Klaus took a slow draw from his cigar before answering. "SSS-class beasts have the interesting way of helping themselves and others who follow them quickly grow. This ability is invaluable for a Herald who will be undertaking field missions and dealing with the Abyss."
Reinhard fell silent, processing the implications and said. "I see. And with my status as Herald, I can undertake field missions that can't be done by any first or second year... But why are you sure I can handle it?"
Klaus chuckled and set down his cigar before he swiftly picked up a fountain pen from his desk and hurled it directly at Reinhard. The pen rushed through the air, swiftly closing the distance and arriving in front of Reinhard.
Reinhard blinked, but his body instantly moved. His hand shot up, and he caught the pen cleanly between his index and middle fingers, stopping it just inches from his face.
"Every beast grants its user initial knowledge of combat," Klaus explained, leaning back in his chair with satisfaction. "But before that, you need to be either extremely talented or extremely lucky to pass an SSS-class beast trial."
Reinhard looked down at the pen still held between his fingers, then nodded slowly. As he recalled his trial, he realized he had been far more lucky than talented. Against the Frost Giants and the dragon, he'd had no real hope of victory through skill alone. But even then, just him passing the SSS-class beast trial is proof enough that he was capable enough.
Klaus continued, "The only reason first and second years aren't allowed on field missions is because they need better control of their beasts. But you, as an SSS-class holder, already have enough control to summon pieces of your beast into reality." He gestured toward Reinhard with his cane. "Why don't you give it a try? Imagine Odin in your head and call his name in your mind."
Reinhard closed his eyes, his breathing becoming steady and focused. He recalled the overwhelming presence of the figure on the black roots. The eight-legged horse with its mane of blue flames, the jagged armor covered in glowing patterns, the horned helmet with one glowing eye, and most of all, the massive spear that was terrifying to look at.
Odin, he called silently, reaching out through whatever connection had been forged between them during the trial.
Strength flooded through his body similar to when he got a rush of energy in a fight. Every muscle seemed to vibrate with new strength as magic rushed through his body, and he felt something materializing in his right hand. Black-blue light began to shine around his fingers, and swirls of luminous specs moved down from his palm like falling stars.
The sword from his trial materialized in his grasp. It was the same black-blue jagged blade with its intricate engravings and wisps of energy trailing from its edges. But now, holding it in the real world, he could feel it's true weight and balance.
Reinhard stared in awe as he lifted the sword, marveling at how perfectly it fit his grip. But it's then he felt an odd sense of calm descending on him, as if nothing could surprise him.
Rosaria nodded, her expression thoughtful as she watched the lingering motes of light fade from where the sword had been. "It's extremely rare for a beast master to summon their beast into reality after they just made a connection. On average, it takes two years to fully manifest it."
Reinhard furrowed his brows as the last of the light-pink specs dissolved into the air around his empty hand. "Why does the SSS class grant this many benefits?"
"SSS classes are beasts at the peak of the Throne of Myth, which allows them to form connections with us more easily," Rosaria explained in a soft tone. "The biggest reason why first and second years have trouble summoning their beasts is because the connection isn't fully stable, and they can't see their beast's true form."
But I was able to see Odin properly. Reinhard thought, as he recalled even feeling Odin presence which he assumed shouldn't have been possible if it was a lower class like C or B.
Reinhard nodded slowly, processing this information. "But this is different for SSS class..." He looked down at the Mark of the Herald still resting in his palm, then back up at Klaus and Rosaria. "Fine. I will be the Herald."
He moved the necklace over his head, feeling the weight of the pendant settle against his chest. The moment it touched his skin, he felt a subtle warmth spread through his body, as if the artifact were acknowledging its new bearer.
"When is the first mission?" Reinhard asked.
Klaus clapped his hands together, his silver eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. "It will be tomorrow!"
Reinhard gave him a blank stare, then slowly raised an eyebrow as he turned to look at Rosaria who only sighed while pinching the bridge of her nose.
"Don't worry. It's a straightforward field mission. You will be accompanied by two teammates." Rosaria says with Klaus chuckling.
Reinhard nodded but he could feel his heartbeat speeding up a bit from the thought he was finally at the starting line. "Alright."
Klaus smiled broadly, gesturing toward the office door with his cane. "Rosaria will show you to your student room and help give you a summary of being an Inquisitor."
Rosaria didn't move and said. "Sir, you forgot to give him a Codex."
Klaus blinked in surprise before laughing. "Right, it has been a couple months since I personally gave one."
The principal stood up from his leather chair and moved toward the cabinet against the wall. He opened another small compartment and withdrew a leather-bound book and then he returned to his desk, he extended the volume toward Reinhard.
As Reinhard took the book and examined its cover.
A black swirling circle with a golden halo, held by two intricately carved hands that seemed to emerge from the leather itself. The craftsmanship was exquisite, with fine details that caught the light from the crystal chandelier above.
"The book is where you write down any findings from your Beast Spirit dreams and also any expeditions you go on," Klaus explained as he settled back into his chair.
"And then I can turn it in for points?" Reinhard asked, running his fingers over the smooth leather binding.
Rosaria nodded. "You will turn it into the Historian Institution front desk, and they will take it from you for the day. They'll either have someone deliver it to your dorm or place a note on your door for you to come pick it up the next morning."
Reinhard absorbed this information before asking, "How many points do people usually get for these?"
"It will be calculated by the Historian Institute, but on average between ten to twenty points for each finding," Rosaria replied. "And before you ask, there is no limit on the amount of points you can earn. But usually the top ten students have points in the five hundreds."
Reinhard's eyes widened at the number before he nodded. "That's manageable. There are other methods to gain points, but it's field missions and the codex that give the biggest rewards?"
Klaus nodded with a smile. "Absolutely."
Just as Reinhard prepared to follow Rosaria out, she suddenly narrowed her eyes and reached for his hand, lifting it up for closer inspection. "When your beast spirit symbol appeared on the back of your hand, did an extra circle appear as well?"
Reinhard nodded without hesitation. "Isn't it supposed to? I recall seeing circles on other Inquisitors' hands in the inn and through the town of Lily."
Klaus hummed thoughtfully, leaning forward with renewed interest. "Reinhard, try to focus on that little circle near your Beast Spirit symbol. Imagine the Beast Symbol in your mind, then look for a thread on the lower left and follow that thread before touching where it ends."
Reinhard closed his eyes, concentrating on the image of his Beast Spirit symbol.
The horned helmet with its single glowing eye, long spear above it and crossed swords beneath it. As he focused, a golden thread appeared from the Beast Spirit Symbol, it was thin but clearly visible against the darkness.
He followed the thread's path until it led to a golden circle containing the image of a black crow with golden horns, surrounded by scattered black feathers that seemed to flutter even in his mental vision.
When he mentally touched the circle, it began shining with the same black-purple color he had seen during his trial. Reinhard opened his eyes to see both the symbol and circle on the back of his hand glowing brightly. A stream of black-purple light rushed out from his hand, swirling around him in spiraling patterns before condensing on his shoulder into the form of a black crow.
The creature was magnificent with sleek black feathers that seemed to absorb light, intelligent golden eyes, and small curved horns that gleamed like polished obsidian. It perched on his shoulder with its glancing around and then settling on him.