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“Take your time,” High Priestess Elayra said softly, settling into the chair across from me. “This decision will shape your path as a cleric. Choose wisely.”

I nodded, my brow furrowed in concentration. Each skill had its merits, and I could see how they would all be useful in different situations. I thought back to our recent battles with the kobolds, trying to imagine how each skill might have helped.

Purify could have come in handy when Kuro got nicked by a poisoned blade last week.

We’d had to use up most of our savings to buy an antidote for him in the Selas market.

Shield of the Faithful might have prevented that injury altogether.

And Smite... well, it would certainly make me more useful in a fight beyond just healing.

As I deliberated, I couldn’t help but think of Kai’s words earlier. “Your healing magic is a lot better now, so if you wanted to learn something that wasn’t healing this time, you have my approval.”

“Can I ask a question?” I said, looking up at Elayra.

She smiled. “You just did. But go on.”

“Is… Is there another option? Something outside of these three?”

Her brows furrowed in curiosity as she looked me over.

“These three are the standard options for a newcomer to the RSB like yourself. They’ll allow you to be on par with your fellow clerics and help keep your party safe.

” She stared at me for a long moment. “However, there are other choices should you wish to branch out. But they are costly. More so than the three in front of you. And probably more than a new scout like yourself has been able to acquire.”

I pulled out my small leather pouch, turning it over onto the table. Silver coins clattered over the wood. One single gold coin hit the surface with a dull thud. It was the one I was looking for .

“What will this get me?” I asked, holding it up.

Elayra’s eyes went wide for a split second before her expression neutralized. “My, my,” she said. “A newcomer with an entire gold coin is exceptionally rare. You and your party must be hunting day and night to bring in that kind of coin.”

I realized, a little too late, that I might’ve shown too much of my hand. Scooping all the coins back into my pouch, I replaced it on my belt, not looking her in the eye. “We’ve been saving up. Everyone gave me their money so I could get stronger and keep them all safe.”

“I see,” she nodded. “Well, in that case, have a look at this shelf.” She gestured to the bookcase beside her, pointing out a single shelf. “These skills are within your power to cast and cost one gold coin or less to learn.”

I stepped up to the shelf, looking at the dusty leather tomes all lined up, not an identifying mark on a single one of them. “How will I know which to choose?” I asked, glancing at Elayra.

“Let the god of the Twilight guide you,” she said simply. “Just reach out and one will speak to you.”

It seemed like an odd way to choose a skill. “You can’t just tell me what’s in them?”

She shook her head. “You’ll have to use your abilities. The god of the Twilight will give you what you need most.”

It was still weird, but considering the books were unmarked, I didn’t have much choice.

I hesitated for a moment, then closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

Letting my instincts guide me, I reached out towards the shelf.

My fingers brushed against the spines of several books before settling on one that felt.

.. different. Warmer somehow, as if it was calling to me.

I pulled the book from the shelf, its weight substantial in my hands. As I opened my eyes, I saw that the leather cover was a deep, rich purple speckled with stars - the color of twilight. My heart raced with anticipation as I carefully opened it.

“Ah,” High Priestess Elayra said, her voice filled with reverence. “The Twilight Veil. A rare and powerful skill indeed.”

“What does it do?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Elayra’s eyes gleamed with approval. “The Twilight Veil allows you to create a shroud of divine energy around yourself and your allies,” Elayra explained, her voice filled with awe.

“This veil not only provides protection from physical and magical attacks but also enhances the abilities of those within it. For a cleric, it can amplify healing powers and provide a sanctuary in the midst of battle. ”

I stared at the book in my hands, feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation. This skill seemed far more advanced than anything I had expected to learn at this stage.

“The god of the Twilight must have great things in store for you,” she said, looking me up and down. “It has been several decades since a cleric learned this skill. And several more since one has managed to master it.”

I felt a mix of pride and nervousness wash over me. “Is... is it difficult to learn?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

High Priestess Elayra nodded solemnly. “It is not an easy skill to master, young one. The Twilight Veil requires great concentration and a deep connection to the divine. It will take time and dedication to fully harness its power. Not to mention it requires a massive amount of mana. Even I have not managed to cast it for more than a minute or two. But it was once said that great champions of the Twilight could have it up for an hour or more at a time.”

I looked down at the book, its pages filled with intricate diagrams and flowing script. The weight of responsibility settled on my shoulders. This wasn’t just about me anymore; it was about protecting my friends, my party.

“I’ll do it,” I said, my voice stronger now. “I want to learn the Twilight Veil.”

Elayra smiled, a glimmer of pride in her eyes. “Very well.” She took the book from me, setting it on the table. “I will send the book with you.”

“I… I can take it out of the guild?!” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Books never left the guild hall under any circumstance.

“I’m going to make you a copy,” she replied softly. “A magical copy. It will be bound to you and unreadable by all others. And should you…” She paused, letting her meaning sink in.

“Should I die…” I said quietly.

“Then the book will simply disappear, unable to be taken by monsters or other RSB members,” she finished.

“It’s a necessary precaution in this world, unfortunately.

It took centuries to curate our skills and we can’t afford to lose them.

Now I’ll just need you to stand still for a moment and I’ll need a drop of your blood. ”

“Okay,” I nodded, holding out my hand. “Let’s do this.”

An hour later, after much chanting and casting, I left the Cleric Guild with my new skill book in hand.

I had specific instructions from Elayra to practice, pray, and meditate daily.

My connection with the god of the Twilight had to be strong in order for me to pull off the spell.

Considering the steep price of the book in my hands, I was determined to do everything she told me and more.

I wasn’t going to let my party down and this spell, once I could use it, would make it possible for us to not only survive, but begin to truly live in this world full of monsters and death.

I was going to make them proud of me if it was the last thing I did.