Before delving more into the investigation I figured it would be wise to try and learn more about paths.
Being Pathless was a huge detriment, so I at least wanted to figure out how to attune to a Path trial.
It would open a lot of doors and be crucial to the investigation.
I typed into the keyboard : "Path trial failed, how to retake?"
Millions of results popped up and I decided to click on the first article.
After scanning through the article a few key details stood out to me.
The first Path trial an individual would face would be natural. It would come in one's sleep from the ages of 8-13 years old. Researchers haven't linked it to any specific parameters, so it is presumed to be random.
Once this person enters a path trial, a random scene awaits them. Most of the time related to their past.
Each trial has a separate clear condition, no one trial is the same, that is law.
If one failed a Path Trial, it could be retaken. One would need to set up a ritual.
Firstly, one would need to obtain the dust of Stage 1 Arcane Crystal. At least 500g.
Secondly, one would need to consume a Golden Rooted Mandrake, at least 50g would need to be consumed.
Thirdly, one would need to trace a magical formula using the Stage 1 Arcane Crystal. Once finished, they would need to spray the magical formulas with a magical binder.
Then once the person fell asleep and began the REM stage of sleep, they would enter their path trial. Should they fail again, they would remain Pathless for the rest of their lives.
I sighed.
"One shot. If I fail, I might as well just kill myself" I chuckle solemnly.
After scribbling the notes down I searched for places to purchase these items.
I typed into the search bar "Apothecaries near me"
After locating one with good reviews and a nearby location I put the 50 Golden Argentums into my wallet, dusted off my coat, and headed out.
Scoffing at the markings at my wall I descended down the stairs quickly.
The night air was cool, neon lights cast everything in purples and greens. The smell of rain mixed with garbage and.. Drugs?
A group of Stage 2s passed by me and noticed my.. Path circumstances. He decided it would be a good idea to flip me off.
I sighed to myself. It wasn't worth it. One day Hiroto, one day.
After arriving at the Apothecary, a shop called Loron's Drugs, I entered the store.
A bell chimed, though the sound felt like it resonated with my soul. Weird.
The smell of herbs and dirt immediately violated my nose. I looked around and there were overgrown roots, bushes three times my size, and plants I had never seen in my entire life.
I walked over to the counter and the lady working glanced at my arm.
She didn't say anything or even change her expression, she just acknowledged it.
Well at least everyone here isn't classist.
"Pathless?" She asked nonchalantly.
"Indeed."
"Loron's serves all, pathless or not, how can I help you today?"
Wow, am I falling in love with a 60 year old woman?
Snap out of it Hiroto!
"I need Stage 1 Arcane Crystal dust, 500 grams. Golden Rooted Mandrake, 50 grams. A pre-made Path Trial magical formula. And magical binder spray." I rambled off from memory.
She raised her eyebrow at me. "Path trial retake?"
I nodded in response. "Yeah the first time.. Didn't go so well.. haha." I laughed nervously.
Or at least that's probably what happened.
"You realize if you fail this you're done permanently? You'll be pathless for life." She said solemnly.
"I understand the risks and costs. This is my only choice though." I looked at her resolutely.
"You also know if you fail... you'll be a ticking time bomb. They'll have to arrest you."
My blood ran cold.
Ah. Yeah. If I failed the Path Trial twice, my soul would corrode. Once my soul completely corrodes, I'd be turned into an Arcane Hollow.
Mindless. Violent. A monster that attacks anything with Essence.
"I... I understand the risks," I said, though my voice came out smaller than I intended.
She paused for a few moments before speaking.
"Most of the pathless that come here are seeking something: money, fame, power. Or they're trying to escape. What do you want, Hiroto?"
"I never told you my na-"
"That's not important, child." She cut me off.
I waited a moment before answering.
"I want answers." I said, voice slightly quaking.
She smiled ever so slightly but it felt like a warm embrace.
She pulled a cloth bag out, I could hear the crystal shards pushing against each other.
"500 grams of Arcane Crystal."
She went under the counter into a mini fridge and pulled out a yellowish carrot looking thing.
"Golden Mandrake, eat it raw, don't cook it. Even though the taste is utterly awful you have to eat it raw."
Great.
"Once you finish consuming the Mandrake, within 5 minutes your limbs will lose function and you'll enter a temporary paralysis state. This is just the Mandrakes herbal properties carving pathways through your body."
"I see. This is after I set up the magical formulas I'm assuming." I asked.
"Indeed. Once you have done all that you should fall asleep and enter your Path Trial. Hopefully."
"Hopefully? Is there a chance for something to go wrong?" My voice grew with concern.
"Of course. Carve the wrong magical pathway, consume the wrong amount of mandrake, then you'll probably seize and die. Maybe you'll turn into a frog." She chuckled.
"Wait for real?"
"Well not the frog part."
"Ah. I think I'd rather have the frog part."
The lady chuckled in response. I don't know if seizing and dying was funny to her.
Finally she pulled out a parchment; the pre-made magical circles. It was covered in hundreds of intricate symbols, nothing like the ones found on earth. It kinda hurt my head.
I'll learn it eventually.
Not today though.
She rang everything up and the total came out to about 35 Silver Argentums. Each Golden Argentum housed about 100. I handed her the note and she handed me back 65 silver notes in exchange.
I packed everything into my bag and prepared to head out.
The lady looked at me one more time and whispered. "Best wishes. I can tell your journey will be arduous."
A bitter smile lined my face. "Thank you ma'am."
I opened the door and the cold wind bit at my skin. "I'll need all the luck I can get" I muttered.
I pulled my coat tighter and headed back toward my office.
Time to gamble with my life. Again.