The Time Keeper

Chapter 64 - New Path Ahead

"Singularity?" I echoed, intrigued by this new revelation.

Alexei nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, in the tier system, arcanists are classified according to their capabilities and levels of power. The tiers within each pathway range from 8 down to 6 as low-tier human-grade arcanists. Beyond that, at Tier 5, you reach Monarch status, and Tier 4 are Bishops, both considered mid-tier. Tier 3 arcanists are called Singularities, then Tier 2 as Angels, and finally, at the pinnacle, Tier 1 are Lords, all as high-tier arcanists."

I absorbed the information, contemplating the significance of these tiers and the hierarchy they represented. "So, Michaels is rather formidable. Why would a high-tier arcanist be at the auction?"

Alexei shook his head slightly. "I'm not certain. Although it's quite unusual for a Singularity to be involved in such simple events."

Intrigued by the idea of advancement, I delved deeper. "How does one advance as an arcanist?"

I had already talked to Darius about advancing further, but hearing from Alexei, who seemed more open to discussing such details, was also worth asking.

Alexei considered my query. "It's a significant undertaking. Advancement is a delicate process. Some can take weeks, months, or even years to advance. Rushing the process can be perilous; losing control becomes easier, and even conducting the advancement ritual could turn you. Most unofficial arcanists don't go past Tier 8 for safety reasons."

Although that was what Darius had told me but in a different way, it made me feel more optimistic about advancing. Darius seemed more restrictive about advancement whereas Alexei is more open about it.

His words resonated with caution, yet an unshakable determination brewed within me. "How will I know if I'm ready?"

"You'll feel it with 'Glass Bowl,'" Alexei explained cryptically, already walking toward the door. "You'll just know. Once you know, you can get Darius to file a report to the Church and they'll bring me back here to conduct the ritual for you again personally."

As he reached for the doorknob, he glanced back at me. "Until next time, Elias. Take care."

Alone in the Chemistry Room, the weight of the conversation lingered, stirring a flurry of thoughts within me. Alexei's departure left behind a realm of contemplation, a canvas of possibilities and uncertainties waiting to be explored.

The urge to advance surged even more within me, a relentless tide pushing against the confines of my current tier, a meagre Tier 8 of the Watcher Pathway. The elusive promise of power, autonomy, and the freedom to navigate the intricate maze of the world beckoned.

Yet, a knot of reluctance tugged at my resolve. Would I be able to progress while tethered to the team? The Huntsmen?

Darius's protective nature and the collective concern of the group could potentially become hindrances in my quest for not only advancement but eventual success and comfort. The weight of their presence threatened to impede my journey toward higher tiers, toward the ultimate goal of autonomy.

Self-doubt seeped in, a faint twinge of regret brushing against my consciousness. The failure to secure the pages from the auction gnawed at my determination. My hesitance, and my inability to seize the moment, contributed to our collective failure.

Not only had I failed at succeeding in this task that Fleur gave to me, but this was now the second time, as the battle with Fritz didn't go as expected either. Blame, however unjustified or fair, burrowed its roots within me.

With Michaels's and other higher-tier arcanists' presence looming as an obstacle, the necessity to ascend, to carve my path unhindered, became an urgency. Becoming a high-tier arcanist was not just an aspiration; it was a requisite, a means to ensure no entity, no individual, would stand between me and my ambitions.