Page 173 of Barbi and the Villain

“There are nine energy points—you can think of them as gates or checkpoints. Once you have completed all nine, your initial training is finished. In Aperion, despite being a deity by birth, you can only qualify as one after you open all nine checkpoints.”

My brows shoot up.

“In Tartareia that’s different?”

He smiles.

“We do not bother with those lofty titles, nor do we technically call ourselves deities. We are warriors. You either pass or you do not. And if you do not, you are useless and therefore expendable.”

“You mean…”

“Those who do not open their nine checkpoints by the time they reach maturity are demoted and exiled. The Sons of Tenebreis cannot be anything less than perfect. Those who fail are not allowed to identify as one of us. They are still Tartareians, and they can perform other duties within the realm, but they can never erase the shame of having failed to qualify.”

“So being a Son of Tenebreis is the highest honor?”

He nods.

“We are the foundation and core of Tartareia.”

“I see,” I murmur.

“By opening the first gate, you will be able to somewhat control your spiritual ability—at least enough to mask it. But before we plan our attack on Baine, you must open all nine,” he continues.

“All nine?” I squeak. “Nyk, I think you’re overestimating me. You had three thousand years! This is insane!”

“No, it is not. As long as you open up to your fourth gate on your own, there is one way to quickly advance to the ninth. It is a perilous road that not many survive, but I have trust in you.” He purses his lips.

His expression is grave as he regards me, and I can’t help but wonder why he wants me to open all nine gates at once. It seems ludicrous to even think about it! How can anyone do that in a few days when the norm is thousands of years?

“What are you talking about?”

“There is a lake in Tartareia, Velor—or otherwise called the Lake of Adversity. And just like the name implies, once you step inside, you experience every turbulent emotion; every nightmare materializes—or every dream. You can only come out of it if you defeat your own self and become a master of your emotions. But those who have successfully gone through it have doubled their spiritual ability. In your case, it should help you break through the ninth gate.”

“You speak as if you have personal experience with it,” I whisper.

A sad smile pulls at his lips.

“I have merely heard tales.”

“So you want me to go into that lake?”

“Yes. Going against Baine is not going to be easy, and I will not take any chances with you. The only way I can have some peace of mind is if you are at full strength too.”

“Okay.” I take a deep breath.

That was a lot to take in, but if it’s going to help him, then I’ll do it. I would never want to be a burden to him, and this might be the first time I can prove myself to be useful. To be…strong.

A thrill of excitement goes down my back.

Me, strong. How cool is that?

I can finally be the heroine in the story, not just a passive spectator.

“Before you can step inside Velor, you need to open the first four gates. Otherwise, the lake will consume you. So we will start with the basics.” He nods.

“And those are?” I ask on a giggle.

He narrows his eyes at me.

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