody them all. It wasn’t about diminishing the prestige of your own God if you followed the teachings of others—it was about broadening your perspective. Not doing so would be narrow-minded and limit your personal growth.

This concept intrigued Quin, as he had found admirable traits in each of his friends. Limiting himself from striving to obtain those traits, in order to focus solely on the pursuit of Light, Wisdom, and Might, could turn him into a narrow-minded warrior. A warrior who neglected to rescue and protect the innocent when presented with an opportunity that could make him grow stronger or deepen his wisdom would not be the kind of person Quin wished to be. So Quin continued reading each and every chapter.

At the end of the tome was a summary of its contents that distilled down its teachings.

The Fifteen Ideals of a Warrior:

SelflessnessPut others before yourself in all actions. A warrior of light seeks no reward, only the betterment of those around them. To serve is to protect, and to protect is to love.

HonorLive with integrity in all things. Never stray from the path of truth, even when it is difficult. Honor is the shield against corruption, and without it, we are no better than those who live in darkness.

CompassionIn the face of suffering, respond with kindness. Even when dealing with enemies, seek to understand their pain and respond not with cruelty, but with empathy. Compassion is the greatest weapon in the fight for good.

Courage

Face fear head-on. True courage is not the absence of fear, but the will to act despite it. The light calls upon those who stand firm in the face of overwhelming odds, unshaken by the darkness.

Sacrifice

Be willing to give up everything, even your life, for the greater good. The light demands not just devotion, but the understanding that the world’s welfare comes before your own.

Justice

Seek fairness in all things. Uphold the laws that protect the weak and downtrodden. Injustice is a form of darkness, and it is the duty of the righteous to stand against it at every turn.

Humility

Do not seek glory, for the truest warriors of light fight in the shadows of their deeds. Humility keeps pride from clouding judgment and allows for continuous growth.

Wisdom

Use your mind as well as your heart. Knowledge without wisdom leads to arrogance, while wisdom without knowledge leads to inaction. Both must be balanced to serve the light.

Forgiveness

Though the heart may ache from betrayal, it is through forgiveness that we cleanse ourselves of bitterness. The light teaches that no one is beyond redemption, and mercy is the path to peace.

Patience

In all things, move with measured purpose. The light is enduring, and so must be your resolve. Do not rush to action out of anger or impulse—let time reveal the true path.

Generosity

Give freely of your wealth, time, and spirit. The light’s bounty is meant to be shared, and hoarding only serves the self. Spread your light to those in need, so that they may shine as well.

Diligence

Work hard in all that you do, whether in battle or in peace. Laziness leads to stagnation, and stagnation breeds darkness. The world’s betterment is achieved through consistent and dedicated effort.

Hope

Even when surrounded by despair, be the beacon of hope for others. Where there is hope, there is always a path forward. A warrior of light does not falter in the face of adversity but shines brighter in response to it.

Purity of Heart

Maintain your purity by keeping your intentions untainted by selfishness, hatred, or greed. The light sees through all deceptions, and only with a pure heart can you wield its true power.

Unity

Remember that no one fights alone. The strength of the light lies in the collective, and only through unity can true peace and goodness be achieved. Support your comrades, and they will support you.

Quin’s eyes moved over the final passage, his heart swelling with the gravity of the ideals laid out before him. These were more than just principles of war—they were foundations for a life of purpose and virtue. Each ideal, each virtue, had a corresponding deity within the Light Pantheon, reminding Quin that a true warrior of the light was not limited to the path of a single god. Instead, to fully embody the ideals of a warrior, one must learn from the entire Pantheon.

He felt a surge of admiration for the wisdom in the book. It was not just a set of rules; it was a philosophy, a guide to living in a world plagued by darkness. Quin found himself reflecting on each ideal:

Selflessness brought forth by Altruism, the Goddess of Charitable Acts, urging a life of giving without expectation.

Honor, exemplified by Nectaris, the God of Honor, reminding Quin to uphold truth and integrity in all things.

Compassion, embodied by both Virtuosus and Emara, demonstrating that understanding and kindness toward others could be the greatest strength in the fight for goodness.

Courage, drawn from Valor, encouraged standing firm even when fear took hold.

Sacrifice, the hallmark of Halitus, asked for the ultimate gift, laying down one's life if needed for the greater good.

Justice, modeled after Justicar, demanded fairness and equality in all things.

Humility, as taught by Vivacity, called for constant learning and recognition that glory was not the end goal.

Wisdom, from both Solarius and Clarion, stressed the balance between knowledge and understanding, guiding not just actions, but decisions.

Forgiveness, expressed by Eunoia, taught that even in the face of betrayal, a pure heart forgave, allowing growth rather than harboring bitterness.

Patience, inspired by Equilibra, reminded him to act with measured purpose and not be driven by impulsive reactions.

Generosity, shown by Doxus, revealed that one’s strength lay in the ability to heal and support others, sharing what you have freely.

Diligence, exemplified by Vowen, illustrated that commitment and hard work were needed to achieve true progress in life and service.

Hope, from Speranza, was a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, a glimmer of optimism could pave the way for a better future.

Purity of Heart, from Purity, reminded Quin that the truest power came from maintaining goodness in intent and action.

Unity, reinforced by Amica, taught that the light is strongest when shared, and harmony with others was essential for achieving true peace.

Each ideal, each lesson, was an intricate part of the Pantheon’s teachings. Quin realized this was not just about mastering the virtues of his own father, Solarius, but about embracing the collective wisdom of the entire Pantheon. Together, these ideals formed a path to become more than just a warrior of light—they created a person of depth, a paragon of virtue.

The message of the book was clear: to focus solely on one God or Goddess was to miss the larger truth. To respect, learn, and embody the values of all the gods in the Pantheon created a more complete, enlightened soul, one capable of facing all aspects of life, not just those aligned with one deity's domain.

Quin felt a deep sense of peace as he closed The Book of Ideals. He realized that his journey was no longer about just following in the footsteps of his father, but about embracing the full spectrum of virtues the Light Pantheon had to offer. Lief would laugh at the thought of Quin turning into a "bookworm," but perhaps this newfound wisdom was something that could change them all.

Setting the book gently on the table, Quin leaned back in his chair and stared out the large arched windows of the library. The sunlight streamed in, casting a warm glow over him, and he smiled to himself. There was so much to learn, and for the first time, Quin felt excited about more than just the next battle. He felt excited about becoming someone who could truly bring light into the world.

These ideals were not easy to live by, but perhaps that was the point. To follow the path of light was not to choose an easy road, but the right one. Quin felt that most followers of the Light Pantheon probably followed some, if not most, of these ideals, but did not strive to embody them all. Quin pondered what would happen if everyone tried their best to follow each of these ideals, instead of prioritizing one over another. The outcome had to be positive.

Quin decided he wished to show this book to his friends. Perhaps they would share the same thoughts. He liked the idea of all of them agreeing to hold to this set of values in the future. In times of war and hardship, it would guide them and ensure they would not do anything they regretted. Quin had read about both pantheons committing genocide and other horrendous acts in the name of their Gods, all to win the war once and for all. Such things would never be repeated if everyone held true to what The Book of Ideals preached.

Quin carefully closed The Book of Ideals. Rising from the reading table, he cradled the book in his hands and made his way toward the librarian's office. The office door was ajar, and Quin could see the librarian still hunched over a ledger, his quill scratching against the parchment. Quin knocked lightly on the doorframe, drawing the older man's attention.

"Yes?" the librarian asked, looking up from his work. His eyes, sharp and discerning, flickered over the book in Quin’s hands.

"Excuse me," Quin began, stepping into the office. "I found this book in the upper section of the library, and I was wondering if you could have several copies made for me. It's called The Book of Ideals by Arthur the Honorable."

The librarian frowned, setting down his quill. "Let me see, please."

Quin handed over the book, and the librarian inspected it closely. His weathered fingers traced the cover, his frown deepening as he flipped through the pages. He paused for a moment, then shook his head, clearly puzzled.

"I’ve never seen this book before," the librarian said slowly. "And I’ve never heard of this author—‘Arthur the Honorable’... it's not in our records. In fact, this book shouldn’t even be in the library."

"But it was on the shelf, just sitting there like it belonged," Quin said, raising an eyebrow.

"Odd," the librarian commented while continuing to examine the book, his fingers brushing against the edges of the pages. His eyes narrowed as he muttered something under his breath, then glanced up at Quin. "This book is enchanted."

"Enchanted?" Quin repeated, taken aback.

“Yes,” the librarian nodded. “Whoever made it inscribed runes into the book, probably where we cannot see, then infused spirit into them. These are the kind of runes that prevent the book from taking damage and keep it in pristine condition. Such enchantments are only placed on books that people deeply care about, to ensure they're never damaged or degraded. It's interesting that The Book of Ideals has this enchantment, given that I’ve never seen it before. Most books that are important enough for someone to enchant are famous works or done by famous authors.”

Quin felt a sense of awe as he looked at the book again, realizing that someone had felt the same as he did about it. The book was important, even if no one had ever heard of it. Quin really wanted to see if he could find the author or whoever enchanted the book.

“Still,” the librarian continued, waving a hand dismissively, “while the enchantment is fascinating, it doesn’t change the fact that this book shouldn’t be here. I suppose you were meant to find it.”

The librarian paused for a moment, then smiled. “You know what? Keep it.”

Quin blinked, surprised. “You’re serious? You’ll let me keep the original?”

“Of course,” the librarian said with a nod. “If it called to you and if it’s important to you, then it belongs in your hands. I have no need for a book of this genre if it was placed into the library without proper documentation. But as for the copies…” He stood up and retrieved a large tome from a shelf behind him, flipping through its pages before placing his hand on The Book of Ideals. “I can make several copies for you right now.”

The librarian’s hand glowed faintly as he spoke a quiet incantation. Before Quin’s eyes, shimmering tendrils of light spread from the librarian’s hand, surrounding the book and lifting it slightly off the table. In moments, a dozen identical copies of The Book of Ideals appeared, each one just as pristine as the original. The librarian lifted his hand, and the light dissipated.

“There you go,” he said with a smile. “A dozen perfect copies. Because my spell copies the source material, they should each contain the enchantment as well.”

Quin stared at the newly made books in amazement. “Thank you,” he said earnestly, his voice filled with gratitude.

“You're welcome, young man,” the librarian said, handing the copies to him. “I just enjoy seeing someone on the younger side taking an interest in academics. Most young people your age would rather be flinging their powers about instead of reading. The Light Pantheon demands much from its followers, but with a good education, you'll be on the right path. One of Solarius’ domains is Wisdom, after all.”

“Trust me, you will see plenty more of me in the coming days. I am truly excited to explore the library,” Quin promised, clutching the copies close to his chest.

“Hahaha, if you do, feel free to come find me and ask me some questions. I am sure I can guide you to exactly what you are looking for and accelerate your progress,” the librarian said. “If you do not find me, then ask for Elric. The other librarians can direct you to where I am.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Elric. My name is Quin,” Quin introduced himself.

“Oh ho, the Chosen One everyone has been talking about. Certainly a great honor to help you. I am pleased to see for myself what an outstanding and humble young man you are, despite your status. Especially one who is studying philosophy on how to act as a better person,” Elric complimented.

Quin felt a bit shy at the compliment and thanked Elric for his help before promising once again to return. Quin left the library with the thirteen books in a basket that Elric had given him and made his way back to his room. He planned to read through some parts of The Book of Ideals that he believed could use some revisiting before bed.