"Is that the only way?" I asked, ensuring that my voice betrayed none of my emotions.
"That’s pretty much the standard way. There are artifacts that can pinpoint the type of essence for you, but you won’t find that kind of equipment easily," Kren said.
He tapped the table in front of him. "You can also familiarize yourself with different locations where a particular type of essence is more prevalent and see if you resonate with it.
"Take this building, for example. It’s filled with alchemical essence because we’ve been using that type of essence here for a long time. It’s now more like a territory dominated by alchemical essence.
"Any big organization worth its name usually stores various kinds of essence to introduce to their Squires."
The knot inside me twisted even more. The fastest way was to be introduced to an essence that resonated with my core, allowing it to refine that specific type of essence. ’Shit. This is harder than it should be. Where am I supposed to find forbidden... right. The ruin deep in the mine that the Nyxori wanted to explore. There’s something about a forbidden mark written on it.’
I held back my excitement as I listened to Kren speak, my thoughts a whirlwind.
"But you should remember that just because you identify your type of essence doesn’t mean you’ll get a specific power. The essence only signifies a connection to that type. It’s simple yet very complex. Your type of essence is unique to you.
"For example, my essence is Alchemy, but my Knight power allows me to create ingredients and mix them without fire. That doesn’t mean I can’t perform more conventional alchemy-related feats," Kren explained.
I nodded, quickly digesting the information. "So a water-type essence can control water but only to a certain degree unless tied to their unique power?"
Arvas snorted and said mockingly, "Kren, he’s better at explaining than you! Yes, unique powers—but they’re not truly unique because you might not be the only one capable of them.
"Let’s use that water essence. An Elemental Knight with water-type power can perform water slashes or water bullets, but could they drown someone without water? Yes, that’s possible with a sub-essence. For instance, they could drown someone in a volcano without needing water!"
"Anyone with a unique sub-essence will be weaker in the general essence of the same Order. The Elemental Knight with water powers will have weaker general water control, while their invisible drowning ability will be stronger."
I sat back in my chair. It was a lot to take in. Indeed, it was simple yet complex. Some people had powers that were unique but not entirely so.
I looked at Arvas curiously. "So, do you have a unique power in alchemy as well?"
The man gave me a flat stare. "No. I’m just an Alchemist. I don’t have any sub-essence power. And it’s not unique—there are even two Knights in this building with the same sub-essence as Kren."
"Oh," I said. "So to become a Knight, I have to familiarize myself with different essences from the same Order, find my particular essence, and get my core to start producing it?"
Kren nodded. "That’s it."
I exhaled loudly. "Got it."
The room fell silent for a while, and I could practically see the thoughts of the two men sitting in front of me. I wondered which of them would speak first.
Of course, it was Arvas who asked bluntly, "What is your mark Order?"
Kren sighed and quickly added, "Maybe we can find a way to help you with your essence. After the operation, of course."
The operation wouldn’t happen for another two weeks, and from a normal perspective, their request seemed reasonable. I smiled to myself, imagining their surprise if I revealed my mark Order.
I shook my head at the thought. "I’m from the Dark Order, thank you. I’ll be looking forward to it."
Kren’s gaze shifted to my hand, and he nodded without saying anything, while Arvas snorted and muttered something about paranoid Knights.
The reason I accepted their help without further comment was my interest in finding something about the Forbidden mark at the ruin. Anything at all. Claiming the Dark Order was a safer option than raising suspicions by remaining silent.
I then brought up my second reason for coming. "Do you have any books on the Mark Order? I’ve been fascinated by them since they were imprinted on us."
As expected, Kren’s eyes lit up. "Me too! This is part of what believers in the gods use in their teachings. They think a god implanted these marks in our bodies to manifest when we align ourselves with them."
I nodded slowly. That did make some sense, but then, who had placed the Forbidden mark on me, and why? I didn’t believe in such things, but if it got Kren talking, I wouldn’t argue. "So it’s already fated what we’ll get at birth?"
Kren stood up, walked to a stack of books on the shelves, and began searching while continuing to talk. "Exactly! They believe it’s a divine gift and that each Order is associated with a different god. I didn’t expect to find someone who shares my love for history here in the Borderlands. All anyone else wants to do is fight!"
He brought a book to me. Its brown cover bore deep blue lettering: ’The Mark Orders’ There was no author listed.
"Be careful with the book and return it in the same condition," Kren said sharply.
I nodded and accepted it, resisting the urge to search for what I truly wanted.
Arvas snorted. "Of course they don’t like books like you! Everyone else is just trying to survive the monsters, kill them, or cozy up to those stronger than them. You’re speaking from a privileged perspective!"
Kren shot him a look, clearly accustomed to hearing such remarks. I listened to their argument with a polite expression, waiting for a chance to slip away and study the book.