A psionic defense system, capable of absorbing many psionic and energy attacks. The energy absorbed can then be used as a potential source of energy for psionic attacks launched from within the castle, Eve explained.

By this time, the shuttle had landed in a small designated area next to the castle, similar to a helipad, and Mason, the arms master, had begun giving out instructions.

“… always be prepared. Anyone caught in an area out of bounds with no good reason will immediately be failed and questioned. This is your only warning. Anyways, after the welcome ceremony is over, further introductions and instructions will be given. Dismissed.”

He then quickly turned around and strode out of the shuttle. More than a few recruits gave each other startled glances.

Uh, what did I miss?

We are to gather in the main hall, mingle, and wait for a speech by the Guild Master Elissandra.

Mingle? Um, anything else?

He said something about constant vigilance, but I am always vigilant. I wouldn’t be surprised if the testing hasn’t already begun. Attend the opening ceremony and see where it goes from there.

Shrugging, Alan followed the rest of the recruits as they exited the shuttle and proceeded through the main gate of the castle, a massive open gateway over 20 feet tall. Each recruit was carefully scanned for “security reasons” by a guard at the gate, then given a metal mark to place on their armor or clothing. They were told to keep the mark on and visible at all times. On it was a single flowering black rose with a grey background. According to Eve, it was also a tracking device of some sort. Alan attached it to his shoulder like he saw most players wear theirs in the main plaza.

Within the castle gates groups of players and machines moved about, entering the various buildings and leaving through the different gates. There was a flurry of activity about the central keep, couriers dashing in and out. Following the group, Alan made his way in this direction, but as he entered the main hall Alan stopped in wonderment.

There were hundreds if not thousands of players here, far more recruits than he was expecting. The main hall was a massive room with arched ceilings covered in paintings of mythical creatures, many which Alan had never seen before. Dragons, phoenix and gryphons were accompanied by giant green slimes, six-armed monkeys and twin-headed snakes. The main hall was relabeled the Great Hall by Eve. It was hundreds of feet wide and about two football fields long, with arched support beams along its two sides, reminding Alan of St. Peter’s Basilica. This room alone could hold tens of thousands of people.

Magnificent stone gargoyles gripping spheres of golden energy posed along the walls and corners of the Great Hall, illuminating it. Covering every surface were intricate designs and patterns, mainly colored in black and gold, holding a sort of ethereal beauty Alan had never witnessed before. In essence, the whole place felt magical.