How I got fuc*ed up

“Good, now you can go back to Kalon, I have other matters to attend” said Jorlof, disappearing in a split second

“Wait, I don't know how to exit the maze”

Exclaimed Julius. 

Unfortunately, nobody answered 

“Damned Priest, I knew this was a test… Well, I guess I have to figure that out on my own. 

After a few hours, Kalon saw Julius moving his weight near him and then collapsing on the ground, his body a mess

“That horrible man… He left me in the maze… He said the flowerbeds were as tall as me, but he didn't mention that they would adjust their height if I jumped… He said that it was not a test…”

“I think that was a punishment… You see, that was a magic maze, designed to change and become more complex as time passes… How did you get out?”

“I rushed through all the flowerbeds… But why do you have a moving maze in your courtyard?”

“To test new Priest”

“... You are crazy… Did the old mane go senile and forgot I don't have any power? Why did he leave me there?”

“Because of your manners… you see, the Supreme Priest can be somewhat petty”

“When I get as strong as him, remember me to punch him straight in the face”

“Focus on getting stronger for the time being… Now, let me heal you”

But before Kalon could do anything, Julius heard a voice in his head 

[System notification: detecting a condition of great fatigue and exhaustion, a low level Mana crystal from your Soul Space will be used to restore your body to peak condition. 

Low level Mana crystal left: 9]

And in a few seconds Julius body completely healed

“Boy, it's better if you keep that shit for yourself… It's better if no-one finds out”

“Yeah, I figured that out”

“Now that everything is settled, I need to escorts you to prison”

“I hope there are not other inmates with a lust problem over pretty boys”

“You ain't pretty”

“You are damn right, I am handsome”

The rest of the trip was spent in silence as Kalon was wondering if to beat the shit out of Julius or not. Unfortunately, before he could resolve himself, they had already reached the underground cells where there was only the High Priest Tarlen who was waiting for them

“Tarlen”

“Kalon… So, this is the boy… He looks more muscular than back at the Sanctum”

“What can I say? I can make miracles with my healing magic… Unfortunately it doesn't make anything for behavior and let me tell you, he has no manners”

“Mhhh, is that so?... Boy, you better behave under my watch, or you would regret your life decisions… You see, I'm a Battle Priest and this stalemate is getting me rusty so I’m eager to train some of my old moves”

“I think Kalon said the same, why don't the two of you go to train and I will make myself at home?” said Julius a little recklessly 

“Boy… I’m going to break you” replied Tarlen with a strange light in his eyes

“High Priest Tarlen” shouted Kalon to make his fellow priest come back to his senses “Why don't you let me bring Julius in so that you can relax a little bit before the night fall”

“You are right… Boy, it's not over yet” said Tarlen going back 

“Julius… You must behave properly… You are lucky Tarlen is on a good day but apart from him, not everyone here is your friend… There are powers in the kingdom that are as dangerous as the Noctis Kingdom… So Please, try to act accordingly, in particular at tomorrow's trial”

“Ok… I’m sorry”

“Now, that's the bed, the W.C. and… That's it… I will see you tomorrow at the trial. Bye”

“Bye”

As soon as he was left alone, Julius went to check his stats

[Status: stats] 

Strength: 10

Agility: 10

Stamina: 10

Intelligence: 10

Vitality: 9

Perception: 5

[System note: there are potential upgrades available] 

“What do you mean there are upgrades available?”

[System notification: the host can upgrade certain stats spending the low level Mana crystal in your Soul Space or completing certain tasks] 

“Can you elaborate more?”

[While the host is still unawakened it's possible to use low level mana crystal to upgrade stats] 

“And once I will awaken?”

[Low level Mana crystal will start to lose effectiveness and the host will need double the amount to get the same results. The use of Basic level Mana crystal will be recommended or the completion of tasks] 

“Mhhh… Is there a stat cap for my unawakened state?”

[Yes. It is 50, which corresponds to the peak of Qi gathering level] 

“And after awakening?”

[The Cap will be set at 500, which is the peak of Qi Core level. The cap will change accordingly to you level] 

“That's a huge gap… Is there a way to bypass the gap?”

[The stat cap is referring only to the stats obtained by mana crystal absorption. Training is still possible to become stronger while being at the same level] 

“Mhh, the best idea is to max out the stats and then train as hard as possible… System, what are vitality and perception?”

[Vitality is the amount of life force you have while perception is the way you perceive the surrounding world] 

“Got it… I have to say that I would like to have all the stats at 10”

[Vitality can reach 10 only if the body is void of impurities. Upgrading Vitality to 10 is not recommended if the host doesn't want to trigger an awakening ritual] 

“No, I definitely don't want that”

[Perception is linked and bound to your five senses. Once it reaches a certain level, it will resemble short term clairvoyance] 

“That sounds good to me… Now, can I start the upgrading process without anyone noticing?”

[It can be done, but it will require more time. Determine the designated upgrades] 

“I wish to upgrade Perception to 10, and all that others, except for Vitality, to 11”

[Process starting… Remaining time: 3 hours]