Chapter 28: Firm Conviction Finn’s expression wavered at the headmaster’s declaration. In truth, it wasn’t a secret that Ossuarists were basically like parasites. It was why they weren’t seen in a good light here in Aethelos. No Arcanist felt good whenever they saw the effects of chaotic soul masses – either from a corrosion outbreak that infects the general public, or from a chaos break that affects the very veil of the world, knowing fully well that one day, when they died, it was their destiny to also become a chaotic soul mass. Finn still did not know the reason why this always happened, without fail. But the fact remained that it did. He knew his parents were going to become chaotic soul masses some day. Even they knew it very well themselves. It was a natural occurrence here in this world. One that most Arcanists had primed their minds for. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖 So, Finn was not ignorant enough to believe he’d be the one to change that. But while he couldn’t do anything about it, the headmaster’s words about someone else — another Ossuarist — being assigned to take care of his parent’s chaotic souls when they die, and the fact that this person could potentially decide to assimilate his parents, rubbed him wrongly in a lot of ways. What would he actually do if such a situation were to occur? And how would he feel doing the same for other families? Finn hung his head low, conflicted and deep in thought. The headmaster, seeing that his words had an effect, kept silent and simply watched Finn with a burning gaze. Surprisingly, Micah also said nothing. Perhaps because he felt he’d done enough already. Things like this were meant to be handled by Finn alone. He chose to offer no support or advice, simply playing with an unlit cigar between his fingers. After a silent minute, Finn finally raised his head with a resolute gaze, staring straight into the headmaster’s eyes. "Sir. I may not know just what exactly I’m getting myself into by choosing to become an Ossuarist... but I know damn well I’m never gonna allow anyone to devour my parents like that—" "—That is not up to you to decide. Ossuarists are assigned on a rank basis. You will never be allowed—" "Respectfully sir," Finn’s eyes went cold and hard as he stared deep into the headmaster’s soul. "...Fuck. Those. Rules." He said word for word, causing Micah who sat playing with his cigar, to crack a smile. The headmaster frowned, but said nothing, waiting for Finn to continue. "I don’t know about other families. I can’t say whether what Ossuarists do is right or wrong, as I don’t have the full picture yet. But for my family... since my parents were lucky enough to birth an Ossuarist... there’s no damn way anyone else would be handling their deaths in my stead." The headmaster let out a deep sigh, as though he was disappointed that was all Finn had to say. He opened his mouth, about to repeat the same thing and make Finn clearly understand that it wasn’t up to him to decide that. But Finn shook his head vehemently, as if rejecting the headmaster’s words. "Then I am going to become strong enough that the rules have no choice but to bend to my will!" He stared at the headmaster with a burning gaze, cutting his words short. "Strong enough to bend the rules... Then you must become a Preceptor rank Ossuarist," the headmaster watched Finn with a gaze that held meaning. Like an elder watching a child make declarations without understanding the breadth and depth of the world. He shook his head with a sigh and settled back into his seat, gazing up at Finn who still stood. "That is such a herculean task you most certainly will never achieve in your lifetime, Finn." The headmaster called him by his name for the first time, as though just acknowledging his existence. "But let it not be said that it was I who stood in your path. You will be allowed entry into this school with probationary measures," he announced plainly, before his voice suddenly took on a colder air, "but make no mistake... if I see for a second that your existence threatens the safety of other students, I will personally end you." Finn kept silent, simply watching with a firm gaze. That much, he could accept. Knowing his unique ability and the twenty one soul masses that existed within him already, he also felt he was kind of a threat. But that was also another reason why he needed to become an official Ossuarist: To uncover and understand the mystery behind his arrival into this vastly different, alternate world. And to understand the uniqueness of his soul. His title: The Errant Heretic still stood out to him, he’d only shoved the thoughts about it to the back of his mind for the meantime, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t curious. He let out a breath and nodded at the headmaster in acceptance of his words, coming to a nonverbal agreement... or rather, a promise, a pact, a law... The headmaster now had free reign to do as he pleased if Finn’s existence openly threatened the safety of the other students. Micah, seeing as things were settled, clapped with gusto, standing up and stretching like his job was done. "And this is why the Seneschal School of Ossuarists is the one I like best in the whole of Aethelos," he guffawed. "It’s because of this principled man right here. He is the main man that you can trust to—" "Get out." "Yes." Micah turned smoothly and walked the distance to the door, calling out to Finn as he did. Finn fell into stride with him, taking a last look at the headmaster with his grey hair tied back in a tip knot. His eyes were also on Finn as they left. Though this time, they didn’t bear the same cold look they had when he entered. Finn and Micah stepped out of the office, and walked a few steps in silence before Micah finally broke the silence, all traces of playfulness fully gone from his face. "This would never have been possible in any other Ossuarist School," Micah said, staring out the windows on the left side of the exquisite-looking corridor. "The other three schools on Aethelos would never have accepted you." "...Just because they see me as a threat?" "No. There are many that are more threatening than you... So that’s not it," Micah shook his head, before turning to look at Finn. "Rather, it’s the nature of the twenty soul masses within you." Twenty-one. Finn corrected in his mind, but said nothing out loud. "You don’t know how you got them, right?" Micah stated with more certainty than it was a question. Finn’s heart thumped loudly immediately. He could feel blood rush to his head at Micah’s words and his thoughts started to spiral. How had he figured it out? What did he do that caused the suspicion? But more importantly, the compulsion to assent came on him strongly, and he clenched his jaws hard to let the wave pass. But after a short silence, he relaxed, and his mouth opened naturally, "...yes." Micah didn’t say anything, as though whether Finn answered or not was of no concern. Like he was simply stating a conclusion. "There, is where the danger lies. No Revenant activity in the whole Eastern region is enough to provide you with as many soul masses as that, and more importantly, as strong as the brief glimpse I saw."