Drake, stood before the imposing, sound-absorbent door deep within the Great Library's restricted archives. This was it – the culmination of his long search for Elder Jian. He took a steadying breath, then raised his hand and knocked lightly on the seamless Alvari metal. For a moment, only silence answered. Then, with a faint hum that seemed to vibrate the very air rather than produce sound, the door irised open smoothly, revealing a simple, circular chamber bathed in soft, ambient light.
In the center, on a low dais, sat an ancient Alvari figure in deep meditation, robed in pale silks. Elder Jian. Drake stepped inside respectfully, and the door whispered shut behind him. He waited patiently. After what felt like several minutes, though Drake made no move to disturb the profound stillness, Elder Jian spoke without opening his eyes, his voice resonating calmly in the chamber.
"You have come far, seeker. The [Broken Twin Blade Hilt] has guided your path, as it was meant to."
Drake bowed his head slightly. "Master Jian. I was guided here by Master Kallan. He spoke of your wisdom concerning this artifact." He carefully drew the [Broken Twin Blade Hilt] from his inventory and presented it.
Jian finally opened his eyes – ancient, incredibly clear, and holding an unfathomable depth of knowledge. His gaze fell upon the hilt. A flicker of something unreadable passed through them. "Ah, yes. A fragment of a potent legacy. It resonates with the potential for the [Twin Soul Bladesworn] path – a lost Alvari combat art focusing on perfect dual-blade harmony." He looked at Drake. "The Hilt has clearly chosen you, or you it. You possess the necessary focus, the persistence evident from your journey here."
"Twin Soul Bladesworn... a hidden class trial, just as Kallan hinted. This is what I've been working towards."
Jian continued, "However, to even attempt the trial that unlocks such a path, to withstand its rigors and comprehend its teachings, there is an unyielding minimum threshold. You must be at least Level 20. You are close," Jian observed, "very close, but not yet there."
Drake checked his experience bar. Indeed, he was 90% of the way to Level 20. The thought of navigating back out through the library's restricted areas, then the secret passage, just to grind out that last bit of EXP in the city outskirts or foothills, only to repeat the arduous infiltration process, was disheartening.
"Master Jian," Drake began respectfully, "I understand the requirement. However, accessing this sanctum was... challenging. Returning here after gaining that final measure of experience would involve significant delay and risk. Is there, perhaps, a suitable location nearby, some place where I might focus entirely on reaching the threshold without undue delay, so I may undertake your trial immediately upon achieving Level 20?"
Elder Jian regarded Drake for a long moment, his ancient eyes seeming to pierce through him. Then, a rare, faint smile touched his lips. "Your focus is commendable, young one. And your pragmatism is not without merit. Wasting time benefits no one when a path awaits." He gestured towards a seemingly plain section of the circular chamber wall. As he did, the stone shimmered, and an archway filled with swirling, unstable silvery light pulsed into existence.
"This portal," Jian explained, "leads to a place known as the [Chamber of Echoing Steel]. It is an ancient Alvari training ground, but one where the echoes of past trainees, their unresolved combat energies, their very intent, still linger and take form. It is a dangerous place, filled with relentless phantom combatants who will test your skills without pause."
"A private grinding instance? Perfect!"
Jian raised a cautionary hand. "Use it only to hone yourself until you reach Level 20 – no more, no less. The Chamber attunes itself to those on the cusp of a trial and is not meant for extended stays or idle sport. Once you attain the required level, you are to return here immediately. Your true trial for the [Twin Soul Bladesworn] path will then begin."
Drake felt a surge of gratitude and excitement. This was an unexpected boon, a direct path to his immediate goal. He bowed deeply to the Alvari master. "Thank you, Master Jian. I understand your conditions. I will return as soon as I reach the threshold."
With a final nod from the Elder, Drake turned purposefully towards the swirling, unstable light of the portal. The Chamber of Echoing Steel awaited, promising a swift, if dangerous, path to Level 20 and the trial beyond.