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<h1 style="margin-top: 10px" class="font-white break-word">Chapter 39 - And Life Goes On</h1>
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<p class="cnNhNzVkNDlmZTE2YzQxYTU4ZTExNmVhNTgwZjk0ZGM5"><strong>Chapter 39 - And Life Goes On</strong></p>
<p class="cnNmMjc1ZTViZGFjYTQxNWE4MjQ3ZGZkNTFlY2MxZWRh"><span style="font-weight: 400">A small girl dressed with a simple grass skirt and burlap top, typical islander garb, happily ran across the street to and from stalls. Her bristling skirt bounced with every step she advanced and her smiling face captured the essence of a quintessential bliss ridden youth. Behind her followed a dark figure, cloaked by a solemn robe and hood that hindered a view of its face.</span></p>
<p class="cnNiYjg1NGVhNzcxODQ0YWQ5YmY2ZGUzMjk0ZjA3ZTk4"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Halphy, look at all the shiny stuff!” said the girl, grabbing the pearly necklaces with both hands and letting them run through her hands like dry sand.</span></p>
<p class="cnMxM2RlNmEwYzNiNTRjOTdiNTAzNzRiNjhhN2U3ZGUz"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Don’t run off too far by yourself, Tanya.” Halphas warned as he caught up with her.</span></p>
<p class="cnNkMmIwY2Y0YjFiYTRhNGU5NWRjMjJiNGQ1NTgzOTZk"><span style="font-weight: 400">“I know!” Tanya said as she continued to play with the jewelry.</span></p>
<p class="cnNlOWFmZDZkZDM1NDRjYzE5MTgwOGMyYjY0ZDUzNTJj"><span style="font-weight: 400">The merchant who was dealing with another customer, turned his head when he heard Tanya and saw the little miscreant tossing his merchandise like they were a child’s toy. </span></p>
<p class="cnM4MDNjMDdhYWM0MzRhYTg4ODU2NTU0MzEwYTU2ODgw"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Kid, if you can’t afford it, don’t bother touching it!” he yelled, snatching the necklace that was in Tanya’s hands.</span></p>
<p class="cnM2NjFkYzgxNWZlYjRhNTliOTlmMDI4MmEzYzY4NTI1"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Mister, why do you have to be so mean?” Tanya started to pout, “It’s not like I was going to break it...”</span></p>
<p class="cnM0MzIzN2JkODI0MDQ0MDNiMWI0NTc2Y2JhNTUzNTc5"><span style="font-weight: 400">He gave her another look over and scoffed, “A poor ignorant kid from some faraway island should know better not to mess with me, Zavi of the Merchant’s Guild!”</span></p>
<p class="cnNiNDI2Njk1NDNlNDQyMzc4MWFkYmRmZTBhODIxMjIx"><span style="font-weight: 400">At this point, Halphas couldn’t help but to step into the conversation. “Excuse me, Zavi of the Merchant’s Guild."</span></p>
<p class="cnNmMjViNzQyYWJkNzQyNjJhOTliMTkwNzE5ODdhNWQ3"><span style="font-weight: 400">Zavi looked to Halphas and tried to steal a peek of what was beneath Halphas’s hood. All he saw was the extremely pale chin and purple lips, but it was enough to be off putting.</span></p>
<p class="cnNhY2M4OTMzNTRhMzQwY2I5ZmY1MDAzNjE3OTA1NTBi"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Who are you?”</span></p>
<p class="cnM0NWZmZmIxZGYyYTQ4M2RiYTI4Mjg2Y2YwNGU0OTdl"><span style="font-weight: 400">“I'm her father.” Halphas said with practiced authenticity.</span></p>
<p class="cnNjZTJiNWJmZjYyNTRiYjc5MmFjMDA3ZDBhNWQxN2Yx"><span style="font-weight: 400">Zavi looked at the pearl necklace in his hand and frowned, “Do you see this?” he said, pushing and pointing to a single pearl.</span></p>
<p class="cnNiYWIxMGU3ODdkNzQ0N2U5MGRiZTA4ZDA2ZjE1YmM3"><span style="font-weight: 400">Halphas leaned in and lowered his hood so that his entire ghostly face became visible to Zavi. The sudden surprise made him aghast but the merchant was able to hold his tone. “She scratched my necklace. How do I sell this now?”</span></p>
<p class="cnM0Mjc3NTkxNzMxODQ0OTViNzYyMTNkYTIyZjZlOWEy"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Halphy, I promise I didn’t scratch it! My hands are nice and smooth, see?” Tanya said, rubbing her hands against the front of Halphas’s face, adding a tinge of rosey blush to his pale face.</span></p>
<p class="cnM1OWI1NzJkMjQ5YzRlOTM4YjFhNjM1NWE0NjU1Zjky"><span style="font-weight: 400">Halphas slowly pushed Tanya away and carefully held the pearl to inspect it. “I don’t seem to see a scratch,” he said.</span></p>
<p class="cnMwN2Q1MGMwZWQ0YjQyNzE4YjliNTk5M2E0YTRlMjlk"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Are you calling me a liar?” Zavi said, pocketing the pearls.</span></p>
<p class="cnMzYjJlNmQ4YjQ4YzQ0ZGZhNjZiMWExY2VlNjU2NmQ4"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Maybe.” Halphas said while he moved around the front table until he was less than a meter close to Zavi.</span></p>
<p class="cnMyZTIzMGVkZjMxODRmNDA4YTA1Y2RkMWVjYWNlZjll"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Pay me a hundred gold right now or I definitely will make sure you both get sent to either the gallows or the slave market!” Zavi yelled loudly, in a frenzied voice.</span></p>
<p class="cnM3ZjU1NTIxNzViNTRhYWJiMWUwYTRhZWI0N2U0OTZi"><span style="font-weight: 400">Halphas parted his cloak and reached into his pocket, feeling for something.</span></p>
<p class="cnM1MjNjYjhmYjVmMzQ0MzdiYTQ1OTgxYmYwMTk5MmM0"><span style="font-weight: 400">“W-what are you doing?!” asked the nervous merchant.</span></p>
<p class="cnM0MmU5OTVkMDJhODQ5NTI5ZGJkNTc1ZGIyNWIxOGU5"><span style="font-weight: 400">“There’s no need to yell, Zavi of the Merchant’s Guild.” Halphas said as he pulled out a golden medallion.</span></p>
<p class="cnMyYTRmMmI0OGE1MTQ2M2U5MGQ2MzE5MjMzZWE0NzUy"><span style="font-weight: 400">Zavi recollected himself when he realized it wasn’t a weapon and stared intently at the feathered crest. “The Phoenix Badge?” he thought to himself, realizing he just threatened the wrong person.</span></p>
<p class="cnM2YzM1M2U1ZDIyNTQwZjdiYjUyNzkyOTAwZGQwNzI0"><span style="font-weight: 400">“I didn’t know you were a good friend of the guild leader,” Zavi said, immediately dropping to the ground to do a full body bow. </span></p>
<p class="cnNlOTU4MDc3N2Y1NzRhZmZiZGMzMGQ0NmRkNTU1NDBh"><span style="font-weight: 400">“I’m extremely sorry for my disrespect, please forgive me.” </span></p>
<p class="cnMwODBmMjc1MjZjODQ2YTQ4YTdiMDg3MTVkMWFmNTYy"><span style="font-weight: 400">Halphas continued to stare at him with his blood red eyes which caused Zavi to sweat. With some quick thinking, he pulled out the necklace from before and cupped it in his hands. “Please take this pearl necklace as an apology gift.”</span></p>
<p class="cnMzNTE4MDVmZWRiMzRkNTQ4YTA3ODU0OWRhM2FjNjI5"><span style="font-weight: 400">Halphas turned to Tanya, while picking up the necklace, and asked, “Tanya, do you want this?”</span></p>
<p class="cnNlNWJhNjllNTY4ZTQ0NjlhYjI5MmNkOWU0MGU5Yzg0"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Didn’t he say it had a scratch on it? I don’t want that thing anymore!” Tanya said with a hurt look.</span></p>
<p class="cnMyZGI4MTIzODU1ODRhMzFhY2Q1MzA5ZTVhZWQyODZj"><span style="font-weight: 400">Halphas then turned back to Zavi who was able to read the situation. “Of course, my sincere apologies, young lady. Please take these instead!” he said, picking up random jewelry on display and pushed it into Tanya’s hands.</span></p>
<p class="cnNkMmIyNjE3MWU4YzRkN2M4Y2NkMzgyYWMzMjlmMWNh"><span style="font-weight: 400">Tanya took the jewelry and started placing them on her wrists, fingers and neck while smiling like a mischievous child who was able to grab a cookie out of the jar before supper. Halphas looked at the happy girl and chided her with a “Now what do you say?” to which she responded with a “Thank you, mister!” before they walked off. Zavi watched the two of them walk off and made a mental note of their appearances for future reference.</span></p>
<p class="cnMzZWY2ZmE0ZjlhYjQ5ZWM4NmNiNDY1ZjVlMjYzY2Qw"><span style="font-weight: 400">“So that was a bad man?” Tanya asked as she fiddled with a sapphire ring.</span></p>
<p class="cnM5ZGE5YTkwN2IyYjQwNGFiYzJiNzcxZDc2ZjAwZDk5"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Yes, he tricks people into paying for things they ‘broke’ or overcharges for cheap goods. He’s also one of the Zanako’s supporters.” Halphas said, pulling the hood back over his face.</span></p>
<p class="cnNjNzRhYTE5MjIwYTRkZTA5ZDU4NTc1OTRjN2I2NWNm"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Are all of the Zanako’s people bad men?” she asked inquisitively.</span></p>
<p class="cnNmOWZlNTY2NDg2ODQyNTc5ZDQ1MTdjMDQ0MTRhNjk0"><span style="font-weight: 400">“No, but typically the rich ones are.”</span></p><p class="cmU5N2M5YWY2ODRmMTRjYzNiY2UzOWE4YThjMzBiNjlh">Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.</p>
<p class="cnM3NDI3ZGEyZjBkODQ0Y2VhZTRhOTRjNWQ4ZWQ2M2E1"><span style="font-weight: 400">“How many more do we need to find today?”</span></p>
<p class="cnM5NDMyOGNhZTI5NTQxNmQ5ZGMwMzc5MTI5NWYxZTIz"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Two more down the street and another five on the other side of the city.”</span></p>
<p class="cnNkODBiZWZjNzk2MTRiMGRiMjA1OWE3M2ZjNWVlYzdl"><span style="font-weight: 400">“I don’t want to walk all the way… Carry me, Halphy!” Tanya exclaimed selfishly.</span></p>
<p class="cnMyNTIxZDNkMjMyYTRlYzI5ODY2OTE3NTVhOWIyNDFl"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Okay,” Halphas easily agreed, picking her up and placing her on his shoulder as they walked down the street.</span></p>
<p class="cnM1MTFmMWMzMjI1NzQ4MjhhNzgyNjliNDVkYmEzNDAy"><span style="font-weight: 400">… … … … … … … … … … … … </span></p>
<p class="cnM1MjJhODNjMmJkNjRhY2VhNDhkNzU4Y2EyYTE1ZDVh"><span style="font-weight: 400">… … … … … … … … … … … … </span></p>
<p class="cnNhMTQwZTI0YzdkYjQ5MGM4MmJmNWMxNmFkZGQyMTM1"><span style="font-weight: 400">Within the dark confines of a secluded room, far off from wandering curious eyes, stood four boys around a single one, kneeling on the ground. Blood smears covered his clothes and under their simple frayed exterior was purplish bruised skin. However despite his weak appearance, his arms bulged and contracted like a bull frog’s neck and his eyes shined with unwavering tenacity. The boys around him were heavily panting but mostly unscathed in comparison. The one of the ground coughed a few times and started to rise.</span></p>
<p class="cnNiNWE0YmI2OTQ5ZTRiNzlhMzRiNDNiMDcxMDM1NmQ2"><span style="font-weight: 400">“I don’t want to hurt you guys.” he said, steadying himself with his right hand as he got up from his knees.</span></p>
<p class="cnM0YmVhYjBhNTBiMDQwZGRiYjYzNjBiMGU4ZDU0Mjg1"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Shut up, traitor!” yelled one of the four, as he sent his fist flying out.</span></p>
<p class="cnNlNDNiMjExMDI1MzRhZGQ4MWIzZDY0OWVmMTVmMjYw"><span style="font-weight: 400">In an instant the fist was in front of the ‘traitor’ and accelerating faster with each passing millisecond. But instead of a smacking sound, of skin and bones colliding, a cool crackling sound calmly echoed out.</span></p>
<p class="cnNmZGJiMDNmNTlkMjQyNDI4YTYwNzM1YmFjYmQ3ZTY2"><span style="font-weight: 400">“AHHH!” the boy who threw out the punch screamed.</span></p>
<p class="cnM0NzE0NTc2NzNmNTQ0MWM5MmM2ZTQxOGUzMGZhZjZh"><span style="font-weight: 400">His fist was about an inch from his intended target but was caught by a casual block. The defender squeezed and squeezed until the fist turned into an octopus shape, fingers disfigured and twisting in uncommon directions. The other three slowly backed away for a moment in shock.</span></p>
<p class="cnM5YTA4NDg2YzliOTQ3ODg4ZWZlODFiMGNjODMyZmRh"><span style="font-weight: 400">“You bastard!” one of them screamed after regaining some courage and charged in. The other two hesitated but quickly made up their minds and followed in. The last boy, who had his hand mangled was still wailing, pushed off to the side and out of the impending fray.</span></p>
<p class="cnMwMTkwYmM1NTEwNDRhNzY5NzYyZTIxNmQwZjkyZThj"><span style="font-weight: 400">The swinging of arms and legs caused enough force to extinguish the single candle that was the only light source of the room. Shouts and curses rained down and punches and kicks followed. When the noise settled to a dull silence, a door creaked open and light poured in. Four boys laid on the ground, mournfully groaning and writhing in pain. The victor looked back at them, shook his head, and walked out into the hallway.</span></p>
<p class="cnM2OGU2YTczZGZkZjQ4Zjk4MTEzMjg0NDE0NDVhZTdk"><span style="font-weight: 400">“How many did ya beat up today, Lajos?”</span></p>
<p class="cnM1MGI5ZGI1NmQ3MDQ4ODBiMTFiMTAzNzRlODQzODQ4"><span style="font-weight: 400">To the right was a man, dressed in a Raloman officer's uniform, leaning against the wall. He pulled out a cigarette and quietly lit it with a match, placing it inbetween his thin lips.</span></p>
<p class="cnM3OTkzMDc2NDI5NTRkMGJiMmUyN2Y4YTZiMDUzZjEy"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Captain Traid, I’m sorry for breaking the rules and fighting my fellow comrades. I’ll accept any punishment.” Lajos said, bowing.</span></p>
<p class="cnNlMzUyNWY4YmQyZDQzOWY4ZWRhMTcyMTU4YTkxZmM2"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Don’t worry about it, I’m not as serious as the others in the Twelfth Army.” Captain Traid said with the cigarette still in his mouth, patting Lajos on the back reassuringly. “I won’t do anything to ya.” </span></p>
<p class="cnM2NDg3ZTkwY2RlMjQzYjFhYzE4YTJmNDEzMWNlYWE2"><span style="font-weight: 400">“It was those four idiots who started the fight anyways.” he muttered, plopping the cigarette out of his mouth and spitting onto the floor.</span></p>
<p class="cnNlZGZiYTcwZGY5ODQ1Y2NhMDNjM2MyMmJlNmE2M2Ez"><span style="font-weight: 400">Lajos remained silent and didn’t respond, keeping at attention in front of his superior officer.</span></p>
<p class="cnM1YmJkZDA4NzQ1ZjRhOWE5MjRjYTAyNmVkYWM3OTcz"><span style="font-weight: 400">Captain Traid raised his eyebrows as he looked at Lajos. He then plopped the cigarette out of his mouth and into his hand, releasing a puffy cloud of toxic fumes soon after. “Ya don’t have to be so serious, kiddo. Loosen up.”</span></p>
<p class="cnM0ZmM5NTg2ZjE1ZDQ0YjhhMWNiZTc4MjY0OTEwNTYz"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Is that an order, Captain?” Lajos asked, still looking forward and not directly at him.</span></p>
<p class="cnMyOGU2ZWIwZWRkMDQ2Nzg5ZDYyZmQ3YjFhNmJhNWFj"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Sure, if that’ll get that stick out of your ass,” Captain Traid laughed.</span></p>
<p class="cnMzOGE4MDhjZmE3NTRiYTJiODY2NjZhYzYwOThlZDY5"><span style="font-weight: 400">His eyes darted toward the captain with even more sternness than before, but Lajos placed his arms naturally to his side and relaxed his stance so that his feet didn’t look they were clasped together by an invisible force. “As you command, Captain.”</span></p>
<p class="cnM4NzRhMjdjYjA5YzRiNDdhZmUxZDJkZmI1NTZhYjgw"><span style="font-weight: 400">The captain rapped his fingers against the wrist guard of his sword, smiling. “I like ya gusto, Lajos Obedie.”</span></p>
<p class="cnMxY2FlZGE2MDE3MjQ1YzA5MmY3OWUyODFlMTQ5MDEz"><span style="font-weight: 400">He inhaled the cigarette again and then released a puff of toxic smoke. “Would you like to be a Lieutenant?”</span></p>
<p class="cnNiZmMzY2FiNmZiODQxNmI4NTc1Njk1ZDRhNGI5ZGFi"><span style="font-weight: 400">Lajos seemed to break character and shock filled his eyes. “Why me?”</span></p>
<p class="cnM5YTNjOGYwYzdhZDQyMzk4YzdiYjAzOGU3YmU1ZTAw"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Why not you?”</span></p>
<p class="cnM0MDZlMTEyNjgzNzQ2ZmViNTBmNGVjNmQ5MmE5ZDNj"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Because no one in the Twelfth Army, let alone Ralom, trusts me.” he answered bluntly.</span></p>
<p class="cnM0MmYzZWEyYTQ5YTRlZjc4ODVkNDA5NTE4NjE5MTQy"><span style="font-weight: 400">“That’s true. But it’s not up to everyone in the Twelfth Army. Or Ralom.” Captain Traid said, then pointing to himself. “It’s up to me.”</span></p>
<p class="cnMwZjc0YzA0OWJjYjRhNjNiMTc3ZWNlMThmOGE1YmJk"><span style="font-weight: 400">“What do you mean?”</span></p>
<p class="cnMyNGU0NGVlMzZmODQ0OWNiMTg4OTdmOTYzZmQ1ZTA3"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Years ago the guys up top, like the King and his guys, all chose who was what in the armies but the King got lazy and started to let officers pick their own people. But then some armies got upset so he changed it back to the old ways.”</span></p>
<p class="cnNjZjNlYWYxMzQ1YTQyY2M4MDcwYzEzY2Q5YzQ2YTUy"><span style="font-weight: 400">“So why do you get to decide then?”</span></p>
<p class="cnNhNjI1OTI2OWY1MzQ4NzJhNWM5ZTQwOTExMmFkMjBk"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Cause General Ezoso is lazy too and he liked the idea. So us officers of the Twelfth Army still get to decide what to do with your sorry asses.”</span></p>
<p class="cnNlZDUyNDY2ZDFjZTQ5MjZiOGE2NjE1ZGVlYTRiODUx"><span style="font-weight: 400">“And I. Want. You.” Captain Traid pointed at Lajos.</span></p>
<p class="cnNkMjA1YzI3MTE5NjRlNjJhNGE4YTMzZTVlMTIxMmNl"><span style="font-weight: 400">“With all due respect, I don’t think this is a good idea, Captain.” Lajos replied, walking away.</span></p>
<p class="cnM2NTBhMTZjZjdlYTQ1YWVhZmI5M2Q3OTM0MmM5NjAx"><span style="font-weight: 400">Captain Traid grabbed Lajos by his shoulder and spun him around. “It’s up to me to decide if it’s a good idea and also, don’t go thinking I’m doing this for you for free. You gotta do me a favor first.”</span></p>
<p class="cnM2NWI0MzgzYzU4NjQyN2M5OWIzNDAzOTNiNzY3NWQw"><span style="font-weight: 400">“A favor?”</span></p>
<p class="cnNiZDE4NmY0OWUwMDRjYzVhYzZjNzMzODQzNGY0MDA4"><span style="font-weight: 400">“I need you to take care of a problem.”</span></p>
<p class="cnNlNDliOGQ2ODk3ODQ2Njc4YTAxYjkxMzgwNWIwMjJl"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Is this a mission?”</span></p>
<p class="cnNlODc5MjU3MzM0MDRlNjU5NTgzMjc3YmU3ODFhOGFk"><span style="font-weight: 400">“No.”</span></p>
<p class="cnM2MDcyYWE2ZDM4YjQ2MGNhMDNkYzJkZDhmZmViMmZj"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Is it an order?”</span></p>
<p class="cnNjOGQ1YzBlMzg1OTQ5NzU4NDZjZmJjNmJhMDkxYjI5"><span style="font-weight: 400">“No.”</span></p>
<p class="cnNjNGUxNDQ1ODJlNzQ0NmZiODcyZDg3ODRjMDY4MGY3"><span style="font-weight: 400">Lajos turned around and started to walk away again, until Captain Traid started to yell “Wait, wait!”</span></p>
<p class="cnM3NDE4ZGExMGQyMDQ0YTZiZWI2NjFhYTE3MjNiYjZh"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Okay, what if I ordered ya to do it?” he asked, as he caught up.</span></p>
<p class="cnNhYzFkMDA0ZWQxZjQwNDM5ODY5NmE1OWQ5YjZlNTdm"><span style="font-weight: 400">“If was an official order, I would have to obey.”</span></p>
<p class="cnNhYjI2MzA3ODNiNTRjZGFiNTExYmQyMzVjN2Y4OTM2"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Then… I order you to kill my wife, Yvea Oros.”</span></p>
<p class="cnM1YmE1OGZkMzZiMjRmNDRhYTk3OTM5M2Q1NWIzZjZi"><span style="font-weight: 400">… … … … … … … … … … … … </span></p>
<p class="cnM0YWE5MDUxZGI2MTQ4MzRiNzUyN2MzN2Y4ZDY3ODQw"><span style="font-weight: 400">… … … … … … … … … … … … </span></p>
<p class="cnMyOGU4Zjk3MjdjMTQ0ODFiOGYyZDhkY2I5NzBiYzBj"><span style="font-weight: 400">A thought undulated in his mind, “</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400">Am I dead</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400">?”</span></p>
<p class="cnNiYWZmNTgzOGEyYTRiM2FiMDUyNWMyOGQ2ZDA1MGM3"><span style="font-weight: 400">Looking around there was nothing to see. It was pitch black. The only things that existed in this space was the smell that was reminiscent of week-old fish, the damp feeling that comes with being in a regularly flooded cavern and a eerie rumbling sound that intermittently alarmed. The dry taste of salt coated his tastebuds but no amount of squinting would allow the eyes to make full use of its senses. There was only darkness. No light existed here, that was at least, for certain.</span></p>
<p class="cnNmYTMyNDZhYTJlOTRmYjI5MjFlNzlkZTVjZTFkYzA4"><span style="font-weight: 400">“</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400">You’re quite alive.</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400">” echoed out a voice in his mind.</span></p>
<p class="cnNjMTMwMDlhODBiYTQ4MTM5MDMzNWM4MWIwZTJkMDAz"><span style="font-weight: 400">“</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400">God, is that you?</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400">” he asked in his heart.</span></p>
<p class="cnNkZTJjMTUzYzlhNDQ0YzhhMDUwNTYxZTVlYjMyNzVk"><span style="font-weight: 400">“</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400">No.</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400">”</span></p>
<p class="cnMxNjBmOWY3ZTJlMzRkMWI5ZmJjMGYyZjU1M2YwOWFj"><span style="font-weight: 400">“</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400">Then who is this?</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400">”</span></p>
<p class="cnNiZTM2YTBhMmQzNjRhMjRiZTc1NDY0OWEwZGIwNDBj"><span style="font-weight: 400">“</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400">You don’t recognize my voice? Well it has been quite a while since we last spoke and you were just a newborn... My name is Leale of the Polaras. I am your father.</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400">”</span></p>
<p class="cnMyZTA2NTZjNDlkMDQ2YTI5YWY0NTdlMmUyZWIwNjhi"><span style="font-weight: 400">“</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400">Father?</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400">”</span></p>
<p class="cnNjNjIwOGZlYjUwZTRmNDE4Yjg1YjMwMjllMmE2NWMx"><span style="font-weight: 400">Suddenly warmness embraced him, what felt like two arms wrapped around his body. A quiet murmur in some indescribable language could be heard and what appeared to be tears, dripped onto his cheek.</span></p>
<p class="cnMzYjYyY2QyMmIyNTRjMTRiMmI3OTkzODkxNmI0YTAy"><span style="font-weight: 400">The voice echoed out again, “</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400">It has been too many years, my son.</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400">”</span></p>
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<span class="caption-subject bold uppercase">A note from jinkaku</span>
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<div class="portlet-body author-note"><p>The future chapters are going to follow this format where it'll explore the lives of the past characters that are in Zanabo, Ralom and continue with Arnest's future journies. I'll try to make it easy to understand who's who and they'll always be seperated by a dotted break to signify the change.</p>
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<p>Also if some of you don't remember, below is a small little character sypnosis to remind you of the characters talked about in this chapter:</p>
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<div class="smalltext" style="margin-bottom: 2px"><strong>Halphas:</strong> <em>Half vampire/human demon who was hiding up the mountain on Heaven's Isle. Protected Tanya from his brother, Haagenti and then followed Arnest in search of a place he could call home one day.</em></div>
<div class="smalltext" style="margin-bottom: 2px"> </div>
<div class="smalltext" style="margin-bottom: 2px"><strong>Tanya:</strong><em> An islander (child) of Heaven's Isle who hitched a ride on Arnest's ship and is currently living in Zanabo.<br></em></div>
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<p> <strong>Lajos:</strong> <em>One of the few people Arnest first met when arriving at Ralom and also worked together with him during the Raloman exams. He was once a Raloman but then was forced to become an Ingras, and now is once again a Raloman; however faces discrimination from peers due to past.</em></p></div>
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<i class="fa fa-calendar" title="Published"></i> <time unixtime="1476300361" datetime="2016-10-12T19:26:01.0000000Z" format="U" >Wednesday, October 12, 2016 7:26:01 PM</time>
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<h2 style="font-size: 24px" class="font-white inline-block"> 12 Zodiac!!</h2>
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<h1 style="margin-top: 10px" class="font-white break-word">Prologue:Hydra!!</h1>
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<p class="cnNiZTE3OGZmODY5MzRiYjhhMzU1YTIzNTc0MGI4ZWQ2">Human was a fooling being..i know that very well.They created a monster and expect us their kid to clean up for them......But what i hate more than anything..was that they still searching way to promote themselves ,gets more money or woman with this war...all of them were disgusting....they didn’t realize the enemy they should fought....because of that moms were dead...even she wasn’t my real parents..she was the only family i had...</p>
<p class="cnMyNGM3ZTM5MjM3MjQ4NTQ4M2JjNWFkNzA4OGIwYTky"> </p>
<p class="cnMxNmI2NzRkYzhkNzQ0Y2ZhMzQ0NDMwYTQyZTc3N2Qy">It has been 2 years since i desert Earth Special force...i didn’t want to go to war again....well i was idiot myself to satisfy the monster myself .i hunt them,kill them...but it couldn’t return my mothers.</p>
<p class="cnNlOGQ1NWRjNGMxNzRmZTY5MTA0ZjA5YzQ3OTE1YTRm"> </p>
<p class="cnM3NTAwNWM1NTdhYjQ3Y2E4Njk1NTg3MjAwNGJhODMz">Now i was at school as mechanic.It was too help The sister who live with me ,even thought it was school ,it was given enough Units..That’s why i did a maintance with them also i get their combat data for my own custom unit...</p>
<p class="cnM5YTk3ZjRlOTFlMzQzYTJiYWNhYjA4NDVmZWE0M2Jm"> </p>
<p class="cnM4N2I1NDMzNDJjMTRiOGM4NjQ5YjhjYTU5YTQxNTNj">Why?if you asked this school also taught military training and often request us to kill some monster.We are just student,but if we didn’t comply military won’t give us any supplies..that’s why in this world we must fight....in the world food and drink were scarce</p>
<p class="cnM1MTNlMzZiMjg3ZjQ5Y2RiNDI5MDc2NmEzNmQxNTY4">we must fight.world where strength was needed..</p>
<p class="cnNhNDQ2MjgwNWNhODQ1ZGZiNTJiMzhiMjkxZTE5YjMy"> </p>
<p class="cnNmODMzMDI5NTVlODQyYTliMmEyZjExYzllMzk0MGQ2">Narrator POV</p>
<p class="cnMzZDUwYTVkNTNjYzQ4OWU4YzBiYjZhYzE1MGM1ZGU3">100 years ago Humans was on war that last 30 years long....considered war lasted so long ,some scientist try to end the war by make zoonic beast,a beast or an animal that has been gene manipulated...which was also the first gene modification in history.Human who were on verge extinct created Zodiac,A multi purpose mechanical armor which covered majority of your body and equipped by special O.S(Operational system) which using Species of animal,insect and even mithycal beast way of act..This system boost your overall performance and how your brain works..For example Bear program,which boost short-range ability and allow the unit too make the brain prioritize do short range attack.if anyone try to ignore it the system ability and spec would go down.,because it was an error.This was explained by A female student with long blue hair and tied with ribbon.</p>
<p class="cnNiMzIzNDM0OTY0ZDRmMWZiODRiZjAyZDc0ZGIzYjhi"> </p>
<p class="cnM0YjI4MzgxODA1YzQwNWU5OGRjMTcxMTQ3MTI4Njgy">“ThanksMinami ,now Alya kun would you explain it more further....”(Teacher)</p>
<p class="cnNmYTg3ZmE1ZjJkMTRjZTU5MWIzZGFlZjdlMzg1NmZj"> </p>
<p class="cnNlN2E3ZTIxNjhkMDQ3M2M4OWVjYWE4OWJmNWM4NWUz">But no one answered ,then the teacher immediately turned back and check his seat....it was empty and the window was opened,what’s more the was a rope on it ....even an idiot would know that he was escaping drom class.</p>
<p class="cnNlNzNhZGFiZDkzNDQzMDk5M2QxNTUwNzIzM2E5NDE3"> </p>
<p class="cnNjMzJiNjIzOTkzMTQzYjY4NjRkNWU3NTc2Njk5YmZh">“Alya!!!!!!Today i wouldn’t forgive you.”(Teacher)</p>
<p class="cnNiNWFhYmJlMDkyMTQ2MmJhMDQyZGNmMmViY2E3Y2I0"> </p>
<p class="cnM4MmVlMGZkZjc2MTQ3YzBiODQ2Y2VmNzJmMmViZWIw">The teacher was very beautiful girl and was very different from his brother .Alya sister or Ceria Vernandes.even though she was his big sister they weren’t related at all.Today She finally get Alya go to her class,she would never let him do as he wishes..even though he was genius at math he has zero interest in history,what’s more the class she taught was also history...which mad him had no reason to go at school at all.Now as good sister she must make sure her little brother listened to her.</p>
<p class="cnM4Njk3Y2Y5OTFjZTRkZWViYzYyM2YzMjdhODVmMGI4"> </p>
<p class="cnM4ZTBiMGY3NjFkNjRjYTU4ZjE4NDQ2ZWJhMmJjMzNi">“Everyone today would bef study session,i have something important to do!!”(Ceria)</p>
<p class="cnNmNmJkMjE1MzMwZjRkN2Q5ZjA1N2MzMzFhM2M4MTUx"> </p>
<p class="cnMzNTVkNmQ1OTFlNjQ1ZmJiNGI1MzNlZjg5NzU0Y2E5">She immediately open the door and run somewhere else...then once 10 minutes ,the locker for cleaning tool was opened and Alya come out from there..His face was rather girlish compared to other boys..but his blue eyes was the one that made he attract other girls.after get out he sit at the most cornered seat,everyone considered he was a problem child.He always skip test and rarely attent schools what’s more he treat others people like air..that’s why no one bothers him,once he sit he immediately opened his laptop then started typing something.</p>
<p class="cnM0MmY5Njk4YzYxODRjM2U4MjhmODNlMDUyNzM4MmFi"> </p>
<p class="cnMwNTNmM2YyYzc3YzRhZWE5ODYzZmU4NGE0NGY0ODJm">No one knews what he was typing ,more accurately no one cares what he was doing..except the honor student except Minami yukki.</p>
<p class="cnM3MmZmZDJiODVjNDRjM2I4ODU2NDI4YmMyY2IzMjdj"> </p>
<p class="cnM2ZmE1YzIxYjAxZjQ5ZmJhYzMwMmNlY2ZiMzNkNDFm">“Alya!!!How dare you deceive your sister like that!!”(Minami)</p>
<p class="cnMzYTQ5NWMyODg5NjQzZTY4ODRmNmEyOThmODQ0Nzg4"> </p>
<p class="cnMzY2E1ZGZmNTg1MjRmMzU4NTI0YzAwMzhkOWM4MjE0">Minami Yukki ,she was one of top school zodiac user,what’s more her zodiac was unique one,only exist 1 in the world..because she was beautiful many man try to get close to him but failed because she always strike vital points of them.But alya continued ignoring her then he immediately close his laptop ,sit up then try to exit the classroom.but stopped because she went to front of him</p>
<p class="cnNiYjZmZDc0OGUxZjQwNDViNWI2ZWE3MDdhYjU4MjZh"> </p>
<p class="cnNmNjZiY2M0NjMwYTRiNjZhMjRlMzIwMjJkODIwYjM2">“Now don’t create another problem ,sit nicely and apologize to Sensei.”(Minami)</p>
<p class="cnNkNDk3YjBjMzRhMTQyMTViNjBhZmFjNGVmYjVkNjY2"> </p>
<p class="cnM0YjcwMmQ1ZjVmMjQ4M2E4MDQ2YWNjYjc3N2E1NzAz">Ignoring her,he walk past beside her which made her very angry.immediately she grab his shoulder and try to throw him to his seat because he was already too much problem for this class.immediately before she could throw him,he grabbed her hands and throw her to th ground using both of his hands.Which made everyone begin pissed of with his attitude.But alya didn’t mind it ,to him they were just another species or in gaming term, A npc.immediately he exit the classroom and many people try to help her stand up.</p>
<p class="cnNlNzk5ZDliNjc3MDQ4MTY5YThlMTI5NDg4NjdlOTcx"> </p>
<p class="cnNjNjc1YWE1MDkwYzQ4YmZhNTVlYjI5MmZjODhmYzA4">“Are you alright?Class leader.”(Guy)</p>
<p class="cnNlMDEyYjdlNTk0YzQyODhiN2I2MzIyMTdjYTY4YTFh">“I am fine anyway,anyone knows here he was going?”(Minami)</p>
<p class="cnMxNzJjM2UyYjlkNDQyMzhhMTc3Y2UxNTAxYmEzYzg0">Everyone looks away,they never borthered to check it.What they know was that he is little of brother of their Ceria sensei.Even Minami just recently meet him because he rarely attent school..more likely escaped.They even don’t recall the time when he hide on cleaning locker.</p>
<p class="cnM0NWFhYTk3YWNjMDQ2NGRhNTg5NWFjYjQxOGU2ZTFj">Alya garage ,a certain zodiac was being made ,it has been 2 years since he made it ,it was Jet black zodiac with air booster, and the rest was a a huge right claw arm and an arm with automatic rifle ,the leg was normal one ,and was added some booster on the back.Zodiac generates some barrier depended on the core.the more energy the core the higher and the longer it could generate.But a core with a higher energy was heavier and not good with zodiac that based on speed..depend on the zodiac the core would be different from each other.This zodiac core was located at its chest armor.considered the zodiac core was modified from many core,Alya could be said prodigy.</p>
<p class="cnNkMGVkOTExYjc5NTQ2NGI4ODBhMzRjNmI4NjIyN2Mx"> </p>
<p class="cnMyNjBmMzE2ZjM0NjRhMjdhMjlhMTg2Y2FmMWE1Yjhm">“The weaponry still far from complete but it would be enough for defeating zoonic beast. ,for now I should copy and install the O.S I just finished .and do some flight test.”(Alya)</p>
<p class="cnNlZWExMjQxZDZiYTRiMWU4OTFjMGI5Mjg4MmI4MDc5"> </p>
<p class="cnM0YjVmMDkyYzIyODRhZTNhN2M1OGNlNWY1Y2ZmYTdi">Alya instead use common O.S ,he created it by himself.because The zodiac he created was not suited with other O.S,that’s why he created it by himself.As he copying it,he also do some maintenance to his zodiac ,after finishing the maintenance of his zodiac ,he immediately work for the weaponry. Usually,civilian wasn’t allowed to create a weapon but because Alya was adopted into vernandes he was allowed to so ,what’s more he was also often do some maintenance and often repair her sister zodiac at school.now he was creating some giant metal sword which was some weapon from zodiac back weaponry,there was also some whip and 3 beam knife. Thought it was far from incomplete for defeating other zodiac this was enough..When he heard the sound of copying was finished,he immediately sit in front of his laptop and started to install it.while he preoccupied by it ,he feel someone was coming then he draw his electric gun and point the one at behind him.</p>
<p class="cnNjOWJiMWU0ODY5NDQ2N2E4NDVjNjFiZDkzYjY0OTQ0">“Alya!!!!!I told you !!!Never bring electric gun like that!!”(Ceria)</p>
<p class="cnM1Y2Q1YTZkNWViMjQ3MjliZTg3NTZiMzlkMTU2NWM3">Immediately the gun was taken,thinking it was only her nee-san he continued the install which made her nee-san give him chop,now considered her nee-san was angry he immediately stopped and turned around then she immediately said.</p>
<p class="cnM2NzgxZjg4ZjMwMTRlN2FiNDU4MjE2MzZhOWUxNzI5">“Alya,You were student now.please act like one..”(Ceria)</p>
<p class="cnM3ZjNmNWQ5MGFhMzQ5OGZhZDRiNTg5NDNmNDQxMTZi">She immediately grumble like her mother…,seeing that his reaction was rather simple continued installing the O.S ignoring her.</p>
<p class="cnM0MTU3YmM2ZGU0NjQzOTE5MTIwZDc4MGUxNmIzYjkx"> </p>
<p class="cnM4NmIyYzVkYzg5ZTQxMjRiMTBmNTI2M2M1NmRhZDky">“Listen to me!!!!”(Ceria)</p>
<p class="cnMyODBhMDUxOWFjNzQxZGViYjA0NzI2ZGNkYzhlNjhl"> </p>
<p class="cnNlYWM2ZTcyM2M1YzRmODQ4ZmVkMTA4MDM5OGE4Mjc4">Another chop on his head,rub his head for a moment Alya immediately turned around once again and her nee-san immediately lecture her.</p>
<p class="cnMyNjY1NjQxYmU5MTQzMDZiMzllYzc5ZjM0ZGI2Yjhl"> </p>
<p class="cnM5YTgyNjRmMzU5NzQwZWE5N2M4MzkxNWQ4MGI1NGEz">“Alya why you never went to school?It has been 2 years since you were student!!!Please attend school daily !!!!Your attendance was only 10%!!You nearly become a Myth.I know you already mastered every subject except history ,but please come to school would you?This was a nice alternative life compared being soldier at front line,beside learn some common sense would you?There was no student who escape with a robe.you are not soldier anymore okay.”(Ceria)</p>
<p class="cnMxMTVhZjUxNzBmMTQ4NTRhNTI5ZjFmNTBkYmQ0YjM4"> </p>
<p class="cnNkYzY4MGRmMWY3OTRjOWRhZjA3ZDQ1Y2IwY2U0MDhj">Ignore…..He ignoring her since the start of talk and continuing installing the O.S while thinking,women are so noisy.Her sister could only sighed….compared to other people he was too silent ,well she couldn’t understand just what was happening in his past to made a 16 years old boy like this... she was giving up for now.Then she immediately check The O.S, interested in which O.S is use,feeling that His life was at danger immediately equip the headset and listened to some music.Then the text appeared…Hydra O.S..Then she rolled her eyes out!!!</p>
<p class="cnM4M2YyOGE3YTVmMDRkZWE5NzAzODFmMWIyMDU3YjNh"> </p>
<p class="cnMxNDAyYTBlYzQ2ODQ4OTA4YzdjYWIwNDQ2ZjFiMGQ3">“OH my god!!!Even The O.S original!!!were you even human?”(Ceria)</p>
<p class="cnMxMjFkODlhYjQyMjQ1ODg4ZWNmZjg2NWM3OWU0ZWEx"> </p>
<p class="cnNkNDk0MzY3NjMwZTQxYWRiY2Q3MDM1NjAxNDA2MWZk">She shout beside her,but thanksfully he already predict this so he wear headset…after all her nee-san shout was very loud and would disturb him.Once he finished,he immediately stand up and try to do some simple moves with Zodiac ,the reaction was faster than he Thought.Well ,it was plus anyway so he didn’t mind it.Then he immediately unequip it and want to finish his weapon so the weapon would be ready by now.but her nee-san stop him..</p>
<p class="cnMwNGM2YmU1MjY4ZTRjZDA4ZTUyNThmNWUyOWVlZGJl"> </p>
<p class="cnM2ODdkOTk2NjcxZDQyNDg4YmFkZmUzNDkyOTYyMDYx">“….Alya,stop that and let’s go back to school and apologize to minami,I mean Cmon,you were the one who was wrong there..”(Ceria)</p>
<p class="cnNmODY5OTg1YzE5ODQ4NjA4NjJjODY1YzFkYWM4MWZl">“Nee-san ,I told you I didn’t care about school,I just did this to fill my time..”(Alya)</p>
<p class="cnNmNTk3NTlmNjQ1YjQ2ZTM5ZTU0MmY4MTg2ZWI0OGRl">“Sigh,compared to the first time I met you ,you were too hot headed but now you like a living corpse don’t you have any purpose?For example like having family or aiming to be number one in recent tournament?”(Ceria)</p>
<p class="cnNmODg0OTJkZTc4NjRjMGViYzhhYTE3MWYyZWYxNDcx">Alya shake his head,because he has lost his only purpose which was revenge….revenge won’t do anything it would only made someone easier to control you.even Alya was often used to kill some soldier who was betrayed them and try to run with the supply.</p>
<p class="cnNhOGM3YjMxMzQxODQ2NzJhOWU4YjNmNTFjMTczYTY1">“Anyway,As your sister I would made you went to school!!!”(Ceria)</p>
<p class="cnM5NTA4NGM0NTcyMDQ1MjY5OTdlMDUyZjA2N2U4NjE0">Once again alya was vanished in front of her,then when Ceria looking around she noticed he was continued creating the giant metal sworld which was long as his body...seeing that she immediately give her another chop…and drag her from the garage…Though the weapon wasn’t complete yet,he still do as her nee-san order..if her nee-san god mad it would be no joke.</p>
<p class="cnM1NmY0ZTYwYTAwZTRmODY5ZTg4NzU4YjliOWU4MmU0"> </p>
<p class="cnNlOTNkOGY0ZGM2MTQwMWZhODA2NDI2MDlmZGJmNTAw"> </p>
<p class="cnNmYmUzMTdmNzMxOTRmZTVhMDE3OTQzNDU1OGViYTkz">At school.</p>
<p class="cnM0MjY0N2JmZmUwNTRjNjhhMDEyNTQ5ZTEzZTIxMDgz"> </p>
<p class="cnNkNzBkOTk3MjdhZjRkZmI4NWYwMmExMWMyOGZiOGU2">“I apologize minami for his behaviour.”(Ceria)</p>
<p class="cnMyNmRkYmI2ZDFmZTQ3ZmJhMTVlZmI4M2QwNWM0ODZh">As she made him bowed ,Minami only give a weird look..why he didn’t put any resistance?wasn’t he supposed to be a problem child? That was what she thought…except alya was obedient because he want to end soon and was thinking how to increase the reaction speed and other things.</p>
<p class="cnMxZmFhMDY5N2E3MDQxMzE4YWIyODU5YzUxYzFkYWRh"> </p>
<p class="cnM2NjU4NjZjZDk2ZTRkZmQ5YTI2NmVhMjA3MzI5NDJj">“…Sensei it may be rude of me…was he mute?”(Minami)</p>
<p class="cnM1OTA3OTY5MDQ0MjQ3Y2I5NDdlOTA0YmZhYjQzNDFk">“No,he was fine…just …ah. Alya please said something.(Ceria)</p>
<p class="cnMzZTE5NmY5NTliZjRiN2FiMjMwYjk4ZmY5MzI3Mjdl"> </p>
<p class="cnMxOWE1YWUwYTk0NDQxOGZhNWEzODMwMDQyODRhYjc2">Alya only said one word.</p>
<p class="cnM2NGEwNjc3N2ZiZjRiZjg5N2E5MzMwN2EzN2FjMTll">“Okay..”(Alya)</p>
<p class="cnNhYjUyMThjZDYwNjQ5ZTU4MjNkNThjNGJiNWExNjg3">As they wait for a moment,alya said nothing until they noticed he was already said okay..His nee-san and Minami only thinking …how lazy could you be.</p>
<p class="cnM5ZWVjN2RhYWQ3YzQ3ZDdhNDYwZmIyNjc4YTg5ZTYz"> </p>
<p class="cnNiNmVkYzdjNjk5MTRlNGI5YjYwNTY3NDFmNjBlMWVi">Minami facepalmed…just what made him to be adopted to vernandes family who always created ace in war….sight…maybe they only adopt him because pity…not knowing the one who do a maintanance to Her sensei zodiac was him.</p><p class="cjE5ZGExN2RkNzAwYTRlNjY5NmI3YTE0OWMyYTk2NmU4">This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.</p>
<p class="cnNmY2QyMzc1NmE0YzQ3MTVhOGNkMmIwMjBhZTMwNDU4"> </p>
<p class="cnM3MjcxZjI5MWY0MzRkYzU5NmYwNTE1MWYxNTMxNWZl">“Sensei,may you give me some pointer about the way I was right now?”(Minami)</p>
<p class="cnM5ODJlOGZmYjdjZjQyM2Q5ZTRkZDk3NGY5ZDJmYzg3"> </p>
<p class="cnNmOTE1YTM1MDM2YTQzY2NhMmNhZjZkN2NmYWRiMTBi">“ Today,i can’t.i had something to do..i am sorry minami.”(Ceria)</p>
<p class="cnM2NmVjZDdkZDllYjQ1ZDBiNjVkNzBhZTUzOWQxYzg3"> </p>
<p class="cnM2NzA5YWQ1YWJjMTQ1NWU4ZTU1MTcwZDhjYTNjYTdm">“i see,i am sorry for asking you when you were busy.”(Minami)</p>
<p class="cnM5YWVhNjNmN2Y2ZTQxYjRhOGExNWJjYWZlMjFkMGJl"> </p>
<p class="cnNmY2FlMjdiOTQ0OTQ2OGJiZjQ0MWJlOTdiY2UxOTMy">Minami was dissapointed ,ceria wanted to help her because she was a good girl even though she often bit rash when she made decision...but she had something to do...then she remember that Alya was free ....beside his skill can’t be mentioned...well it was logical though since he was in war since 10 years old what’s more as cannon fodder..it was already miracle that he survived...but because of that his heart was cold as ice.....</p>
<p class="cnNjZDFhMGM2OWQ4OTQzZjViMDA2MmZkMTQ3NDA4YWY0"> </p>
<p class="cnNjN2E0MDllOGE5ZTQ4Mzc5MjhjMmJmNTdlNzZhOWE2">Thinking more further suddenly she got an idea....whaf if he made alya teach her ,it may melt his heart a bit.</p>
<p class="cnMwMWQwMjY4MzA0ZTQyOGFhOTM5MTQzMzAzY2Q0NmI5"> </p>
<p class="cnMwNmNiNjc1NTJkNjRkYWNhM2MzZTM5ZjliYjMyYjky">“Alya..could you.”(Ceria)</p>
<p class="cnM3YWQ0M2IyYjM2MjQzYmE5ZTFiNjY1YjVjYWRmMzVi">“No.”(Alya)</p>
<p class="cnNmODMzZDFjYTcxNDQ4NzQ5MDBmYWQxNmRkZTU3MzUz"> </p>
<p class="cnNmZmE1YzEwYjk3MjQyNDNhZjBjZWFjZTA5NjJiZDY5">A rejection before she finished her question...looks like he already read what on her mind....More likely when her nee-san ask something it would be a great pain to deal with..once he remembered to buy her some kind of potato..except the potato was really big because mutation even he barely could hold it ..if he didn’t ask nearby truck driver to help him then she would need to run back from supermarket and his homes many.though the food was delicious.</p>
<p class="cnM1ZWU3MmIyMTlkYTQ2NDc4NGQyNWQxYWJkZTYwZDVm"> </p>
<p class="cnNkZjBmOTcyY2Y1ODQxNTk4YTk1OTExYmUwMTUxM2Q1">“Don’t say no..it is only for one day..”(Ceria)</p>
<p class="cnNmZGU0NDYxNzcwOTRiMzU5YjJlMDEwYjFiNDVhNGRi">“No.”(Alya)</p>
<p class="cnMyYWFlOWZhYWIwZTQwZDJiYmRlMGU5ZDdiOTZkZDZk">“Umm,what were you talkimg about?”(Minami)</p>
<p class="cnMyNDBjMWFlZGQ5MDQxMTU5MzRkNTQyNGVlMGMxYTNi"> </p>
<p class="cnM4M2Q4YjU5YzAxOTRjMjM4MjBkMzhhYTc5ZWVlMDRh">Minami didn’t understand them ,how they get each other only by talking..</p>
<p class="cnNmMjE0ZThjZjQ0ZjRkYjA4ZjJiMmYzZTEwYTk0ZmEx">“Oh ,sorry sorry.it just i want him to teach you a little ...but he refused..”(Ceria)</p>
<p class="cnM5OThmY2JiYjMyMjRlNzJhYjJhNDkzNzg4MjUyYmZh">“Sensei..was he really strong?He not even participated in daily training..(Minami)</p>
<p class="cnM1Yzg2YjYxNzVhODQ1MmJhZDJlMTFlOGU0NmI3Y2Mx">“You were wrong ,this guy was mechanic.What i want was to teach you a little information for emergency.”(Ceria)</p>
<p class="cnNjYTcwMzFjZmU0ODQxYTliNTA4M2I5MGE1YzIyNTA0"> </p>
<p class="cnM0MDA4ZmI1NzlmNTQ0ZDZiYWU1YjI3YmE2YjE1MDgy">Ceria nearly slipped,if she told her Alya was good as her surely minami would challenge him which would be one-sided bullying.</p>
<p class="cnMwZWE3YTg5YmZlNDQwYzFhMjAzNDgyNTU0Yjk3YTZl">“No.”(Alya)</p>
<p class="cnM2YWY5MzFlYmY4NTQwM2FiYjhmZmI5OWE0ZmFhYjNi">He had no time for baby sitting..if he had time he would watch mecha anime instead…..</p>
<p class="cnM2YWMyMGIzNjdlNTQ5ZjhiYWEyZmEzZTcxZGQxZWNh"> </p>
<p class="cnNmMzFkZGZiMzc3ZDQwYzE4NWZmOGEzNjAxMDliYzUx">“Do you know?it was hard for me to go to next class or graduate because your lack of attendance.That’s why if you help me this time I wouldn’t mind for you to skip school for one month..”(Nee-san)</p>
<p class="cnMxYmQzZGIxY2QxMTRjOGZhMTNmNDdhYzE0YzA2NjQ0"> </p>
<p class="cnM0NTBhOWI3ZjA3OTRmZWRiNjgwZjc3ZDAxYzcxMDBi">......1 month free her sister nagging with just teaching minami for 1 day...what a good deal, of course he would accept it.</p>
<p class="cnM3OGI4NjgzOWZhODQ1YjQ5MmE5NmRkYmMyNjY3YWNh"> </p>
<p class="cnNjMjc4ODIzMDllMjQzNWI4M2VhZGE5ODYzYTk3MDI1">“I accept,how about you Yukki?Would you agree with it?”(Alya)</p>
<p class="cnNmYzdjZDE3ZTYxMjRmZTBiN2Y5NjgzYmQzMjIyM2Yz"> </p>
<p class="cnMyZGY1MDVjZmI0MDQwNzFhN2Q4ZjM5MjUxNmQ4ZTBm">“Depended on Program you use…I may consider it.”(Minami)</p>
<p class="cnM4NjkyMTYzYjYxYTQxNWI4Y2YwNTJkOTZkYjU3MGJm"> </p>
<p class="cnMzMTNlYjM3ZDU0NjQyYTFiNDgwNWM5ZWM2NDI1Y2I2">There was 3 generation program that exist until now for creating and maintenance the O.S.The first was created was basic programming the second and third was created modeled after it.It helped you by giving some correction and guidance..</p>
<p class="cnM1ZDY2YzdjODc2MjQwNmI4MjMyMTZhZDFjZTg1NWI1">“Depend on what you choose,I already mastered them all.but I would suggest with the First generation because second and third generation are suck they guide you like a baby and put limit too much,compared to first where they allow you to optimize the O.S as perfect as you could and a mistake would be easy to note because it was specific points,even a beginner would notice it..”(Alya)</p>
<p class="cnM0NGU5Y2IwYzNmMzQwNDViNTZkZGI0MTcyMzFmNDgx"> </p>
<p class="cnM4NjZlNjVmZTcwNzQ1ZjlhMjFkYjRmNGZmNjJhMjA4">“Were you an idiot !!!!!!The second and third generation have help when doing maintenance !!!compared to first generation which was too inferior.”(Minami)</p>
<p class="cnM0MDg3ZTE3MWI4ZTRkMTlhMWE4NTcxNmM1ODVhYWQ2"> </p>
<p class="cnNmMGVhNGEyZjAxODQ4NTViYzFmZWNiNDMyMWFhZWUz">Alya just shrugged his soldier and give eye contact on his nee-san .His eyes said…what should I do this idiot?She was just an user not the one created O.S why she act like the one who use it?</p>
<p class="cnM4MzJhYjkyZWJjMzQ2ZDM5NWM3Mjk1YjRlNDZjYWE2"> </p>
<p class="cnM2ZmQyZTVjMzVmYTQxOWY4NzNkYTQyMzIxNTdhMGRj">Ceria only smiled bitterly…she couldn’t told that she agree with her…compared to the first generation they maybe were inferior but they were easier to use and made the maintenance easier…</p>
<p class="cnMxZWZmMWUwMDc2YjQzMzJhYmQ1MWQ2MTg3NzQzY2Jm">“Well I won’t force you,so we would go with third generation okay?”(Alya)</p>
<p class="cnMyMmE5MGJmODQzZTRjYjE5ZGIzMzI0NzhmNmQyYzU3">“I hope your teaching wasn’t inferior as your brain.”(Minami)</p>
<p class="cnNjZDdmMWFhNTAyMDQ3ZGRhNTBiZjBjOTNjYzkxOWQw"> </p>
<p class="cnMyMGRkZmFmODdiYzQ2NzE5M2U1MmZmMTNiNjdhZTM1">………Ceria could never said…the one who was prodigy …but she refrain to say it because Minami was also prodigy being user…maybe compared to Alya who was already honed in battlefield she would lose…but her talent was actually only below him.Thought Alya talent as engineer was more than enough to made him as god of battlefield.</p>
<p class="cnMwNWY2MWQxNTU4MzRjNmVhYzFjYTBlNmY1Njg0YTVj"> </p>
<p class="cnM0ZTNmNTdiZjFiMjQzMDNhZjhiYTJkMWY4ZGU4ZDA4">“Nee-san see you at the dinner today.”(Alya)</p>
<p class="cnNjMTBkZWJhZTBmNjQzNzVhMDg4MTVkMGU3NDdjZjIy">“yeah.”(Ceria)</p>
<p class="cnNlNmJiMTUyMWJhZDRkYjQ4ZjY4ZmE5MGExMzk0MzU0">Once they bow they immediately exit the room and once Ceria left alone she immediately sighed…</p>
<p class="cnM5ODM0Mjk4NGUxNjQyNjdiODA2ZDYzMTc1OWZiNTc2"> </p>
<p class="cnM2ZGYxYzQ3MzI5YjQ3Y2FhMjNmNzViMjdmNjBiNWFh">“I just hope both of them won’t fight.”(Ceria)</p>
<p class="cnMxOTdlOThkYzUwNDQ5MjViN2ZhOTkzYTY0YWIwM2Q4"> </p>
<p class="cnMzYWYzMjk4MzJhNjRmMjk4NjllMjljNGZjMzI4ZjMz">Alya POV.</p>
<p class="cnMwMDFkODA5NzdjZDQ2Yzc4ZmU2MTdkNDFiMTM1MTJi">Garage</p>
<p class="cnNlMjIwNjVkYjJlYTQ5ZGRiYTQ1MGM5YjZhMjY2MzA3">“So where was your zodiac?”(Alya)</p>
<p class="cnM3OTRhN2ZmZWEyOTQyMDM4ZmIxNDExMGZlOWM4ZGI5">“Eh,didn’t your nee-san told you to teach some basic?”(Ceria)</p>
<p class="cnNlYjZiNWVkMzMzZjQ2ZjdhOGIzYzUxMzUyMDVhNjYx">………..Why every student was an IDIOT!!! I MEAN C’MON!!! What the use for you learning how to repair and do simple maintenance over mass product zodiac of first generation!!!!You couldn’t even use any of it!!The basic?You already wasted with first generation program so why you should learn over how the first generation works?Why all of students I had ever met were an idiot ?</p>
<p class="cnNkOGI1ODBiMjQ3NTRiNGQ4ZTVkY2M1OWM4ODkzMWE2">Well I would explain it to her…</p>
<p class="cnNmMzU5ZGJiNzE0ZTQxMzY5YWUyNjE3MGViM2FiYzZh">“What was the use?No one use the first generation zodiac anymore beside their O.S was for first generation program which was very different compared to second and third generation.maybe if you study from previous generation mass production zodiac it would be fine because their program were not that different...so why you should learn the first maintenance over first generation ?You should learn how to care your unit first!!And if you had free time then felt free to do so!!”(Alya)</p>
<p class="cnNiMDk2YWU1YjcyYzRkZTk4YmJiNzE4NzI4N2FiMzM3">“Fuah!!!I couldn’t hold it anymore !!Are you mocking my family?My family was the one who created the second and the third!!!Learn some manner would you!!!”(Minami)</p>
<p class="cnMzNzQ2ODVmN2NlNzQyOTBhYWU0ZDE3MWE2ZGNkY2Ew">Oh,so it was her family that explained why the growth of zodiac become much slower…well nor I care about it…</p>
<p class="cnMyYzViNGI4MDBlYjQzYzA4MWVlODA5NzE4NmIzZmQ3">“What I say was the truth,it was up to you to believe it or not.”(Alya)</p>
<p class="cnNmMDAxOTRiMDlmOTQ2ZWViMDIyMzE2MmE1NDgxNTA3"> </p>
<p class="cnNhNzNjZDVjZjlkYzRmZTM5MjhmYjU3ODZiNjEzM2U3">I shrugged my shoulder again,if she didn’t want to listen to me,then please get out..it was 10000 times harder to teach a person that didn’t want to listen.</p>
<p class="cnM2MTY5NDBiZDk4YzQ2ODJiNDc2MTUzZmY0NDhlZWY3"> </p>
<p class="cnMxOWJmNTc1NzZiYzQxM2NhYWVkOWFkYTdhYjA2ZmFm">“You act so great !!but you were just frog in well after all!!”(Minami)</p>
<p class="cnMyNDNmNDgxYTFiMDQwM2Y4Yjk5M2M1NWI5ZjIzZTdk"> </p>
<p class="cnMwN2NhZTE5MjAxYzQxZjFiZjY0NGU2YTc0MzdmMGE4">Were you speak to yourself?huh,So noisy………..then immediately I checked at the status of system works…reaction 150%,why it was so low?This was phoenix O.S right?it should be around 200% at least..Phoenix O.S was one of the best for Speed type Zodiac…what’s more it speed assist and radar system was the top…sight… what a waste…</p>
<p class="cnM3NjM3NDFhYjMwZTRiZjViZmI2Yjk4YjJjOTQ0M2Y4"> </p>
<p class="cnM5YmQyNDA3ODNiNDQ3N2E4NTk4ZDkwMGNmMDUwNGQ1">“Hey who the one that optimized it?why it was only 150%?This was so slow..”(Alya)</p>
<p class="cnNjZDMxYjJmNGRhMjRjN2I5MDJhZmNlMTI2NGJmZGE1">As I hit the zodiac in front of me..</p>
<p class="cnNlODExZTIxZTcxODQ2ZDVhMjI3YWY0MzM3ZmZmY2Iw">“Are fucking kidding me?This was the best work of my parents!!Beside it was the fastest!!!compared to others it was good already!!”(Minami)</p>
<p class="cnM1NDFhZTVmZDk1MzQwMzc4YWU2ZTA5YjU0OTFlYzNl">Good?my ass!!!This was 1 of the legendary O.S!!!!!!!!!Even though the reaction was kinda low but it allow to self repair its system itself !!!The regenerating ability won’t change the O.S which made this one of desired O.S everyone sought!!</p>
<p class="cnM1NTYxZWUzNDRkOTQxMTFiN2RmNmVlOTU0MTM4NzFk">“If you could improve it even by 1% then I would accept you to be my teacher!!”(Minami)</p>
<p class="cnM0ZDk2Y2JiNjNmOTQ1MmZiOTAzY2IyYjQ3ZDE1MzFl">“Sure .”(Alya)</p>
<p class="cnM3MWRlNDZjMjJlNjQ0MDFhYjZhMDhmN2M5Yjc5MDI1">Immediately I took out my laptop then connect it to the Azure Phoenix,First I would rewrite the program..next—</p>
<p class="cnNiODIzNDM3Yjg5MTQ1ODlhZTI0N2ExMmIwZTNlMDNj"> </p>
<p class="cnNmMjIwODU0YjNlZDRkYmQ4NjE5NTU2Y2Q3OWMxZTNj"> </p>
<p class="cnMxMDE2Yjc4YmY3ODQ2MjliZjllMmRiODAyYjVjNDE5"> </p>
<p class="cnNmN2EwZGQzOTM1MzQzMDZhNDNjOGRiNjczOTc0ZTgy">4 hours later…</p>
<p class="cnNlNzY4ZDljZDU3MDRhZTBiYzkyODM2MjQzYTliNzYz">It took longer than I though,there was too many unnecessary program on it, shortening some program and rewrite half of the weapon assistance and radar..i even upgrade the radar so it would be more sensitive to enemies…..of course there was a reason I did that,it was very rare chance to see legendary O.S after all… so I took some chance to learn it…though the radar and weapon assist wasn’t unlocked but the self regenerating system was locked…so I couldn’t learn it.well this was better..i could use some for myself…I would go home and started rewrite the hydra program.</p>
<p class="cnNlZTA5NmQ4OWQ4YTRhOTViMjBlYTIzMTc1ZjJmYmUx"> </p>
<p class="cnMwZmI3NmU4YzY0NTRjZDk5NGM4NjkyN2MzMzY0NTc3">“You finish it rather soon,I expect to be 1 day at least ,oh well let’s see what you could do.”(Minami)</p>
<p class="cnNhZGUzZTUyZjJjZjQzNmU5OGVhYTIxOTRiMTE0YTRm"> </p>
<p class="cnNiNmM3ZjdiODZjNTQ5OWQ5NGVhOWU3YWYzYmRmZjY3">She immediately ride the zodiac ,immediately the wing spread….then she immediately checked the reaction her jaw immediately opened….well the reaction now…around 400%?though it was much lower compared to others..but this was much better than before..as I close my laptop I prepared go home…then she immediately moving around and testing that zodiac at the same time.I go home before she stopping me..if she notice about I upgrade the weapon output especially the beam cannon at the back she wouldn’t let me escape so easily…there was too many upgrade I did to this zodiac…well it wasn’t the max output though…for roughly full upgrade of that zodiac I need around 3 month at least…..i was not even finish my zodiac yet…better finish it soon then create the weapons..there was too many things that I need to do for my zodiac…beside the O.S wasn’t complete yet…there was still too many flaw compared to the legendary O.S</p>
<p class="cnNmOTBlODc2OGM0YTQzOWI4ZmIxMzYxOGNjYzgzMWE0"> </p>
<p class="cnMzMGVmN2U2ZmNmZDQ0MDNiNGQwYzA5N2UxZDExMzE2">“Nee-san ,I am home.”(Alya)</p>
<p class="cnMzNGE4MzdhYTRlNjQxM2JiMjQ2MGNiMzAzYWU1NTkz"> </p>
<p class="cnM4NmI1ZTE5MGNjYzQzOGRhZGIxMjc5M2JhZTBmNGY1">Even though our was really big...but only Me and nee-san stayed here…well Nee-san same as me …she lost her parents at young age….though the reason she didn’t hire bodyguard or maid because literally she didn’t trust others same as me though.If it wasn’t person close to us we won’t believe them,that is how we thinking are anyway..though we were both complete understand each other.by the way nee-san older than me by 2 years..for teaching license don’t ask me what she did..</p>
<p class="cnNlNWVhZmNjYzRiMDQ1NmE4MTExMjE3NjliYjc0NTYw"> </p>
<p class="cnNiZjI5ODU4ZTg3ZTQ4N2Q5YjMwYTkwODcxMTJjNDIz">Nee-san who noticed smiled at me..</p>
<p class="cnM0MjhiODVlZmU0YTRmMWNhM2IyMmIzNGZkYjVhMDA1">“How was the phoenix O.S?Was it good?”(Ceira)</p>
<p class="cnM1MDFiNDcyODZmMjQzZTU4ZGYxNzgyNGRmNWMyNjIw">There was no need for me to answer that question,you have been watching me anyway surely you would know…immediately I go to garage….then started to rewrite some program…</p>
<p class="cnMyZDkzYjcxNGM4YTRjNGFhMmNkM2VmZTUyZDcxMTBh">“I would put food over here..”(Ceira)</p>
<p class="cnM4MTQ5NDcyNzg0NDQ3ZDRiZDkwN2MzOTZmYTg5ZmU5">Thanks nee-san you really understand me too well.</p>
<p class="cnNhYjA0NjBmYTk4ODQxMzRiMTk2ODI0Njg3OWI5Zjcw"> </p>
<p class="cnNiZGU5Y2JlOTJiMjRiY2Y5M2JlM2YwMGRhY2Y2ODAz"> today I need to work overnight for completing the O.S and the Divider weapon pack.</p>
<p class="cnM5MTViN2M2N2IyOTQxM2VhNmRjMDRlODc1ZTJiMTM0"> </p>
<p class="cnM3N2RkZmM5Y2EwOTQ4ZTFhOGYwODlhZWU5NTM1NjRh"> </p>
<p class="cnNkMTk2ZmFiYWZmZDRjZGJiYzkwZGVmNzUzOGZjYjE3">The next day.</p>
<p class="cnNlMjU4ZTg0NzA3NTRkYTBiN2QwYjliMTMwMWVkMGFk">Yesterday after I finished all of my weaponry ,I fall asleep .then suddenly I felt my body was shaking.i try to opened my eyes then I see nee-san..oh it just nee-san….then immediately she shout beside my ear….</p>
<p class="cnNhNTUyMjdlYzA3MTRiNDFhM2M4ZmI5OTQ4ODRkYWIy"> </p>
<p class="cnNkMGU5ZDA1NzFjODQwN2FhODk1ZTc4MzEwMWNiYjRm">“Don’t go back to sleep you bastard!!!”(Ceria)</p>
<p class="cnNlYmFmNmFiYzhiZjQzMGU5Yjc1MDliOWU3NDVjODkz">OWW!!!my ear drum!! it completely woke me up.damn it!!!Would you be more gentle next time.</p>
<p class="cnM0ZTI0YjcwY2RjYjQyOTg4ZjFiMGU0MWExZTU0MzBm"> </p>
<p class="cnNiMTRhMTQxMDU2NjQ4ZTA5OTc2OTA0MTE2ZTIzNzlk">“Alya!!The school was hijacked by some terrorist..”(Ceria)</p>
<p class="cnNhMDQxNTg4YjI1NDQ4Nzk4MDkyODI5NGFjZmI0YzQ2">“Oh..does it matter?”(Alya)</p>
<p class="cnM5MzJlMWQ3ZWI5MDQyY2U5MDUxYmY0NTIyODllZDgy">I mean only some unit stolen…or some casualty…I don’t care about it though..</p>
<p class="cnNmMmUyZDEyODcxMzQ4MjY5NjJhODcwNWRkYjRmODc2">“Yeah it matters!!!My White regulus was also there.”(Ceria)</p>
<p class="cnNkM2E3MzhhZWFmZjQyMzM4NjExNTAzODAxZDRkODQx">“You idiot,I told you always bring it home.well good luck for retrieving it.”(Alya)</p>
<p class="cnM0MTQxOGVlNDU4YjRjZjQ5ZmJjZTQzMDAwZmFjMWM5">Immediately I cover myself with sheet then wants to continue my dream..but Nee-san next sentence was rather simple..which made me afraid of her..</p>
<p class="cnM3MTY4NGJmZGYzNDQ1MDE5MzdmMmQxMjJhZDFkYzZi">“………I won’t cover your material for your own zodiac anymore ,so good luck with that..”(Ceria)</p>
<p class="cnMxNzczNjVhNGVkYTRkMTM5NzQxMjZiYjI1YzRkMWJj">“Okay,nee-san where was the terrorist?”(Alya)</p>
<p class="cnM1OWY5MTM0NTNhMTQ3ZDRiYjZhM2ExOWMzYzM4OTI3">Damn it!!!i didn’t have any money with me,if I didn’t finish it it would waste these 2 years!!</p>
<p class="cnM2MzYxMDAwZTk2NTRmZmU5OGViNTRiZjIwNmI5ZWJh">“…Good luck with that..”(Ceria)</p>
<p class="cnM4MzJjN2Q2NDg3ZDRlYjRiNmFjYTkwMjIwMDBjODU5">She grin widely…then immediately I go to garage and nee-san helped me to equip the divider part…now my zodiac was holding the sword at my back ,put the automatic rifle at my waist…now I should launch..</p>
<p class="cnM2YzY0MzBlNjhlZDQ1YWNiMjNlNjhkZGNiNDQ3NGY5"> </p>
<p class="cnMwNTU4YTk5OTU3MzQwZTE4OGRmNTc0ODBjZTZlNGFi">“Ready Alya?”(Ceria)</p>
<p class="cnNiNjQ0ZjMyNzQzOTQwZmViYzY1YWMzODgwMDcxOGYx">“Please open the gate now..”(Alya)</p>
<p class="cnM2Y2U3OTkxZTQ1MzQ4YjdiZDBkOGI1NTBiZjAxYjM4"> </p>
<p class="cnM1OWU0MjZiNDM1YTQ0Y2Q5ZjgwMzY3MmQ1MjFiYmUw">She nod ,then the ceiling immediately opened…the garage was located underground which was made easier us to fly upward..Blade hydra this would be our first battle…though I want more some big battle looks god won’t allow us to do so…they are just pesky terrorist anyway..</p>
<p class="cnNmNTc0YjUzYjU0MjQ4OGU4MTRiNjJlNDAxMWYzZjY1"> </p>
<p class="cnNhODQ2OTAzZDFmNzQ4MTRiZDFjZjI1NzUzYjk5M2Rk">Narrator POV</p>
<p class="cnM0MmFmNmJiMTlkYTQ1Y2Y4ZjNlMTI4NGRiMTk1ZWRj">The terrorist main objective was the zodiac with legendary O.S Regulus.Which was Ceria Zodiac.</p>
<p class="cnNiZGQ1YmExYWM5YzRmN2JhMmUyZDNkM2Y3NTNlM2Y2">“What are you doing !!!Defeat her fast!!!We must take the key from her!!Remember our target was the legendary O.S Sacred Regulus,as long we take that our strength would be increased 100 fold..!!!!”(Terrorist)</p>
<p class="cnM0NGIxMzAzYzBiZjQ2ZWI5YzkxMWI5OGZjZjg2YjFl">“Yes sir!!”(Minion)</p>
<p class="cnNhMTcyM2I3NmZhYzRlM2JhZmY3ZDMwNzg1MzM0ZGU2">“Ugh,I must keep flying!!”(Minami)</p>
<p class="cnNjZTJjNmI5ZTUzNjQ1M2JiM2UwMjU0MWU2YTFkZDY4">Minami was flying around…she was protecting the key also at the same time protecting other hostage…if she try to attack then whole school would be attacked by A large Beam cannon they brought.</p>
<p class="cnM2OTdjOWM0OTExOTQyOGI4N2E2N2QyM2E4NjcwZmI2"> </p>
<p class="cnM1NDkxMGIzYmY0ZTQ4YmY4MjM2MDc4ZTc3ZGM0MTA2">“Must kept holding on..until The reinforcement comes!!!!”(Minami)</p>
<p class="cnNkZGFkNDQ0OGIxMzQ4NTBhYTFlNmFlYTM1MTY0ZmQ0">The reason minami could handle this long was mostly because Her upgrade O.S !!! if not she would already lost since now..but even though like that there was some attack that hits her……and what’s more flying like crazy also cost some energy which cut her barrier point.</p>
<p class="cnMwYzJmZjE4ZGFjZTQyYzg4OWM0MDhlMTE1YzY3OWEw"> </p>
<p class="cnNiNzhjYTIyZDAxZDQ1MTI4M2ViODM0NWMyNDc3MWRj">Then suddenly the terrorist leader lost all his reason try to attack the hostage…</p>
<p class="cnNlMWRlNzYzNGU0MjQ0ZTdiNmY3NTBlYjZlOGQxY2Nm">“Just handed me over the key anyway!!!If not I would shoot the hostage..”(Terrorist leader)</p>
<p class="cnMwMjIyZDY3MDAyZjRjYWU4ZDQyNjhmMDM5YmMxNGRj"> </p>
<p class="cnNiNWE1Y2QxY2YyODRkOGE4YTFjMTAzMTJjYmI3M2Iz">Immediately Minami landed and spread her arms..</p>
<p class="cnNhMGYwZGE4MTc5YjQxMWU5ODQxZTcxYTVlZWIwMWM5"> </p>
<p class="cnNkZjU0YTUzYWM5MTQxODlhMTczZjg3N2VkNTA1MmEy">“I wouldn’t give the key nor my friends life..”(Minami)</p>
<p class="cnM0NDdjYmUxNGY4MDQ1ZDQ4YjU3ZmJlMmZhYzlmODgw"> </p>
<p class="cnNmMTFiMWVhNTFkODRjMTg5ZWRkYzBiYWYxNzBmNzA2">Minami maybe ruthless to male that try to get closer to her.but she was kind to protect others life,all of the teacher and students were captured what’s more they was tied inside the school couldn’t do anything .Thanks to Minami quick witted she immediately launch with her Azure Phoenix while bringing the key with her..</p>
<p class="cnM5YWMxMDNmMzQzYjQ3YjE4YTc0ZjA3MjI0ZGY0ZWUy"> </p>
<p class="cnMwNzI2ZmYyNjJiNzRiZDg5YzM2M2IyNDA4ODhiZjEx">“Blast it you were seeking death!!!FIRE!!!”(Terrorist leader)</p>
<p class="cnNiYzdmY2JmNTk0NzQwZGY4ODhmMzFiNmMxYTQ2YTIx"> </p>
<p class="cnM5MTk2NTgxZDMyNjRkZDg5Yjg4NGRjYTZmNWY5ZmQz">Immediately the wings go to in front of her and forming shield ,and immediately she pinpoint her barrier as large as the beam would be fired..the beam was big as person ,it would be enough for her to protect the school with this..</p>
<p class="cnNiNGI0NDY1ZWE5YTQ2MzNiM2U4MmRjODg1NTUzZGMz"> </p>
<p class="cnM3OTNjMWIyZjk2ZTQ4MjY5ODkyMzI5NzM2YjYyNzk4">Once it fired,It stopped at her no more likely she was pushed back…</p>
<p class="cnM1NjZiMzViZWFmYzRlMjBiYTJhZTc1NmQzZTc0ZmNj">“must endure it..”(Minami)</p>
<p class="cnNiZjA4OWNiYzY1YzRiOWQ5YTFkNjEzMzU5Y2I3YzNl"> </p>
<p class="cnNmMjc4NDc0ZDg1NDQyZDdiMjUzNGVhOTFmMzVkNzA3"> </p>
<p class="cnNmN2Y3ZjU4MDk4MDQxMGZhN2I3MzFlMDllYmNhYjgw">Once the beam ended…everyone can see some smoke rising from her body.. her wing was deteriorated ,some of her zodiac armor was burned black……but the worst was her barrier was zero….when the barrier was zero it means the energy was used up and zodiac would stopped moving..</p>
<p class="cnM1ZTljOGM4YzE2YTRmMmU5ZDgzOWYzNjRlNTY1MGFk">“Ugh..”(Minami)</p>
<p class="cnMzN2M4NDgyZGJkYjQ4Y2RiMDZhNTY3MWI3ZjVkYWMy">“Now hand over the key ,if you do we would spare your lives.”(Terrorist)</p>
<p class="cnM3OGQ4YjM3NjdjOTRlZmI4OTQyOTZlMjY4OThlZTUw">“Never!!!!Sensei was my savior!!!i would never let you have her zodiac!!”(Minami)</p>
<p class="cnM5ZDg3YjFkZWJiYzQwM2RiOTlmZjE3Y2RhMmZmYTc2">Minami knows this kind of scum would kill every person that saw them because zodiac with legendary O.S was national treasure……even for a second..she would bought some time…Only reinforcement come…</p>
<p class="cnMxMDY1ZGFlMjMxZjQxZmFiMjg5OTM0MTJlMWUyNWI1"> </p>
<p class="cnM1NTVhMzU3Y2JiNTRmZGE4NmU0NmJmZTY4ZjRjYWM1">“FIRE!!!!”(Terrorist)</p>
<p class="cnNmNjEyODRhYzhjOTQ4NjliN2EwYzYyNGM1YmM4Yjc2"> </p>
<p class="cnNmOWUwNmViZjI1MTRlODliYjk0MDIxNzQyYWM0MDRh">The beam immediately fired which made usual people close eyes and resign death.but she was still clinging on last hope..no matter what she would never falter…As the beam just a second in front of her immediately a strange zodiac she never seen before appeared in front of her…this was ..Alya..</p>
<p class="cnMwZWE2NzRlZmY5YTRlYTQ4YzMxZWZmNWU5OTQ2Y2Nl"> </p>
<p class="cnM3M2Y5NTI4MjkzMDRkZjNhNmU3ODUxYzgxOGZkYWI1">“Good work.”(Alya)</p>
<p class="cnM4Y2RlNWE0ZTk3NjQ2M2U4MzVhYzU0MTc4ZGRmMTE5"> </p>
<p class="cnM5OTA4ZTNjZTg4NjQzOWNhYjE4ODIzYmM3ODE5OWZl">Alya only use claw then defend with its palm..no it was absorbed…..what kind of weapon was that..it keep absorbing it until the beam ends…..only left a little smoke at his hands..but it still could move freely..</p>
<p class="cnNlMDM2NzUyNTlkMTQ5ODM4YjcxM2U4NmFjMWFhMGE5"> </p>
<p class="cnMzNGRlMDA4MzYyMTRjN2Y4Y2FkNDI2NjI3ZDM5MWJl">“….Such a small energy……well I understand they were idiot though.”(Alya)</p>
<p class="cnNkNjQxYmZmYzYzMzQxNTNhNDdiNDllNGUxOGYyMjRm"> </p>
<p class="cnM2NzAzMjgxODlhNDQwOTFhNmRmY2QyNTdkNDgyN2U2">Immediately grabbing the Black sword behind him he held it with claw..Why he used a sword made of certain ore?no why he was made it so big?Wouldn’t it just slow you down,was what minami was thinking..</p>
<p class="cnNhYTFhMjdkODNjNDQ4Njc5YzMyM2RkNDZkMTFhMDQ3">As she though that immediately the sword the hands glows and the sword immediately wrapped in beam….and made giant beam sword… then he immediately dash with amazing at speed and slice some of terrorist in two…</p>
<p class="cnMzZDQ5ZTE4MDRkYTRiZDhhMDdhZmUzNWU4ZjRkYWY1"> </p>
<p class="cnM4YmIzZDlmZjBhZTQzODE4ZTI4NWU5YWVmOGM2OWE3">Seeing that all of person surprised..first the sword was strong enough to deplete barrier in an instant…secondly the moves was very faster compared to other Zodiac…no one knows…that Alya Zodiac was only convert beam,or any heat power as energy with his claw…surely he can shot it back but it would only waste his energy so he would use it to create a giant beam sword with sword as his base.A beam saber has great attack power but it didn’t have any sharpness..what if the beam sword had sharpness?The answer was Alya weapon ..it has greatest offensive strength more than any weapont it was indeed has great offensive strength but the main reason it could kill all the terroris was because he absorbed the beam which made his energy overflow..that’s why he must emit it at maximal output everything in his zodiac or it will overflow and explode.…some terrorist were afraid of death to try to run but use his whip at his right hand ,he immediately pulled them back and killed them….the terrorist leader was the one who most afraid..because the killing intent he poured was no joke,He was only student but this feeling was like facing the god of death itself!!!</p>
<p class="cnM1OTYzZTk1YjA0NjQ0YTJhMDNiMTFiNWUxZTg5YjIy"> </p>
<p class="cnM0MTcxZWI0NWU0ODRjY2ZiODFlNjgxODRlNzZlNTJm">What they didn’t know was ,Alya only act like usual his killing intent was so so,if he was serious..then they would be already dead….but the school would be also destroyed so he refrain to do so.Once the leader of terrorist regained his sense ,he know he couldn’t beat Alya that’s why he would use hostage to gain buy some time for escape!!!</p>
<p class="cnMxMjhlMmZkNjhkZDRlMjA4ZGI2OGVjZWYxYzFiYzc2">“Don’t move or I would kill the hostage,there was some terrorist at the school building.with just one word they would kill them.”(Terrorist leader)</p>
<p class="cnM2NzM2YmUwYmI1NDQ5ZDE4ZmY5ZTA2NTFlOTg3NGQ1"> </p>
<p class="cnNmOTg5OGVkMjExZjQ3YTNiN2NjN2M2NDA4ZTdkYzgz">But Alya was completely ignoring his words and continued to kill them,even the terrorist leader repeat his words he still ignoring him brandishing his sword while moving and dodging at same times..once he killed all the terrorist he immediately stop in front of the leader terrorist and only glare at him like an insect.even the energy was already depleted and the sword returned to normal…the terrorist still see a shinigami behind him.</p>
<p class="cnMwZDQ5ZGRkMzY4YjQ4ZmNiMTA5OGFlZjAyYWNmM2E0"> </p>
<p class="cnNhYWU2ZmVmZjAyNzQ2NTY5NjVmNTI5ZjA0YzU0M2Iy">“I would kill your friend!!If you dare to attack me I would kill your friend.”(Terrorist leader)</p>
<p class="cnNkNzBiNTNmNmY1YzRjNzA4ZWQyNzZhMzE1NzlkMWI5"> </p>
<p class="cnM0ZWM0MGJhOTIzMTQ1NDc5YmMzMGNjMmRkYjJjZGVh">“Then do so..to me they are just stranger..it didn’t matter they died as long my Nee-san zodiac save.”(Alya)</p>
<p class="cnMwNDM1OGQxN2FlNzQ1OTg5ZGU4Njg1NmYwODFjNjA0"> </p>
<p class="cnNjZDQyOGMwYjhiZDQyNmU4MmQzNzcwMTVmNWMxM2Jl">Alya was serious…he didn’t care what happen to them,beside he didn’t request from her sister to protect others…the reason he shielded Minami was simple..because he want to test his limit absorbing energy…well though it was far from enough but this was good experiment…was what he thought.While emitting killing intent he smiled at him which made the terrorist leader wet his pants..seeing that Alya only lift his sword then the terrorist passed out.Seeing that he take something from The terrorist pocket it was key activation for beam cannon….immediately he destroy it….Minami seeing that now understand…he was also legendary zodiac user…but his next action made her surprised…because…he immediately starting dismantle the beam cannon what was he doing?The next action made her jaw opened….he immediately sorted some part …then he tied it and bring it with him..</p>
<p class="cnNmMDE3NDllYmY5OTQ0NjI5MTAyMzU0YTQxZDc3MTZh"> </p>
<p class="cnM2OGMwZmY4OTk5ZDRlZDBhYTY1ZjY4ZDk5NjAzZGUy">“EH YOU STOLE IT!!!”(Minami)</p>
<p class="cnM2NDgyYWFiMTJiNDQxMDg5ZDRlMGVkZmQxMjEwZDI0"><br> “Any problem with that?”(Alya)</p>
<p class="cnMxYzg3ODZjNGZkMzQwMmRiYzQxNmVlOWEzY2U3ZTRm"> </p>
<p class="cnMzOWNkMzIzOWQ2MzQ5MzdhNjQ2ZThlNDNiN2ZmZGFi">…this was treasure to create next pack for him..maybe it won’t be too long because there was necessary material…after all ..what Minami don’t know was that Hydra reaction speed was only 150%. secondly near all the material of weapon was common….third..he didn’t go all out…seeing that minami try to stop him…but she can’t fight her regardless….because he was too genius.</p>
<p class="cnNlOTk3NTkwYWU5ZjQ1MzRiZjI1YjkzYTZmOGViYzAw"> </p>
<p class="cnM2ZTBiNjE0MzM3NjRkNGQ5NGMwYzE4YTU2YTU4OThk">But no one knows this academy under Alya guidance would be the strongest academy and later become nation by themselves…uniting 12 zodiac user with his Zodiac which rule over them.</p>
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„Who are you?!“
 
Drake asked mentally and watched the corocodile man on the ground. At the same time the crocodile opened his mouth (...)">
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„Who are you?!“
 
Drake asked mentally and watched the corocodile man on the ground. At the same time the crocodile opened his mouth and asked the same question with a deep, growling (...)">
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<h1 style="margin-top: 10px" class="font-white break-word">Chapter 7 - Brothers</h1>
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<div class="portlet-body author-note"><p>Here is the second chapter of the day, which I really like somehow^^ I hope you enjoy and if you feel like its good, maybe you could leave a comment or rate this story :) </p>
<p>EDIT: Next chapter will propably come in two days as I have to work tomorrow :)</p></div>
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<p class="cnMyOTRlM2YxZDczYzRlYmM4Y2U1ODMxMDA1MzhlMzdm"><strong><u>Chapter 7 – Brothers</u></strong></p>
<p class="cnNhMTA2OWZmN2M3ODRjOWJiNWE4MGJmODJhZThkNzQw"><strong><u> </u></strong></p>
<p class="cnNkZjBjNzdlNjlkYzQ0Zjk5ZThkM2ZhNmJmYTYwZjI3">„Who are you?!“</p>
<p class="cnNjZTMxMzg4MGVhZTQwY2E5YzU5ZjkyYjJmYTBjODgx"> </p>
<p class="cnM1ODUwZTNiMGYwNTRjY2Y5MmRjMDkyYmExZDljMGM2">Drake asked mentally and watched the corocodile man on the ground. At the same time the crocodile opened his mouth and asked the same question with a deep, growling voice. Both of them looked stumped as each of them had used the newly learned language and way of speaking. Drake changed to his own language and asked:</p>
<p class="cnNiMDEzM2QxNzZlMTRlMDBiYjExNGQ0MjcxM2NiNzU5"> </p>
<p class="cnM1Mjc3NDQ5NDdlMzRjMDI4ZGFkNWFhNzU4YWQxZmZj">“Lets speak in my language!”</p>
<p class="cnM1YjI2M2ZiMzBhZTRiOWNhM2E0ZTMxZmUyNzI4ZTMx"> </p>
<p class="cnMyZDhhMGRmMTE3NDRjNjQ4NzkxNzk2ZGQxODU5ZDMx">Unfortunately at the same time a growling voice said the same in his head. Once again they were shocked and looked at each other unbelievingly. All of a sudden amusement appeared in</p>
<p class="cnNjNDc0MGM4YTg3MTRkNDI4MDYzNWY5MDJhYjI4ODI4">the eyes of both of them and they started laughing.</p>
<p class="cnM1OGE3ZWJmZDZhNDQ0NjE4ZTBlYjEyYTFlNGM0NWJk"> </p>
<p class="cnM4YjMzMWFiOTA0ZDQ0ZmRhZmZlOTZhYmQ5N2UwZmZl">“Lets talk in your language then” Drake said mentally and grinned.</p>
<p class="cnMwNjU5OWI5NDNhNzRiNzk5OGUwOGY1ZmRjN2EyNjE5"> </p>
<p class="cnM0YjMwZmY5MGRjMzRjNzFiYjQ5ODFhZjg5MjM1YThm">He felt a strange familiarity with the crocodile. The crocodile man nodded approvingly and directly started to talk.</p>
<p class="cnM4NTRkM2JmMTA4YjQyYmI4Y2E4ZmNmOTE5NjU0Yjc0"> </p>
<p class="cnM2ZmQ0MmYwNjU5NjQ5M2RiYmI5Zjk2MmM4ZDQ2ZDg3">“My name is Hekth’Sai, proud warrior of the Du’Shalan tribe, which lives in this valley! Somehow I feel familiar with you, so you can call me Sai!”</p>
<p class="cnMxYmYyNmIyMTU0MDRkNGM5MTc3ZjkxNjBkZWYyODZk"> </p>
<p class="cnNjZGNlNzhkYjRkZjQxYWJhZjY0OGI0NzU5YjMyMjcw">the crocodile said and a proud look appeared in his eyes.</p>
<p class="cnNlZTZkNzJkNjYyNzRkMTg5YjI5N2Q4NGI2NmYyYjdj"> </p>
<p class="cnM0YzNhNmE4ZjQxMTQ5Y2Y4ZDViODUwNDA4ZDI3NzIx">“My name is Drake Cal’anar, you can call me Drake! I am the successor of the last Taran’Kha and a proud battlemaniac! It is an honour to meet you!”</p>
<p class="cnM3MTgyOWVmMmIwODQxZDVhOGQ1ZWE4ZDZhZjE1YjA2"> </p>
<p class="cnNmZDI0ZGZkYjJhNDQ2ZGRhODlhMGFhOWYxZTlhMmJm"> Drake said and his gaze was equally proud.</p>
<p class="cnM5NTUwNWU3YTBlZDRjNWQ4NWJmZTA2MWQyNDA0OGEy"> </p>
<p class="cnM3ZjNlMzViMDA3ZjRlODA4ZGRhNDdkNWVhMWQ1ODZj">“Its an honour! Did you have the same dream as me?! I think I saw your past”</p>
<p class="cnM2MjAxMTM3ZmMyNTQ4MzRiZDcwNmY4N2M5MTdlODY3"> </p>
<p class="cnNjMTA1ZmYyMTY0NzQyOTM5MTkzOTA0MzFhYTk4YjY2">Sai said and nodded lightly with a questioning look in his eyes.</p>
<p class="cnM3MGVmZDk1MjkzMjRlZjU4M2Q4MmMxNGM5YWFjNWM0"> </p>
<p class="cnNiYWMwY2ZmYjJkMzQ4YjE5ZmIzMjkyMGNlOWJjMDdh">“Yes I saw your past too! It seems like we are somehow connected now…” Drake said.</p>
<p class="cnM2ZmYxYjhlMWY5YzRlNjA4MWY4NzliZmZhOGZkNWI2"> </p>
<p class="cnMxMGY1MWIyNjI0NTQ0YWM5NTg4MjI4OTY1ZWNhMmE1">“Thank you for killing the Zecais and saving me, but how did you do it? I was sure that I would die!” Sai asked.</p>
<p class="cnNhYzMzM2U5Y2YwZDQxNzFhMWY4YTgwZDJmNDE2MWUz"> </p>
<p class="cnNiOWIyMGViNzMxNjRhYjFiMWUxZDM1MWY3ZGIxOWU5">“I…well I kind of imparted my bloodline onto you…I think?” Drake answered awkwardly.</p>
<p class="cnNkMTQ2YjY1ODZlMTQ4YzA5MWFmNjg1ZWMwMGJjYjFm"> </p>
<p class="cnM2ZGY3ZmVjMGY1ZDRmYTZhOTZhMGNiYzBhODk0ZjAw">“WHAT?! How can this be, you can impart your bloodline?! This is impossible I’ve never heard of something like this before!” Sai shouted and leaned forward in excitement.</p>
<p class="cnNiNjc0OTE1N2M0NzRhZGRiNzM4YThhMzhjOWEyODgw"> </p>
<p class="cnMyMjZkYTE4ZWU2MjQ5ZjRiNmU4NTRlMjdmNDJmYWJk"> “It was the only thing I could think of and I kind of paid a price for doing it, my blood concentration is a lot weaker now! The faint pattern on top of your head changed into a dragon from something unidentifiable! Also you grew almost a head bigger and you seem stronger!” Drake said defending.</p>
<p class="cnM3NDhmYTc2ZmU4YzRkOTFhMjcyMWNiNTViMTU3NTE4"> </p>
<p class="cnM4ZmIwMDM2YjI5NzQzOThiNDM3YjM3Yzk1OTI2OTg1">“THE PATTERN ON MY HEAD CHANGED?!” Sai roared “Doesn’t that mean that you can teach me bloodline techniques?! And by the way how the hell did you manage to get this scorpion tail bloodline technique?!”</p>
<p class="cnM0NTdmNjQ4NTlkYzQ2N2I5MzgwNThlOGQzYzlkZThj"> </p>
<p class="cnNhNDRkODBiOWMzNTQ1YmE5YjA1NzMwZTgwMzFmNGVk">“The ghostly tail? I made it myself…wait didn’t you see my memories?! And unfortunately I can’t teach you any bloodline techniques, I haven’t even managed to get my Taran’Kha tattoo into the shape of a normal tattoo!” Drake answered truthfully.</p>
<p class="cnM4YTkyN2I0ODVhODQyZjFhNjZlNjFiMzhmYWIzN2I0"> </p>
<p class="cnNmZDljODMyYWEyMzQ2MDk5ZDViN2Q5NTVjZjMyN2Fi">“Yes I saw your memories, but the part in which you carved the pattern into your forearm is kind of blurry and I can’t remember much of it. Would it be possible to use your blood, or this technique to impart bloodlines into my tribe mates?!”</p>
<p class="cnM1YjRkM2UzM2Y1ZDQ0OGZiYjhlM2ZlNzg1ZTgxMmYy"> </p>
<p class="cnNiYTQ3MmVkNTA0MzQ4OTBhMzllZmVjOWNiOGVkZTA3">“I won’t use my blood again…I lost enough already, although you became a lot stronger. I can try to use the technique on your tribe mates, but I don’t know if it’ll work and besides that I don’t think they will get such an upgrade as you…by the way did something change inside of your body?”</p><p class="cjg1ZTdkOWM0ZTE0MzQ4ZTg4NmQ1NWExNzFkYjNhMjdj">Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.</p>
<p class="cnNkMjViMjY2ZTM0YjQ2MTg5MTE1MGI1MGViYmMyOWI4"> </p>
<p class="cnNhNmRkMjRjYWJjYTRjOWVhNzkyODY3YWJjOThlNGJl">“Hmm…maybe we should still try. They can’t become weaker. Well now that you say it, something indeed changed in my body. My former normal red soul is now looking like a bright red ball of flames and a sea of blood lies underneath it, moving, as if it is alive…” Sai said.</p>
<p class="cnNkZTc1M2I1YzhiNzRjOWVhNDAxNDYyY2NiYWMwODBi"> </p>
<p class="cnNhYWIzNDZjZTNhOTQ3MTlhNjFiNjBmMzIwN2U2MmNl">“Your soul changed into a flaming ball?! And a sea appeared underneath it?! Wait lets try something…! Try to move the blood energy from the soulsea into the dragon pattern on your head…maybe something will happen…” Drake said excited and as soon as stopped talking Sai closed his eyes and tried to feel his blood energy. After some time the bright red sea started to move and a small string started streaming towards the tattoo. As it reached Sai’s head, the dragon tattoo started to glow in a red light and Sai abruptly opened his eyes. Slowly the shine from the tattoo spread over his back and on his arms. All of a sudden with a ‘suuu’ sound sharp red glowing spikes appeared out of no where and connected themselves with the back and the outer arms of Sai. There were five spikes symmetrically on his back and three spikes on each arm. The spikes were looking very dangerous and as the last spike finished condensing, Sai’s reptile eyes started to glow in a fiery red light. He looked extremely intimidating and cruel. Sai roared and punched a nearby boulder with the spikes on his elbow, using all of his strength. With a loud ‘boom’ the boulder was crushed into small pieces and powder. Dust swirled around the figure of the crocodile and when he turned around excitement and the urge to test his strength appeared.</p>
<p class="cnM3YWQ2YjQ3NzIxZTRmYzZiOTdjOWZhYjU2NDI2OWJm"> </p>
<p class="cnMwNGFlM2I3M2VhMzRkZDliM2RiNDFhZmFlMDI4MDYy">“DRAKE!! I am strong…! LETS FIGHT!!” he roared loudly and the nearby trees bend from his voice. Drake started grinning and started channelling his power into the ghostly tail tattoo and his body. With a crackling sound white scales emerged on his shoulders, chest and legs. A dangerous light entered his eyes, which had turned silver and as the ghostly tail appeared above his left arm he laughed lightly.</p>
<p class="cnMzZGZmOTBkYmRmMzQ3NjRiYTNlNDNkMDE2NDkxMDIw"> </p>
<p class="cnM2NjIxYTliYjU2YjQzZjViZmFiNDk2MDczNTE3YWFj">“You have guts to challenge me!! I will show you what it means to be strong!!” Drake shouted with a growling voice and the urge to battle shone brightly in his eyes. Both of them kicked their leg into the ground, pushing them into the air and towards the other. Sai’s body, which was almost double the size of Drake’s made a loud whistling sound while travelling through the air. He roared again and rammed directly into Drake. Both of them got blown away, without any injuries. They looked at each other and started laughing again. While still laughing both of them sped up and directly ran towards each other. They hit in the middle and tried to push with all of their power, but no one could move the other one. Suddenly Sai swiped his arm and Drake dodged the red glowing spikes closely. Directly after dodging Drake tried to stab Sai with the ghostly tail, but this move got blocked by Sai’s crossed arms. The ghostly tail couldn’t penetrate the black scales! Both of them didn’t give up and tried to hit the opponent with their attacks. If a master of martial arts would watch, he would have died in shame, as none of the two fighters got any martial techniques. Both of them were just punching, defending and reacting. Even though none of them really had a fighting technique Drake was a soldier and he had killed hundreds of beasts in two years. Moreover his soulsea was a lot better developed. After countless traded and blocked hits Drake somehow managed to punch the chest of Sai, who was sent flying for some meters. Sai directly rolled around in the air and landed on his feet while sliding for some steps. His gaze directly locked onto the position where Drake stood before, but he had vanished. Suddenly Sai sensed extreme danger and turned around as fast as he could. He couldn’t keep up with the speed of Drake who was moving like lightning and his head got hit by a hard fist. He was knocked to the ground and lost control over his soul energy. The spikes and the red glow in his eyes disappeared and his scales which unknowingly had turned a lot harder turned back to normal.</p>
<p class="cnMxNDEzMjU4OTk4YTQyZmZhNmFhZTQ3NWQyOWI2YTUw"> </p>
<p class="cnMxYmZkNjdiOWNlYTRiZGFiOGYzMzA2MmNjZTIxNTkw">“HAHA!! That was an impressive fight!! Drake you are worthy to be called my brother!!” Sai roared laughingly while standing up.</p>
<p class="cnNjMDc4NDNlMDM5YjQxYzU5NTc3OTk2ZGU0NzNlZTIw"> </p>
<p class="cnNlNTMxMGZjMmE0YTQxMGQ5YzJjNzg1MzFkOGUzNWIx">“When did I call you my brother…?!” Drake muttered quietly but satisfaction was in his eyes. Sai was truly strong and they would be a lot stronger when fighting together, so Drake didn’t hav anything against becoming brothers with him.</p>
<p class="cnNhNTIyOTM3NDVmNjRmODc5NWQ0MWU4NTk4ZDcyNTZk"> </p>
<p class="cnM1ZDU3ZWY3ODZjYzQ1YTliZWJmN2ZjY2QwY2Y0Yzkw">“We are already connected by blood, so why not become brothers? Lets make an oath!” Drake said and gazed sternly at Sai. Sai’s gaze too, got more serious and he walked towards Drake. They stood in front of each other and looked the other in the eye. Drake solemnly lifted his left hand and placed it on his chest. The other hand got stretched out and Sai, who mimicked Drakes movements grapped it with a firm grip. Drake started talking and Sai repeated the verses.</p>
<p class="cnNhNWVkZmZlZGY4YzQ2MmZiYmU4MDk2NWNmMGIxZTY0"> </p>
<p class="cnNhODJlMmFiYmE2MzQ1MWI5N2VlOTEwMDIzNTY1ZmUz">“I, Drake Cal’anar, successor of the last Taran’Kha and battlemaniac swear on my strength..-”</p>
<p class="cnNjMjYxMjYxZWRmZjRhOTI4N2JmM2EyZDk4MjBhYzJl">“I, Hekth’Sai Du’shalan, warrior of the Du’Shalan Tribe and battlemaniac swear on my strength..-“</p>
<p class="cnM5NTgxM2YxMGY5ZjRhNjg4MTA3MDQ2MzhmZjdkYWNl"> </p>
<p class="cnM2ZDYzNjIwYjU5ZjRkMDU4YzVlMDgzM2RhY2JjNjdk">“…my life…-”</p>
<p class="cnM0NzNiN2Q5MzVkMTRiZDg4ZGJhODU2NTUyM2RhNDQ5">“…my life…-“</p>
<p class="cnMxM2EwNjk2Yjk4ZjQ3Y2FiYWMyYzllNzIzNzVkMjg5"> </p>
<p class="cnM0NzEwNmM2NTM1NDQ3M2I4MzdlNjNkYTUwOGViNTIx">“…and my future love that I will be your brother of life time…-“</p>
<p class="cnMxY2JjOTQ0MDYyZjQ1NmRiOWUyNDk1ZDY0Njg1NjU4">“…and my future love that I will be your brother of life time…-“</p>
<p class="cnM1ZTBjOWMzMjMwZTQ3ZjM4ZGQyZmU3MmJlMGRkZDM5"> </p>
<p class="cnM2YTVkM2MyNmVhMzRlN2ZhNGM4NTc1ZjhlMDdjOGRl">“…fighting countless enemies side by side, protecting your back, until I die!”</p>
<p class="cnM1YTgyZDY0ODBmNzQ4ODFhMDg2YmNmNjU2ZjVhNDQy">“…fighting countless enemies side by side, protecting your back, until I die!”</p>
<p class="cnM5ODI2YjViNzQ4NjQwZjc4MzYxMDYxOWE2ZDA4YjA2"> </p>
<p class="cnMyY2E3MDk2ZTI1ZjQyZmQ4MDZkZDg0NDIzNWQ5YzM4">“With this we are now sworn brothers, who will roam undefeated through the universe, never bending our heads, never surrendering, We Are Brothers In Life And Death!!”</p>
<p class="cnM4ZjQxNmMwZjc1NDRkYmJhYjVlZDA1MWM2YzQyY2I4">“With this we are now sworn brothers, who will roam undefeated through the universe, never bending our heads, never surrendering, We Are Brothers In Life And Death!!”</p>
<p class="cnM1MTI2OWVkOWRiZjRiYjU4M2VjMzVhZTJhNjVmNzcz"> </p>
<p class="cnM1ZDdjODRmNTI0ZDQ4YzE5YmQ4OTJmYzk3NDRiNzVi">The first sentence was said in a solemn voice, but with every part their voices became louder until they roared the last sentence into the heavens, as if they were challenging the universe.</p>
<p class="cnM1MGY5ODhjYzU1MzQ4MWE5MGYzNDk1OTMzMTc4N2Zi"> </p>
<p class="cnM3N2NhMGZlZmQ3MDQ3OThhZjdhMDgxMWQxZDI0YWYw">Both of them were trembling in excitement and the claw mark on their chests started burning in a dark red light. They both felt that they had done something incredibly good and important. It was not obvious, but it felt right. They were brothers now and in both of their proud looking eyes tears started to appear as each of them thought of the brothers they lost.</p>
<p class="cnNlYTUyZTNhMTg4OTRjMWZhM2Y1N2ZmNzViNjg5Y2Q4"> </p>
<p class="cnM4MWJiOGRmMmE3NDQxZGNhNjA1ZDhlMmZlZjBjMDZj">“Lets go…I will take you to my…our village…we are brothers and you are now formally a member of my tribe. You full name will from this day on be: Drake Cal’anar Du’Shalan!”</p>
<p class="cnMxZmI3YjBmM2NiODQ3N2RiNGVjYTJiZTE4YzQ5OTZl"> </p>
<p class="cnNjMWI0YmU2MTZkNjQ1Yzc5ZTgzNjNlNmRhZDdmYzM2">“Yes little brother…lets get going! As I got the name of your tribe you will get the name of mine, even though I am the last member of it. From this day onwards your full name shall be: Hekth’Sai Cal’anar Du’Shalan and I believe we will some day stay on top of this world!”</p>
<p class="cnM5MzlmMDllMThiNzQyZWM5NjEyMzFkMDQ0OTgzMDZk"> </p>
<p class="cnNiNDE5NGVhMmJkOTRiMzZiODZhMmUwNzBlYmQ3MTNj">“Wait why am I the little brother….” Sai started to protest but immediately remembered the memories of Drake. Drake had lived a longer time and he equally had experienced a lot more hardships.</p>
<p class="cnM1NmUwMjBjNmI5MjQ5MjBiNzc3NDFjNDc2NDQ0OGNl"> </p>
<p class="cnM2NDc2ZTQyMzlhMDRhMjBhNGUzMjE3NWRlZjRkM2Yy">“Well…alright but can you at least call me brother…its not like I just hatched….” Sai said somewhat grumpily.</p>
<p class="cnMxYTQxMTU0OGNkNDRjOThhMzcwMDk2NDNkN2U0ZTVh"> </p>
<p class="cnNiZWI2OTQzMDA5ZTQ2ZmI5ODcxZGM3YjU2NTA2Nzhj">“Haha alright brother…you are right we are equals and we will call each other the same! Lets go I am eager to start training and maybe develop my own martial technique!” Drake said while laughing and started walking.</p>
<p class="cnM1YzdjOTYwZDAzMzRmNWE5N2I5OTEyOTczMWE3MTg4"> </p>
<p class="cnM2YjNmOGVhYzUzNjQ1YWFiYzQ1NjA1MjU5NTY2NTRk">Sai laughed, quickly overtook Drake and started to lead towards his village.</p>
<p class="cnNmYzkxMmExMDA4MDRiNzc5NTVkZmQwY2ZjNzIxZjli"> </p>
<p class="cnNmNWU2YzhmYzQ2YzQ3MTA5Zjg1NDkzNTc5NTRlZWI4"> </p>
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<div class="portlet-body author-note"><p>I hope you enjoyed! If you want you can make suggestions for how the village should look like or possible martial techniques Drake invents^^ Just write it into the comments and let me know what you think of the chapter! There will be a couple of chapters with the normal kind of story writing, then there will be a timeskip again... CptGrim </p></div>
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<i class="fa fa-calendar" title="Published"></i> <time unixtime="1476297453" datetime="2016-10-12T18:37:33.0000000Z" format="U" >Wednesday, October 12, 2016 6:37:33 PM</time>
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Chapter 19
 
I dragged Siena through the woods back to camp as fast as I can. She is asking me what the problem is but I don't have the time to explain. I am fairly certain that Mabel is about (...)">
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<h1 style="margin-top: 10px" class="font-white break-word">Chapter 19 Saving priests and Random Voices is Hard Work</h1>
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<p class="cnMxOTQ1Nzg3YTBlMDQ4MjhiMTZlYTdjNzMzNDExYTk3"></p>
<p class="cnNhNDgzYTg0MjY2YjRkZWI5ZjM4MzI3MTY1M2U3ZmM5" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM1YzliOGFlOTE5MzQ0MDQ5M2QyNzEyNzVlZDQxZGM4" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnNhMmIxNmZhNzRhYjRjNTM4NjBmZTZiMjY3YzU1NGNh" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnMzMzY0MDRkMmQwZTQ4OWQ5OGU1M2JmMzE0YTA0YzJm" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM0MDE2OGMzNDI0YjQxZDRiMDZhOWE5MTdiYWY4MTIz" style="margin-bottom: 0in">Chapter 19</p>
<p class="cnMwOGZjOTNhMmZjMTQ4Y2ZiMDhiNjIwY2RlYjk1MDFl" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnMzYTUwYzY1NWE4YjRjZDY5MjlmNDZkNThjMGUxYTI3" style="margin-bottom: 0in">I dragged Siena through the woods back to camp as fast as I can. She is asking me what the problem is but I don't have the time to explain. I am fairly certain that Mabel is about to kill Reid about now, it may even be too late</p>
<p class="cnMzZTZhYjA5N2RiMjRhNzJiZTc0Yjk5YzEyNTczNmQ0" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnMwNjg0YTAxOWRhODQ0N2VhZmY0MjI1NDUxMmYyY2U2" style="margin-bottom: 0in">After getting back to camp I ask Long-fur if he had seen Mabel or Reid and he informed me that Reid just left with some ale to the river. After pointing us in the direction we quickly depart to the river.</p>
<p class="cnNjYmY5MTIzNTliYzQyODk5MDQwZGU3Nzg4YmJhMmI0" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnMzZWQwMzkwMWMxMjRiOGZiZmFlZWNlNGJjODYyMDJm" style="margin-bottom: 0in">I shoot off like a rocket leaving Siena behind. I must make it to him in time, I must prevent this from happening. With my low-light vision and moonlight I arrive at the river.</p>
<p class="cnM1ZWQ2YTQyZGQzMDQzOThiYzBjNDE5ZjllMTM0OThl" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnMzYzNjYjYzZjM5NzQ3MWU5N2NhZmRlMTMzMGIzMDIy" style="margin-bottom: 0in">I am too late.</p>
<p class="cnNlNTQ5YTdhOGU0ZjRkMDI4NzRiZTVhZGYwNGQ3MTMy" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnNkNmFlY2Q3MDBjNDQ4YWRhNTgyNzM3NGQ5MGY5MTc1" style="margin-bottom: 0in">I look at Reid's body laying on the river bank bleeding from his neck. Wait he's still bleeding! I look at has status while I leap to him pulling out two high potion from my spacial ring. He is has under 100 health and losing it rapidly. I quickly pour one full potion all into his neck wound, I used my best potion of the four I made. I pour second down his throat. Surprisingly he still is conscious and paralyzed but I can see his eyes light up when I came to help him. I finally give him an antidote for the paralysis the health potions should heal him but if I can get rid of his paralysis I can stabilize him a lot quicker. I hear a noise I swiftly whip out my crossbow if Mabel is coming back to make sure Reid died I wont let her waste the 3 potions I used to save his life. Its not Mabel its just Siena.</p>
<p class="cnM1N2VjNDFjZWE1NTRkZmI4NDdkMDhkNDdkYTQwNzg0" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnNiMmFkNDM5YWVjYTRiMGRhNzdmNGVlNGQ2NWU4MTUy" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“Oh my goodness Reid? Are you ok?” Siena was shocked at the scene with all the blood.</p>
<p class="cnNiMzdmYzhkODM1MzRiODdhNjNmMTk4NWQyNDk2OTRl" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnMxMDYzY2FmZGIwNDRiODg5ZGM5ODIzMzRmMzcwNDIw" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“I thought dark elves were supposedly very sneaky, you do not give credit to that rumor. I could have easily ambushed you if I was an enemy.” I tease Siena for being very load. I am somewhat serious we are walking a tight rope right now and need everyone to tread carefully. She however is a bit ignorant of the situation and I will let her off with only a tease.</p>
<p class="cnNlMjg0YWZhMzgxMzQzOWY5ZjRjNzA5MzFhMGNlMjAx" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM5MzRmZWY5MzJjODRkYjE4N2I0NGVjYTYxOGFkMDNl" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“Ok Lara its time to tell me what is going on. I don't know what to think anymore. You sleep walk far away, you wake up and rush to a bloody scene by a river. I am not going to take your traditional vague answers anymore. We are friends right? Friends don't keep friends in the dark about things this important.” Siena rightfully wanted answers however at this time I can't answer her all her questions</p>
<p class="cnNiMjRjOTljZDViNzQzMTk4NzlkNjhkZWYzY2VkNTVj" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnNlYTNkNjhiYjlkMDQwZDQ5ZGRmYzNjNmYxNGFlMjdi" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“Well what is going on is simple, we have been infiltrated by Eclipse and they have attempted to take out our main healer. I used some of my potion's to save his life.” I explain the premise of the situation.</p>
<p class="cnMwN2Y1NzAwMWNlODQzZjI4NjUxMmNlMTkwZjZiMDhi" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM2NjhiM2Q1MDFiZTRhMDI5NDQ3ODY5YTYzOWM4MTM1" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“Why would eclipse infiltrate us? To stop us for exploring the ruins?” I nod to her.</p>
<p class="cnM0ZmNiZDA2ZDIyYjQzNzY5OGY1ODYzNTIyOTRjZjkz" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM4M2M2NGEzODkxMzRiNDc5ZTkwOTA0Mjg3YjZhZGE0" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“So how did you know this was going to happen?” I suppose I will just tell her the truth not that it is believible to most.</p>
<p class="cnNlNTUzZDk2NjAxZTRjMTViMGRhZTdmOTYxMTIzYTRl" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnNmZWZiZmNkMWQ2ODQ2N2ViZGFhMzY2NDY1M2Q3ZTI5" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“You may not believe this but I had a dream about this happening, and a lot of things happening after this.”</p>
<p class="cnM1OTZlNjI3ZThjMTQ3N2Q5Y2NhZWJhZTQxNTFiNDdj" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnMwYWY2ZDY4NTUzYTRjZWE4MzhlODIyNGIzM2RkZTli" style="margin-bottom: 0in">Siena's expression quickly turned more serious then I have ever seen her. She got close up to me and looked me dead in the eyes.</p>
<p class="cnNmNWZjYTBiODViYzQxZmE5YjgyNTFjN2Y5NGRhMjBi" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM4NTMzOTUwZWRmZDRiYmFiNWU5MjYzMWNmYTE3N2Vk" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“Lara if what you told me is true you must promise not to tell anyone else about it. People who possess physic powers are very sought after and are very valuable. They are so rare when people do discover one they often get roped into becoming someone's seer forcibly. I don't understand though, people with physic powers have no mana, you clearly have mana so how is it that you posses both?”</p>
<p class="cnNjYjZiYmFjOWZjYTRlMGQ4YTQyOGMzNTBhYjJmNDIy" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnNhNTRkYWNhMjA4ODQzOWJiZDcyZDQwZTk5ODg3MGRj" style="margin-bottom: 0in">I was about to chalk it up to being Grena's champion however I remember the dream vision skill wasn't under Grena's champion it was just alongside all my other skills.</p>
<p class="cnNiZGNiYjY0YTRhYjQyMjZhM2M3ODU0MmE1MDQwZWYz" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnMyYWE4MzdjNmI4YjRiNzU4NjMyYTkzYzNiNWY3YTli" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan='8'></span><strong><span>Status Window</span></strong><span></td></tr><tr><td width="25%"></span><strong><span>Name:</span></strong><span></td><td width="25%">Kara Rosewood</td><td width="25%"></span><strong><span>Title:</span></strong><span></td><td width="25%">The Angel of Death </td><td width="25%"></span><strong><span>Race:</span></strong><span></td><td width="25%">Human</td><td width="25%"></span><strong><span>Gender:</span></strong><span></td><td width="25%">Female</td></tr><tr><td width="25%"></span><strong><span>Class:</span></strong><span></td><td width="25%">Shadowblade</td><td width="25%"></span><strong><span>Subclass:</span></strong><span></td><td width="25%">Bard</td><td width="25%"></span><strong><span>Age:</span></strong><span></td><td width="25%">8</td><td width="25%"></span><strong><span>Level:</span></strong><span></td><td width="25%">44</td></tr><tr><td colspan='8'></span><strong><span>Titles</span></strong><span></td></tr><tr><td colspan='8'>The Songstress Princess,Prodigy, Princess, Champion of Grena</td></tr><tr><td colspan='8'></span><strong><span>Resources</span></strong><span></td></tr><tr><td width="25%"></span><strong><span>Health:</span></strong><span></td><td width="25%">2225/2225</td><td width="25%"></span><strong><span>Mana:</span></strong><span></td><td width="25%">6315/6734</td><td width="25%"></span><span><strong>Psionic Power</strong></span><strong><span><strong>:</strong></span></strong><span></td><td width="25%">200/710</td><td width="25%"></span><strong><span>Stamina:</span></strong><span></td><td width="25%">2550/3650</td></tr><tr><td colspan='8'></span><strong><span>Stats</span></strong><span></td></tr><tr><td width="25%"></span><strong><span>Strength:</span></strong><span></td><td width="25%">245 </td><td width="25%"></span><strong><span>Intelligence:</span></strong><span></td><td width="25%">328</td><td width="25%"></span><strong><span>Agility:</span></strong><span></td><td width="25%">355</td><td width="25%"></span><strong><span>Charisma:</span></strong><span></td><td width="25%"> 392</td></tr><tr><td width="25%"></span><strong><span>Wisdom:</span></strong><span></td><td width="25%">115</td><td width="25%"></span><strong><span>Precision/aim:</span></strong><span></td><td width="25%">89</td><td width="25%"></span><strong><span>Vitality:</span></strong><span></td><td width="25%">262</td><td width="25%"></span><strong><span>Luck:</span></strong><span></td><td width="25%">105</td></tr></tbody></table></div></span></p>
<p class="cnM4NjU0NmQxN2ExNzRiMzhiM2EwMWRhZDkxYzA3Y2Rk" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnMyNWVmNDY2NTNlNDRmMGFhYzdlMDEyNjM3MGExNGUy" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span>Is gaining physic power part of being Grena's champion? If it is why is not listed under her champion buff in my blessings.</span></p>
<p class="cnM5NWMwNTQ2YzhkNTQ5Yzk4YjU3MjY4MTdmMzQwY2Vj" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM1MmJmODgwMzc3ODRhNjJiNzNjNjc1ZDQzOWUwZWJi" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>So do you? I know you can check your status even though you lied to us about it when we first met. I figured you were hiding something and I didn't want to push you for it.” Siena may be many things but stupid is not of them.</span></p>
<p class="cnNlNDMwY2QxN2VjYTRiYzE5Mzg4ZDljZjRhNGQ4MGU4" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM5MjRjNWQ1ZmQzYjQyMjdiODg2MWE0MTI4NmNkMzA3" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>I don't understand how it happened but I do. What does this mean?” I really hope I can talk with Grena about it my sleep.</span></p>
<p class="cnNkYmIwNTc5ZGY0NjQ5ZDc4ZTczY2RlYmI5NzU1MjRi" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnNkZTFhZTc3YzE3OTRlNDg5ZTIzNTAyNWU2YjIyNzZj" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>To be honest I don't know. Lets just say its a good thing people cant see your status. If I know anything it is that people who have gifts or physic powers are valuable assets.” </span></p>
<p class="cnNhZGE3OTE1OGUzZDQ3NWE5MWEwYjk1MWExZjM5YTkz" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnNmMGQ4MjY4MWUxYzRlZWM5MTMwNGJiYWI5OTM3Y2E3" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>Ughhhhhhhh” Reid groaned as he was coming out of paralysis. He leaned up and looked at me with the hugest smile, however the blood stains all over him and the ground around him wasted it.<br><br>“Tyr has sent an angel to his humble servant in his hour of need. Mabel almost killed me there. I however am afraid it is going to take me years to repay you for the potions you used to save me with. I will serve you dutifully to the best of my abilities until that my Lady.” He tried to kneel in front of me but he fell down the idiot just lost an insane amount of blood he needs to rest.</span></p>
<p class="cnM1MTU2NTZmYjg2NzQ4ZjY4OWNmZWIzZDVmZWZjNTlj" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnNiNmQyMWYwY2I5MTQ5MjNhOTRmZGRkODdlNjQ2ZWI0" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>Reid I am just happy you are still alive, we will talk about the debt you feel you owe me at a later date in the mean time here eat this I made it myself. It will help replenish some of your energy” I pulled out some of the cookies I had made prior to leaving for this trip with my level 6 cooking skill. Although it was a pain making my own peanut butter, it was absolutely worthwhile to do it for these peanut butter cookies. Keeping them in the spacial ring kept them pretty much fresh. I handed them to him.</span></p>
<p class="cnNlM2VlMTI5YTk4MDQwMDM4ZWRlZmRmM2IzZjc1NjY1" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM4OTk1OWVmYzUyMzRlNGNiMjJlZGU5NmIyOWI4OTBj" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span>Reid gratefully accepted the cookies and after just one bite he quickly consumed the other five I gave him at a world class rate.</span></p>
<p class="cnM3MzIxOWNiODkwMTRhMzlhMWZlNzk0YjlmODhmNTc3" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnNmOTEwMzAzODczZDQzMTE4ODQ2NTYwOTM0OWVlNmRm" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>My Lady this is absolutely the most delicious thing I have ever tasted. I think I have fallen for you.” Really after eating a few of my cookies, you fall in love with me? Well I guess I did just save his life too but still.</span></p>
<p class="cnM4Y2YzZGYzMGM0ODRkMmFiYTQxOTk1MzkxZWY4N2Vi" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM5ZDU5YjYyM2VjNDRjMDhhZGQ3YWNlNWQyM2UzMzQ0" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>Lara you should totally go for it Reid is a definite keeper! So dreamy!” Siena squealed into my ear. She tried to nudge me forward but I swiftly sidestepped her.</span></p>
<p class="cnNjNTUwNGZjZWVmZDQ3YzY4MGY0MDIyYWUwNjQ2MDc4" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM3MzliYzg4NGVmMDRjM2RhZDM5ODc0YTE3NTNiMmY2" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>I am afraid, that it is a one-sided love. I however will be your friend if that is acceptable.” Siena gets way to excited about this stuff. I am only 8, she thinks I am a teenager though. Guess I will have to talk to her about it I haven't had a good opportunity to confess what I have been hiding from my friend.</span></p>
<p class="cnM3OWI1ODM0NmJhMzQ5MDVhNDFhZjY4OThkNGIxOTIy" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnMwNTNiOWJmMmVhMDRkMTc4NzZiMGFjODUzMzg5NzYw" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>What is important now is to get you back to our tent without being noticed so you can get some rest. We have to act like Reid is missing for the moment so we can capture Mabel without incident.” I explain the next course of action we need to take.</span></p>
<p class="cnMxZGZhMjNlMGQ0MDRhYzk4M2VkOTg4MmRiODhlNDgx" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM4NTIyM2UyZWQ1NjQ0NmViZGFjMTQ5Y2ZkNmQxOTA1" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>Oh Lara inviting him to the tent already! Don't you think you are going to fast?” Siena needs to get serious this inst fun and games.</span></p>
<p class="cnNjZjdiY2M4OTRmOTQ0YzM5MjI3ZTYzOTkxYjQ2Mzgw" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM0NDE5YmYxMjYwYjRkODY5YWJjYTQ1NWZlZWNmMDFk" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>Siena do you ever take anything seriously? Reid was almost killed a few minutes ago, we have a traitor in the group everything is going to hell!” I didn't mean to vent on her like that but she is the one acting like the 8 year old when she herself is 107 years old.</span></p>
<p class="cnM5YjlmMmExMmE4MDQ5OWFhOTI3ZGQwZjdkNzdhZjcy" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM2ZjcyZDMxYmRkMjRkMDg4NmY0ZmQxNmRlM2EyZmNj" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>Come on Lara I am always serious, I think however you need to lighten up. I have been through a lot of stuff and trust me stressing out and getting way worked up is not the way to go. You can be serious and crack a joke or tease a friend at the same time.” I am too serious? I guess its true but I don't let things frustrate me usually. My attention quickly turned elsewhere as a sweet voice manifested itself in my head.</span></p>
<p class="cnMxYjMzMTJlM2RmMDRjNTI5NmFiMWI0ZmM3MmFlYTE2" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnMwNDBlNjliNTVkZTQxYTNiMDI1NDQwZjBiYWYyYmU3" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif"><span><em>Help me”</em></span></span></p>
<p class="cnMxY2ZkZGQxOGIyNzRmODc4ZDAyYzBiZmY0OGFhMGE2" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM3ZTdiMzRiZjQ0MjQ0ZDNhZjZjNmYxYmFlNDI5N2Zk" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span>I heard the voice say. Extremely creepy. Siena and Reid ask me if I am alright as I am somewhat staggered by the random message. Since I cant really do anything else I return to the task at hand.</span></p>
<p class="cnM2ZjkyYTVlN2RkMzQyYWRhMTc5MWViMWI4ZTIwMzk2" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnNjMDg4MDQ1NTkxODQ1MDdiODQxOGQ5ODFjYzYyNmNh" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span>I conjured up an illusion spell to hide Reid as we returned to camp. Reid was severely weakened from the assassination attempt so Siena had to help him walk by lending him her shoulder. Knowing her, she was probably loving it. I did not see Mabel anywhere as we got back to camp the only eyes that were there was Long-fur and Grimblee. We got Reid into our tent and I told them to wait while I went and got Diana. Diana still had a lantern going in her tent at least I wasn't waking her up.</span></p>
<p class="cnNmNzZmOTFkZDUyYTRmNjBiZmM0ZGI0NjU0MGIxMzVi" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnMyNDQ0MGE3MjBlNDQ2MGNiNjhmNzAxNGY0YzU0MWEx" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>Miss Jones? We need to talk but here is no good, can you come to my tent? Its extremely important.” I get her to follow without her asking a question. Does she trust me or is just naive? Well lucky for her I am on her side but if I was Mabel I could have easily killed her with this ploy. Maybe I am too paranoid? We arrived to the tent that could fit the 4 of us very snuggly.</span></p>
<p class="cnM0YTI5ODVjNzk4ZDQ2NjFhNGJhZWJhYzRiMDhiYWVl" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM5MjRmMWU5N2NiMDRiZDQ5MWRlZDM2ZGFhMzgzMzcx" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>Lara so what is it that you wanted to talk about and why is Reid here?” Diana finally asked a question.</span></p>
<p class="cnM2ZjQyOGRmMjRiZjRhMjI4N2NmNDM2NWU5NmExMzAz" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnNiNDJhYzMyNDg5NjQxZjY4NGNmNDc1NDgxZTRiNmI4" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>So tonight I was going to the river to wash up” I began and then Siena interrupted.</span></p>
<p class="cnMzOTBjZjBmOTUxNzQzMmU5MmE2NDg1YTU5ZTk3MjFh" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnNkOTI4ZjM5NjVlNTRhYmU4MmZjZTZjM2YyMWIyMjU0" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>I bet you were going to see Reid naked!” Siena this is not the time or place.</span></p>
<p class="cnMyMTg3YTZkNzUzOTQ1ZTc5YWY3YjVlZjM2MjVkN2I4" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnNmYzY4YWJhMWQ4ZjQwZDQ5NmY3ZTUyZDE5YTkwOTBk" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>Like I said before I was very rudely interrupted.” I give Siena a death-stare to let her know to hold it in for a while. She knows I have to lie about the dream and her teasing me was not helping.</span></p>
<p class="cnNlNTkzZTA4YjcxYTRkMGY4ZTdjM2Q3MzExYTA2ZGQ4" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>When I got to the river I had discovered Reid severely injured and fortunately I had the necessary potions to heal him.”</span></p>
<p class="cnNlYWFlYmU1M2EzOTQwYTE5ZThmNTc1YzdmMGQ1YzQ2" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnMyZWM2NGExOTAwMzRhZWZhM2U4NTBmNThhNzRmMzJj" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>You healed him with potions? They must have been high potions where did you acquire them. Master alchemists are very hard to get a hold of.” Diana stated.</span></p>
<p class="cnM2MDFkZWQ4YWY3ODRjMjBhNjhkYzI2MTQ2ODFhOTI5" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnMyNmI4ZjAxNTY0MDRmNDBiZDEyNGIyYmQ4MWIwYWVm" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>I was wondering that too, I have seen many high potions before and the bottles they were kept in were a lot more ornate and fancy then the ones you used. Yours were in simple flasks you would buy from a vendor.” Reid added. Its true expensive potions tend to be in ornate bottles and mine are in basic ones.</span></p>
<p class="cnMzNDhhZmU4NmQ2YTRlNzY5NjczYWUxYzY1YTMwMjIw" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnNlOTQ3OTAyNTQ5ZjRlNzdhMzQ1NmM0ZmMxNjE5NjNl" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>This type of plain bottle I have seen before but where...............oh yeah on Lara potions she makes. They are always plain like that.” She then covered her mouth realizing her loud mouth had just exposed me. It is partially my fault because I kept the fact I have level 8 alchemy from her, so she too didn't know where I got the potions.</span></p>
<p class="cnMxYzY3Yjg3NGYzYjQwYmRiNTI0NWExZGU5MDU1Yzlh" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM3NDVlMTM2MTllMDQ0NjhhMjFhOWUzN2QyODYyNjcw" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>Yes I made them. I have level 8 alchemy if you don't believe that is fine I don't care. Just don't tell other people about it. This a much smaller issue then the fact that someone tried to kill Reid and she is a member of this raid group.” I changed the subject because I didn't want to have to go through the whole oh my god a master alchemist thing again.</span></p><p class="cmNmMGI5NDA0ZWE2NTRjNjBiMjVhNmM5MDUwYTdjYWRi">Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.</p>
<p class="cnNiNDA2Mjc0ZWIyMDQ1ZGNiNDdmNzhhNGEyOTYxZmQw" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM0MTI0ZjQ5ZTdmMzRjZGFiNDBiNGM5MDFlZDM5NWYw" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>A member of the raid group? Who?” Diana was obviously astounded that her raid that she probably help pick had a traitor in it.</span></p>
<p class="cnMxMzE2NTkwMjA0MzQ2MWJhOGFjMjdiNGM4ZDQzZGMw" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnNiYjQzNjZjYzE2YzQwNTk5ZjU4MmYzYjZlMTAxNTdk" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>Mabel, she showed up at the river when I was already there she started to undress so I turned my head away in respect. This must have been when she added the poison to my drink to paralyze me. After we had finish washing up we both toasted to a successful mission. Next thing I knew my body was completely numb. She pulled out a knife and approached me and told me she was sorry for what she was doing but me dying would save the other member possibly. She then cut my throat which was a very weird and horrifying experience since I could not feel it being done. As I was dying I prayed to my god Tyr to save me and this little angel here came and brought me back from death's door.” Reid explained how the events had played out from his perspective.</span></p>
<p class="cnNiMTI0OWZhNjFlZjRlODU5NzYxYTBkZWNmYjY1Njc1" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnNkNDQ3OWMxMzAxZDQ1MDJiYWMzNDhhYjdmNTBiMTA1" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>So right now we have to successfully apprehend Mabel, she thinks that Reid is dead. Based on what she said to Reid there likely a trap in the town a few hours away Jaminton. We need to entrap her and interrogate her to see what we can find out.” I explain what our priorities need to be right now.</span></p>
<p class="cnNkMjQ4MmUxMWYxZjRjZDE4ZmJhMDQwNmZkYzViYmMy" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnMyYmZjNDlmZWMyMDQzNzE4NTliOGU1YmQ1NzNlYTRl" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>We need Oliver's help to create a magical barrier. I don't know if Mabel has a way to communicate to her group, also her ring is definitely a spacial ring we don't know what cards she has to play in there.” With Oliver's help this should be pretty easy to do.</span></p>
<p class="cnNkMTk1NzI3OTk4MDRlYzhhNTRjMzM4ODk0ZmYwZGMw" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnMwMDVkNDc1ZDNiZTRjNTdhMWJhYmI5NGJjY2FmYmFl" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>What if she doesn't want to talk?” Reid asked.</span></p>
<p class="cnM0MDUxZGRlNjhhNzQzYTk4NjFlY2ZlYjIwNTg0ZGEw" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnNmODQwNWIyYmMzOTRkN2I4NzUxNmY1ZjQ5MjNmZTlh" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>Well I have a solution for that, there is a potion I wanted to try out. I just need to grab a couple herbs that are common in this area. I can entrust you guys to capture her while I gather these herbs?” With Oliver's help there shouldn't be a problem, Siena alone can capture her. Without access to her spacial ring she isn't going to be able to use any poison. </span></p>
<p class="cnNhNDkzZjU3ZWQ0NTRmNGNhY2JlODhjMTQwM2QwYTE0" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM1Mzc3M2VlOGQ5NTRkNzU4MzIyNDE4OGEzNTBkOGI1" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>Yes I think I am going to get the help of Basu as well. Reid you stay here for now we don't want to accidentally spook her before we have a chance to apprehend her.” Diana added.</span></p>
<p class="cnMwNzQ3OGIxODc2YjRlYzNhZjMwOWU0NWFjYmE0YjQ4" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnNkNDcyNWYwY2ZjMjQ5MDhhMWUyZmMwZGFhZGZkMzYz" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>I have no issues staying in my ladies quarters as long as she would have me.” Reid better stop this whole lady thing I might start regretting saving his life. </span></p>
<p class="cnM1OWRjYjZiYzYzYTQ0OGJiZDIyY2EzMmFiMjVjNTQw" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnNiZjlhZmNlMWE1YTQxMWZhYzFmMmU3N2U4Y2IwYWMz" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span>The sound from earlier returned.</span></p>
<p class="cnM0ZmU3N2JmNzVhNTQ2OTVhM2I1NjI0Y2QxOGYwYmU4" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnNkOWRjYWM0M2Q0YzQ4YjM4YTlkNzA1OTA4NTVhZjI5" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif"><span><em>Please someone help me!”</em></span></span></p>
<p class="cnNhZjAwYzdkZTYyZjQ4NzI5ZjQ4YzdkOTFiZTM0MjU1" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnMxNDIxZGI3NmI0YzRjNTc4YjgyZWY5ZTAxOTY4MjM4" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span>The voice sounds so somber and defeated, I don't know who it belongs to but I definitely feel empathy towards the voice. I really hope I can talk to Grena in my dreams when I sleep there is a lot I need to ask her.</span></p>
<p class="cnM0ZWU4MGE4NTQwYTQ3ZWFiNWQwYmIyMmZlNzk3ODkw" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM3ZDllOTRmN2E5NzQwZDM4NWYyNDc2ZTM1ZmI5NmEx" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span>With that I went to grab a few herbs for a special potion I have always wanted to try out. In my old world there was a drug called sodium pentothal it was known as a truth serum. The potion I wanted to make was somewhat similar. It makes the person talk truthfully, you just have to get them to talk. There is also a secondary reason for this little expedition. There happens to be a necromancer I need to kill for real this time I figure if I don't take care of him now he will become a thorn in the side in the future. Also there is a chance I gain some more intel from him.</span></p>
<p class="cnM1YmIzZDA3Y2YyOTQwMjViZThlMTczMDA0ODc5YWQ3" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnNkNzRmNzZmMWE3YzQ1ZTY4MGIyOWZlYWQ4ZmYxODQz" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span>I quickly set off in the middle of the night. Once I cross the river I can hone in a familiar presence of Eanton's abomination. I assume Eanton must not be to far from him. Once I find the ugly monster I look around and find a cave entrance not too far from it. I approach the cave carefully and for good reason because Eanton has a poison gas trap rigged up decently well hidden it can not hide from my gift however. I skillfully run up the side of the cave making use of my acrobatics skill, totally avoiding triggering the trap and making as little noise as possible.</span></p>
<p class="cnNmODNjZGUyZGM3OTQ5ZWI4YWY0YzBmODE2ZDk1Y2Y2" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnMwZjlmODA4NWY0ZjQ5MTliNjc0MjU0MjA4ODE4MTYy" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span>The cave is very large and Eanton has it pretty decked out he has a mini library, alchemy station, a ritual circle. Basically anything a necromancer could want. There was also a terrible smell in here, and it wasn't coming from the dead bodies lying around......... Seriously man take a shower sometime necromancer-san. </span></p>
<p class="cnM1Yjk2ODBiMWRlMTQ0NzA4ZGM3MWQ5MWExMzNjZDk5" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM2ZGJmMWNkMzIyOTRkNmFiZWI4ZWNlZGNkODViNDcx" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span>Eanton is lying down on a bedroll and he is clutching a book. That must be a grimoire, I grab a book from my ring that was about the same size and do a switcheroo with the grimoire that Eanton is holding. The passed out necromancer grasped the new book and continued to sleep. This book is the Grimoire of Undeath. It explains everything on how to reanimate a corpse as well as other interesting things. I thumb through it for several minutes before I am interrupted.</span></p>
<p class="cnM3NDJiNTJmMTczZDRjZWY5YWQzNzAwN2VhOTBiNjJh" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM5ZjNlYThiMmI5OTRlMjZhMWIxM2M1MmU2ZTkxYTJi" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>GIVE ME IT BACK” it appears Eanton has awoken and found he was missing his most prized possession. He ran at me to grab me, I duck under his arms and use my attack of opportunity to knee him in the gut knocking the wind out of him. I summon a mini-fireball in my hand that is not holding the grimoire.</span></p>
<p class="cnM3ZDFjNjQxZjQzMDQyZmU5ZWIyMDcyMDMyNDI5MTli" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM3MzUzZjZjMDhhNjQ5NmNiMDI2NjAwYWViZGY3OWZi" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>Tell me what I want to know or this gets burned to a crisp!” He was still recovering from my last attack but the mention of his book getting destroyed made him prostate in front of me.</span></p>
<p class="cnMwZTY2NWY0Y2U1OTQ3OWM4NjU0NjJjYTMwNTM0ZTEx" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM0MzVjODEzODdlZDQ1YWFiNGUxOTJlZDFkNDQ3MThl" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>Anything I will do anything just please don't hurt my book!” That was pretty easy time to probe him for some information.</span></p>
<p class="cnMwNWNkNzRmMjA4NTQ5OWNiODRhODg2ZWI2ODFkNjll" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnMxM2ZmNDljMTA0MjQ3ZWJhNWU1NjI1ODFhNmM5OTY5" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>Eclipse who is the leader, and what is there agenda.” </span></p>
<p class="cnM0NTIxZDc1MGMwMzRiMWQ5YTFkNjEzYjg4MGVkNTEz" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnNjOTVkYWQyZjYwNDQ0YzhhMGE1ZTliMjkxOTI1YTgx" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>I don't know.” I didn't like his answer and I brought the fireball closer to his book.</span></p>
<p class="cnMyMzAzMzZmODFiZTQ5Yzg5OTNiZjQ0MmI3YzMxNmZl" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnNiNTRiZjJlMDVjZjQzMDhiYzYxZGI4MGY3N2JkMjQ4" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>I seriously don't know! I was recruited by a woman called Mabel, she serves as my liaison to the group!” He desperately pleaded.</span></p>
<p class="cnNkZTkzNDg1MzU3YTRlNTM4YWFiYTFhOWM0ZDU0ZDhh" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM2YzE1OGJjYjRkYTQ3N2RiNjgzMjM4YTMwOGViNWFi" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>Anything else?” If I moved the spell any closer it would start to burn.</span></p>
<p class="cnM3NDFmYjcxYmM1MTRkNWZiNzRlYmFjODdlNDYyY2Q4" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnNlZWJhNTc2ZWI1OTQ0YWNhZDExODFkNWM5YmZjOWJj" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>Mabel has a book it looks like a journal. It is enchanted and linked with another book, this is how she communicate's with Eclipse. When one book get's written in the other does too.” That is actually super cool it appears I just need to get my hand on that book. I unsummoned the fireball. Eanton seemed extremely relieved he reached out to grab the book as if I would just return it to him. I swiftly grabbed my dagger with my off-hand slash him across the throat. I never said that I wouldn't hurt him, just his book. Eanton looked at me in horror trying to talk but all I heard were gurgling noises. He likes dead things so much I figured he wanted to be dead too. </span></p>
<p class="cnM5YzExNjBlMGZhZTQ0MDVhNmZlNjA1ZDdlMjA0YzM2" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM3ZDczYmM3ZDlmZTQ5MzQ5MDNiYTFlZTgwZjUyNGZm" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span>After raiding his cave of several books I found interesting as well as his alchemetic ingredients. I left the stinky cave. His little pet was now wondering off towards the lake. Fortunately Eanton had some nightshade which was exactly the herb that I required. I quickly returned to camp. When I got back I noticed that several people were outside Diana's tent. I could sense a sound and magic-preventing barrier also around the tent definitely the handiwork of Oliver. I returned to my tent and found that Reid was still there.</span></p>
<p class="cnM1YTAwNmE0YWMyZjRmMTY4MmIwZTAxODdmOWQyYjUz" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnMxZGJhYmM2NDBkYTRhMDI4ZjA0MTk4NTkxNTVmMjRm" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>You know you can leave now they have captured Mabel already.” I said sort of annoyed as I pulled out my alchemy set from my ring and started getting everything ready to make the potion.</span></p>
<p class="cnM5MWQ5YjQ1NWZhYzRhMzg5OTIyMmU5ZDIxOWZkYjM4" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnMzYmE2YWI1N2ZlMjQ5MzQ5MTliNTA3YWU3M2JhYTMx" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>Does my lady want me to leave? I will do so immediately.” He went to get up and leave I sort of felt bad for how I treated him just now.</span></p>
<p class="cnNlOTZmYmM3NWUwYTRmYjJhYmY3MjA2ODMzNWY3ZWE2" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnNjYzNjOGQzYWU4MDQ1MjA4YmExZjcwMmEyZTRhYzFh" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>Well if you want to help me go fill these water skins up with water from the river.” I gestured to a set of water skins that I had set on the makeshift table I had set up. </span></p>
<p class="cnM1NzE5OTU2MTMzMDQxM2U5NGQxZWNjOGNhMWVmNTVl" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span><br>“As you wish.” He smiled happy that he was of use to me. Ugh this charm effect can be extremely annoying at times. </span></p>
<p class="cnM4YmM2ZGQ4MDY1ZTQyNDQ4OTI1YjJhNWRlYTdkYzY1" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnMxMjUxMzUxNzMwMzQ5MmNiNzA1NjljNzAyMzBiMTcy" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span>After finishing grinding the nightshade I had acquired earlier Reid had returned with the filled water-skins. I began boil some water so that I could supersaturate it with honeydew. Reid just watched mesmerized as I worked my magic.</span></p>
<p class="cnM0NGIwYjQ1NDNkMzRmYzRiZDFiMWM2NzVjMWUwNzc2" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM5NDBiNTNmNTg3ZjQ0ZDBiMTk2YjNmZTIxZjkwZjFm" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>So this the work of a master alchemist simply amazing.” </span></p>
<p class="cnNmMjJjMmE3YzFiNjQxZTViOTM5ZjU5YWNlMDhiYTcx" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnMwMWM4ZWM0ZTU2ZjRlNzdiOGRmMzk0NWQ0MzA0ZWY5" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span>It's nothing really with enough practice you could do the same. You can cure people with magic alone that is much more interesting then this.” Flattery wont get you any brownie points with me Reid. I start to explain the basics to Reid whom seems very intrigued by my alchemy.</span></p>
<p class="cnM3YmYxNzRmYjIxMTQ4YWVhMDdjNWFlNTBiMDEyMjg1" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM5NzA1YjFjMjEyNjQxNDVhZTc0ODdmNmFkZDU4MThk" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif"><span><em>The are going to sacrifice me please someone help.”</em></span></span></p>
<p class="cnNiMmRmNTg1ZWZkODQ4Nzc5MTMyN2NiMWEyMDZiNTRj" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnMxODIyNWJkMzFkNTRlMDI4N2M1NjE0ZTU3MWQ4ZGFm" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>The voice continued to plead. I feel so helpless that I had no idea how to find this person. The voice had caused me to lose focus for a second and I almost let me flask to boil over. Reid could sense something was bothering me.</span></span></p>
<p class="cnNhM2ZkYTZkZDI0MDQ0YmM5MTFkOGFmYzhlZmViMjdm" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnM2MGQ1ZjY5N2E1ZTRlMzRiYmE0YTJhMzI0NGYwYTg5" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>Something bothering the Lady?” I really am sick of this Lady crap I got enough when I was younger.</span></span></p>
<p class="cnNhNDk4ZDVkMmU2YjQxNDlhZTkxYzI0ZmJlYWY5NTFj" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnM0ZDc0NTJmYTYwYjQ5N2M5MGNlODcyODNlMTM5OTFh" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>Please call me Lara, like I said you don't owe for those potion's as you can see I can easily make more.” </span></span></p>
<p class="cnM0ZDNkNzU1Y2M3ZDQ3NDI4NTU2ZjM3YjE0MzA1ZTMx" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnNjZDE3MDlhMWY3MDQxZjZiMzBiNTRlMzdiNGVlYWFi" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>As you wish my Laaa......ra” He almost slipped up there. </span></span></p>
<p class="cnMzNTBhYjgyNWRhNTRmODY4OGMwNGMwOGY0NTFhY2U1" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnNiZjA0YzMwZDZiNjRmZjZiNjY1NDExNTA5MWQ3ZTg0" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span><span style="font-style: normal">I finally finished the potion. I went and grabbed two mugs and filled one of them ale slipping my truth potion into one of them. I headed to Diana's tent. I put on an actual pair of fake elf ears I had made by Zyra matching my skin color for situations with magical barriers such as this after having learned my lesson with the prince a few months ago. I knocked on the door and Diana came out and briefed me on what happened. Basically they had apprehended her after tricking her into entering the magical barrier afterwards they interrogated her accusing her of killing Reid and asking about her affiliation with Eclipse.</span></span></span></p>
<p class="cnNlMjUxODI2NDcyNzRlYWViNTA0YmJhOWJlN2ZhMzBi" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnNmZjQ4NjYwMGY0MDQ3MzI4ZDZjZDEyOGRmYWYwZTQz" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>She was very surprised we were able to pinpoint her as the culprit. We explained that someone spotted her returning from the river around when Reid was killed. She denied involvement and wouldn't give any details about Eclipse. Our rogue Mason was in the process of breaking into her spacial ring. I told Diana I wanted to be alone with her. I entered with two mugs of ale.</span></span></p>
<p class="cnM0NzY5MTA0NGJmMDQ4ZGM5YzIzNThhOWNjM2E5ZjI4" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnNiYjdiZDI0NjFjMTQ5YTY5Mjg4MjhmYjgzZTM3NDAy" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>Mabel face was slightly roughed up I can see several hand prints. It seems she has been slapped a few times. I guess this is time to play good cop bad cop. I set her mug by her and untie her hands, she isn't going anywhere because her feet are also bound and there is no way she could untie them before I would notice her doing it.</span></span></p>
<p class="cnM0NGY0NjExYTExNTQwYjRhOGU1Y2NhMTdlZmVjMDBk" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnMzNDJmZjE3ZWIzMzQzNTNhODVjYjgyM2Q5NTdiN2U0" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>Oh my goodness! I cant believe they are treating you like this. They told me to come here and give you some company while they discussed things.” I try to act very sympathetic to her.</span></span></p>
<p class="cnM5YmM4NWMwZWY1YzRhNDFhOTk2YmQ0MDAwOTM5NTJk" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnMxOGE4MTA2NWE0MjRiNzE5YzYxOTc2OTYxZjcwMmRi" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>Yes they think I killed Reid because I was spotted coming from the woods around the time he was killed” She stated sort of annoyed voice.</span></span></p>
<p class="cnMxYjRjOGMwNjhkMTQ5NTc5NDRkMGMwNDI3OGRkOWYw" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnM1OGNmM2Y0MDE3NDQ5ZjQ5ZDgwNmMxNjRkNDhjZWMw" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>Reid is dead?!” I say in a shocked voice. </span></span></p>
<p class="cnM4NTgzZDk5OWE3MTRhNjU5ODM0NjUzYzQ0YjI1YWRk" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnM1Y2RiODBiZTBiODRiODk5ZDI0NWQ5MTFjNzQ3ZjNj" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>Oh they haven't told everyone yet? Yes apparently that's what they are accusing me of doing.” </span></span></p>
<p class="cnM0NDc3Y2NhMDk0YTRlMDI4NjI4OTgzYzFjMzVhYTM1" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnMxZDlhZWNiY2UyOTQzMDZhNjk5MmM3NzY1YzUyODQx" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>You coming from the forest could have been you taking a tinkle? Is that all the evidence they have? Are you alright?” I continue to work my my charm on her. </span></span></p>
<p class="cnMzNmU5YzYxZDBhYTRkZGI4MWE5YTczM2JiOGViYTA0" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnMxNjMwNTdmOWUxODQ3MzBiODIyNzkzYzViOGFlOGFk" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>That's what I tried to explain to them but they wouldn't listen. They just started slapping me when I told them I had no idea what they were talking about.” She reiterated to me. She seemed to be enjoying my company and her body language has become less tense from when I first entered. She began drinking her ale looking at me.</span></span></p>
<p class="cnNlMjY2ZDM2NjUxMTQxM2NhZTRmMjdhNjQwYmQ3ZGM0" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnMwOWY1MTc2YTA5ZTQ5NjM5M2Y5ZTRlM2M5NGE2M2Ux" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>I am so sorry I am sure they will get this all cleared up for you soon. There is no way you could be a bad person, you were so kind in explaining about the hierarchy of gods to me.” I say in a very positive tone to cheer her up.</span></span></p>
<p class="cnMwZWM3NjRjNjc5ODQ1NzE5NTVjY2EwYmZkNzExODAy" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnMyNTI1ODUyYzRiNjQxZjU5MTBhODdkOTNkNTRiZTlm" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>Lara I am curious about you for such a harolded fighter very little is known about you. You are obviously trying to gain my trust by your behavior. What is your angle here?” Mabel was suspicious about my behavior but it wouldn't matter once the potion had taken effect.</span></span></p>
<p class="cnM0MzQ1NWZjZjc0NzQwOWZiZjNmMGYzMGE0M2M1Yjhk" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnM4MTA2ODFjZDBkNTQ5MGM5YTQ1MGM2NDllNjk2ZjZh" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>Why do I have to have an angle perhaps I just wanted to talk to you?”</span></span></p>
<p class="cnNjMDUzYTc0OGY0YTQ0ZDA5NmUwMGEyYmY1MmIwMjli" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnMzMDBlMTZjMjNjODQ3NzM4MjYxMTMzMjEyZGQzN2Mw" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>Haha if that is true what do you want to talk about?” I could tell that she was now under the influence of the potion.</span></span></p>
<p class="cnNlNjcxYzA0Yjc4ZTRlOWNiYTA0ZmJjNDQ1OWNiZjE4" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnNiZTdhYjk3N2U3ZjQxNjBiNjkyMWMzYzI2ZDAyMjc4" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>Oh I was just wanted to continue our chat from earlier. There is a particular demi-god I wanted to talk about his name is Sanite. What is the his relationship with Eclipse?” </span></span></p>
<p class="cnM1ZTM3NDliODExMzQ3MWViZjY1NmUyOTNlMmJlMWQ1" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnNkOWQ5NDc5NmNkMjQ5YjI4MjZjNzlmNjA1MjM1MmY0" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>Well I don't know the exact details because I am just a mid level acolyte but I think by protecting him from outsiders we would have an easier time gaining control of Zyrus after it wains from his influence.” She said to me truthfully.</span></span></p>
<p class="cnM1N2MxYmNjNWVmNzQwY2Y5NTk3MTViMjcyMWFmM2Fm" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnNlOTdlZDMxOWQxZDRlOGE5MzJkZGExNmQ1ZDkwZDMz" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>Who is at the top of Eclipse there is a god which I am guessing is a local god, and a champion.” </span></span></p>
<p class="cnM1YTI0ODhmNzBiMDQ4NmQ4MjJhMWZmMGZlNWZhNDY1" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnMxNjlkZGI3MjMxYTQ2Mjk5NDUxZmJjNDUyMGQzMzM0" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>Outsiders known him as Yolondo he is a ancient human god of Order and Peace, I don't know the true identity of his champion. He simply goes by the name Cain.” She doesn't even realize that she is completely telling me everything.</span></span></p>
<p class="cnNkMzdjMjYzZmQyZDQ0MGRhZDQ5NzY1YWU2NDgyNDEx" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnNlMzUxYWRlZDU2NDQwMDRiNGI0OTc1Y2Y4YTcwODgz" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>Other then the ambush in the town and Eanton in the swamp what other ploys are set up right now?”</span></span></p>
<p class="cnNkMjBmYzI1MWRiMzQzMmZhN2NhYmM0YzM2OTcxNmEy" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnM0MDQxMzA0ZDM2ODQ1NmViY2E3MDIxNmRjMTljMWY0" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>Other then those two? Well there is me to sabotage from within but I guess that has been foiled. There is a small defense team by the serpent tree but they really aren't meant for you guys. There are all sort of traps within the interior of the cave up to the entrance of the Atlus.”</span></span></p>
<p class="cnNjMmQzZGUxOTYwNjRhZTdhNjcyMWUwYmQ1OTA4ODdm" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnM4YTQ5NzVhMTA5NjQxMWZhMmRlMDhiNTBlYTRhYzVh" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>Who is the grand-master alchemist who is supplying you? I assume he is level 10.” </span></span></p>
<p class="cnMwM2NjYWFhYzM1MjQ0MGNiNmJiYjA0N2JlMzU0OWQx" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnNlNjAzYmE0NTRiZDRjODdhNWRkOGRkZjk4YjI4ZTYx" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>Cain, he also happens to be an extremely powerful elemental mage</span></span></p>
<p class="cnMyMDY4ZjQwMjUzODRiNjI4N2EwMzA1ODc2OTBlY2Y5" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnM2ODdlNDI2NjEzYjQyMDdhYTQ3YmNhODZhNmM4Mjhi" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>The book you communicate with is there any secret code or method you guys use?” I am guessing the book is within her ring being opened up by our rogue.</span></span></p>
<p class="cnM4ZTdhOWMxYTU1NDQzZTE5NzQ4YmMyOGRiNzRhODdh" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnNjM2E3Y2JmNzI0OTRhYzJhZWUyNzQyNTdiNDQwOWYy" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>The message are encoded, the third letter of every word exactly 6 characters long is the cipher.” After this I rebound Mabel's hands and left the tent I had everything I needed to know that potion was amazing.</span></span></p>
<p class="cnM2ZDBlMGY0OTY4ZTQ1MGU4M2M1N2Y3Y2M4MTYxYzMw" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnM0MWI2NmUxZDljYjQxNmJiNWU2YjBjOTQ2Mjc4ZWY2" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>Mason was still working on the ring and now Oliver is helping too, I told Diana to let me know when they are able to crack it. I am very tired and need to lay down for a few hours. I head back to my tent and thankfully there is only a sleeping Siena inside. I quickly doze off.</span></span></p>
<p class="cnMxNWZiNjZmYjY5ODQwOWI4ODgzMDBmZGMyM2RkNmFi" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnM1NGU0ZDljNDA0YjQxZTU4OTc3YjBhN2UxNmM2NGMx" style="margin-bottom: 0in">“<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif"><span><em>Help me, they are going to use me for there ritual. I need someone to save me.” </em></span></span></p>
<p class="cnMyMGMyMmQ5ODUzMDQ5YzNiNWQ2NGMyZTUxODRlMzZm" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p>
<p class="cnM5N2NjYjg0YzBhNDQzNGY4MjQ5MDgzNDAwMzQ5ZWQ3" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>I could see a young girl who was in a locked cell. She was roughly my age, she has jet black hair and emerald green eyes. There was two things that stuck out about her. Her aura seemed so powerful almost like it didn't belong on such a small girl. Also something about her felt familiar almost as if I knew her but different I couldn't put my finger down on it. I tried to get more information but I felt a mental tug from another force, I tried to resist it but it was too much and the vision turned white.</span></span></p>
<p class="cnMxYWNiZDg5NjcxYjRlMzk5OWM4YzUwYTY4NDliYmYx" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnNhMmIyM2NmYzE0MjQ4YmQ4ODM3YWQ3MDFlNDhjNmI5" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>Thou had innate physic power, this is something that was not foreseen. This does help explain thou rapid physical development, thou vessel is trying to keep up with the overflowing power thou possesses. This is extremely problematic. Thou has not trained in physic control like thou has magical control, this will temporarily be a glaring weakness that can be exploited by enemies.” Grena had manifested a meadow on a sunny day with table and tea into my dream we both were sitting at the table.</span></span></p>
<p class="cnNmYTEzNTFmMTZkNTQ3NGVhM2I0MTczZDlhMmQ1NmUy" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnNjNzMxYjRmNGE5ZDRkYmQ4MWU4Yjc0Zjg0ZTc0Njg5" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>A vessel that carries both physic and magical pathways could only happen one way. Thou soul carried physic pathways from another realm into this vessel with magic pathway's already. Thou's soul was not wiped clean when thou reincarnated. Thou has memories from another realm?”</span></span></p>
<p class="cnNjYzJkODJmODcyNjRkMzhiMTE5OTQ0MTlkZTkxNmNi" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnNlMWQ3MzNiY2IxMDRhMzBhYmM4NzkzZmI2YmNkZDA5" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>It is as you say. I had no idea that in my previous life I possessed such power” I confirm to her. So I had physic power as Taiko? I suppose I sort of did have a kind of sixth sense to detect incoming danger but that was the extent of it.</span></span></p>
<p class="cnMxZmI3MTVkOGFjNzQ5NzhhZGE1OWIxZDc3NGMyOWY5" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnM4OTY1OTNmZmU3NzQwOTk4N2UyOTE3YmVkM2I0YjY0" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>Unawakened physic power is impossible to detect. The pathways run through the void of ones body and soul. The only way they are tangible is when they manifest. They were stagnant but when our soul's formed a pact the pathway through the void between us caused them to awaken. Thou needs to quickly learn to shut off exterior influences. Thou has already picked up on one.”</span></span></p>
<p class="cnM1MGQ4Y2QwOTRkMDQ2NGY4Njg3ZGQwZGU3NGU1MWM4" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnNhYWQyY2M2NWJhODRlMzE4YTI0NDAyMzM2OGE5NzY5" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>That girl I need to help her something is telling me that she is important.” I can't just let her be sacrificed.</span></span></p>
<p class="cnNjMTI0MDJmM2Q0NDQ2MWM5OTM0NGM0MDZiN2VhN2Zk" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnNhNWQzZjk1OTU2NjQ0Yzg5OTNlNTgzZTFhZmEzZjIw" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span>Thou realizes that this is perhaps a ploy by our enemies, a trap if thou will. If thou decides to pursue this do so with extreme discretion. Seek the free spirit's advice about your physic ability she once knew one with similar power” With that the scene faded away and the voice calling out me returned to come save her form her fate.</span></span></p>
<p class="cnNiMDM4ZDZiYzViYzQ1OTRiOWQyMWVhYzA0N2NlOGZk" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> </p>
<p class="cnNlZDExY2EwM2I2NjQzMzE5ZWJhY2ZjYWY3M2Q5ZmNm"> </p>
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<i class="fa fa-calendar" title="Published"></i> <time unixtime="1476302209" datetime="2016-10-12T19:56:49.0000000Z" format="U" >Wednesday, October 12, 2016 7:56:49 PM</time>
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Chapter 2 - The Station
 
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Chapter 2 - The Station
 
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<h1 style="margin-top: 10px" class="font-white break-word">Chapter 2 - The Station</h1>
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<div class="portlet-body author-note"><p>Any and all reviews and comments will be apriciated</p></div>
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<p class="cnNjNGM1MTc5NzdlOTQwNjQ5ZDZjZmU5ZDZkOWZkZDY1"> </p>
<div class="WordSection1">
<p class="MsoNormal cnNmNmEwMzA5NjVmMzQ0OWJhNTgyZTJjOTM2NTFjYjdm" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>Chapter 2 - The Station</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnMyNzlhNzM1MGExZTRiODU5MTdhOGViNzBhNDljOTA4" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNkZGVkYWYxYjNhZTQwZTZiZTc1ZDQ1OTRkMjY2YTcz" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>So… I guess you're wondering a few things like how am I going to solve this and clear my name, what's my phone number (Ladies *wink* *wink*), oh and maybe how Beth looks like.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM1ZjUwOThmNjY0YzQ2NmI5ZjViN2EzNzE3ZThmN2Fi" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>All in due time my audience, all in due time.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnMyODExNmVkNjE2ZjQ1MmI5Y2MyNmEyOWYwZDFjYjJi" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM1MGUwZTcyM2M1MjRjY2VhMjFkN2IxZmUyZTI1MDg1" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>First of I’ll start with the boring stuff, Beth. She has brown eyes and seems to be about a meter seventy or so with toffee skin and turquoise colored hair of medium length in a bun style, she wore a black leather jacket over a white shirt with her badge on a long necklace and dark blue jeans. I want to say she's petite but a more fitting description would be muscular petite.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNkNjFjNjVkYzY4MzQ5ZGQ4ZjFkZGIwNDNhNGFhNDEz" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnMwNjZiYzJiZThhYzRjNzRiZTJhNjM1YjdlOTkxZWJk" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>Now enough about her and back to me, my phone number is 1-800-don't-call-me and for the rest you'll just have to wait and see.<br> Now back to the story.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNjODY1OTg2OTQ5MTQ3YjZiYzZmYWNhOWI3Y2QwMmE4" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM0NmVmZDAwZTQ0NDRiYjFhNzFiNDA0YTFhYTc5YzJk" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“So” Beth started saying “Where’s your ship?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM1OGEyNTU3NGNmOTRjZDViZTY4ZmUxNWYyMDNhM2I1" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Over there” I pointed and we started to walk towards her</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM4MGQ0ZWJjNmRmMjQ1YWVhOTM0NjNiMzM1YmM0NmE1" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Right...” she answered confused</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNmMmU4N2JjZjFkYTRhYTBhZDIyYWE0ZWFlMGYzYWQw" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>I decided to use this opportunity to lay some ground rules</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNiOTI4Yzg5MmYxNjRlMGY5YjAwYzAxYmIxYmJmOGE1" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Listen, Beth, before we start working together we need to agree on a few rules”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNhZmFlNmIxMmU3ODRkNmQ5YWU4NWY0MjViNWNmYmQy" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Understandable” she agreed</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM3Yjg2MGIxMzVlOTRjZTE4M2ZkYmJjOTVkZjI1NmFk" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“First, upon my ship the captain’s word is law. Second, we may commit mostly legal, semi legal, not so legal, grey area and flat out illegal thing, comes with the gig.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNmYTU5MTFlOTIyMDRhM2I4MWM5OWRjY2Q3NzA3ZjFk" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>Last but not least, whatever gear, guns and gadgets you used till now will need to be replaced, got it?” I told her decisively.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnMzYTI2ZDU2NmExNDQ1Y2M4N2EwZjdmYmRmODgyNzNi" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Hahaha, ahh, wait you're serious? do you not understand your situation?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM5ZDUxOTJjYmQ3MDRhYmQ5YjNiZmE4NGNjYzQzY2Ew" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“I do. We’re going to go find out who set me up and then I shoot his, her or its (not discriminating) lying little face”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNmYjliNmUyZjFhZTQ0MTBiMmQxMjA4NzdlNjI0NmJi" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Listen kid, I read your file and you're good, but we’re not about to run around the galaxy shooting people in their face ok? I’m assigned to investigate why someone would want to kill Mr. Bower. Your job, as his killer, will be to assist me with whatever knowledge and connections you have in order to redeem yourself. Remember who has the authority here”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnMxYWJkNzA5YmFhYzQ4MjU4OGRmODY0Zjc3ZDNjNDRh" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>How dare she act as if I’m just some brat. I'm a respected professional in my field. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM1MGVjNGEyZWQ5ZDQ5MTI4NjllNzdmMDdmZjJlZDE0" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>Ok stop, relax yourself Jayzarr, remember your position, breathe in *hu*, Inner peace, breathe out *hoo*</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnMyY2VlMThkNTQ1ODQxZmRiOGNkZmQ5N2EwMTRlNzQ2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Fine we’ll do it your way. I'll tell <em>Her Highness</em> that you're the captain”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNmNzM1MjEzODUyZDRkMTU4ZDMwOTBjNzA5N2YxNjI1" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Thank you. Wait, who’s <em>Her Highness</em>?” she asked surprised</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNlY2M3YTUwMmU5MDQwYzBhM2E3ZDJhMzYyYTBjYTA3" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Oh right, I forgot to tell you about my ship, Queen. She is equipped with a fully operational AI type STAR (Situation and Tactical Advanced Robot), installed and in full control of my ship”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM3NGZhYjlmYTFjMTQzMmM4YjZjYTkxZDkyMDNhZmY0" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Those are banned in both the Gapaiem and United space, how would a kid like you get one?” she said not believing a word I said<br> <br> <br> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNjNjY0MTU3YWFmYjQzNGE5YjUyNjE0MjgzMDk3MDNl" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>For those of you who don’t follow, let me tell you a brief history lesson: </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM4YmFkYmE0NzQ1ZjQxZmE4Zjc3MmVhN2I5OTMxNjM4" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>A couple of year ago the combined effort of two technology companies created the new STAR AI, but both the Gapaiem and United governments deemed it to dangerous, and the project got scrapped with only 6 working prototypes.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM1N2E1NTI5NTRkNDQzMjBiYjZiNmRlN2JiM2E5NDMx" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>Reason being it was too smart. It’s basically a super intelligent self-aware AI, and that scared them (whole AI rebellion thing).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNjMWM1MzY0NjJlMzQ3NWU5MWYyMmIxZThjZWRlMjY3" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>Now out of the prototypes four were destroyed, one was lost and another I found, which we all know and love as <em>Her Highness</em>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM3ZWMyNWFhZWM1MDQxOGViN2UwYjg5MTFhZWM1NTgy" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNkOTYwNmU1NjM1YzQ2YTQ5MGI3ODUwMjY5OGU2NzM5" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Well long story short I found her in an old lab which was decimated by the Roden. I decided ‘what the heck’ and installed her into my ship. We’ve been partners ever since”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM4YWU0YjBlOTdlYTRhOTY4YjkyZGY3ZjBiODQyNTky" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“All Right I’ll ignore it for now, but I still don’t get why you call her Queen?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM0N2U3ZDNmNWY4NTQ4MjhhYWU3YTU2MDY5NGZkZGRm" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“When I first installed her I asked her what her name was and that’s what she chose”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNlOGRhZDJjN2Q0NDQ5ZWFiNTAwYzAwOGVlNjNkYjQ2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>As I finished saying that we reached the ship.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM3NTQ0YzdiNWVkODQ0Yzc4MTZiZTA4YTM2ZWYwMzE2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“There's nothing here” gesturing with her hand at empty air</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNjN2ZjMTAyOWIyMDQ0ZTRiZDdkNTZlODg4NDc3OWNh" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“That's called cloaking” most ships AI are not advanced enough to for it “Queen if you may?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM1MmQ2MjBhZjYyYzQyNTJhYWMxMmI4ZWVlNGJkZmIx" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>With the cloak dropped she now stood there with her full glory in plain sight</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnMzMDBkZjYwZjRkMDRlYjI5ZWFjOTJkY2NkMGJhZmM1" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>"That’s your ship, it’s a piece of garbage “Beth said in disgust.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM3NTk4Zjg3Y2MyNzRiZjE4YjYzOWY4OTkwMjZlOTVm" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Now I know she ain’t pretty on the outside, but when you go to the places you need to go in my line of work she blends in perfectly”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM3ZDUwNGQ3NjRmMzRlNGNiNjRlNDdlODZkNWE1YjBk" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"">Hello Miss Bethany Nax, officer of the 5</span><sup><span style="font-family: "Courier New"">th</span></sup><span style="font-family: "Courier New""> degree</span><span>” said all of a sudden a robotic female voice.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNkM2QyMWE0NjdiNzRmZWFiMWNjMWRhYzYyMDQ2YWI2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>Funnily enough, it actually caused Beth to jump back in surprise.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM2OTFhYzAyZTBmNjRiYmE5MzhhZTJkOTc4OGFmNTlk" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Who said that?” She asked startled “And how do you know that?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnMzYThkNDg4M2Y1YzQyYzRiNTQyZDg2ZjAwZWY3YTJh" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“That was <em>Her Highness</em>, she performs background check on all her passengers, oh right your highness beth’s the captain. Now if you may open the door”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNkNzhjMjI2YjkzOTQxZjViNmM0ZThiNzBmM2EzYTlh" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"">“I need the captain's approval for that”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNmMzc3NGZhZWJjNTQ1MjViNTVhOGQyNmFmOTY4MDEx" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Ha ha, very funny”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNlN2FiYTIxZmM4MzQ2Y2JhNDYzMDhiZWFjOGJlMDhk" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"">“Let me have a bit of fun” </span><span>she pouted</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNjNzQxMmMwNTU4NDQ0ZDE4ZjdmZTQ2NWFiMjJkNmZl" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>With the door opened we got inside and sat down.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNiMmViMmM3MTEwNTQwYmJhMTQ5MmY5NDQ5ZGQ5Nzcw" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnMxYzNmZjIwNDU4ZjQ3NWI5ZmFlOWFmYjgzMDdiYzFk" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Take us out to the atmosphere, please” I asked Queen as I fiddled with a few buttons and knobs</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM5OGIwMTllODAxODQ3MGQ5NDI4YmZiMGE1NWI4MWQ3" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"">“Initiating atmospheric departure sequence” </span><span>after a slight pause she asked </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"">“How was the bounty?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNjMWZiMDYxYTc1YjQzZGM5N2IxZjIxNjA5ZGUxNjMz" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Seems I was set up, nearly went to prison”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM0ZjYwNGVjMmM4YjRmMGNhYWE0YjQxYTQ5YTI2NjI3" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"">“How dreadful. Was it at least better the ayrua incident?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNiM2IwNjdjNWY5YjQ4YTg4ZjlmYmVlMGNjYWY0NGQz" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Don't remind me of that”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM1YTY3MjkwNGE1YzQ2MGNhYjdhNDY5NzY2ZTY1ZjE1" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“What's this ayrua incident?” interject Beth</span></p><p class="cmQ4Y2RhMjkyM2Q0YTRlZjg5N2Q0YmI4ZTg4YmVkYTYx">This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNiNDBjNWVkNjkyNjQ0YmU5ODMzMDc5ZmQ1OGQ0OWI2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“I'd rather not talk about it. Could you instead use your investigative skills to figure out why I was framed”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM1ZjU5M2YxNTA5ODRiOGRhMGU0OTY0NzU5OGI1NjQ2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“You weren't framed”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnMzN2M3YjZjOGYyMzQxODJhYzBmZDA1ZGY1YTQwMTA3" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Then what do you call this then?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNmZGQ4YzJmM2MxMTQ5NmQ5MDhjYmYzYmRlNTE1NzI0" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“You were used” she smirked</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnMzNDEwZGMxNDk0MzQzMmNhYzI3NjhkMjc0ODkyZjQ1" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Great, but why me?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNiZDZlNGNlMzZmNjRiN2JhNmFkODMwYjU4YjI5NjU0" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Hmm if i had to guess of the top of my head, I would have to say because you're young, skilled and not very bright...”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM1ZjE1NGZhNzU3MzQzZjNhYzkzZjMwYjhhNDU5YjEx" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Hey!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnMzODQ1YmEwYzBhYzQ0NGVhN2QyNzBmM2ZmMjFkNDQw" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Let me finish” she stopped me “They used you because they didn't expect you to bring it back for scanning. They relied on your cockiness, knowing you wouldn't get it scanned, and with you thrown to the dogs it would take time to have your trial, time that they will use. That's my theory anyway. Now what they wanted is harder to guess, for that I’d need more information” she explained rubbing her chin thoughtfully</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNiNzI0YmU1N2FkMjQzMmRiNjA2NGY4MjFlNzg2NThl" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>I have to say that at that point I was in awe of her</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNhMjc4YjgyMGM2YzQzY2NiYTg4YzdiNGQ5MzBhYzAy" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“More information coming right up. Queen please set course for Tav’s place”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnMwMTllYThjNmFkMjQ2OGFhYjc5OGMwYTQ0NzI3ZjI3" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Wait I thought her name was <em>Her Highness</em>”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnMwZDA1N2IxYmI5NTRiZDlhYTVkMWY4MzI5MjJkMWZl" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“She'll accept Highness, Queen or STAR as her name” I explained</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNlOWRmZjZiYzA0ODQ1NzQ5YzVjM2JmZDcwOGQxZTZl" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“So where is this friend of yours?” Beth asked as we both got strapped into our seats</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNiNmUzNjQ0ZmUyZjRmYTA4ZDk5MTlmOWE1OGZkN2Vi" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“In the Avak zone of course” I said as I pushed the button</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM0NTA5NThjZmE5MjQ3OWViMzM0ZTYzMjhhMDA0MzJm" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Are you crazy, DO YOU WANT TO KILL US!!!” she yelled to me in fear.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnMwMmY4OWNmYmRkYzQyYTBhNDEzZmZlZjc4OTQyNWJh" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>To which I started to laugh a little too crazy like, as the generated portal opened and we flew into it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM3YjRlYzA0Njk1NDRkYmNhZWQ4YjZmYjI0NDEwZjU0" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNhMjhhYjNmNmQ0ZTQyNTk4MGI1MWYwYjllYWNhOGI3" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>You might be wondering why Beth was so afraid and I started to laugh. For me it was just funny to see her crap her pants like that (metaphorically of course). She had genuine reasons to be afraid of the Avak zone, as it’s impossible to navigate successfully there without any waypoints with the few that do exist belonging to pirates (and various hostile factions). Waypoints work like a network, they act as a beacon for ships to generate a portal to. Most waypoints in the Avak zone are passcode locked, causing a generated portal to the Avak zone to put you at a pretty random location.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNmZjBkN2IzNDRmODQ1OGJhNWVhNGIxZDYyN2EwMjlm" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM4ZmNhOWYwYzc3YzRkMjdiMWZlY2Y2YjdmMDBjZmU0" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>Once we got out onto the other side we saw a very large space station with a big neon sign saying ‘BAR’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNkYWMwOTA1NDcwMDRjNjM5NWJkNzkwNjExN2JlZWY4" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>”Don’t you EVER do that again“ Beth started to say while letting her heart rate return to normal “besides where are we?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnMyOWMzYzhkODVjOTRkZTg4ZGNhMTI2NzNiNzMyMjFk" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"">“We have arrived at the ‘BAR’ miss Nax”</span><span> Queen answered</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM2ZTViMjFmNTAxZTQ5NWNiOTQ3OTczNzIwYWM4ODM3" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Wait you don’t mean the ‘BAR’, do you?” she asked me, unsure</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnMwM2I4MTYwY2JjZjQ2NjViNTQwZDdhY2NiNjgxNWE2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Yes that one, the one and only neutral ‘BAR’ of Tavaster, but his friends call him Tav”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNjZDIzOWNhNzY3ZjQyMmY4YjJjMjRiNmY2NDczMWMy" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"">“Docking complete”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNmNGI5NmMyNmY0ODRhOGI4NmRlZjUyY2YwMGE1YmZl" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Ok good, now to get us some new gear and information” with that said Beth and I got out of my ship and started to walk towards the hub of the station.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNjMTQ4Njk2YzA3NzQ5ZDBhZGZjMzBlMzRiM2YyNzdi" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNkMTA0NWEwOWU5YzQ3Nzc5NGU1NzNiZWQ3OTcxMzA5" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>The BAR is a large space station owned by Tavaster, one of the richest and most influential people in the galaxy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM2MGQyYWQ1ODgyNzQ1ODRiYzAzNTdkNDY0M2YzNTM5" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>He looks like a human, tall, handsome, bit of stubble on his face, but everybody know he’s something else. Rumor tells that he’s been alive for over a millennium, and that he single handedly destroyed an entire untied armada.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNjNWExNzFmNTRkMzQxOTk5MDE3YTgzOWUxNGMyYjMx" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM1ZmY1ZGQzNGE0NTRhYjg4MzExNmYwMmU5ZjQ0OTg3" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>On the station there are only a few rules: Tav’s word is law, no killing without his permission and every individual on the station is free.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnMxMDU3ZTNhYjFiZTQ4M2M5NjRiZGVlNjk2MDAxODA5" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>The BAR has many attractions: one of the best clubs, an actual bar, a great hotel and the rest of the station has various shops, all owned by people that are lucky enough to be in Tav’s good grace, one of which is the weapon smith.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnMyODRmZDU3ZDBjMDQyOGFiMzkzNjI5NTA1ODI3ZWJl" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNkZGUwOGE2OTczYTQzNzhhNzM4ZTA5ODg0MGM4ZDhk" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>I took Beth to his shop, a lovely place that’s looks like a junkyard stuffed into a closet.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnMxNjA0YzhhY2YxZDRkMjhiODA3MzdkODhkZTAyNjZi" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Jasper, is that you?” he asked once I stepped into the shop “Ah and you brought costomer with you” he said with his broken speech</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM5MzRhMDM3OTI5NzQ4MTdiNjMxNDg1YzM4ZjAwOWVm" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>He’s a blaxian, around one thirty meters, always walking crouched, with brown skin and six beady eyes and four arms.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM0NWMyMzcxOTQ5ZDRhYmI4YmY4ZjVkYTg0NTVmOTZh" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“As always Keldan, your nose cannot be tricked”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM4NTE5OWQ0NDNjZTRhNGM4M2U0YWNlZWI3MTM2ZTFh" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Yes, yes. What you need me to build now, new gun mod perhaps?” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM2OGI2MDg2N2U4NTRlMGZiZWE1N2E2ZWY3NWEyOTQ1" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Not this time old friend, I actually need new gear for my friend over here. She is in dire need for an upgrade. Oh, and put it on me” to which I saw his eyes starting to glow</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnMzZWNiNmI2YThmNTQ5MzZhNTQyMDBkNjlkZDRkMTM1" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Hey, that’s not…” she started but he already started to pull her into the abyss that was his shop in order to make her a new gun. You must understand that Keldan is very precise in his work and demands the presence of the person who he’s making the gun for, so it will be optimal for them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM2MGYzNzk5YzQ1YzQxMzlhOTUzOGI5YzQ5MDMxMTE5" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>So while Beth was being harassed by his obsessiveness for perfection, I went to search for Tav.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNmNGMxN2I4OWQ1ZDQ0MDI4YWIwZGU0YmIzNWRlNmEw" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnMwODdlOWE5YTgzMTQxOTViYzgyZDg3Y2UzZmZiYWRi" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>The legend himself can mostly be found at the restaurant, a beautiful place sporting red velvet walls and mahogany furniture.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnMzZGM2MDVmNGJkNzQwMWY5MTg1MzUwNWYyZmYwNWYx" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>I started walking towards the entrance with a couple of people looking at me in surprise, I guess they never expected to see the great bounty hunter Jayzarr, the one and only (or wondering what someone like me is doing here).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM0MjM0NTVkMjNhZTRkZDM4NDliMTVhZmU0NDIwZGJi" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNlYTc2MWM5ZWE5YTQyZTNiMTBiMzE2NGNlZDg1NDJl" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>When I got to the opening of the restaurant Tav saw me and gestured me to come towards him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNlMjc1NTVlN2U3ZDQ3NDA5NTE2YjEyNzNjZDljYjkz" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>"Jay my friend, it has been some time” greeted Tav “Come, meet councilor Gavitares"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM5NTExNTIwOTI4YzRiMDBiM2MwNjg3M2UzZGJiZTZl" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Umm, hi” I answer awkwardly</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM3ZTM1YWM2ZTgzYzQ1YmY5ZDdiYTY1MDQxMWE1MDA2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Greetings young man” he replied politely</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM3ZjZlYjVmZjBiNzRkMjU4YWRkYTY2ODUwOThhZjYy" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>Gavitares was a tall bald man, he was half human and half priloci (priloci are pink greenish humanoids, with four eyes and four fingers). You could see he was greenish and his four eyes stood out, but he had five finger proving he was a Halfling.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNlYzE5M2NhMmM4ZDQyZTRhNTc2MGYyNjU1ODVkN2Qw" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>In front of me stood one of the most prominent people in the Gapaiem alliance, I cannot tell you how awkward it was, luckily for me Tav broke the silence</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNiOWY2OGU2YjZmMDRmZjhiNzI5NWZiYTFiYjhjMTA1" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Councilor I am so very sorry, but we will have to postpone our conversation for now to a later date. Best wishes”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM5MDMxZTI5YTI0ZTQxZDZhZGI4ZjViM2M5NzMzN2Uz" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>And with that Tav put an arm on my shoulder and led me to an empty table.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM5ZTkxZmM3MDI3NDQxNWRiMmJmMDA1NmJmMWFiZjhi" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNlNjcwZWNkNzAyYjQ3Njg5OWIzMDMxMjIwMTY5MDhi" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Would you like to eat?” he asked</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNkZDZiOWI1ODJkOTQ0MDQ4Mzk3M2IxYmZhYjliYTRk" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“I’m fine thank you” I put on a serious face “What I need is information. Can you help me?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNiMjA4NWZmNjgzOTRmMTRiMzU4NDUwOWQyMzkxMTdh" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Well that all depends on what you can offer me in return” he said as his mouth turned to a sly smile “How about this, tell me something I don’t know and in return I’ll give you whatever information you need. deal?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnMwYmY4NzkwNGQ5ZjQyOTZhYTgyMmU0YzA4ZDRkY2Mw" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Deal, I was double crossed by ExoCorp. They set me up and had me kill on an illegal contract. Now I have a week to clear my name”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNmMWM4YWRmYjEyMDQ2MmU5ZTQ4MTE2Y2MzNTUxMTE0" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Hmm, interesting, but I already know this” he always does seem to know everything “Anything else?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNmYTZlNGNmNTE4YTQ4MjJhMDc1MGQ1M2FhNzAxMjgy" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“I've never kissed a girl” I admitted embarrassed </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnMxYzQyMTMzMGVhYTQ1Mzg5Y2EyODg0NDkzNmFlOTA3" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“See that wasn't too hard. So, what do you need to know?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNmNjhmYTFjMmI0NzQ0NGM4YzcwOWRhYTU5NGNlOGU4" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“I need to know who and where”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM1MGJiZjVlNWQ5YzQzNzhhNzBhY2MwZWViNTQxOTEz" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Unfortunately I don’t have any real names at this time, but I have been following on this organization’s activities. It would seem that they are a subgroup within the corporation, as for what I do have is the location of the research station where the man you killed worked”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNiOTdiOTMyZmY5ZDQ3ZGY5ZGRkMzg5ZWJlNGE4M2Ri" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“But I didn’t tell you his name yet” I questioned</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM5N2Y0OTg2MzFjZDQwZWRiMzQ5NWQwMWRhNzViMTY3" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“True, but I knew why you were here even before you even got here. I sent the waypoint passcode to your ship once you landed” he explained “Now, are you sure you don't want anything to eat?” he insisted</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNjYzAzYTQyNzEyZTQ3MTk4ODY5ZTE3YmQ1YTc4Yzcz" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“On second thought I think I'll have a fran-bez”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM4NDk2YTA0NzZkODQ4ZGVhNTEzOWU3NTBmNzc4MjFk" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Excellent choice, waitress two fran-bez’s” he raised his hand, signaling her</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNlN2FjNGRkODEwYTRjOTk4Y2I2YzAxYWRhNzE4N2Yx" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>Tav is just not the kind of person you say no to. He asked me twice to eat something, it would be rude to decline, plus he gave me a lead for free (more or less).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNiY2Q3NjFjNGRjNDRlOTI4NWI5NGYwZGM4MzFlYzFk" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNlM2MwMTRlMTQ5ZjRmNjQ5NWZmOGY0MjZiNWIzOTdm" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>When I got back to <em>Her Highness</em>, I saw Beth waiting for me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnMzMWEyYWUyOWIwNDRiYTI4NjU5MDgwNTIzNDFlMDYy" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“What took you so long?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnMyYTQ5ZjJiMzE5OTQ3NmI4MTFjMzFhYWM0YmJkMWZl" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“You don't say no to Tavaster. Anyway, don’t worry I got the info we need”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnMxNzk3YzM2ZjY4YTQ2ODY4ZGRmNWVhYjk4OTZlYjJh" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Great, what did you get?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM5ZmIyN2Y2ODgwMzQyOGE4MTQ2ZjFiNzU4YzA0ZWJl" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“Our next destination” I told her as we entered <em>Her Highness</em></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNkYjE2OWNlMDUwYjQwZjJiM2YwYWU0OTVmZDU3MmQ4" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“So where are we heading?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM5NDc4MWRkMGYyMDRlMDJiNWQxN2JhNWQ5ZGEzNzAw" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“We are going to the research station were Richard Bower worked, it’s our best lead. By the way how’s your new weapon?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNhZGI3MjFjMWVhNjQ0ZDZiYTBhOTk0NDBiODQzNDIx" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“It is unbelievable, a mark V-34 handgun with doubled magazine and ionized shots, do you realize how illegal this is” She answered me with a glimmer in her eyes</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNlNDlkZmQ4Mzc4MTRkN2Q4OWVmZDJjNjFkNjcwN2Zj" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“So are you going to throw it away?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnNmNWI2NGI1OTUwNTQ1OTZiYjVhNDVkMmEzZTc3ZjA1" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>“NO!” she suddenly shouted “... I mean we’re not in Alliance jurisdiction anymore”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM5M2IzNjY4YTdiMjQ3OWU5Yzk1NTJlOTFiMzBiODA1" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal"><span>I spread my arms and said “Welcome to my world” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal cnM4N2JlMmM1N2E5YjQ2Yjc5YmEzMTAzMzE1NDdlZGQ5"> </p>
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<i class="fa fa-calendar" title="Published"></i> <time unixtime="1476304114" datetime="2016-10-12T20:28:34.0000000Z" format="U" >Wednesday, October 12, 2016 8:28:34 PM</time>
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After lunch, the four of us proceeded to the assembly.
 
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<h1 style="margin-top: 10px" class="font-white break-word">Chapter 11 - The Assembly</h1>
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<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content">
<p class="cnNiYWEwODQzYzgzZDQwMjM5MDQyYzI1OTRiNjgzZTE0"><strong>Chapter 11 - The Assembly</strong></p>
<p class="cnNmMTA2ODEyOTYxZTRmNWQ5YTdjNDFjY2E4MTlmMzk1"> </p>
<p class="cnNkOGNlODllZGRhOTRmYWJhZWQwMmI1N2RmNzQ2NDg1">After lunch, the four of us proceeded to the assembly.</p>
<p class="cnM4YmFkZjlkNmY2YzRhN2Y5NTk4Mjc4MmRiYmI2OWU1"> </p>
<p class="cnMzZGE4YjQ2YzNmYjRlZjFhYTYzNTI3YzBlZjlhMzYx">My heart wouldn’t stop racing, I still can’t figure out what I should say.</p>
<p class="cnNkMDExZTQwYjQ5MjQxYjBiMDFmYmQzNmJkZTYzZTg3"> </p>
<p class="cnMyZWNiMmU4ZDNiNzRiZjk4ODc3NWI0MDM2NWY5Njhi">Let’s just listen to the other speeches and try to follow a similar pattern.</p>
<p class="cnM0Y2JmNDBkZjEwZTQ0ZTY5ZDYyNTkwMDI5MjMyYWQ1"> </p>
<p class="cnM0ZmM2ODI4NzkzZDQxYmVhMzQ2YTVlN2YzYzJiNGZl">I sat next to Kaede in the grand assembly area, near the front.</p>
<p class="cnNmOTUwZmZmYTI5MzRjZTdhMDEyNzE2MjFlNTExM2Jm"> </p>
<p class="cnNlOGJiMDI4MDM0NTQ5ZWQ5YWUyNTZjZTM2OTIwZDVj">Akiho was on the other side of me and Haruna was next to Akiho.</p>
<p class="cnNmYjkwZGE1ZDFlMTRhNTA5MzhkZDhhMmYxNDkyYzg5"> </p>
<p class="cnNlYjUzZTUwZGEyODQ2ZTRhZTI0NTY0MmVhYjAyOTJi">The assembly area was terribly grand as expected, but since everything is like this I’m beginning to get used to it.</p>
<p class="cnM1YmQ2ZGFlMTczMzQwNTU5NzZmNWM5OGY3MmQyZGI0"> </p>
<p class="cnNhZTM5ZWMyYWU0NjQ5NjJiZWZkZGYyNTVmMzNlNzM0">“Your highness?”</p>
<p class="cnM4MTE1M2Q3ZTk0NzQxNDZiOTZkYzQwYTMwNWMzZjVi"> </p>
<p class="cnMzZWY2NWUzNDExODRkOThhYzhmNmFkZTI0NWJiNWNm">An administrative type person approached me and asked.</p>
<p class="cnNiZDdjZTlkZGQyZDRmY2U4MDA3NWIyMjc1ZWFiNzYy"> </p>
<p class="cnMyOTNjZGUzMjdiZjQ0YjdiZWE4YWEwMThhZWVlYjQ3">“Yes?”</p>
<p class="cnMwMmZmOTA4MmY2MjRiNGE4ZTE5ODA1MDI4NjBhMjg1"> </p>
<p class="cnM1ZWM4YWJmYmU5NjRlMTViMzkwYTZhNjZlOWNjNjEw">“Would you come with me? We need you to wait backstage before your speech”</p>
<p class="cnNkNjEyNmZkMWQxYjRiMjM5ZDBhYThkODA4NGUxOGYz"> </p>
<p class="cnNkNTVkNjdiNWNlMDQ5MzliYzdhZGNmODcxNjY0MWMz">“Ah, very well”</p>
<p class="cnNiZWU0Y2U3NTAyODQzYTlhNWI2ODQ1Mjc5ZDY0MGRj"> </p>
<p class="cnNkODQ1OTg4ODE1NDRlM2E4ZGNlZDk5ZWI2YzA0Mjlm">I’m still terribly nervous, but on the other hand, Jin’s demeanour seems completely indifferent.</p>
<p class="cnNjZjM2YjdlNWU2ZDRkYWJiYTg0YzBmNWY4MjBjYThm"> </p>
<p class="cnM2NDJmZjM4ZjMxNDRmMjFiNDdlMzZlZjkwZWNiNDA4">So cool! I love this calm attitude. It makes me feel like I might actually know what I’m doing.</p>
<p class="cnNhMzBlNzQ5MjgzZDQ4YTZiYTYyMTExYWRhZTYzNzAx"> </p>
<p class="cnM2YzJmYjNlODlmMTQ4MzhhMzYzNGM3Yjg3NzQ3NTM0">“Good luck Jin”</p>
<p class="cnM4NzE1MTI2NjFmYjQ2ZWE5MDcwYzlkMWM5MzdjNDFl"> </p>
<p class="cnM5NWI4NTJhOTY5NDRhYzBhYzk4YmM2Njg3YWQ4YjY4">Kaede offers a small smile and words of encouragement. She looks worried about me. So cute.</p>
<p class="cnNiZjFmNWNhYjJmNTQ5MWZhYWM2NmE2ZDYwNDI2MDk5"> </p>
<p class="cnM1MDZkZmZhNzAwNjQ2ZDZhN2ViMzQwNGQwZWNmNjBj">“Thanks”</p>
<p class="cnMzNTk5NjM5NDNkZTRhYWM5NGNiMTA0ZmFkNTRjZjE2"> </p>
<p class="cnNjYmEyNGYyODc0YzQ1ZmE4YWMwMTMzMGUxMjAyNmVi">The bad part about Jin’s attitude is that I can’t easily show Kaede affection.</p>
<p class="cnMzNGExYjI1NTZmNDQ4MzQ4YTQ3ZWYyODU5N2NkNzdh"> </p>
<p class="cnMzMjcyOGEyYjg0MjQ1Y2Y5ZmUzYzk0OGFkZTc1MTA5">Come on Jin!</p>
<p class="cnMyY2M4MTFjOTMyZjQwM2RhZDQ0ZjA3NzU0ZmYyNjI0"> </p>
<p class="cnMwODIzZDg1YTMxMDQ0ZTVhZGEyNTFhYTA1YzMxYzMw">A small smile will do!</p>
<p class="cnMzMzJmYWFlNzI2MzRlYTViYmJjZmVlZDNjZTZmNGNi"> </p>
<p class="cnM0NGI5OGQ2N2NiMjQyYWVhNThkNTQyZTE4YmVhNjc2">There you go!</p>
<p class="cnNjYWE0MWIyNWQ2MzRjNGI5YWIxMzViMDg2ZjNiZTFl"> </p>
<p class="cnM4MTRlMTExYzdjZjRiYWNiNjQ5ZjY3ODQ0ODhmZTA1">Ah! She blushed!</p>
<p class="cnM1MDVhZGY4YTM2MjQzNTRiYmYzN2YyOGM5YjU1ZGM4"> </p>
<p class="cnNkOGQ0NWI5MThkZjQwNDZiNzU0OGE3YjkxODI4ZWZj">Mission SUCCESS!</p>
<p class="cnNiNzA0M2FjYmIwZDRjZTc4ZjM1NzVlY2ViMzJkYTNl"> </p>
<p class="cnNjMDZkZmRkMDNiZjRhYTc5Y2M5ZDkzMmIxODJiMjRh">I went backstage where a kind looking old man and a stern looking blonde kid were waiting.</p>
<p class="cnM5MjQwZDZlNzg3MDQ1ZDhhOGJmZTU4OTQ4YWRkZWIz"> </p>
<p class="cnMxNzg2ZDVkZjJmMzRkNDRhYTg2NzU2MjNhYmZlOWVl">“Your highness! It’s an honour to have you at my school! Why, I remember when your mother and father attended all those years ago! My how time flies! I had all my hair back then! WAHAHA!!”</p><p class="cmQ4ZmI4MjU5Nzg3ZDQ4YWY4ZmRhZjg4ODM4MjY3NGZh">Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.</p>
<p class="cnNjZTgwMzg5YjU4OTQ4N2FhOTlmM2U0MjZiMDY5MTc5"> </p>
<p class="cnNkZDdmNjEwMmJhZTQzZDQ5NThjNzhkMjkxNjRlMzEz">The kind looking old man started speaking to me.</p>
<p class="cnMzZTRkNmNhMzhlMDQ2YWVhZmMyNmE5ZDBiNjFjYzky"> </p>
<p class="cnNiNmE4YjBjNjI1YzQ3NDg4OWY3NGNkOGFmMWVlNWMz">“You must be the Principal?”</p>
<p class="cnNlOTM2ZGY5MzgwMzQ2Nzg4MmRlM2IzMWU1ZGNjOGFh"> </p>
<p class="cnM2MjUzYTg5NTExZTQ2M2RiZTcwNTc3MWNhY2MwZGM2">“That’s right my boy! Has your father not told you about me!? Surely he’s mentioned the time where I caught him and your mother…No maybe not that…”</p>
<p class="cnNjM2EzODM2NTUyMjRlY2M5YzcyZjdlMWFlMDhiODBk"> </p>
<p class="cnNhNmU1YTJiMDYzMDRiODBiOWNiZDA0NTJkZWM2OTc2">What about my mother? What was father caught doing with mother!!?</p>
<p class="cnMwMTE5ZmUyMDQ0NTQ3ZTVhODdlMjQ0MWU1MGU0ZjYx"> </p>
<p class="cnM5OWNkZWFiM2I5ZTQ3MThiMjVkY2VlYmMwNDY4MjYw">“Wahaha, but surely he’s at least mentioned the time where his father got so angry at him that he came all the way here to directly separate your parents!! What a turbulent time that was, he was practically purple!! Your father wouldn’t hear a word of it though and ended up threatening to run away with your mother! Ah, to be young and in love! Youth is really the best!”</p>
<p class="cnMwMzY2Nzc4MTBjZjQ2ZjU4YjlkZjk4MDhkMTI0YzMz"> </p>
<p class="cnMyY2Q5NTkzZjkyMjQ0ZTFhZWQ4NDdiOThiYmVhMjU5">WHAT? I’ve never heard of this before!!</p>
<p class="cnM0YTQ2MWU3NjI1MjQxYWRhNWNjMDQ0N2IxMDgwMWRl"> </p>
<p class="cnM2ODYwYzg1NjdjMTQ3YTY4NjQ3MDg4YmRkZjVlOGM5">The Principal seemed to pick this up.</p>
<p class="cnM1YzM2MTBhOTgyZDQ2MGFhNWUwNzg3OTA3Y2ViZTIz"> </p>
<p class="cnMzYmY2MTIyN2ZjNzRjYjE4YzM2MDQxN2NiN2FmNDJl">“Oh? Has your father really not told you of this? That boy! He’s really carefree! He just does whatever he wants!”</p>
<p class="cnNiNzA3NDRkM2E4MDQ3MTY4Y2E0Y2E0NmIwNjZmOGUx"> </p>
<p class="cnM5YWI3MGRjMTU5YjQzOWJhMmUxMGIzYzQ2MmQ1ZjA2">He does? I guess I don’t really know what he’s like…</p>
<p class="cnMzMzdmNjNhNjA3YzQ0ZWM5MzBkYzAxMTg1ZWMyMGE2"> </p>
<p class="cnNkOGRmNWU5OGQwMTRmMGViOWE5ZGJjYjVhNThiYTM4">“I don’t see him very often, so…”</p>
<p class="cnNhMmEzZmM5YTk3ZDQ1NjJhMmFmYmQ4ZGZkZDRjNmFl"> </p>
<p class="cnMwNzBmZmVkODE1NDQxZTI5YTIxYzM1YzczNmM2OTAy">“That boy!! He just does whatever he wants doesn’t he!? I’ll have to send him a letter. Neglecting his son like this isn’t good!!”</p>
<p class="cnNkYTA5ODAyNDBkZjQ4OGE5NzMzMmU2YWYxNGFhNDRm"> </p>
<p class="cnMyYTc1Yjk0NjFiMDQ4MzM5OWFiMTdlMzU3NDI2Y2Zm">It feels nice that he’s getting upset for me.</p>
<p class="cnM0YzYxYzg2NjhhZTQxMjViMjZkMmFkYmNiMzIyNDg1"> </p>
<p class="cnM3NWJmZjkxYjJkNDQ4YWQ5NmZhZjQxY2ZiYjllNDRl">“There’s no need, I have seen him recently after all”</p>
<p class="cnMzYzE5NTE0YWQzYzQwMjY5OWVkZDZlMGUwNDRjMjFj"> </p>
<p class="cnMyMTI4OWZkNmJmNzQyMTc4YjJmMzc1N2I5MDBlYjAw">“What do you mean? Is seeing him that rare of an occasion?”</p>
<p class="cnNlNDE0MGZjZjA1YTRkMDZhZDMyZDJmNDNmZjU4YTk0"> </p>
<p class="cnM3MjViZmZlZmNlNzRmMzZhMDdiMjg2NDhhNWE5NTMw">“I can only recall ever having three conversations with father”</p>
<p class="cnMwZWIxMTU0YjA3NjRjMzNhMGVjNjdmNzY0OTk5NjFk"> </p>
<p class="cnNkMzZkNmJjOTU3NTQxYWM5OTk4NjI1MDU3MzM4M2Zl">The principal’s mouth droops and he appears rather surprised.</p>
<p class="cnNiNDIzZDdkYTM0OTRhYWZiY2QwMzZmM2ZlNzYzOWVl"> </p>
<p class="cnM4YjM3ZmQ1Nzg0ODQ1NTViYzVhYjg3NGM3ZmU5ODI0">“WHAT’S THAT??!! THAT BOY! I’ll be sending a letter to him immediately!!!”</p>
<p class="cnM4OGRlODNkYWM0MzRmNjNiY2M1NmQ5YjE5OGY4ZGE1"> </p>
<p class="cnNkOTc0YTI4MjFiYzQ2MWI5ODgzY2UzOTk2NDNlZjE5">He hurried off calling for staff to find a courier and writing equipment.</p>
<p class="cnM3M2Y3YmZjZGMyMDQzOWY5MmE1OGEwZmE2N2Q0Njgy"> </p>
<p class="cnMxYjRhZDRjZjUxYjQ4YTVhZDY0ODhkNDJkNmJjMGM3">What a nice man. Maybe I can hear more stories about mother and father sometime!</p>
<p class="cnM2YWNjODZiZWYwYTQ5MmE5MzRlNzcyZjFiMzg3ZTE2"> </p>
<p class="cnM4NWNmZmNjNTVkMTRiY2JhYTdkODVmN2Y3MDk5ZDc2">That just left me and the blonde boy in the room.</p>
<p class="cnMyOGY3Y2ZmZWUyNTQyNjk5ZjhjNTEwNGIwMGI1MWI0"> </p>
<p class="cnM0YmMwOWMxYzQyMTQ2M2Q5N2E1OGYzOTNjOTBkNzlj">Ah, I recognize him. He should be the student council president, Kaito Kurokawa.</p>
<p class="cnM4OTUwMDI5MDE0MDRiMDM5NjM2MjdmYjI5ZGQ3ZDBj"> </p>
<p class="cnM3ZTc0NDk3MThmMTRiZWViN2FlMzViNmJhYzUxNTFk">Also a capture target from the game and a rival for Jin Wolfgang Staeles.</p>
<p class="cnNjNTlkNDRmZjAyMDRkNDk4MTc0MjExYjU5MjE1MDQ5"> </p>
<p class="cnM5N2M4NzE1NTliNzQ1YWM5MzAxMjYyNzZlZjAwOTU4">Kaito didn’t like Jin’s attitude and in the ending where Haruna ended up with Jin, he was especially upset that Jin abandoned Kaede.</p>
<p class="cnMzODFiNWJmY2ViZTQ1YTI5ZDI3OTFkZGZjOTZhNzEx"> </p>
<p class="cnM4M2ZhY2UzYWQwMDRkZWJhNmY3M2M2NWU1MTRmNjAy">I don’t know what happened after that as it wasn’t featured in the game but the scene where Jin breaks off the engagement and Kaede crumples to the floor weighs heavily on my heart.</p>
<p class="cnNjYjY1N2Y0MmZlMTQ4YWM5NjM4MTZhZmI2NWMyMDRl"> </p>
<p class="cnNmYzUwMTg4ODk2ZDQxNjU5YmZhODMyNGVkYTZiZDg1">In that scene, it’s Kaito who helps her up and leaves with her, sending Jin a menacing glare.</p>
<p class="cnNlNDUyMmFlODAzNTQ1YTFiNTAyNGU1NTI5Nzc0YWYx"> </p>
<p class="cnNhMTQzZjNiMmQ2YzRiNjU5NjhkZThjMTdjMGEwYTQ1">I didn’t go down Kaito’s route, so I don’t know anything else about him really.</p>
<p class="cnM4YmU2Y2Y3ZTBmNjQ4OTE4Y2ExM2RkYzgyNDU1YmFj"> </p>
<p class="cnMxNWUxNWI3ZGVlMjQ3YmI4YjgzNTA2YjEwYmEyMjY1">Could he be in love with Kaede though??!</p>
<p class="cnNkMzZmNWJjZTI0ZTQzMjdhZjM3MGFlOWY3YTZiOTU4"> </p>
<p class="cnM0Y2U4NWMyYzYxNjQ1MGVhMDM2NmQzZDI1OTEzMTk1">Surely during that scene in the game, they run off and elope together right??!</p>
<p class="cnNiZGI5ZjIyYjkzMjRlZDQ5MWY2MWI3NjM3MzFhNGYw"> </p>
<p class="cnNkMTdiMjgwOWQ0YzRjMjRiZDc1YmJlNGE2NDRlMTM4">How dare him!! My Kaede!!</p>
<p class="cnNhZTc3NTg2YTc2ZTRlMmZiMjI2NDMyMDhmMjA0YzNi"> </p>
<p class="cnMwYjIxZTNmZWNlODRlNTI5NWYzNjVmZTg0ZGUxZTJi">I must keep him away from Kaede at all costs.</p>
<p class="cnNhZDllMTE2ZDc0NTQwMzBiZjM0NDkzYTAwYmM3MGQz"> </p>
<p class="cnNiMTI2ZDY2Nzg1YjQ0YTc5YmYyM2M1ODJkYjY2ZmUy">He glances over at me, in time to catch the menacing glare I sent at him.</p>
<p class="cnNjZGEwYjAyMWY0YzRlMDdhODQxNmM5ZjQ3ZjIzYjI0"> </p>
<p class="cnMwOWVjZTYzNTQwOTQ3MGNhNjJkNGEwNWRjYWZlZDlj">His brow ruffles. But he regains his composure and introduces himself.</p>
<p class="cnM0ZWNlY2FlNzQ1NzRkZTE4ZjRjYThlMWMyYmUwYTgw"> </p>
<p class="cnMzMWM3YTI5YTI2NTQ0MDA4ZWFlMWU5OWM0ZmFlODEy">“I don’t believe we’ve met your highness. My name is Kaito Kurokawa, I’m the student council president”</p>
<p class="cnNjYmYzZWNiZGVlZjRmOTA4ZTMyNzdmZGVjZGNiYzZh"> </p>
<p class="cnNjMGRjZjdlMzU0MzQ1NWI5ZTg2NDU4MzMxMTY4MzE0">This polite bastard!</p>
<p class="cnM1ZTkwMDkyNjVlMjQ3ZjJiNTgyOTQ4MDM3NTU3YmFi"> </p>
<p class="cnM5MmM4NDAwOWY4MzRiOWJhZTc3YTg5YjZjMDc4NjQ1">I won’t let you have Kaede!</p>
<p class="cnNiOTZhNTBmMTkwNzQ4MjliOTFkYWEwYmNhZGI4ZjM2"> </p>
<p class="cnM5YWVmNWIzYTE0MjQxMWJhMmQxOGE4NWYxYzA0MzQ0">I simply nod.</p>
<p class="cnMzMWY1NWIyMDZjYzRmMTNiMmExMzUzYjQxNjUwZjVh"> </p>
<p class="cnM1YzVlN2MzNzAwNDQ4Mjc4MzEyNjEwNGRiY2NmYTY2">He frowns again but continues.</p>
<p class="cnM2NWQ4MjgxNzMxZjRjYzU5OWNlMTNlYmI4YjkzNTNh"> </p>
<p class="cnMyNjJiYTE3YjVmNTQxNjdiNDQ4ZGU3MjQ0NDY4YTg2">“Have I done something to offend his highness? If so I would like to apologize. I am simply the bastard son of a lower noble after all. I only wish to have amicable relations”</p>
<p class="cnMwMTdkZTQ0OTg0ZjQ5YTFhMmRiYTU0OTZlZDlhYzNj"> </p>
<p class="cnNhZWYxMzMxMDA4MDQ0ODk4NzJjNTUzYTJlMzI3NjQ4">There was such a setting?</p>
<p class="cnNlN2QxYzE1OWY4NzRkMjM5YzlhZDViNzI0YTZmYmE4"> </p>
<p class="cnNiZDAxYTQ5MDE4ZjQ2YTU4OWMwYzkwZmJkM2U3MTg5">The only way he’d be able to elope with Kaede then would be if her family were to be destroyed since he has no status.</p>
<p class="cnM0NjI1NmQzY2JhODRjYzE5Mzg5ZmEyODNjNTcwMjM2"> </p>
<p class="cnMxZWUyZDJjMGYyMTRiNWM5MDU1OWYyY2U4MWIxZTYy">Excellent! Since the only people able to do such a thing to a high ranking noble family like that are my father and I, we should be fine.</p>
<p class="cnNiYmQ5NDI5ZjAyNDQ2ZGQ5ODdjYzc5Yzg2OWEyYmQz"> </p>
<p class="cnNkZmY5MDEzZWM5ZTQ3ZTg5MjJkYjA0ZmQ2OTQxMjQy">I should apologize like a proper Prince then.</p>
<p class="cnMyNjJlYmM4NmYwMTQwMmY4ODBlNTg5NGE0NDE4NzY5"> </p>
<p class="cnM1NzEwZGJmODMwMTRmYmJhMWU3ZjlmOTlhZmI3MDEy">“I apologize Kaito, I wasn’t displeased with you I was simply pondering my upcoming speech. I wasn’t informed of it prior, so I have nothing prepared”</p>
<p class="cnNlZTc1Nzg1ZjJkMDRiZGY5ZWRiYmQ1OTFmYTQwZmEw"> </p>
<p class="cnNkNWJiMjY2NzkwNzQxY2VhYmI1YTFmMGQ2MzUwZjc4">His expression turns much softer.</p>
<p class="cnM3ZmJmZTdhN2E5MjQzM2NhNWVhY2M5ZjhlYjRjOGI0"> </p>
<p class="cnNmOWJmZTQ5Yjc3OTRkNDdiZDliZTY2ZTQ1N2YwNTEw">“I see! What a relief! You can read over my speech then if it would help you?”</p>
<p class="cnMzMjVkYjdkMWUyMzRmYmY4Y2M3NDFkMDY2MjhhNzM5"> </p>
<p class="cnNkOWNkMDNlNGQzNDQ3N2FiMGJhNjcxNWE3ZTU0MzFj">Kaito!! My savior!!</p>
<p class="cnM5YjJiMWVhYTFiMjQ3MTE4OTVlNWFkY2UwNzI4OGU1"> </p>
<p class="cnNiYTUwNDQ3ZjUzZDRmYWJiNjFlN2I5MDcwZmM1MzIw">“That would help a l….”</p>
<p class="cnM0MmJlMDE4MjdlNDQ5NjBiNWQ0YzdlNmIxOWMwM2U4"> </p>
<p class="cnMzMGU4ZmQwZDJkYjQ0YjdiYTQ2MjU1N2QwZTFmNTAz">I was cut off by the administrative staff.</p>
<p class="cnNmMjkwYmIyNTcyMDQ5OTE5YjA0OTg0NTM0YWNmMDJl"> </p>
<p class="cnM0ZDI1YzJhMWI0ODQwZDliMGU1ZGVmYmJmODMxOTE2">“Kaito! The Principal has run off to write a letter or something and we need to start the assembly in a few seconds. Could you deliver your speech first?”</p>
<p class="cnNlOTc4OWVkNzcxNTQ3M2I4OWIyYzYzOTlkOGExZDg2"> </p>
<p class="cnM4MzlhMDBjZmI3YzQxZThhYzI2YjM5ZDkwMGEyNDRl">“Ah, of course. I apologize your highness, it seems I have to go now. I’m sure you’ll think of something”</p>
<p class="cnNjMWRjODBiYjI3NDRkOWZiNWM1NGJmYmY1MWY5MWRl"> </p>
<p class="cnMxMTViZGQ2NGY3YzQ4MmQ4ZjFjMDM0YTg4YTRhZGFm">He smiled wryly and left.</p>
<p class="cnNlYWU2NTQyNzY3ODQxYWFhNmZhY2RmNmJlMDNjNTVh"> </p>
<p class="cnMwZGQ4YzllMDY1NzRkYmU4MGI3ZTlhMDZhNmNmYTI1">Does god hate me?</p>
<p class="cnNjMDJhMjczZThmMDQxOTZiNTkxZTQyNTRmNGI2MDgw"> </p>
<p class="cnMzNTBkOWUzOWNiMDQwZjk5NjhiNDYxOWQ0MTUwYzAx">That must be it right?</p>
<p class="cnMwNWYxMjI5M2VlMjRlMmQ4YjFhYTBiNmQ1MjJhZjlm"> </p>
<p class="cnMwMWRhZmRhNWUxZjRmMzg4MWQyNTVlNDFkODRmYzc1">Ah, oh well, I’ll listen to it from here and come up with something.</p>
<p class="cnNhNmY1MzgxZDcxZTQ3N2Q4NzhkNGI0YzY2ZDgwNzdm"> </p>
<p class="cnNlYjY2YzBlNjVjNzQ1MTliYThhMmQ0ZjUxNmVmZTNl">…</p>
<p class="cnMxMDIwZjg1NTE4YjQyM2I4NGUwY2JkZmRlZjUyY2Y1"> </p>
<p class="cnM5ZTQwYmZmNjM0NzQxYTdhZDAwZWJiNTlhZDFkMjg5">…</p>
<p class="cnMxN2JlNTBmY2ZiNjQzYzZiZTdiMzJkMmY4MjBlOWU4"> </p>
<p class="cnNjNmUwYjVkM2UzMzQ1ZGM5NmNjMzcyOThlZTNkMTA0">…</p>
<p class="cnM2ODE3NWExYTcyZjQ4MjQ5ZTM0Y2I4MWUyN2Q5Mzg0"> </p>
<p class="cnM4ZWY2OGRiZjQwNTQ4ODdiMTA3OTk4ZDUzY2YzYzYz">Except…</p>
<p class="cnM0MjFjNGMyY2IzMTQ3MjNhZWU4ZDg0ZDhjYzZmNzEx"> </p>
<p class="cnM2OTY0MjNiMmRjMjQxOGE5M2Y1MWNiZjg5MGIzMTdh">I CAN’T HEAR ANYTHING!</p>
<p class="cnM5MzIxNDAyN2RjZDQwZDliMzY1ZmU4NTY3M2IyM2Ey"> </p>
<p class="cnM3MWU1ZTgzZWNmNjQwNDA5OGJkMDhmZGQzZDQ5MjQ4">What is this?!</p>
<p class="cnM1MTdkNDFjNDUzMDQ4ZjFhMjE1OTQ1OWI3MzEyZmRi"> </p>
<p class="cnNmNGI0MTI2MDQzODQ5MDA4NDI1YjEyOWRjMTIyNTZi">There’s only a door between here and the stage and if I opened it, I would clearly be seen.</p>
<p class="cnM1YjY4NWFlNmJhODQ4MzE4ZjMxNDY2Yzk4MTI4YTIw"> </p>
<p class="cnM3NWI3OWY2OTdlOTRlMzZiYWNjNjNlMDA0N2JiNzU3">However the door apparently has the incredible power of blocking all sound from entering.</p>
<p class="cnM2MWEwM2Y3YWUwNTQyMWQ4YjQzMzJiY2EyM2RhMmNh"> </p>
<p class="cnMyYzFjM2NjODI2MTQyMTE5YWE3ZTU1ODhhOTVjNWUw">…</p>
<p class="cnM5Y2FiNDgyNGFjOTQ5MjA4OTBkOGZkODIwNGYyZGY0"> </p>
<p class="cnNlY2NmMzAxMjJjNzQ3YWU4OGFlMGU2NjMzMjM2YTAw">Shit.</p>
<p class="cnM5NDYzYTY1MmU5NTQ5MTg4OWE1NzhiZDQ4ZTBlZjI0"> </p>
<p class="cnM1YzYwY2VkZmM3NjQ1OTJhN2U4YjljZTdhZTIwZDk2">Okay, it’s all up to you Jin.</p>
<p class="cnMzZmQ0YmJmNzdjNzRiODdiMmYwODk0ZGI5Y2M3NTgz"> </p>
<p class="cnMzZGRiZGJiNTI5YTRmMzU4MjUzZDJjMzZlZDZjNGEx">Think of something…</p>
<p class="cnM2YWY5M2ZjOWFhMTQwYjE5YzhkZWViMTQxNzgyMGNi"> </p>
<p class="cnNlMTgxMTcyNjRiZDRiYWE5YjJjYjIxN2M1NWU1YjNj">…</p>
<p class="cnM4NzNiNzAwNmI4YTRjOWI5YjdlMjk5ZTQ2OTM4ZTJi"> </p>
<p class="cnM1OGZjZTJkYzgzNzQ5OThiOWU5YzE4N2NmMjg3ZjYw">Anything will do…</p>
<p class="cnM5NTgwZWFiZGEzODRhMDk5NTJmM2VmMzE1OTVlNzk1"> </p>
<p class="cnM2MzgzNzdkNzlhNjQ2MzhhY2ZmN2Q4NzA0MjQ4OTEw">…</p>
<p class="cnNhNmQ4N2Q0OTk0MTRkOWZhZGRhNDEwY2NlNjRhMDE3"> </p>
<p class="cnNkNDQwNDEyNmY2ODQyZWNhNjY0M2I3OTkyZjU5OWM3">Nothing.</p>
<p class="cnM2ZGYyNDJlOTQ0ZTQ1YjJhNDZkNDU3NWJkMTYwMzc2"> </p>
<p class="cnNkNTM5Mjg2ZGQyMzRlNDc5YzBlMmU4MmRiNmIyNDgz">HOW MUCH LONGER DO I HAVE?!</p>
<p class="cnNmZDYyZDcwNjY4YjQyMDg4ODM4ZjQ5NDBjYjJjNzJk"> </p>
<p class="cnNjZTI1YWZhZTVlODQxY2Y4YzE1MjQ3ZWJlMjIzNTEx">The door opens and I hear applause.</p>
<p class="cnNhMTA0OTYzODc3YjQ0MTZiNzFiMTc3ODRlMjAzNzM1"> </p>
<p class="cnM5NTgxMGQ0MjdkYjQ4OThhMDFiMjFlMGRkYzdiZmQw">“It’s your turn, your highness”</p>
<p class="cnMyZDMxM2Q0M2VjNTQ5Mjc4YWVhN2VmODY4OTU5MmJh"> </p>
<p class="cnM2NTUwM2UyYzhkYzQ4NTdhMWI1ZGU1ZjNkYTkwNGYw">Fuck.</p>
<p class="cnM0Y2VmMjQ0N2I4MzQ0ZTBhNThmNTczZTRhMmY1N2Mz"> </p>
<p class="cnNiZGU5ZWI3MmFhNDRlMDc4MDBmZGM5ZDhkZTc3MzJl">Shit.</p>
<p class="cnM2Njc4OTE5MDdlZDQwODFiYjNlZTI4MjVlYThiZTI2"> </p>
<p class="cnM2ZDcwN2M0YjE0MDQ1NGY5MGNhOGI1M2Y5YjdjNzZj">Fuck.</p>
<p class="cnM0MjZkNjAxY2ViNzRmYTdiOWM2ZmU2M2ZlZDZjZGUw"> </p>
<p class="cnM2ZjEwNzY3NmU3MzQ3NjM4MDVkMGVlOTJmNjY3Y2Fm">Shit.</p>
<p class="cnMzNGVlMTBiZWM1NTRlZjVhYjVlOGE1ZTM0Yjc2NTFh"> </p>
<p class="cnMzOTUwZTk3MDQ0ZTQ5OWZiMDE1OTk3Mjc1ZjFjMTJl">I blanked out for a bit and I’m now standing at a podium.</p>
<p class="cnM4MjkyZjMwN2Y1MjRmZGRiNDMxMjM3NDE2NmRlMDM4"> </p>
<p class="cnMwNmE2NjcwM2I0YzRhZTZiOWFiM2Q0ZjM5ZmE3Y2Fm">There’s a device resembling a microphone here.</p>
<p class="cnM0Y2NjOTNlOTVhZjQzODliN2FmZTQ0MTU2NTc5Mjgw"> </p>
<p class="cnM4NWMzOTEwZGJmNzRkZGFhNzZiNTc5NDhkYmZjZjlm">How the hell do they have a…</p>
<p class="cnMxYmFjMzJhOTk5NzQ2YzZhNWI5MmIxMTljNDNiYzNj"> </p>
<p class="cnNhODg5Yzk4ZDA4YjRmYTY4Zjk0OTQwZmQyOWRjMzE3">Nevermind, not important right now.</p>
<p class="cnMyYjBkMDkzNTI5YTRmNTViZTM3YzI5MmY5MzcwMGE3"> </p>
<p class="cnMyYmEzYmU3YjcyNTQ3MjI4OThkZTllMWI1MGQyMjJj">I look out at the ocean of people.</p>
<p class="cnNlMzk5YmRiZTc2ZjQyZWNiNDY5NzgzMWNiZjYzMDk2"> </p>
<p class="cnNiNDQ4NTg5YWI4NjQ4OWE4MjkyOGFkMThiYjdhOGFh">…</p>
<p class="cnMzY2Y3YmE4NDAxMDRiZjE5NWMxYWY0NDZmZmQ0NDIz"> </p>
<p class="cnM0NjdiYWRjNDE4OTQ5ODVhOTJiOWM1MjZmMTRmYjBk">All staring at me.</p>
<p class="cnMzOGNlMWM5MDE4ZTQ1MjJhODU1MjA0NmFjYWRjYmQ2"> </p>
<p class="cnMwOTIxYThmNGVhOTRkYjJhNDJlZWJiMzM0OTA0YzI0">The pressure feels suffocating.</p>
<p class="cnMyYWY3ODIxODYwMDRlNGFiYTMyMTQwZDc5MTliMzU1"> </p>
<p class="cnNmMGNkYWQwMmIzZjRmYzZhZTM0MmJiZjFiNzdmY2M4">Will I even be able to speak?</p>
<p class="cnM4YTU5OGM5ZDlkOTQ1OWU4NWE2YzBmNWM5YmQ1ZDgw"> </p>
<p class="cnM0ZTE5ZjA0M2YyMzQ2N2Q5YzVmYTgwOGVkMWEwOWZh">I open my mouth.</p>
<p class="cnM1ZDA3NDVmNTkwOTRkODNhYjI2YzY1N2JhOWQ1YmU5"> </p>
<p class="cnM1YTUxZTBlZGUwNTRiMDhiOTZhNzgyMTZkMzEzZDg3">…</p>
<p class="cnM2NmNhZDQ2NTI2NzRkZjlhOTRiOWY4OGRiZGNjYmI2"> </p>
<p class="cnM2MThmMzU4ZjY2ZDQwMzk4NDQ0YjliYTY0MThhZmVl">I hope words come out…</p>
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<i class="fa fa-calendar" title="Published"></i> <time unixtime="1476300887" datetime="2016-10-12T19:34:47.0000000Z" format="U" >Wednesday, October 12, 2016 7:34:47 PM</time>
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<h1 style="margin-top: 10px" class="font-white break-word">Chapter 7- Obviously We Pillage the Village</h1>
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<p class="cnNlNDFiODBhMzVmYzRiNmI4OGY4MGI1ZWIzMzhlMWUy">Chapter 7- Obviously We Pillage the Village</p>
<p class="cnM1ODRjMjk1OGJiODQ1Y2Y5NTJjNjNjNmZhMTEzZGM2">After a long struggle of bringing the five dead bodies back to Roen, Engil sat and watched as Roen wordlessly wrenched their souls out of their bodies and made them collide into each other producing a sparkling clear liquid that fell into his palm. Once again slurping down the liquid as if he was in a desert and it was the first drink he had in a year.</p>
<p class="cnMyODQ1NWM2ODMxNDRmYmY4OTBiZDNhNTljNWFhNDhl">"You know, that stuff you drink kinda looks like clear piss."</p>
<p class="cnM2YTE3ODc0MzI3MjQ3MmRiY2YzYWE3MGQyMzk3NDk3">"I'm starting to get the feeling that you hold no servile attitude towards me."</p>
<p class="cnNhZWY5YWY1MzYzMTQyMDZiY2RmNzhjZDU1MmZmYWY4">"Well give me my body back."</p>
<p class="cnNkM2NmZDg5NjBhYzRiODRiMDc5ODFkZDI1Zjk0ZDcx">"Can't, I already used it for that." Roen retorted while pointing his regenerating hand at the half destroyed white dome.</p>
<p class="cnM3NTYyNzMyMzNhOTQ3NDQ5YTVhYzNmYTE0MzcyNjZi">"...how."</p>
<p class="cnM3NzIyZjc1Zjk4NjQyNWZiODhiNGIwZGU4NjZkMzA4">"Well it's the same principle of those runes you have. I'm just using something else as a medium." Roen said with a nasty smile, as the rest of his injured face filled in and he regained his lost limbs.</p>
<p class="cnM3NjM1N2ZhZmZkODQ0MDliNDk3ZTc0YjExOWM5OTgx">"Well come on let's get a move on whoever set those series of traps should think I'm dead, but I don't wanna test that theory until I regain the rest of my strength." As Roen said these words he pulled the air in front of the destroyed dome and it seemed to break apart and gather in a small sphere in his palm. The sphere then started to unravel making it look like fabric, and if Engil hadn't known it was his bones and blood that Roen was manipulating he would be quite dazzled at the display. Soon a pure white robe with dark red trimming covered up the once tattered body of Roen. It matched well with his piercing red eyes and white skin that resembles that of snow.</p>
<p class="cnNhZmNhYmU0YmQzYzQ2YjE4YTY1YTk1NjliZmIyNTg3">"If I didn't know you were male I would honestly believe you look pretty."</p>
<p class="cnM3YzhiNDYzOTg2YjRhMDBhMzc1YjM3ZGFlNWY1ODFm">"I'm starting to grow tired of your opinions. Anyways let's go have some fun. I've been feeling a small gathering of human souls only a couple miles from here they'll be perfect nutrients for my injured soul."</p>
<p class="cnM3N2RlMDZjMzViNjQ0OTZiYjRiNDg1OTlhZGNlZWUw">"Injured soul?"</p><p class="cjIzNjczYWE1NWNjMjQ5ZDY5Y2ZkMmQzMmU4OWZkNTEx">If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.</p>
<p class="cnMzMTgwMGY3NTA4YTQ2YzVhYjU4YjNmMTlkZTJmOTMw">"Ah did I forget to tell you? That multicolored light is called the soul shattering imprint. It was a spell made specifically to target the soul. A couple of old humans made it in the hopes of eradicating me. Quite foolish no?"</p>
<p class="cnNlZDU2ZGYzMjI2MzRhZGJhM2YwZmYwZTI5ZTUyMmEw">"In the end what exactly are you."</p>
<p class="cnM0ZjM4OGQyMWVjNzQyOGU5NjgxYTIzOWRmZjliNDhm">"No comment." Roen gave a smile at Engil as he quickly turned and started to walk towards the woods. Engil gave a defeated sigh and trotted off after his incomprehensible master.</p>
<p class="cnNiMzZkOGM1NzI1NDQ4M2FiZTYwMjA0MzJiNGIzYWQy">As the two made their way through the supposedly dangerous Wolf Woods, killing any living thing that crossed their path, and those unlucky wolves' blood and bones were mysteriously absorbed by the clothing of Roen. Watching Roen take the souls and eat them directly instead of liquifying them Engil got a little curious, but kept silent since Roen's face didn't contain his usual happy grin. The next hour was spent in silence.</p>
<p class="cnM0MWEzMzQyMjVkMjRmOGQ4ZGJjZWFhZTFiZjkwYjY2">"Is there something wrong with the situation. Why the long face?" Roen glanced at Engil with a hint of annoyance before he replied.</p>
<p class="cnM4ZjQ3ODRiNzhjODQ0NTViZjU3ZjBiYTBlMGQwODcy">"My soul seems to have taken more damage than I thought. I am going to need at least a couple billion ordinary souls just to heal that injury, and that'll take too long."</p>
<p class="cnNjMTJiZGU0ZDlmOTQxYjU4Yzg3ZGFiY2U0MzdjNWE0">"Why are you in such a rush?"</p>
<p class="cnM3ZDk5YWNkNDkxMDRiZTA4NjlkOTBkMTI5NzJkNzMy">"Revenge is a dish best served warm, preferably with a nice warm stake to the eye and a extra helping of brutal beatings." Engil couldn't deny Roen's logic and chose to nod in agreement. The two reached a fairly large hill that was about several hundred feet away from the town situated near the edge of the woods. Gazing at the town Roen regained his lost sense of drive and a beautiful smile started to spread on his face. Looking at the smile Engil shivered as if the surrounding temperature just reached sub zero.</p>
<p class="cnMyNWRhMWRlZGEyZjRmZmZhMGU0MmNlZjc5OGZhN2M5">"Well, as they say when you've lost something, take it back as brutally as possible and make sure to step on all those who get in the way."</p>
<p class="cnMzNDI1Njg2ODM0ODQwNjZhNjIyMzkyOWUyN2QyYTA1">"If anyone other than you said that I will begin to grill myself and jump into the Serpent Sea to be a well cooked appetizer for one of those beasts."</p>
<p class="cnMzODBiZmFkY2EwOTQ5YTY5NDJiZjYzNzcyZTU0N2Rm">"Ah well it's the thought that counts."</p>
<p class="cnM1M2Y2NjUzMTg0ZDQwOWFiYTI0NDdhZDYzN2M1YTFm">"Yea sure. Anyways why're we on the outskirts of town are we looking for a damsel in distress or something." Roen looked at Engil as if he said something weird, and covered his mouth as he laughed in contempt.</p>
<p class="cnMyMjI3Mjk3NjZhZDQ5ZWE5YzQ0MTRlMTM2OWIzNTE3">"No you idiot. Obviously we're here to pillage the village. You know the usual, kill steal, repeat. No rape though that's too much for my tastes. I wonder how they taste. Anyways I'm hungry we'll charge on my battle cry."</p>
<p class="cnM1MmNmZjI4NzdjODQ5NGM4MDkxZTgzZjY1NWFiZDJi">"Aye aye captain." With another sigh Engil turned to face the village.</p>
<p class="cnMzNzYzOTA5ZWMzYjQwMjhiNWI4MGQ5YzE5ODVkYjli">'Maybe it might have been better to die back there.' Dreaming about how blissful hell could be compared to his lifetime of servitude as a amorphous blob of floating comebacks, Engil was awakened by his master's battle cry full of bloodlust and battle craze.</p>
<p class="cnMyNTM2ZmM4MDRiNTRjZDJhOTUyYzZiM2NiODY0ZDE0">"HUUUUUUNNNNNGGGGRRRRYYYY!!!"</p>
<p class="cnNjNjVhNmVjZmUxYzQwYmE5ODVmMzQ3MTFiZWY1MThk">'Did, did he just scream hungry? Was that really the signal to attack? Can't I just sit this one out?' Full of indignation Engil began to run at the village feeling very uncommitted.</p>
<p class="cnM2YTU0MjM5ODUxZDRiMzRiY2Y4MWFlNjdkMTk5MDcz">'Well life won't get boring at least.'</p>
<p class="cnNjMDFhZGUzZWIyODQxMTdiNmYxZmFkMTYxNTBlNjRh"> </p>
<p class="cnNlOTJkMDVlZjYyMzRkM2VhZjgzOTExODdiODk4Njll"> </p>
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<i class="fa fa-calendar" title="Published"></i> <time unixtime="1476304626" datetime="2016-10-12T20:37:06.0000000Z" format="U" >Wednesday, October 12, 2016 8:37:06 PM</time>
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<div class="portlet-body author-note"><p>Quite busy right now but i will still try to at least release one chapter every week . <br>Without further adou : Enjoy ~ </p></div>
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<p class="cnMxZmU4NjdkMzZmYTRmN2I4MzA1YjE2NDc0MzEyYjQ5">"So how did it go ?" asked scary guy . <br>After Adam told Kevin about the various jobs he ended up asking scary guy which is working right next to the roundtable .</p>
<p class="cnNkNjM1OTNmNDgxODQ2NmViNGY0NGNhNjBkODIyZWE4">"The group forming ? It went pretty okay .... !" replied Kevin . <br>Since nobody else stood on scary guys line he could casually chat with him .</p>
<p class="cnNlNzY3NGU2ZTgzNTQxODY5NjhlMDUyM2NkNmUzZjE5">"Why are you so depressed ?" asked Scary guy . <br>"Well , i am a newbie and now i should take a job . With no idear what i should take ." lamented Kevin .</p>
<p class="cnNmMDgzODlhOTE4MTRkM2Q5YzhjZTNkMmM5YjA4NjY1">"What is your first skill ?" asked scary guy while adding : "Most people tend to choose their jobs by their first skills . After all if they end up alone and they have a job which is pretty much useless to their skill set you can imagine what for a problem they have right ?"</p>
<p class="cnMzYmNjOGJjNDdkZDQ4OTliNTQ2ZGI3NGM0YjgwZGU3">Kevin didn't say much , since he could look the sadness in scary guy eyes . Did anything happen ?</p>
<p class="cnM4MmI2ZDVhNWM4ODRjMmViNjlkZjc3ZDJmZDkwZTRi">He tried to redirect the focus so he asked : "My first skill is [Heal] so what would you suggest ?"</p>
<p class="cnNhZGQyOGIzYjc5YTQxMDM4MjlhY2UxZTE3Y2I1Nzcw">Raising his eyebrows scary guy asked : "Are you really a supporter ?"</p>
<p class="cnM4NDA1ZDU1M2I0NTQ0NDdhMDlmYTgyYmQ2M2NhODg2">"Why is everyone so suprised about my first skill ? I only know it is a rare thing , but why do people always ask me as if i am despising them ?" asked Kevin with an annoyed tone .<br>"And why can't i search guidence from my party members ?"</p>
<p class="cnM0YzM3NzJjZTk0YzQxYjhiYjI5NDVjMDEwNTJjNzlk">Since neither Adam or Mark wanted to help Kevin to find a job he has to ask the guild staff , since they were the newbie helper .</p>
<p class="cnM0OTE2NDBlNTczZjQ0NWZhMDJkNjU3MjRiYTFhMjQ2">"Don't be so annoyed , there is a reason why they don't help you . It is an ritual that everyone needs to find their own alone without help from close persons . After all it is a choice for your life ." replied scary guy .</p>
<p class="cnM5MDAzYjE5NTlmMjQ2MTlhMWE1MWQ5OWYwOGMzODU2">"But there are so many joby , even [Smith] has countless branches . Making enchantes on equipment , forging , working with precious magic stone and many more . How do you want me to choose a job so easily ? Not only that , i have to choose one fast or else i won't get to know the job advantages ." wailed Kevin .</p>
<p class="cnNkYTQyMzM3YmZjODQ4MWE5ZDMxYzg0ZjA3OTc1OTk2">Sighing scary guy said : "Since you are a supporter you have to pick a job where physical strength is not necessary . I think Alchemist would be a pretty decent choice . <br>Even if it's not popular since Alchemist almost have no attack or defense buff without preparations , for supporters to carry tons of heal potions or mana potions will make them more useful to the group . Another advantage is that a prepared Alchemist is more scarier than an entire army of swordsmen ."</p>
<p class="cnNmMzllOGQ4MjYzYTRjZDM5YmQxYWM1ODZlYWQxMDZm">"Wow , if an alchemist is so strong why isn't it popular ?" asked Kevin .</p>
<p class="cnNjNzc3ZjVhZDYxNzQ3N2FiMzBkY2UwZTYzNTk5ZjQw">"Naturally because you have prepare yourself . Where do you get the materials for thousands of heal potions or flame potions ? Not only that , rune enscripter is almost the same except the fact that you engrave runes of mana on everything , paper , wooden sticks , even leaves can be inscripted with explosion rune or buff runes ." explained Scary guy .</p>
<p class="cnNjNzYwYmE3MTExYTQxMjBiZGRiODAyYWQ5ZTRlNjRi">After decent information Kevin decided to chose between Alchemist or Rune Inscriptor . Not because they sounded good , it was more like that the other jobs like cook , forager , builder , scholar etc. could be learned by everybody and was a overall advantage job . <br>Focus jobs will strengthen the stats in which the person is strong at , for Kevin it would be INT and WIS .</p>
<p class="cnMxMTBkOGZhNzYzNzQ1NWM4OTAzYzExMmY4ZGNiMDI3">"Where do i even learn the jobs ?" asked Kevin . <br>"Just ask the guild , they will give free job scrolls to everyone . After all people can't learn more than one job ." answered scary guy .</p>
<p class="cnMwZWZjNGRlODQxNjQwZjQ5YjVmNTliYmU4YTUxODMz">Then he walked to the back of the counter and entered a room .</p>
<p class="cnNiZjJiNGEyZDUwMzRiYTU4MzI0ZTNhNTExMzM0MGE1">Pondering which job he should take Kevin listed the advantage and the disadvantages of Inscripter and Alchemist .</p>
<p class="cnMxZGM2ZDcxMWQ3NjRhNGE5NWY3NjdlMjU4NjFmZTE3">The result is obvious , even if inscriptor couldn't heal with their runes there existed shield runes . Not only that , attack runes like flame rune , explosion rules are pretty common .</p>
<p class="cnM0N2NhNWY4NmQ5OTQ4ZDhhYWRhNDRhMDMwNjViOGJm">Alchemist on the opposite have offensive too with explosion potion or flame potion , no shields though but with healing potions . However the major problem is the fact that potions need materials while runes does not .</p>
<p class="cnMyMGNiMzFkOWYzNzQyOTJiZjljMzM4MGQwOGRhMmQx">Seems like inscripter will do .</p>
<p class="cnM5Y2U5Zjg5ZmNjOTRmMDBhZGNmYzk4NzIyNTk5MjVi">Looking at the guild counter Kevin could see scary guy holding two scrolls .</p>
<p class="cnM4OTQxMThiZTUwZTRjZDNhOWVmODJkYzE5ZTMyOTI0">"Left is Alchemist and right is Inscriptor , which do you choose ?" said scary guy .</p>
<p class="cnM0MjVkNzUzZGViMDRlY2NhYWQ2NTViZjc1ZTkwMzRi">Picking up the inscripter Kevin could see a message popping up :</p>
<p class="cnNkYWY5NjJkYTgwNDQ1ZDg4MWY3MjYwOGZhZTRjNzJl">[ Job scroll : Inscriptor ] <br>[ Write Runes on objects to have difference effects , amount of runes limited to the level ]<br>[ Ancient Runes are : Rune of (Fire , Earth , Water , Air) , Rune of Divine Protection , Rune of Destruction , ... ] <br>[Learn ? (YES) (NO) ]</p>
<p class="cnNmOTUxMTY1MTI2YzRlMTk4ODcxNTg4MjQzYmNlMTc2">'Wait , so these Ancient Runes are the strongest possible runes ?' thinking about the ultimate runes Kevin hesitated .</p>
<p class="cnNmNjBjNDM3MGJkOTQ2ZGVhZWJlZDIzYWRhNGUxMTkz"><br>"Can i have the Alchemist scroll for a moment ?" asked Kevin . <br>Without a word scary guy passed the other scroll to Kevin . If one would look closer a faint smile is visible on scary guy lips .</p>
<p class="cnNiYmY0ZmQ1NzdhYTQ0MzBiYjQzYjhkM2JjNTQwYTc3">[ Job scroll : Alchemist ] <p class="cjViYzYzNTg0YWU5NTQ3Y2FiMDQ1YTljODI2MGE0OWI3">If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.</p>[ Brew different Potions out of different Materials ]<br>[ Ancient Potions : Divine Potion , Holy Water , Water of Thousand Nights , Tear of Phoenix , Basilisk Poison , Divine God Bomb , Divine Ocean Flood , etc . ] <br>[Learn ? (YES) (NO) ]</p>
<p class="cnM1ZjZiY2VjYzM2NzRkNTFhMzMwYjBlYTdiODRlNDU0"><br>Looking on the countless Ancient Potions Kevin couldn't but feel flabbergasted . <br>So many ! And they sound so amazing !</p>
<p class="cnNjMTlmOWVjZTg2NTRhN2Y5MDk3ODg3NzY3ZDYxODEz">"Is there a reason why there are so few Ancient Runes and so many Ancient Potions ?" Kevin asked scary guy .</p>
<p class="cnM3YjBhNWU4N2U1MzQ2ZTI4MzI0MDMxYWVlMDQyMzZj">"Yeah , after all even if materials are spare you can combine thousands in different variations . On the other hand Ancient runes have to be engraved on the perfect material , for example Divine Ice rune on everlasting ice stone . You can't expect normal wood or a leave to be able to hold an Ancient rune . Besides after using the Ancient Rune the material will dissipate into dust . It is almost the same as if you were to use a potion ." explained scary guy .</p>
<p class="cnMyNDc4YjJkZjE5MDQxMTA5NjExZjJkN2Y4ZWVhNTgy">Sighing over the restriction Kevin choosed Alchemist over Inscripter , at first he felt disappointed . Why can't it be so op like he imagined ? Not only won't the rune disappear , stronge runes have to be written on rare thing and the object will fall into dust or nothing if used .</p>
<p class="cnNjOTQ0ZjdkYzRhNDRlNjZhZDEzNWRiMmE0YTBjNWRi">Clicking Yes for Alchemist Kevin could feel warm surrounding him , then disappearing .</p>
<p class="cnMwNmIzNjYxYmRhODQyMjBiMWViZTI5YWM0NGZhNGVj">"So in the end you chose Alchemist ?" asked scary guy , with a faint smile .</p>
<p class="cnNlNzE1NTYxODdlYTQ2Njg4NmEwMDU2NmNhN2UwOGJm">Kevin didn't noticed the smile , after all he decided his job for the rest of his life ! Who wouldn't feel doubtful about his decision ?</p>
<p class="cnNhNmQ3YjFkZWQzNjRmMDk5ZDY0ZDRmZjc0ZTVmN2Mw">Kevin answered with a straight Yes and walked back to the roundtable .</p>
<p class="cnNkYTNiYWQzOTI4YTQxMjY5OGMxMTQ1NzkxMTgyYTNk">Turning his back to scary guy he didn't notices him smiling while thinking of something unknown .</p>
<p class="cnM1YTM4ZTRhYTQzNjQxMDc4N2JiOGViNzJkMGU2MzY5"><br>Arriving on the roundtable Kevin grabbed a chair and sat down . <br>"You choosed your job ?" asked Mark . <br>"What is it ?" added Adam .</p>
<p class="cnM1NTAzYmYxMjI5YTRkOWZiNGExMjIyMGM2ZDExNDU3">"It is Alchemist ." replied Kevin while opening his Status .</p>
<p class="cnM4MDhkM2UxZWFlYjRjZGRhYWNiNTljMGExYjRjMDk3"> </p>
<p class="cnM1ZjBiY2ZiMjhkMjQ1NjBiMWUwYjExNDhiZDc2OTc2">[Kevin - lv 9 ( 176 950 / 872 000) ] <br>[Recruit , Born to Support ]<br>[Pets : Bear Amy(Hibernation) ]<br>[Abilitys : Inventory , Alchemist Apprentice(0)]</p>
<p class="cnMxM2M0YzhiMGRiZDQ2MzY4MmJhYzEyNjE4MjQ3NGFk">HP: 50/50 Amyshield (0/0)<br>MP: 120/120<br>[STR: 9][AGI: 9][VIT: 9][INT: 61][WIS: 40]<br>[ P-DEF: 10 ] [ M-DEF: 0 ]</p>
<p class="cnMyZTU5ODEyYmQwNzRmMzlhYzRkZDdhOTU0MGYzOTQ0">Current Party ( 1 Trust )</p>
<p class="cnNjMDRjODVjZGNjNTRkZDk5NDYyYzM4Njg4MDcxNTc1">[Skills : ]<br>[Lowermost Heal] [ mpc 2 / 1% wis+int / 0% ] + 2x effect from Title <br>[ Lesser Cure ] [ mpc 10 / 0% ]<br>[ Lowermost Buff ] [ mpc 10 / 5% str+dex+vit / 97% ] + 2x effect from Title <br>[ Lowermost Light ] [ mpc 5-1ps / 10% x 2int x element / 9% ] <br>[Alchemist Apprentice + 20 INT + 10 WIS ]</p>
<p class="cnM1Y2QwMzVjYTU5ODRmOWM4ODIyYzJkZDhmN2Y3MmI1"><br>Looking at his status page Kevin ordered a glass of apple juice . After all he didn't drinked in his last world , so why should he start it in this world ?</p>
<p class="cnM4NzA0ODk4NmZmMDQzYTI4M2VkMGYyM2M2YjU2NjM4">While waiting for the apple juice akward silence filled the table . Adam and Mark didn't talked like always and looked at Kevin . The last just waited for his drink .</p>
<p class="cnMxZGUxNDNiN2Y4NTQ4NWRhYzIxY2QwNzgxZmM2MjQ0">After one guild staff waiter brought the juice Kevin sipped a little bit , tasting the sweet apple flavor .</p>
<p class="cnM5MTNlZjc3OWFmZTQyZTliYjA3Y2UwODY4ZDFjYjZh">"So will we do from now on ?" asked Kevin .</p>
<p class="cnMwMTI3ZjMyZmQzOTQ2NjM4ODY3YTQ4ZGMzZjc4OTFh">Adam replied : "We will split ."</p>
<p class="cnNmMDdjNTIxNmFhMTQ4YzNhZTJhNmU0M2MyNTA1YjRl">With a suprised tone Kevin asked : "So from now on we are not a party anymore ?"</p>
<p class="cnNkMTMyZTMwNmJlODQ3OThiZTljZGIyZjY0OGEzYWZl">Sighing Mark started to talk : "We will split , but the group . We will work individual for now and after a while we will start train our team work . At the time where we hunted didn't you felt pretty much useless ?"</p>
<p class="cnNmNjQwZmFhYjFkNTQ1YmM4OWI4NzNjOThkNTM1MzM2">Kevin just nodded , it is true that he is pretty much useless in fighting . However in his old world who would care about his bad fighting skills ? Or to say it in other words who would care about him even if he is bad ? As long as he doesn't break any rules nobody would care for him . Except his parents , but who wouldn't want their offspring to be great ?</p>
<p class="cnMzZWMxNzQxODc5ZjQ2NGI4NzkxNWM3ZjM4ZGQ2MDM5">So he just accepted the fact live and die peacefully . But now in a new world everyone have to train hard , TOGETHER .</p>
<p class="cnM4NmZjZmQ2MWY1YzQxN2M4ZjUxMGZkOWZiYzdhNzRj">It may be that Mark only wanted to ensure his surviving by not having a burden on his shoulders , however Kevin felt a new experience . The experience of relying on each other , the feeling of comrades in arms . The bullshit of "United we stand , divided we fall" .</p>
<p class="cnMxYWUyYjQ4YTJlODQyNWE5ODA3NGY3NGNjZTAwNDYx">There is a chance that Kevin read too many story where party member train hard to protect each other or to get stronger as a goal . Neverless a surge of emotion popped up in Kevins heart .</p>
<p class="cnMwZGFkYTZlNjM3MzQ0MTFhN2RiNWI0Y2Q4NzUwMTIy">He only scratched on the surface of the feeling though .</p>
<p class="cnNiN2FlMmU5ZjVjNzRlNmRiZGFhN2NmNDQxOTdiZjRl">"We couldn't find a house in the near surrounding . Most already got taken by other partys ." a voice sounded through the air as Kevin immersed himself in the feeling .</p>
<p class="cnM4MmRkMzc0NjFhNjQ1MTI4OTFjYWRlMjFlNWFjNjg5">"There is a free house though , in the outskirt of the city . It is not completey outside but the wilderness is only one or two steps away from the backdoor ." answered a female voice .</p>
<p class="cnNmZDdjMGEwY2YzYTQyNjBhMzIyYmUyMGQ3NjhkNmFl">The voices belong to Caro and Bogo who went to search for a house in the city .</p>
<p class="cnMyYzFlNDE4ZDJjMDQwN2VhYWM1ZTY1ZTUxNWMxNzQ4">"A house in the outskirt of the city ? Isn't that perfect ? We won't have to walk so far ! Hahahahah . !" Mark began to laugh .</p>
<p class="cnM0ZTIxYTNlYjhjZjQxNTViNjIyNmFlZTI3N2M2YTkw">"The house will be alright , after all i don't think demons will attack this city . Besides we area already used to guard at night so it doesn't matter ." added Adam .</p>
<p class="cnNlMTk4YTFjMTJhODQ4NmE5ZTMxNzQ1MzZhOTVlZTRm">Caro and Bogo sat down and ordered something to drink while Kevin asked Adam : <br>"I am weak right now , so what i should i do to get stronger ?"</p>
<p class="cnM0YTRjYTEyYmNkNTRhYzY5OWExZWZmZmJiZjdiOTZh">"Just go to the sewer underground . You can ask the mice or rat mans to guide you . They need every hand they can get to fight agains these new mice and rats ." interrupted Bogo .</p>
<p class="cnM4YjBiOGRiZTgyYzQwZWFhMTRkN2JkMDM0YjA1NTNl">"A sewer dungeon ? Who build that ?" asked Kevin with a questiond look .</p>
<p class="cnM3NDY1NWUyZjVhZDQ5NTZhYTJiYjIxYWQwZTc3M2Nk">"It is not a real dungeon , after all the monsters don't drop equipment or special weapons . The sewer exists since the town beginning , after all where is the feces of the alliance going ? Besides a dungeon mind will be created with every dungeon , maybe it will rank up soon ." explained Mark .</p>
<p class="cnMyODhhY2RjZmIyZDQxYzU4YWY5YTI1MWNiMGE1NDlh">"Yeah , and after the Dungeon ranked up we will see a boss monster on the last floor and the monster will start drop equipment ." explained a nearing voice .</p>
<p class="cnNhYzQyYWVhZjVlNDQ2YzRhODgyZmFiOGRhOWI3MTdi">It is Emilia . She walked along with An and En on her right and left side towards the table . Her blond hair seemed to be golden , her trait as a elf , the pointy ears give her a mysterious feeling .</p>
<p class="cnNmOWJlN2VmZTBhZTRkZjlhMmFhYTJhOTYxNWJlZmM4">Many males gazed upon her causing them to get scold by their female party members .</p>
<p class="cnNiY2M3MTJlZTAyYzRlNWVhNDE2MTc4Y2QwOThjOTdi">After sitting down on a chair the three girls stared at Kevin causing him to blush .</p>
<p class="cnNkMzY4MGQ0Y2UxYzQ5MWQ4YjU4OTg2NzJhYzk3MTBl">"I don't want to go into the sewer , it is dark and smelly . Besides it is not a real dungeon yet !" protest An .</p>
<p class="cnM1MGM5NDI2YTFmNzRlMWQ4Yjc5ZjY2NWQ4MmQwZTdi">"We won't go into dungeon , for now we will rent the house in the outskirt of the city and start to train individual . Only Kevin should train in the sewer , he is low leveled and wants to level his skills . The war in the sewer should build a good foundation for him ." explained Adam calmly .</p>
<p class="cnNjMTU5OWQwNjU3OTRkZmM4MGZjMDIwNTU2NDY1ZDUw">"Isn't the sewer quite dangerous ? Many Adventurer die each year ." asked Emilia .</p>
<p class="cnM3OGIxZjAxYjUzNTRhMWJiOGE2NDc1MmQ3NmVlYzA1">"Nah , it will be fine . After all he will fight with the mice and rat man ." replied Mark casually .</p>
<p class="cnMxMjFjY2E4Y2I3ODQyNTdhMzdkNWE4MWUzMGVmMzY3">Sweat poured out of Kevins body . Many people die each year and he have to "train" there ?</p>
<p class="cnM2Yzc2ODI2NzllODRhMTBiOTExMzg3N2NjOWU2NjJl">"So did you register us in the guild ?" asked Adam .</p>
<p class="cnNiMzYxMTYxMTQ3MDRkZTM5NjVmZGNiOWIwMzU4ZjA2">"Yes , everything worked smoothly ." replied Emilia .</p>
<p class="cnM3ZmVhOTAyN2U4ZjRjOWU4NDExMGNjNjA1ZDJlNTA1">"Since the day is nearing to its end we should visit our new house in the outskirts !" said Bogo while standing up . "By the way we won't have to pay rent for it , after all it is a free house for every adventurer . Since we will use it we have to register ourself and leave it in a proper state ."</p>
<p class="cnMxMjNhOGIyZTFkYTQ2ZWNhMzc1ODlkODc0OGZlYjlm">The whole party agreed and they registered themself in the guild .</p>
<p class="cnM4M2VmOGMxMDJlZjRlMWZhMmI2M2RhZGRjNzM5MmZm"> </p>
<p class="cnM4OTVhMDdkN2Q3YTQ3MWE4ODU1ZDM1NDlmZmI2MzY3"> </p>
<p class="cnM4OGNlMzUzM2UwZDQwMjJiYWI2MDRiMWZlNjFlY2Q2"> </p>
<p class="cnNkMjQyMTljMzMzMTQ5OWZiZWFlNzRiNTAzYmQ1ZmFl"> </p>
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<i class="fa fa-calendar" title="Published"></i> <time unixtime="1476301237" datetime="2016-10-12T19:40:37.0000000Z" format="U" >Wednesday, October 12, 2016 7:40:37 PM</time>
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<i class="fa fa-map-marker" title="Location"></i> Meat Bun Continent
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<h1 style="margin-top: 10px" class="font-white break-word">Chapter 48 - Nice Boots</h1>
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<div class="portlet-body author-note"><p>Sorry for the slight delay. I didn't have any power since last night and only got my computer working about an hour ago. Luckily I had saved most of the chapter before the power loss and only had to finish it up this morning, rather than rewrite the whole thing.</p></div>
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<p class="cnNlNTc2MmE0M2FjZTRkNzRhNzU4ZWNlZTY4NzE0MzU2"></p>
<p class="cnNhMWUzMjQ0ZTI2ODRhOWE5MTMwMmVjNTk4YzVkOGJm"> </p>
<p class="cnMzZmI5YmQ1NTFmZjRlOTY5YTJjMzZmZDgxZDhlZmE4">Ren watched the kids taking turns riding the 'unicorn', and the rest of the afternoon passed by quickly. The unicorn changed back at the two hour mark, but since it still had the big gold horn, the kids still treated it like it was still a real unicorn, even though it was now brown and had lost it's extra hair. By the time the horse was too exausted to move more than a few feet at a time, Aimus called a stop to the festivities and Ana got off the horse. The families thanked Aimus for a great party and gathered up their kids so they could head to their respective homes. Ana waved as each one left and then hugged her dad.</p>
<p class="cnM2Njk3NmVlNDg1ODQ0NDViOTU1OWJjZTRhNjRlMTRi">“Thanks so much, dad! This was the best birthday ever!” Ana gushed.</p>
<p class="cnNmY2M4OGI3YTMwNjRlNjM5MjE4YjVmZTlkNTk4YzI5">“You're quite welcome, you little devil.”</p>
<p class="cnNhOTc2MjQ0ZTU3YTQ0NGE4MDFjMTc1NGRhODcwYTU0">“Dad!” Ana let the hug go and punched Aimus in the gut.</p>
<p class="cnMwMDZkODg0ZmU1ZTRlNDY4NjBhOTNhMGEyYTI2MTNl">Aimus exaggerated the 'oof' and grabbed his stomach. “Angel! You little angel!” Aimus chuckled.</p>
<p class="cnMyN2ZiYTQ2NjlhNjRmZjM5ZjUwMmE2M2M3YjE5Mjg3">Ana huffed and walked to the tent. Ana came out a moment later with an armful of presents and went to the house. Aimus took the fake horn off the horse and led it to the barn. Ren got the feed bag, poured a minor healing potion in it, and hooked it over the horse's head while Aimus secured the pen and took off the saddle.</p>
<p class="cnNkOWU1MmFkM2UxNDQ5Mzc4NDU5ZGIyMWExNGRhYzFm">“Thanks again for everything today, Ren.” Aimus said.</p>
<p class="cnNjYmNmM2FkNDhkNDQ2N2I4ZTE0Y2YzOWFjOTE2ZmFh">Ren shrugged. “It's not like I'd just stand around and not help. That wouldn't be right.”</p>
<p class="cnMyNDY5ZTBhNTg5MjQwODhhY2Q3OWI0NTdjNTc1MDlh">Aimus smiled. <span style="font-style: italic;">Most adventurers actually would just stand around and do nothing when given the choice, unlike you, Ren.</span></p>
<p class="cnMyYmMyY2JhYmQ0ZjQ2M2ZhNDNmZTg4MTBjNTk4ZDUz">“On that note, let's get this place cleaned up!” Aimus said and slapped Ren on the back.</p>
<p class="cnM3ZjBhYjk4MjhkZTQzNWQ4ZDA3YWY2MzYyNTZlMTBj">Ren chuckled. “I stepped right into that, didn't I?”</p>
<p class="cnNmMmY1YjViYWQzMTQzYTk4ZmQ3MWZiZjI2N2I1NjNm">Aimus grinned and they went to the tent to gather up everything. It took about an hour to clean it all and Ren put the decorations back into the boxes they came from. Aimus had to get the ladder again to unhook all the firework decorations he'd hung up the night before. They were one use items so they would have to be thrown out. Ren wasn't sure where to put them, but Aimus said to just collect them for now and he'd toss them in an old fire pit they sometimes used for campfires.</p>
<p class="cnMyMTA1YWQxZTQ1NDRhY2RiZDg4YmU5Y2Q5MWQ1ODFh">“What about the tent?” Ren asked when they were done.</p>
<p class="cnNiMmUxZWM0OTliZDQwMjliOWY2YTZmNTEzYjRlY2Y2">“I think I'm going to leave it up for a while.” Aimus said. “It really is a nice big tent.”</p>
<p class="cnNlY2QyYTRmZmM5NzQ0NzU4NjdkOTMxZGIzYTZmZDU4">Ren nodded and followed Aimus as he carried the ladder out to the barn. Aimus put the ladder inside and walked around the back of the house. Ren followed and Aimus led him about halfway to the treeline to a brick and mortar pit about a foot high and 3 feet wide.</p>
<p class="cnNmODFhMjA0Nzc5YTQ0Zjk5NWFlYmIwYTkyYmZjOTA4">“Toss the used fireworks in here.” Aimus said and pointed.</p>
<p class="cnNiYTY3NzA5NjY3MDRmNzlhMDlkM2NhNGMzNmFkZGJj">Ren put them in the fire pit and Aimus went up to the house. Ren followed him into the kitchen.</p>
<p class="cnNjNzVlYTYyNDY1ZjQyMDhiZjE0ZDcxMzU1MTM4Yjc3">“Honey, we've got all the trays of food. Where do you want them?” Aimus asked his wife.</p>
<p class="cnMxMDFiYmFjM2YzZjRmY2RiYjY1M2Y0ODExY2YzZGNj">“Spread them out across the table and the counter. I'll salvage what I can from them and wash the platters.” Abigail said from the sink.</p>
<p class="cnMwNWU3M2I3YTBhMjQzNjU4Y2U1ZDcyM2RkYjMzNjE0">Ren spead out the almost empty platters and the half filled punch bowl. Ren took out the stack of dirty plates and went to the sink. “Do you need any help?”</p>
<p class="cnMyM2NmYjFlN2I3ZDQ1NWViODVhNzM1ZmFiNTcwNzEw">Abigail turned, looked at Ren, and decided he was sincere in his offer. “No, that's okay. I can handle a few dishes.”</p>
<p class="cnNmZDIwNDFlYTFkZjRjNmZhNjhlNWNmM2UyZTJkM2Vj">Ren put the dishes down and took out all the glasses as well. “Are you sure? An extra pair of hands could be handy.” Ren said and smiled.</p>
<p class="cnNhNTI5YzMyOWNkOTQ2ODZiMjdiM2JjZTU2OWY2OWNi">Abigail smiled. “I'll wash, you dry. The plates go here.” Abigail pointed to a cupboard next to the table. “The glasses go here.” Abigail pointed to the cupboard above the sink.</p>
<p class="cnM3ZjM3ODhhMmNjOTQxZTFhMzllNDk2MzdmZDJhM2E5">“I don't think I can reach that.” Ren said a bit dejected.</p>
<p class="cnMyY2NhMDE1YTY3ODRjY2Q4NDg2M2I0NGM0ZmZiMzQ0">“That's what the stool is for.” Abigail said and kicked a small stool out from under the sink. “Ana helps me sometimes and she can't reach it, either.”</p>
<p class="cnM3NmQ0ZWRhNTUyYjQ3ZWE5ZWM1YTM0OTFlYWQ1MGU4">Ren nodded and put the stool close enough that he could reach the cupboard but not interfere with Abigail's movements, and they got to work. With Abigail washing and Ren drying, it didn't take long to get everything done.</p>
<p class="cnM5MzcxODliMWFiNzQwMTFhOWMwODk2YTE5N2Y3ODYx">“Thank you for your help, Ren.” Abigail said. “Now get out of here while I sort out the leftovers.” Abigail ruffled Ren's hair.</p>
<p class="cnMwZDFhMzgzODM1MjQyNTk5ZDhlMTM5NmY0MzE5MGY0">Ren left the kitchen but didn't see Aimus anywhere. <span style="font-style: italic;">Teepo? Do you know where Aimus went?</span></p>
<p class="cnM2MjY3YTM4NjliNzRhNmM5YWY2MTMyZmUwNTcxN2Iy">“He's in the new shed.” Teepo said. “I followed him in here to see what he was doing.”</p>
<p class="cnM0NzBjYzUwZjM4ZTQ4ZmZhODljOWM2N2QxZjhiMGYy"><span style="font-style: italic;">Thanks, Teepo. I'll be right there.</span> Ren thought and then went to the new shed.</p>
<p class="cnM2ODBkOTlhYjlhZTQ4MmY4NTJiOTI5NDcyNzczNzMy">Aimus was gathering up a few of the pelts that still had fur on them.</p>
<p class="cnM2ZGQwN2ViNjY1MzRjMDFhYjhiNzgwNGY0ZjViNjZk">“Let me help with that.” Ren said and stored the pelts.</p><p class="cmUwMDk1MjliYmQ4YjRkOTliMGUyZjcxMmRmZmJlNTk5">This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.</p>
<p class="cnNlMzg5NDlhMTY4ZjQxOTc4Y2UxMGIxZTllYWIzNDcx">“I figured I'd make a few pairs of boots while I waited for you.” Aimus said. “Apparently, I wasn't quick enough to do more than a single pair.” Aimus chuckled.</p>
<p class="cnM2ZmMzZjM4YTU5ODRmMzBiZmVjMTM4ZTkxOTRkMjlh">Ren followed Aimus out of the new shed and over to the old one. Aimus sat down at the workbench. Ren handed over a pelt and watched Aimus flipped the pelt to the flat side and use several wooden cutouts. As soon as Aimus had covered as much of the space as the wooden cut outs allowed, he took a big pair of shears and cut them all out, laying each similar piece together. Once that was done, he took a tool with a rotating wheel on the end and ran it along the pieces, an inch from the edge. It made evenly spaced holes that Aimus said was for sewing the leather together. Aimus took another tool, a skiving blade, to trim the edge of certain parts. Ainus said it was for folding pieces together. Ren noted which pieces were done and what side to trim. Aimus used a beveler on the other sides of the pieces. It was a wedge shaped tool that removed the squared edges if there was any.</p>
<p class="cnM0YmNlMTdjMTkxYTQyNDM4MzA3YTFlMDU4M2Q1MmVm">Aimus took a sewing needle that had a larger than normal hole, and threaded through a leather like thread. Aimus sewed together 2 similar pieces, hiding the stitching between folded ends, then sewed those pieces onto 2 long ones. When he was done, there were 2 pairs of boots without soles. Aimus grabbed a thick hide from the rack and cut out 4 boot soles. Aimus stitched them to the bottom of his boots, and they were done.</p>
<p class="cnMxYmQxMmQ1YTMyNDRiOWU5NjhmZTYyMjY0Mzk0NTQ5"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody></p>
<p class="cnM2M2YzYWE0YzAxMTQ5MjFhZDk5MDM2MWM3MmY4Yjli"><tr><td colspan='4'> Notice! </td></tr></p>
<p class="cnMxOGMyMDVjMTZkMDQyMTdiZWYzMzc5MWY5ZjE2MTEy"><tr><td colspan='4'> You have learned a new recipe: Basic Boots </td></tr></p>
<p class="cnM3M2IwMjRhNDUwZjQyYzA4YjNiYmFjZjUzNGQxNDc5"></tbody></table></div></p>
<p class="cnNjNWJkNDZkMzllNjRjMWNiMDA3MTkzMTIwMzljNWYy">Aimus looked at Ren's face and recognized the look. It was the same look Aimus had seen on Ren's face when Aimus had shown him how to make a basic chair. Aimus stood up. “Go ahead.”</p>
<p class="cnNhZTIwZjNiZjFjZDRkNGZiMDMxOTA5YjY1ZTIzZjMw">Ren grinned and sat down. Ren pulled out a pelt and used the same techniques that Aimus had just used and produced boots almost as good as the ones Aimus had made.</p>
<p class="cnMyY2IwNTRmYzNlNjRmOTI5MjI3MGU1NGYyYmM2ZWZh">“I think you need a little more practice.” Aimus said.</p>
<p class="cnM0ZjFmMDJhY2E5YTRlNmM4MWY1MjY3OTM4ODBhOTlk">Ren nodded and got to work. As Ren kept making more and more boots, his Leatherworking skill leveled up a few times until the boots he was making were actually better than the ones Aimus had made.</p>
<p class="cnMxYzU0MTg2MmExMDQ4YWE4ZDczOGVjMTEwMjNiM2Zi">“Okay, stop.” Aimus said after Ren finished his 40<sup>th</sup> pair of boots. “People like nice boots. We're going to have to put some kind of design on them. Cut out the pieces from another pelt.”</p>
<p class="cnNjZTk0MjkyYjRiZjQxYzdiZjFhNjU5NTAxNWFlZDIx">Ren did so and Aimus took Ren's place at the table. “Some people can be picky over what they want to see on a boot.” Aimus explained as he took a small flat tool from the shelf above the bench. “You can get away with some swirls, but flowers are a no-no unless you're specifically making them for a girl.”</p>
<p class="cnMzZDFmYWU4N2Q1ZjQxMDM5NGI3NmVlNmE3M2U5ZDA0">Aimus took a small wooden mallet and tapped the tool into the leather, over and over. A pattern started to form along the top of the boot piece. There was a nice swirl and groves along the edge but Aimus left a lot of room in between. Aimus put the tool back and got another one with a rounded head. He tapped it seemingly at random in certain spots and filled in a lot of the empty space. He changed tools again and tapped this one in the remaining spaces and it make star patterns. When Aimus was done, a mosaic of swirls, shooting stars, and clouds covered the top third of the boot piece. Aimus did the same on the other piece, but reversed the pattern so that they would match when sewed together. The tips of the boot received a similar pattern, as did the heels. Aimus made the boot and the finished product looked fantastic. A lot better than a normal boot.</p>
<p class="cnM3ZTkxYjYwNmY1YjRiMWU4NDUxNTk4OGY3MTI2NjQz">“How do you decide what pattern to do?” Ren asked.</p>
<p class="cnNjZGI5NGQ3ZWM1MDRhYTU5YWIxZTlkNWY4ZWI5MTBi">“I don't usually. I'll just sit down and let inspiration take me.” Aimus said. “Want to give it a try?”</p>
<p class="cnM2YjVjYTI1ZDM1ZDQ1Zjk4MjU0MWM2NjVjZTFmOGQ0">Ren hesitated for a moment and then sat down. He took the same boot part Aimus had started with and then his mind went blank. <span style="font-style: italic;">What do I draw?</span> Ren thought.</p>
<p class="cnM5ZDNmM2MxMjk1ZDRkMmFiNjUwODM3ODU2MTk3Yzdm">Teepo hopped down onto the workbench. “Why not draw the Dancing Flames?”</p>
<p class="cnNlZWJjOGY3NjM0ZjRkYjJhYjhiMTNlMjZkNmFlOWE3"><span style="font-style: italic;">Dancing Flames?</span> Ren thought. <span style="font-style: italic;">How do I draw fire?</span></p>
<p class="cnMxYTdkMWZjMGE1NjRmOTliNTBlMjBiMjg1NzQ3MTM5">“Close your eyes.” Teepo said and Ren closed them. “Remember back in the forest. After lighting the trees, how the flames came forth and ate everything in their path. Remember how they rose into the sky. Remember how the wind helped make the fire dance higher and higher.”</p>
<p class="cnM2MjA2MGRhY2MzMzRmYTZhYzY4YzY4NjNlYWI5Y2Vj">Ren nodded and opened his eyes. He picked up the wooden mallet and different tools and got to work. It took him a while, considering he'd never used anything like these tools before. When Ren was finished, he sat back and heard Aimus whistle.</p>
<p class="cnNlNmY1ZWU0ZTdmMTQwYTE4YTljN2RhNTRmMWM1MDI0">“Well, damn. I've never seen anything like that before. You had your eyes closed most of the time.” Aimus said.</p>
<p class="cnMzMDNlMDA5ZmE3MDQwMWI5ZjBhODMzMjhkMGMyYmQ4">Ren nodded. “I needed to keep the image fresh in my mind.”</p>
<p class="cnM0NTUzYWI2ZjRkODQyNDZhNTljZjIwODY0ZTFiMDZl">“Well, don't just sit there!” Aimus urged. “Put the boots together.”</p>
<p class="cnMwOTYxMGYwMDEzNjRiMDU5YTRjZTVmZjcwZjgyNmQ2">Ren assembled the pieces and when the boots were complete, the scene Ren had made on them was spectacular. Large trees were on the sides and backs of the boots, half consumed. The fire started at the toes, flowed over the middle, rose over the sides, and around the tops of the boots. It was like the fire was alive.</p>
<p class="cnNkY2ZmZDdhOWRkMDQ2ZmQ5MzRjZjVmNmQ1Y2I5ODFm">Aimus picked up the boots and admired Ren's handiwork. It was a little rough, especially since it was Ren's first attempt, but it was also quite beautiful. Aimus put the boots down. “Can you do it again?”</p>
<p class="cnNkNjFiM2IzYjE2ZTQwZmM5OTY5YjRjMmQzOGNkNDQ1">Ren thought about it for a minute and took out another pelt. The pieces were cut and laid out properly. Ren took a deep breath and tried to recapture the image. Ren did the technique again and when he was finished and assembled the boots, it was still trees and fire, but the scene was slightly different. The fire still started at the toes, but swirled to the right side and ate the trees there, and left the trees on the other side of the boot alone.</p>
<p class="cnM3NzE3NWY5MGFkNzRkNzhiMzkxYjgzZDU4YjVmOWE3">Aimus picked up the boot and whistled again. “I thought you would just copy the old one. This is excellent work, Ren.”</p>
<p class="cnMzMmU2NzQwYWNjOTRiODg5OTZkNjE2NTI0OGM1ZTVl">Ren blushed a little.</p>
<p class="cnNkZDFiMDA2MTI0YjQ0YmU5NmVmZmZjYWE0ODA0MzE5">“Making the same pattern on a boot would make them less desireable, if anyone could get the same design.” Aimus said. “Making each pair of boots with it's own pattern gives it a unique and desirable quality.” Aimus put the boots down and smiled at Ren.</p>
<p class="cnM1NzA3MmVlNDA1NDQ0ZmI5Nzk3ZjQ0YTMxZmFhOTI4">“I never thought I'd ever say this to someone outside of the family...” Aimus said and smiled at Ren. “...but considering I've been thinking of making you my apprentice ever since you did such a fantastic job skinning all those giant rats back at the lookout... I might as well make it official.”</p>
<p class="cnNmOWVkMzg1NjljZDQ5OWJiZWMyZGUxZThiZjFmMDdi">“Ren, I hereby declare you Son of the Pelt.”</p>
<p class="cnM3NTk5NDAyMDAwZjQxY2ViMzk0NmJlOGM1OTk3OGE4"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody></p>
<p class="cnMxZWViYTlkMTMzMDQxNTFiYzFiZTllZDE5N2Y0NjRj"><tr><td colspan='4'> Notice! </td></tr></p>
<p class="cnMzZGZiZGE2MmVkMTRjZDFiNDVjNWE5MTA1OGY5NWNl"><tr><td colspan='4'> You have earned a new title: Son of the Pelt </td></tr></p>
<p class="cnNhMmYxYjJiMTM0NDQxMWI4Y2QwYTQ1ZWQ0NTQzNTg4"></tbody></table></div></p>
<p class="cnM0ODE0YmI2Y2I2MTQ3NmQ4ZDc4YzYxZTg0MjZiNmRi"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody></p>
<p class="cnNlYmYyMWMzZTllODRmYzBiNTY4YjdiYzg2MTk1YTFi"><tr><td colspan='4'> Son of the Pelt </td></tr></p>
<p class="cnNiYjg0YmYzYzZhMDQ4N2I4ODQzMzEyMmIyM2UwNjAy"><tr><td colspan='4'> This title grants you the use of a portable Leatherworking crafting station.</p>
<p class="cnM0MTU1NjI3ZTBiNDRjZDc5MmYyYjNiNzJjYThmOTYy">It contains various tools and equipment for the processing and construction of leather goods.</p>
<p class="cnNmZjU5MDg0YTljNTRkOTM5ZmYyZjFhNzBjOWZlNjJk">Grants a 20% bonus to skills related to Leatherworking when used.</td></tr></p>
<p class="cnMxMmM4NDdiNjllZTQ3OTE5YzI0YzE0MzA4YjY4MmZi"></tbody></table></div></p>
<p class="cnNjZmRkNTcxZDU3ODQzMTZhYWMzZjRlZGFjZDc3MGEz">Ren swiped the popups away and Aimus handed him something that looked like a wooden briefcase. Ren took it gingerly and opened it. Inside was everything that was on the workbench; hand tools, hammers and knives, and two closed compartments. One marked 'Treat' and the other marked 'Drying'. Ren opened the 'Treat' one and got the same distinctive smell he expected from a treating mixture.</p>
<p class="cnM0ZDA2NzRhM2E4YzQyYzJiM2RkNWZiOGYxNzlkNGU4">“It'll only hold a single pelt at a time.” Aimus said. “The same goes for the Drying one.”</p>
<p class="cnM3MzJjOTAwNWIwMTQ1YzY4ZDZlYmE2Mzc4YzBiYzNl">Ren closed the Treat compartment and opened the Drying one. There was a single inventory slot inside.</p>
<p class="cnNjMDU0M2ZhN2E4OTQyNTY5YWQ2OTcxYmUwNjU0YWYw">“Aimus, I don't know what to say...” Ren said.</p>
<p class="cnM3YmI3NjMxOWFlNTQ3YTU4MzNlNWMyYjZlOTY1ZWQ0">“I do.” Aimus responded and clapped Ren on the back.</p>
<p class="cnM3NTkxN2JiMzk4MjQ2MGViODI2NjY3Zjc3YjU0YTdh">“Get to work!” Aimus said and laughed.</p>
<p class="cnNiMDY5NjY1ODk3NjQ5NzNiYmZiMjZiODQ5YmY0YjEy"> </p>
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<i class="fa fa-calendar" title="Published"></i> <time unixtime="1476198682" datetime="2016-10-11T15:11:22.0000000Z" format="U" >Tuesday, October 11, 2016 3:11:22 PM</time>
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It's all up! Morbid (200 full chapters) is on Scribblehub and is currently on hiatus.<br/>Summoned Again! (200 full chapters) Is on hiatus as well. It's on Scribblehub, too!<br/>Bookworld Online: Marsh Man is at 150 chapters and new chapters will be posted daily. </p>
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<h1 style="margin-top: 10px" class="font-white break-word">Chapter 6.5: Gods and Creation</h1>
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<p class="cnNmNzNhNTcwZTk3NTRjM2Y5MWJmYjgyYTk2NjUyY2Q1">There are many Gods that watch over, guide and protect the world of Abraitera. Some just came to be, born from the energies of the universe, forming a conscientiousness initially with any personality, as they live and learn a personality forms, others were the offspring of gods and finally there are the mortals who ascended to god hood. There are many stages that gods can climb as they gain power and understanding of the universe, but only mortals can become Demi Gods.</p>
<p class="cnM2YjQyZjUzYjM0MTQyN2VhNmQ1NGI3Y2Y0NGIyYmNi"> </p>
<p class="cnMzZDAyZTEzMzYxMzQ1OTc4MjI5NzZiMDI1YThlMDkz">When a mortal is born fate gifts each soul a certain power and a certain potential. Fate is not a God, it is the guiding force for all life, it may not be a living being but fate does have a will and ability to interact with the world to guide those that need it. For mortals this is shown through their affinity with the elements and magical potential, but even if they reach their peak as a mortal, they won’t be able to ascend to a Demi God as fate didn’t grant them a Divine power, also known as a divine affinity. Those born with Divine power are exceedingly rare and will be completely unaware of the power the poses as there are no signs, the only expectations to this are the progenitors of each and every race, who always receive a Divine power from fate. Only those that have been granted a Divine power by fate are capable of ascending, becoming the Demi God of that power. (e.g. Demi God of Revenge)</p>
<p class="cnM3NWQ3M2U5MWZiNDQwNzJhY2NhNWJmNzYyZjQwYmM2"> </p>
<p class="cnM0OWE1NjkzNjdhZDQ1MTg4NDNlOTNkNTA1ZDAzNWVm"> </p>
<p class="cnNmMmQ3NDc0MzlhYjQwZWViZjIxMmI1ZGFhMDJlMDc0">For a mortal to ascend first they must discover themselves, see who they truly are and accept it completely. This is the most difficult part and the most time consuming. Once they have done this the Divine power within them fuses with their soul, revealing what their power is and enlightenment of what they could truly wield. Now they must master their power until it becomes one with them, once achieved they will gain immortality and ascend into a Demi God.</p>
<p class="cnM4NGE1NjA4YTUxMTRjMDU4NTkwZDgzYjU3NjYwMDIx"> </p>
<p class="cnNhOWU0YWFhYjc2NDQwMDdiNzk5MGM2MzdlM2NjZjRk">Part of the powers they receive are the ability to easily communicate with the gods their power is close too, as well as the ability to travel to the realm of the gods, although this will be unknown to them, but is possible to discover or they are told by a god they are close too.</p><p class="cmVkOWRkMjkwZGYxZjQ2MDY4ODdhNWM1ZjI3MDY3NGY5">Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.</p>
<p class="cnM3MDA1NDBlY2E5NDQwNDRiNjIyMTA4ZDM5NGU3N2E4"> </p>
<p class="cnMzMDM2YjY1YzQ4ODQ3N2RiOGI3ODMwMmRmMWQwNTQ5">Demi Gods are weakest stage of godhood, because technically they have not fully ascended, meaning they are still part mortal. Due to this they can live in the mortal realm, not bound by the rules of the gods. Despite how it sounds they are not that much more powerful than a mortal who has reached their peak power because they are still part mortal, the can be killed by mortal weapon. The reason they are not fully ascended is that complete ascension requires three truths to be discovered. First is the truth and acceptance of oneself, second is finding the truth of their power and mastering it and thirdly the must know the truth of the world, understanding the truth does not matter only that they know.</p>
<p class="cnM4ODMwNGRhZDY5MjRjZWZhMGExOGQ1MzZkMThjMzNi"> </p>
<p class="cnM5N2FlNTM4MzZmYTRmNmM5M2I5MDFmMWVmZDI5M2Rk">The only way a Demi God can discover the truth of the world is when they enter the god’s realm. When they arrive the truth will reveal itself to them, and they will fully ascend into a Lesser God.</p>
<p class="cnM0ZDMyYjI2ZTAxOTQ3NTM4MzlkN2JjZTJiZjMzZDYz"> </p>
<p class="cnMzNWVkZWE2MDlhNTQxMTE5MzhiMGQ5NjM2OTU4MTkz">In the gods realm the lesser gods are the lowest ranked and weakest. After them there are the Gods, then the High Gods, then the God Kings, then the God Emperors, then there are the True gods and finally the Primordial Gods, of which there are only 11. One for each of the elements Fire, Earth, Water, Wind, Ice, Lightning, Light, Darkness, Shadow, Void magic and then there is the God Of Time Chronos, time is not an element or force, time is time nothing else. Through void magic simple time magic can be used to simple degree, but none other than Chronos himself can control time. These eleven were the primordial gods of this universe, combining their powers with each other they created the world of Abraitera.</p>
<p class="cnMxN2RiYTk5N2U1ODQ5MTNhNmIwMDk1OTY0NmJhY2U2"> </p>
<p class="cnNkMjMzMWZjMzIzZDQwZmRiODA3MDc3OTY5MTk2NWRj">They filled it with basic life and watched it grow into something beautiful. As time passed and more gods came to be they grew frustrated, there beautiful world was thriving but felt incomplete, after discussing it with each other for an untold amount of time, it was decided that each god would create a sentient race in their image and guide their growth. Ten of the gods created a sentient race in their image. Athreal was the only Primordial not to create a species, she really wanted to but she could feel fates influence telling her to wait, and so she did for millennia until she was the only one who hadn’t created a species. Eventually after eons of waiting she felt it, a soul from another universe formed a link with hers, which was meant to be impossible for any mortal or god to do, but not impossible for fate. Filled with happiness as now her race can finally be born into the World. </p>
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<p class="cnNlNTE4ODM0NDRkYzQ5NWNiNTk5ZDYxNDk4YTk4NTRh" dir="ltr"> </p>
<p class="cnMzZmRmNGRjMzEyMzQ5ODNiYmZjMDc5NDkzNGVjNzQw" dir="ltr">Expect a battle in the next chap</p>
<p class="cnMwYzA1ZDQzMmY1ZDQ5MGQ5MTJlYTI1ZTQwZjAxNzIw" dir="ltr"> </p>
<hr>
<p class="cnM2ZmM1ZWM1NTg5MTQ3MzQ4ZThkYTlhZTJlNGI2YTUw" dir="ltr"> </p>
<p class="cnNjNTI0NWNhNjQ5ODQxNDg4NmQwNWVhYjBkY2FiNGJl" dir="ltr">“Jack, please tell me what I'm looking at” Luke said with an incredulous face.</p>
<p class="cnMzYzNmM2EzMWY3NzQzODc4NjgwZjQ0ZDhkMGU3M2M3" dir="ltr">“Yes sir! A foot tall, huge frontal teeth and smooth white fur. Cuteness level over 9000 if Sarah behaviour is any hint. I would say that we got ourselves a rabbit.” Jack</p>
<p class="cnM5OGQ2NjNjZTJiNjQ3ZWY5MGMwZTYwYjY2ZmE3OTli" dir="ltr">Actually, there were over a dozen of the little furballs between the treeline and the outer ward. They have appeared out of thin air quite literally, in other words spawned. They looked like classic lvl 1 mobs and practice targets. Well, at least for men, Sarah wanted (and probably most females in the world) to adopt them.</p>
<p class="cnM0MGFmNDE3MWJlNjRiNjRhMWVkNTViOGJmNzExM2Jh" dir="ltr">Half an hour have passed since the goblins fruitless attempt to breach their defenses. They had been ‘researching' how many TV channels were still airing. Surprisingly, most news broadcast were down, together with half entertainment transmissions. Porn as ever proved stronger than the end of the world and continued without interruptions. At some point, Sarah got nervous and peered from a hole in a window coverture and discovered these adorable creatures. Her reaction was screaming and ordering Jack to catch one for her to keep. It took them fifteen minutes to convince her that it wasn't an option. Luke could only imagine what her response would be when they had to kill. Not only for the levels but also for the meat and the leather. They had limited supplies that would probably last them a week or more if they rationalized and the greenhouse would make sure they aren't hungry, but meat is a necessary part of most humans diet. So they were obligated to find alternative sources of food. Besides they couldn't predict the future, they couldn't know what could happen. It would be terrible if they lived on vegetables and suddenly hail falls and destroy the greenhouse (this region hadn't had hail or snow in more than twenty years but the changes in the world could have unexpected consequences).</p>
<p class="cnM0MGIxYjI1OWU3OTQ1YTc4ZmRiYjEwN2E3MGE0NTA3" dir="ltr">Luke thought this was a great opportunity, he could test if the glamour persisted after attacking or if it dropped and if he was lucky get a level up.</p>
<p class="cnM3OWQxOThlYjkwMTQ5MDVhYTZkMWUyMGYyMjU3Nzg2" dir="ltr">“Stay here, I will go try my luck, don't leave the wards area for any reason.” Luke</p>
<p class="cnNhZTNlY2NkMWQyNzRjMDc5OTVlYTA3ZTgxOWI1ZTE0" dir="ltr">Then he grabbed his staff and went outside. The rabbits were prancing around peacefully, eating grass. That got Luke thinking that if herbivores appeared, then predators shouldn't be far off. Goblins could be consider like one but by the quest he received from Bob it didn't look like goblins formed part of the forest ecosystem and balance. If this world respected games logic then soon there should be wolves stalking in the area.</p>
<p class="cnNjNDhkMjJjZTFhOTRhZTU4ZmQ5MmUzYzhkYTEwYzI1" dir="ltr">Luke put that thought in the back of his mind while he finally arrived to the glamour. The white terrors were from five to fifteen meters away. He took a couple steps back just to be safe and targeted the nearest one. He pointed his finger (it wasn't necessary but he found the gesture helpful when aiming) and shot one bolt. He wanted to test how much damage it dealt at the same he researched the limits of the misdirection. The bolt didn't kill the creature but left it badly hurt. It looked around rapidly to find from where the attack came but its eyes seemed to pass through my position without recognition. It may be that its Intelligence was simply too low however Luke was content with the result. He called the couple and together they massacred the rabbits that hadn't scattered after the second shot and death of the first monster. Yes, they were monster. Further experiment showed that most of them charged at whatever appeared hoping their number would trample the enemy. This served as a way to bring the ones further away from the ward at striking distance from the spears. After thirty, they stopped, grabbed all the corpses, skinned them and stored the meat for later use. It was great that the house used solar and eolic electricity. If that weren't the case they would be in danger of a blackout at any moment.</p><p class="cjJmNjUwZTQwOTc4MDRhYTI4YzkyMjU2MWNmYjRmOWNh">This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.</p>
<p class="cnM1NzkzMzZjY2FlZDQwYjFhMTNmNzYyM2RkMjQ4NDIw" dir="ltr">Luke leveled up and so did his Mana Bolt. He hesitated in assigning some points in Vitality but in the end he decided the priority was to deal and heal as much damage as possible. Interestingly, Mana Bolt got an extra meter of range when it leveled.</p>
<p class="cnM5ZDQyMWFiYWQ5ZjQ5YTg4OGY5ZjU2MTYyYzk0YzA1" dir="ltr">The goblins hadn't come back even though the sun was setting. Luke suspected they got problem of their own: it was possible that the bigger creatures would consider the grey skinned monster as prey and attacked them. In this circumstances, no news was good news.</p>
<p class="cnM2ODUwODEzNjhmYTQxMTA5NDU5ZmQyMGVmMzgxMzFl" dir="ltr">Luke was comfortably lying on the grass just outside the house when he got curious about trees. If every living being was changing and adapting, then what about trees? He considered this especially important since he was trying to fortify a house in the woods. Quickly, he stood up and went toward the treeline. This was one of Luke’s strong and weak points: he was really curious and as the saying goes, ‘curiosity killed the cat’. He reached a tree but he didn't know how to study if there were any modification to a plant normal structure. Nonetheless it occurred to him that maybe he could use his Mana Control to sense the inside of the tree. The result were extraordinary, trees didn't need to adapt. Their vascular system was prepared to transport his Mana from the leaves to the roots and back. However he found strange that there was no Mana already circulating. Luke decided to inject some of his Mana and open a way for ambient Mana to get inside the tree (until now he was controlling his Mana, now he is talking about putting it inside and let go of his control. He wanted to see if the tree could assimilate the energy). The consequences were far reaching. The tree started growing noticeably taller, it's branches more numerous and the leaves greener. At the same time Luke felt some kind of suction coming from the tree that absorbed the environmental Mana nearby. After five minutes it stopped.</p>
<p class="cnM0ZmM3OGE3ZmRkZTRlODdhMTM3ODVhMGJlMjJlMzE4" dir="ltr"> </p>
<p class="cnNhMDNhYmY5YzVkODQxNmFiYzFlYTkzYjZhNzI1ODZm" dir="ltr">DING </p>
<p class="cnNiMjU2Zjc4ZGE1ODRmOTM5Mzk3NWUyNDY4MThiMWM5" dir="ltr"> </p>
<div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" cellpadding="10">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center">Congratulations!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center">You have started the Awakening of the Forest. You evolved the first tree by giving it some of your Mana and from now on this tree will do the same to his companions through touching roots and branches. While the trees haven't developed a conscience yet, they are grateful.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p class="cnNmOTM1OGQ2Mzg5OTQ2ODQ4MDAyNWM2YzljODEwZmZh" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center">Reward:</p>
<p class="cnM3ZDBiNTkyZWU3ZjQ1OTM5ZmI4ZTk3NDZmNDk2NTk3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center">Lowered aggression from creature in balance with the forest.</p>
<p class="cnM0ZTk3NjBiODZjZDRkODJiZGVjNGU2MWYxYjY2NGNj" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center">From every thousand trees awakened by trees you evolved, you receive +1% MP recovery and +1 Intelligence (up to 10xlvl for both)</p>
<p class="cnM0OTExMGExODVjNDQwYjM4NzRlMzNlMzljNzBhMTFm" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center">While you are in a radius of 5 meters of trees you personally awakened, you receive reduced damage and deal extra damage. Depending of how long the tree had been awakened, it might take part in the fight.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p class="cnMwMjFmZjI0ZDAzYjQ4ZTNiMTk5YzViNzBiNmRiN2Iy" dir="ltr"> </p>
<div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center">Skill Created!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center">Awakening Beginner lvl 1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center">Use your Mana as a conduit and foundation of the evolution of statics lifeforms. Cooldown: 1 hour. Cost: depends of the size and age of the lifeforms.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p class="cnM4MjA1NjA5NDRhMTQwZjI5NGU3ZTFhNThhZWM0ZjAy" dir="ltr"> </p>
<div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center">New Quest!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center">Awaken the forest</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p class="cnMxZDM1ZWFmOTcyODQ4NjI5MWE5NWNkZDU4MzJmYmJm" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center">You helped the forest protect itself by giving it a new life. However, it might not be fast enough. Completely awaken the forest in a radius of 5 kilometers and eliminate any danger that could upset the balance. (trees can only awaken one of their own per hour)</p>
<p class="cnMwMmM1NmNiNjVlZDRiNTdiMjhiN2Y1MTQ5ZGIwZDcw" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center">Reward: Unknown</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p class="cnNmMTMzMjM4N2QyMTRmYzI4Y2E5MjExZGM2ZmU2MmI0"><br>‘Well, fuck’ Luke thought.</p>
<p class="cnM5NDNmZWY1YjAwZjRjZjU5M2FiYzEyMWJkZTNjMGM3">The benefits were obvious but he estimated that the goblin camp should be inside this radius. So to comply with the quest he would have to complete the previous one and he didn't know if he could.</p>
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<h1 style="margin-top: 10px" class="font-white break-word">Chapter 15 - If the girl says you´re having fun I´ll be happy to go away</h1>
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<div class="portlet-body author-note"><p>I still need an editor and/or proofreader if anyone is interested T.T</p>
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<p class="cnM1ZGIxMjQyMTY1ZjRkN2NiMjA3NDEzZDc2Y2UwYjk2">Susan Robertson was walking towards the nearby convenience store as always; who would have thought that as soon as she left her home she would be surrounded by five men.</p>
<p class="cnNhMjJmMzgxY2QzNTQ2YjNhNTQ3Y2VmNjdhNmQ4NGFl"> </p>
<p class="cnNhNmY2M2E5MDExMDQzZDdiNjc0ZGFkZDA1ZmYzMzI2">As soon as she saw the five men coming towards her she knew things were not going well so she threw her purse to one of the men and tried to run away.</p>
<p class="cnNiMzg1YWJhZDRlMzRlOWY5ZmIzZDExZGI5NWRiM2Vk"> </p>
<p class="cnM2MjViZmFmYzllNzRlODg5NWYyNjU4OGM5N2I4M2Y3">To her horror, the man didn´t pick up the purse and the five of them continue to walk towards her “please, that´s all I have” her voice became softer and her eyes turned moist “spare me”</p>
<p class="cnNlMTM3YjY5NzJjOTQ1ZTRiN2FlMjY3YzkxNGE4Mzli"> </p>
<p class="cnMwZjlkYWQxNzQxZTRjNjZhZGQyZWVmZTU3M2FjYTk3">The 5 men began to laugh evilly and one of them gave a step forward “Bitch, if I want a woman she will be mine even if she doesn´t want it” he looked at her from head to toe “You better know what´s best for you and happily cooperate… Maybe you will enjoy it too” he continued to laugh while giving her a lecherous smile.</p>
<p class="cnM1YTE1ZDMyZDRkOTQwNjdhNDY1M2U3ODk0ZmExYmYy"> </p>
<p class="cnMwMTg4ZDFhYzI0NjQxOTZiZWNjZGU5ODFmMjJmNDMx">“No, please don´t” Susan wasn´t a virgin but even a prostitute would hate being raped. Her brain worked at high speed but all her options were blocked because she didn´t know how to fight, she didn´t have anything to kill herself and she was completely surrounded</p>
<p class="cnM5M2JlZmU1YzlhNDQwOGU4MjY2ZTYxMjUxNTUwYjM4"> </p>
<p class="cnMxNDRhNDFiOWQ3MDQ1YjU4M2I5NjAzMDEyZmViYzQx">“<em>Enjoy yourself and when you´re having most fun I will find I way to kill you” </em>that was the only thought that kept her conscious</p>
<p class="cnMyYTk4NmZkZGY4MDQ1ZTI4YWQ3NDU0MjIxYWYxYjY0"> </p>
<p class="cnMyYThjNGZiODViNDRjYWVhOTdmYWYzMmQyOTEyNjQw">The guys began took off her blouse, her shoes, her jeans and when they finally took off her bra she couldn´t help but scream “They want to rape me!” tears fell from her eyes “Save me!”</p>
<p class="cnM5MDI1NDQ2YzJkZTQzMWNiOGZlNDAzNmRhYzMwZDJh"> </p>
<p class="cnMzNzU5MjU4OTcwNzQwMDdhMGE0OTVkNDczZjM3ZmFl">It was at that moment that a handsome man appeared out of nowhere and kicked the ass of the guy closest to him</p>
<p class="cnNmMGYwYzVjMDJiODQxZWU5NjAzZmRjMTIyMzZiZDAy"> </p>
<p class="cnNkMmM0NTAxMGVmZDQwZjM4N2Q4NWQyMDhhMTc5ZTlh">He was dresses in a white robe and had a big sword on his back, his features were more delicate than hers even if they weren´t clear because of the transparent mask he was wearing, his skin was white as snow and his body was muscular and well proportionated.</p>
<p class="cnM1MmY2OWFmMzI3NDRjOGM4ZjUxYmU5MzU1YjMyMmVm"> </p>
<p class="cnMwOThhMGE2ZmJlODQyMDZiYmQxNTUzYWJjYmQ0OTMw">“Damn bastard” the leader of the rapers looked at Jaime with killing intent “Why do you have to spoil our fun?”</p>
<p class="cnM0OWU4MjUwODA4ZTQ1M2M4NTlhNjFlNGFiODM3OTAy"> </p><p class="cmVhYTkzMmUyMzU5YzQzZmNhNWQ4MzA2MGQ3NzYxOTQ5">Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.</p>
<p class="cnNjZGRjYTVhYzQ4ZDQ0N2NiZTJmNDg3NzEwMmQwN2Y1">“Fun?” Jaime laugh with evident disdain “If the girl says you´re having fun I´ll be happy to go away”</p>
<p class="cnNlODMxZjJjMDMyZDQ0M2I5N2JjY2QwYjM0ZGQxMGE1"> </p>
<p class="cnMzYzBiZjIzYTdlYjQ1ZDM5Y2ZmOTNlZTA3ZGU3MDZi">“Who do you think you are?” the leader´s killing intent grew stronger and his anger was evident “take care of that clown so we can keep playing”</p>
<p class="cnNiZjk4MGE0NjYwYTQxNzNhN2QzOWViN2JjMWZkOTlm"> </p>
<p class="cnNiNTIzNTQ0ODNhMjQxMzBiZDNlM2EwOGU5M2ZjNjg5">“The other men were as mad as their leader and quickly tried everything they could to hurt Jaime but he was simply too fast and no matter what weird moves they tried he could avoid them all”</p>
<p class="cnM1ZDU4NjIyMGM5NTRiYTc4MmFjODUzMjY1NjVkMjVl"> </p>
<p class="cnMwZGRlNWQyMzg5MzQ2ZWQ5MDkzN2VlYTc4Yzc2YmUx">“Now is my turn” Jaime said calmly as he moved his right hand and 80 ice needles appeared out of nowhere and skillfully attack the rapers legs. Blood was coming out of them in an unstoppable manner and they couldn´t stay standing for long</p>
<p class="cnMxNGRkYjRkZjIwMzQzNGM5MmY0MDg2NmIzODRhNzM5"> </p>
<p class="cnMwNjcwN2VlODMyMzQyNjk5ZWQxZmFmMTIyYjRiYWZm">“You...” The leader was scare out of his wits “What the hell are you?”</p>
<p class="cnNhNmRlY2YxZmRhNjRhYmJiYTg0NGQxNDY4NDI0NWYw"> </p>
<p class="cnNhNjRmMWQyYzk4ZTRjMGJiY2MxYTZlOWU4MzEyMzAx">“The one that is going to give you all the punishment you deserve” Jaime said coldly as the last 20 ice needles that he could control appeared and almost destroyed the leader´s legs </p>
<p class="cnNiODlkMjE5ZmRkMjQ1NjM5MjBhZWY3MDBkMmQ2NDZm"> </p>
<p class="cnM1Y2RlMGRlYmI4ZjQ0NmU4NzUxMWYyY2VkNzBkM2Qw">Jaime raised his head proudly and when he was sure that the men wouldn´t be able to move without proper treatment he turned around and looked at the girl “What are you waiting for? … Call 901”</p>
<p class="cnMxZjY3OGE3OTczMzQ2NDBhYzg2OGQ5NWRmMWNjZjdk"> </p>
<p class="cnMwMzcwMmJjMTUxZTRlOWNiMDFmNjM5MWFmNDk0OGU1">Jaime´s voice brought Susan back to reality. Her face turned red and she didn´t dare to look at him again until she was decently dressed then she walked towards her purse, took out her cellphone and made the call</p>
<p class="cnM4OGI3MzJkNTA1OTRiYzhhNzg3YzFiZWY0ZmU1MWNh"> </p>
<p class="cnM0OWZjMGI5YjJmNDQyYzc5YmY3Mzg0YjcxZDBjMjQ5">“901 what is your emergency?” a female voice could be heard through the phone</p>
<p class="cnMwNTE2M2ZlYzk2MTQxYzU5ODhhYzQzZTFjNzU4NDQ5"> </p>
<p class="cnNlNmQ0NzQ5NjU2NTRlNGI4ZTE5MTgzY2M2YmY4NGFk">“5 madmen tried to rape me” she said with some difficulty</p>
<p class="cnNhZjRjZTMzY2FjNjQ2YTY4ZThmMGY3ZWQyNzM3N2I1"> </p>
<p class="cnNjMDQ3ZGM2OTk5ZDQ5MDRhN2I3YjRkMGM3YmNlMTFk">“Are you okay?” the girl replied with worry “Where are you? What happened to them?”</p>
<p class="cnNkM2VjNmJhNzQ1ODQxOTBhOTYwMGY1YmMyYjIyMzM0"> </p>
<p class="cnM5ZGJhOGQyMzJlMzQ5MzZiZjVkNmJkNzIzY2U0NmVi">“I´m… I´m ok but a masked man used some sharp object to hurt them and I’m afraid they will die if you don´t bring an ambulance soon… My address is…”</p>
<p class="cnM2ZTlkMjZmM2I4ODQxMjBiMTQwZTg4YTE1ZDhkNDhh"> </p>
<p class="cnM0ZTNjYzAwZDQ2OTQ4YWNiYTlhODkyY2MyYmUyNDlk">“A masked man?” the girl was amazed “Wait there the ambulance and the police will go soon” </p>
<p class="cnNmZjEyMjI5NDY3ODRlZTJhNzNlMDEwMDhiOTJhYjI3"> </p>
<p class="cnM0Mzk3ZjE4YjFmMjQ0NjRhNzgzM2VhZjdmMDc3ODFm">“Hero would mind staying until the police comes?” Susan asked hopefully but when she turned around Jaime was nowhere to be found and in his place was a memory card with a note</p>
<p class="cnM4MmFjNTZiNDJlNDQ4MDY5ZGQ5OWI5MTcxN2YzY2Qw"> </p>
<p class="cnNmOTZkNTI1NTllODRhZmNiYmNhN2Q1OWMzYTM5ZjAz"> </p>
<p class="cnNhN2ZhZDVlNWU1OTQzMDhhOTNkNWM0MzYwOGRhMzA2"> </p>
<hr>
<p class="cnM3YTBjNjI4ZjM4YjQwZDhhOWU2MzI5NGM1NTEyNjVl"> </p>
<p class="cnM3ZWI1ZWI0N2M0NzQ1Njg4ZjIyYWY1NjIyZjcyMjlm"> </p>
<p class="cnNjOTQwYjlhNTRiMjQ0ZDY5ZmM5MDQ3MGNiY2JjNDM0"> </p>
<p class="cnNlYWQ4MGViZDc5ODQ2YWRhODk4M2RhYjZjOTZjOGQz">“That girl won´t have problems, right?” Jaime asked to Tong Bo Yue while observing everything from the top of a building</p>
<p class="cnNlNjdkNTBmMmU2YjQ3YjliNjVmOGNhYWFhOWM4NTdl"> </p>
<p class="cnNjOGVjODEyNGU1NjQwOThhZWI4OTZlMmRjYjZhNzk4">“She won´t. I left a memory card with a video of everything that happened since we arrived here so she will have evidence that she isn´t the one who hurt them” Tong Bo Yue replied with a smile</p>
<p class="cnNiYTgzYWYzNDVmZDRkMWQ4ZjczMWI4YmRkNjZjZjNj"> </p>
<p class="cnMzYzg5YjFjOTEzNTRmYzg5NDRmNTdkMzIxNTBlZjA4">“But… What happens if they don´t find it?” Jaime was worry</p>
<p class="cnM5ZTg3MTUyNWI0MTQ4NmZhNjI0YTJiZGUyMDdhNWQ3"> </p>
<p class="cnNmNmI5YzBiZjA2MjRjZjI4MDJjYTQ3YjVjMGExMjRj">“She will find it even before the police” then she pointed at Susan “I left a pretty big note with the memory card so it could be easily found”</p>
<p class="cnM3OWM2NDg3NDI2MzQ2Zjg4NDExNGQ3OTQ3MmNiNjM5"> </p>
<p class="cnNjOTMyNDVlMmZkNTRhNDBiZmNkYTE5MzI5Yjk5ZGNk">“Wow… It took her lest than a minute” he looked at Tong Bo Yue curiously “What did you write in the note?”</p>
<p class="cnM5YTU4MWIzZGU1MDRmZTI5ZWQ1MTA1ZjBkODM2Y2Rj"> </p>
<p class="cnNjM2ExN2ZjNDBlMDRjZTc4ZGQyOGRiNzQ4ODMxZTQw">“Give this to the police if you don´t want problems” Tong Bo Yue answered with a smile “I will upload it to youtube and send It to the BBC news anyway” </p>
<p class="cnM0ZTJlYTZkMTcyNTQyYTFiODU1MTVhMTExNjJhYTUw"> </p>
<p class="cnNkMGFmMzZkZTgwZTQ4OGZhZTY4OWIzNzk2M2M2MGFi">“What?” Jaime was excited with the idea of being a superhero but he wasn´t completely comfortable with the idea of being in a news program</p>
<p class="cnM0NzUxM2QyOTNjZjQ2MWE5YzhmYWVjNDIxYmQ5ZTcz"> </p>
<p class="cnMxOGM1MjA2ZjcwMDRiNzViOTZkY2YzNDFkNWU3ZjFl">“I only asked you to fight criminals to train. You were the one who wanted to be a super hero” Tong Bo Yue laugh “superheroes are supposed to be famous”</p>
<p class="cnM4ZGZkOTdlOWMwZjRhYWViZGNjNDVlNDFkZTk2YjE2"> </p>
<p class="cnNhZTNjMGVkMmNkNTRhZjk5MTQyNDBlMDhlZTBhOTFm">“Now that I think about it master… Why don´t you personally act?” Jaime took a deep breath “If you personally act nobody in Albany will be able to do illicit things”</p>
<p class="cnMzOWEzZjY5Zjc0ZjQyMDg4Y2RhNmYyNzZkMDM1NzQ5"> </p>
<p class="cnM2MjA1OWYwYzVmNDRiYjJiNzRhZTM5ZGM1ZjhlOTM2">“You have been born from mortals and is natural for you to worry about what happen in this mortal world but I’m different” Tong Bo Yue sigh “My parents and most of my elders are immortals. I´m a proud daughter of heaven and I wouldn´t be here if it wasn´t for a series of unfortunate events”</p>
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<p class="cnM5ZjgzNTg5ZGI5MTQ3MTQ4OTE0MmM2YmM4MGExZGE3"></p>
<p class="western cnM5MmQwNjI1OTBkMzRhNjlhYjY2MWU1YTBmYzNmM2I1" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">“Stay back!”</p>
<p class="western cnNiNjIwOTk0NmUxMDRmMDNiYjA3MzQ4YjM3NDU3Njdi" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">Hikaru pushed Yuri back and took a step forward while drawing his sword.</p>
<p class="western cnNkOTE4MmQyYjM2YTRlNzFhMzE5MmVhZWFhNWQwZTA3" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">He slashed the golden creature in half with his drawing swing.</p>
<p class="western cnNkMjgzYTFlNGU0MjQ3YzI5ZTExMzFkZjgyODI0Y2Nj" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">The cut he inflicted upon it just grew back with the golden electricity-like substance.</p>
<p class="western cnMyZjhlZmU4ODU4MzRkZTA4NzQ5ZjU2NjE3NzU3ZjVh" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT"><br>The golden creature took a few steps forward and leapt at Hikaru, its limbs flailed like it wasn't quite in full control of them.</p>
<p class="western cnNhMDMyOTI5N2NjZTQyMGI4YTY2ZGJlNTgwNmNmNGZl" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT"><br><br></p>
<p class="western cnMyNDk5MTVjMDkwYTRlNmZhNGQ5OGYzM2EwZDkzODYw" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">Dodging the careless attack effortlessly , Hikaru slashed its limbs off.</p>
<p class="western cnNiM2I0OTUyOWFmZTQyMWViNDVkZDI3NWIxZGMyZmEw" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">Instead of falling to the ground, the cut off limbs dissipated and grew back from the creature. As splendid and golden as ever.</p>
<p class="western cnMwZGJjMmRhNTdkZDRlODNiMWJkOWRjNzUwM2I2MjFl" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT"><br><br></p>
<p class="western cnM1MzI5YTQ5N2Q3MTQ3NWE4NjNkMWQ2OTEzN2UyMzQ5" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">“Hikaru, you need to break its heart, that's where the substance keeps coming from!”</p>
<p class="western cnMzYjVhMGM0MGE0ZDQyYmM4ZjcxMGUwMzhhYjRiYzQ4" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">Throwing a metal plate which she had drawn a rune on. It landed right under the golden creature.</p>
<p class="western cnNhYjgzMjk1ZmRkMTQ0MzE5NjUyMTgyOTc5NzAzZTZk" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">The rune activated and shot out a torrent of water straight into the creature that was now standing above it.</p>
<p class="western cnNkYWE0NmNlZDkyMjQ1NzJhMTE0ZGU5NGNlNjBhMGIy" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">The mechanical heart was exposed for a moment, the creature's side completely obliterated by the cannon of water.</p>
<p class="western cnMxMTJjM2Q4YWMxNTQxOTdhYWZkYTNmYzg1NDljOTdl" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">Not missing his chance. Hikaru struck the metal heart, thrusting his sword through it.</p>
<p class="western cnMzNjNhZjFjNWVjMzQ5YWI4YWNjMDdhNzMwYWE0Mzc3" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">It cracked and crackled, the oozing of the strange substance slowly ceasing, until only the heart remained, still skewered on the sword.</p>
<p class="western cnM4MGE4NWM4NDkyMjQxMjU5ZmMxZmRlNTllYWZlM2Ez" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT"><br><br></p>
<p class="western cnM1M2NjYzE1Y2UxYzRkZjRiODEwYTY1MTVlODY0ZjNh" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">“What the hell was that, it looked awesome. Can we get one of those, where do you buy them?”</p>
<p class="western cnMyNzk3MzljMDdkZjQ2YzRhNzAzMzUzNWUzY2Y4ODI0" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">Yuri appeared beside Hikaru, looking at the crackling mechanical heart with excitement.</p>
<p class="western cnM4MGZiNjAxZTEwZTRjNzU4ZGZkY2Q5OTk4N2U1NGI5" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT"><br><br></p>
<p class="western cnM1YmRmOGI2NGJhMTQzZTNhNDMxMzkxZmIxODMwN2Q3" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">“I think..this is the result of the stolen designs..this device..I believe it converted mana into solid form..and used it to attack us. Actually manipulating mana to be able to move it while solid..that is both amazing and concerning..depending on how it's used.”</p>
<p class="western cnNhMzk5ZGQwODUxMDQ4ZDJhZjc1YjczNWE4NWE4NDRm" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">Removing the skewered heart which Yuri immediately swiped from him to observe closely, he looked around the room a second time.</p>
<p class="western cnM3YmEwNjFmNmZhMjQwYjA4ZmNhN2U3OTVmN2ExNzJi" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT"><br><br></p>
<p class="western cnM1ZDg4MTQyMDk4MDRkY2Y5MzQ0YWJjY2VhYWI5YWNk" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">“Yes yes, we got the designs and the prototype right, we are done here. Actually I want to figure out how this thing works..seems really cool..”</p>
<p class="western cnMzZGY0NDEwZjFkNDRjZjFhYWFiNDRmN2FmZDEwZGQz" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">Her eyes glittered hungrily while she tried to pull apart the mechanical heart.</p>
<p class="western cnNjNDIxYjFmM2VmYjRjMDZiNjFlZmFhMzdiMDAzMjdj" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT"><br><br></p>
<p class="western cnNiMTYwY2VmOTg1NjRmNjhhZjNmMzNjNmMyNGJiZjQ5" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">“I doubt it is something easy to recreate. From what I saw, the magical circuits were made of a different system than rune magic. It also seemed to need a lot of crystals to channel the mana-”</p>
<p class="western cnM3YWE4YTZmYjE3ZDRlNjFiMWJiOTA5YjQ2ZjcxODU1" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT"><br><br></p>
<p class="western cnMxNzFmNTE3OWI0MTQ0ZWU4YzA1MDU1ODQzMmM4Nzg4" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">“I did it!”</p>
<p class="western cnMzOTEzODA0ODViNTQ5YmJiNmVlYzE5YjNkM2UxZmNh" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">Looking over at Yuri, Hikaru found her already having pulled apart the steel heart and thoroughly looked through its contents.</p>
<p class="western cnM4MzdiYzA2NjU1YzRmNTA4MWVhYTdjOWRhNWZlZjll" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">“It's pretty easy. I just draw these runes, and place this random crystal here..and replace these parts of the magic circle with similar stuff but in rune form...and...done!”</p>
<p class="western cnNhYjY4YzljYjUwMTRlZmZiOGYzMWZlMzQ3NTkyNmQ3" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">Having drawn a few complex rune magic circles on a nearby table. She placed a crystal she had taken out from a nearby drawer into the middle and activated the the runes.</p><p class="cjllN2E1YTcxZmI5NDRmMzM5OTRjNGZlNTc3N2ExMWY3">If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.</p>
<p class="western cnMyMGRmOWIzNjI4ZjQ4NWViM2JlMGJlYTYwOGI5ZDhh" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT"><br><br></p>
<p class="western cnNmOTI3MzExNGUzNTQyOWU4ZTE2YTkyMjMxYmQ5MDJh" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">Hikaru watched her do this. He did not expect her to succeed, after all, the theory and formula that he had learned were impossible to solve, having been solved is already impressing enough. Surely something that broke through the stigma of impossibility must be incredibly complex and not something that can easily be recreated in a few minutes. No matter how much he believed in Yuri's skill.</p>
<p class="western cnNlNjMwYmMxZGEzNzQzNDE5NzNhY2E4NDY3MTNmNzNk" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT"><br><br></p>
<p class="western cnM0MWQ0MWI3MDRiNzRjYjBiM2UxMTI0MmQxODZjZWUx" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">Yet once again. Yuri turned his expectations of what was possible upside down.</p>
<p class="western cnM0ZDJhZDczODRkNTQ1NzNhNGNmM2Y4MTQ1ZTEyNzM5" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">The crystal slowly began to emit the same substance the golden creature was made of. A liquid-like electricity.</p>
<p class="western cnMwYzYwZjc4ZWY4NjRlOWI4OGE3MTRhODczYzU3NTQ4" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">First the relics, then accepting him despite himself not being human, and now this.</p>
<p class="western cnMzNmJjNzcxZmJhZTQzZTFiOGU0NGMzNWU0ZmIwNWZk" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">(<em>Is there nothing that can stand in her way..</em>)</p>
<p class="western cnM5ZWVlMjQzODNlZTRjZTZiNjk0YzBhZTk4ZGMzMjJh" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">He smiled to himself.</p>
<p class="western cnMzZDgyMzgzZmMyYTQ2YWNiNDE0NWFiNTI1ZjA3NzA3" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">(<em>Of course not..that's just how she is.. Without her stubborn nature that can achieve the impossible..I probably couldn't accomplish my goal..</em>)</p>
<p class="western cnNhNzdiNDAxZjUxZDRmZjY4N2QzODk0ZDBhYWFhYTIw" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">While he was lost in his own thoughts, Yuri was panicking slightly.</p>
<p class="western cnM2OWNhODljMjVmMTRjZWM5MDM0Y2U0Mzk4Mzk1Yzc1" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT"><br><br></p>
<p class="western cnM0MTA1MGVhMmI1YTQyMWQ5ZGU4ZWQ4ZjQ0MTBiY2Y2" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">“Why wont it stop...umm....”</p>
<p class="western cnM1N2ZkNDk1MjdkNjQzMDY4NmI4NmRlMmFjMTU0Yzll" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">She tried erasing the runes she created, but that accomplished nothing, the golden ooze continued to flow from the crystal. Dripping and enveloping the entire table.</p>
<p class="western cnM5ZTNkZDIxMzkwOTRlODRiNzJkOTFjZDcwODc1ZDZk" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">“H-hikaru...</p>
<p class="western cnNkNjUyZmRhYzJkMzQwNDI4NzIwZGEyMThlOTFjZTU1" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT"><br><br></p>
<p class="western cnMzOTlmNmVlMTM4MDRkMmY5NWI2YzhhMmI4MDI5NjMw" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">Finally noticing something was wrong, Hikaru immediately stepped forward, looking at the golden ooze created from mana slowly consuming the room.</p>
<p class="western cnM3MjZlMzdkYzI4NzQwZTNiMWNjMjVmNmY0ZDljY2Yx" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">“Let's depart, I will carry you and jump over the mana substance.”</p>
<p class="western cnM1MWRlOTQ5ZDA2MTRmNGJhZWE5MDZjMmViZDJlZDlh" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">Just as Hikaru suggested this.</p>
<p class="western cnNkYTc3N2E1N2QzNTQyMWU5OTIzZmUzYzdkOTJmNjYx" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">They heard an audible crack coming from the table enveloped in gold.</p>
<p class="western cnNiY2RkY2NmZmM2MTQzMDU4OWE4ZGI3ZmI5MGQzZWZk" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">Suddenly all of the golden ooze that had almost filled this entire giant room disappeared. The only trace that it was ever there being the cracked crystal laying on the table.</p>
<p class="western cnNiMTNhYTAyZWJmMDRmMjk4OWI2ZGFhZWU1MWYxMTc3" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT"><br><br></p>
<p class="western cnNhOWIxYjFkZjA1MzQzNDI4ODAyNWFhY2M2NjAxOWFh" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">“I guess..the crystal couldn't handle the pressure..? good for us. Let's just go before something else weird happens that takes out time!”</p>
<p class="western cnM0MGQ1N2Y2ZTU0NjQ1ZjRhYWI0ZGQ4MzQwZGUwNjI0" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">She turned to leave with Hikaru behind her, pretending that she wasn't the actual cause of the potential disaster that was at their hands.</p>
<p class="western cnMzZTEzMjdiY2U4ZTQxZTM4MWZjNGVmOTc1MTFmMjQ5" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT"><br><br></p>
<p class="western cnNiNGI3NTM2YmY4MDQ1NDFiMGJlYmYyMDEwZDE2MGM4" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">–</p>
<p class="western cnNlMTNiZDVhNDQ2NDRmNmQ4YzIyNDQ3MWZhZDBmZmJi" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT"><br><br></p>
<p class="western cnM5MzJhZTVkNWVlYjRkNmM4ZDQxNzBjNzEzMGY0MzRi" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">“Wonderful. You got back my designs. What happened to this prototype, it looks ruined..”</p>
<p class="western cnMzODU2OTg1NWJmZDQzYzBiOTkzOGZlZWViZGUzYWUy" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">The old man commented suspiciously, making Yuri slightly worried.</p>
<p class="western cnM5OGQ3OGZjOTBlYjRmYjNhM2IzNzliNTI5MjYxYWE3" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">“Well no matter, since you have acquired what I asked for. I owe you those schematics.”</p>
<p class="western cnMyYmUxMGFmNDcyZDRiOWU4ZDJmZWYwMDkyMWNkMzA1" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">He slowly took out a metal plate with inscribed magic. Upon his touch, the metal plate lit up and created an image above itself.</p>
<p class="western cnM2N2E1OGRiYjExYTRiMGU4Njc2ZWQyZDk5NWYzMDg1" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT"><br><br></p>
<p class="western cnNiNGYyZDdhNzAyZTRjOTY5Yjc3NzEyOGJkMjU0MDcx" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">“A hologram..!”</p>
<p class="western cnM2YWU1YTIzYTJmZTQzNWM4NmYzMjcwMjc4YzQxOGZi" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">Yuri exclaimed in surprise.</p>
<p class="western cnMxNzQ3NWUwZjdlOTRiOGJiZGM3OGQzYWFkYzllMzYz" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">They were looking at a transparent image of a map, floating above the metal plate.</p>
<p class="western cnM2Y2IxNTI3ZWQ5YzQ4YzNhMjNmMDhmMzU3NDMxZTU4" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT"><br><br></p>
<p class="western cnM0ZDRkYzhlNjRlMzQ1NDY4NGIxNDZhODMwNzVmYWVi" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">“Holo..what? No, this is a visual representation created through magic emission. In short, a magical image, shortened to V.R.C.M.E.”</p>
<p class="western cnNjMTQ1M2ZmMmQzZTRmOWI4MzdhZTFjMTM2YWQ3ZDRh" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">The old man corrected her.</p>
<p class="western cnNhNjU4NDc5MmUyODRkOTRiZDc3MjEyNTAyOWVhYzVk" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">“This is a map of the whole city and most of its insides. I don't know what you need this for, but be careful, no one escapes the law around here.”</p>
<p class="western cnMwMGM2NjgyNzQ1YTQ4ODJhNDI0ODUzNjdlNmYxMmVi" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">He handed her the metal plate.</p>
<p class="western cnMyOTU4MTY4Y2RhZjQwMzk4ZGY4YzBiZjBmOTYyMjg2" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT"><br><br></p>
<p class="western cnNiYjZiMjkwMDA2NTQ5Njc5ZjZkMTYyNzY0NjEyNWE2" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">“Sure sure, thank you, we will be going now, have fun with your designs old man~”</p>
<p class="western cnMxYWIxNzg5MjI2NjRkMDg4M2Y3MWU2MGQ1NzhlOTI0" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">Grabbing the plate, Yuri turned and left with Hikaru.</p>
<p class="western cnNlMTBhNzFmZDU1OTQ5ZTc4NTA3ZGZiMGY2OTA5ZDBi" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT"><br><br></p>
<p class="western cnM2OWY0NDJkZGQ0ZDQxZGM4YmU3MDlhYzYyZmRiNzY0" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">“Old man..? Guess I never told them my name huh..”</p>
<p class="western cnM3MmMxYjIyY2QzYTQ1Zjg5MTA1ZjVhOTNhNWQ2Y2Nl" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">The old man scratched his beard while looking at them exiting his house.</p>
<p class="western cnMwNTMwODA2ZjhmNDQ4MDdhNzkyNWIzODU1YzQ4Y2I0" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT"><br><br></p>
<p class="western cnNmN2U3YjQ1MDM3ZTQ0ODNiNzI2OWJkNWI3MTVjMTkz" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">“Alright, Hikaru, we got you your sword. Now let's just head for the main course, since I just can't wait.”</p>
<p class="western cnM4MDU5ZjE1OTU3ZTQ2ZmM5MDFlZDAxM2E4MDdiZDI0" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">She turned on the metal plate and looked at the created map.</p>
<p class="western cnM2MGI2MDc5ZmRiMzQ4ZWE5MzZlOGMwNWQ2NmMzOWZi" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT"><br><br></p>
<p class="western cnM3ZDZiM2IzN2Y2NzRmNDJiZWY5YTE1OTc1OThkYWM1" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">“Main course?”</p>
<p class="western cnM1Y2IwYTA2NmU4MDQ1NTA5MjVkYmE0ZWM1OTQwZWE2" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT"><br><br></p>
<p class="western cnNmNmMxZDAwZWEwOTRlNmE4YmRjMjI5OTNlMmJhMmU4" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">“I want the heart of this city... I want it to be mine..”</p>
<p class="western cnMwMWFiMDI3Nzg0ZDRkNWZhZjQwYjRmYTBmMDgyODA0" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">Her eyes glittered while she looked over the map.</p>
<p class="western cnM2NTIwZmQ1NTBmMjRmMTY4NWE2Yzk0ODU4YWM5Mzkw" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">She pointed towards a black space in the middle of the city that wasn't shown properly on the map.</p>
<p class="western cnMyMjExN2VhMTQ2MTRlNTJhZjZlYTdhOTZjZmEwZDZi" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT"><br><br></p>
<p class="western cnNjZGZjNDgwMzVkMDQyMWViNWFmODdmZWJhNjU5MGUz" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">“I want that energy conversion device. If there is no relic, then we take this instead. It's the least we can do right, blessing this city with the greatest theft it will ever experience.”</p>
<p class="western cnM5NGVlMDQ2OTlhMTRmMTI4M2RlMzk1MDY3MGE4YTVl" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">Closing the magical map, she smiled mischievously at Hikaru, who only smiled slightly awkwardly.</p>
<p class="western cnMyMWVhMmQxYjRkNTQ3MWViMGE3ZGY0YzM4NjMyOTZi" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT">“Very well, this time I will make sure you're completely safe. I swear upon my new blade.”</p>
<p class="western cnM2OWY3MWM4Njg1MDQzZmFhYmU4MDZjNWJjZDcyZDcx" lang="en-GB" align="LEFT"><br><br></p>
<p class="cnM4YzZkYzZhYzk5NDQwNzJhMDY1MzAxMzE0MWRlZTFh"> </p>
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<h1 style="margin-top: 10px" class="font-white break-word">Chapter 3: The same so different</h1>
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<p class="cnM1ZTlkMTAzM2E0YTQ4YzRhNjdmZWExYTEzOTlkMWRl" style="text-align: justify">Everybody was very well dressed. They gave me their fancy smiles and praised me. Many were in the same situation that I was, but my name carried the fame of my father. I got out of the hall, giving polite words and praises to a few ladies walking on my way. It was very tiresome, but I can't deny I was happy. It was all I had dreamed of since I was a kid. It felt very different from what I expected.</p>
<p class="cnNkNTQ0M2VjZmNiYzQ0MTA5M2M1ODNiNjIzYzQwYmMz" style="text-align: justify">...</p>
<p class="cnNiYTA3OGFiNWMyZTRiYjJiYTZjYzc5ZWU1ZGVmMmZk" style="text-align: justify">"Milord?"</p>
<p class="cnNlMjJiYWJlMmIyMDQzZTJhNGU3NmE5NDFhNTQ4NGQz" style="text-align: justify">I breathed and took notice of things around me. I was still in the carriage, but the scenario changed as I was lost in my memories.</p>
<p class="cnM0NWU1OWExMDYzYzQwYmZhMTk4YTg1YjQ1ZTk3YjYw" style="text-align: justify">"Milord?"</p>
<p class="cnMyZWIxYWRiODc0YTQzNTQ4MDQzOGU3ZDJiZDk1NmQ3" style="text-align: justify">"Yes?"</p>
<p class="cnM2MzZjOTgwMGE4MTQzMzdhNzI0NmY1ZjZiMTlhY2I0" style="text-align: justify">Bertrand was calling me. He was there sitting beside me, but I had completely forgotten about his presence.</p>
<p class="cnM1ZjdmZGZiMGMyODRiMzc4MmU2NmQ5YWI4NjA0YmE0" style="text-align: justify">"We will be passing near the house of Lady Mariane. Would you like to meet her?"</p>
<p class="cnMzNTdiNGViZjlkOTRkYzE5NmM3NzE5ZDc5NzI2MTlj" style="text-align: justify">"Not really..."</p>
<p class="cnMwYWNlMTgzNDU4OTQxZDJhMjM5YmQ2YTM3NTc3ZmMx" style="text-align: justify">"But you will. Am I right?"</p>
<p class="cnNlNjU5MzhkMTY0YzRiMWM4ZmYxYjc1ZmRmODU0MGNm" style="text-align: justify">"Yes"</p>
<p class="cnM2NGQ2NDE0ODBhOTQwOTc4NDc0N2M1ZGViMTg5Mjc5" style="text-align: justify">The city was full of activity. The sun had risen a few hours ago and the people walking around were making the passage of carriages and horses very difficult. The shouts of merchants and peddlers calling the attention to their merchandise stood out.</p><p class="cmNjNTJlNmVkYWQ0NDQ4MDdiOWQ1MTNiYmQxNmIwZDk1">Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.</p>
<p class="cnNmMWJlZmQyZmU1MzQ1MDRhOWMxNTFhN2VlNzU2MmZj" style="text-align: justify">"What about the bank, Milord?"</p>
<p class="cnMzZGVkYTU5OTZkNjQyYjViZGZlNzE3MGY0MmMzOWRk" style="text-align: justify">Bertrand was becoming an expert of making me frown by reminding me of unpleasant things.</p>
<p class="cnM0ODg2ZWUyMDlmYjQ3Y2E5NjQwYmU0MTkwYjYyYjE2" style="text-align: justify">"I will solve that later"</p>
<p class="cnM3ZmMwZDU1MmNiMTQyZjc4ZDMwYzhmODQ5NDQ4MGJm" style="text-align: justify">"You said that a few years ago"</p>
<p class="cnNiMmQ0NDExY2Q5MjQ3NjFiNmRkNThhZGU0NjNmNmEy" style="text-align: justify">He had always been a good servant, so I considered him a friend. He had all the freedom to speak, but it would be nice to not ruin my day.</p>
<p class="cnMxZTMzYmY4ZGQwZDQ4YmViOWU3MmNhZmZlODRlMGUy" style="text-align: justify">"Yes. I am aware of that"</p>
<p class="cnM2ODEzNmU4ZmJlOTRlZDViODgzZTY4NzE0YjIwZWJm" style="text-align: justify">"You could sell his projects"</p>
<p class="cnM0ZjJkYjYxYmJmOTQ5OTBhMzE5MjFkMTYwODVmNDlm" style="text-align: justify">I gritted by teeth with my mouth still shut, but he noticed that. I was tired of living by the things that were built by him.</p>
<p class="cnM4Njc2MDdhYzU2NzQzM2M5NjhmZjBjNzI4NmMyZDE3" style="text-align: justify">"No, I will find my own way"</p>
<p class="cnMyZmNmOGRmMGViNjQ5MWZiZWEwOTc0MzI4MDI0Zjhi" style="text-align: justify">"He is dead now. It is not wrong to use the things that are left to recover from a fall"</p>
<p class="cnNmNzVhZWRkMDZjZDQxNDU5NjA2MzU2NTExOTk3Njgz" style="text-align: justify">"I had enough, Bertrand. Please stay shut for a minute"</p>
<p class="cnMwODhlMmViMWE3MTQ0N2Q4ZTZkN2EyYTk4NzNjMWE3" style="text-align: justify">The sight of wood houses and balconies were replaced by walls that streched what seemed to be a kilometer. The gates of steel were decorated by flowers and two static guards dressed in red and white.</p>
<p class="cnM4NGRjZjQ3MDgzMDRkZDViNWJlOGM1ZmMzODdjZmQw" style="text-align: justify">They prevented our passage using their spears.</p>
<p class="cnM0NzBlMmZiZjhlNzQ2NjE5ODA3NWM5YTFlMzUwZGU1" style="text-align: justify">"Identify yourself!"</p>
<p class="cnNiZTUzMjM3YzIwMTRiMjM4YWQ1NjRlNTU5MWIwMDM2" style="text-align: justify">And there I was, seeing the gates of that same palace as Bertrand got out of the carriage to speak with the guards. I stood there to celebrate a moment I now curse and that was just a few years ago.</p>
<p class="cnNhZTc5ZTBmNzU4YzRlYjhiZDMyZDk1MDk3OGZmMDUw" style="text-align: justify">They stopped blocking the way and openned the gates for us. The floors of rugged stones from the streets gave way to a very delicated material with carvings that showed the prosperity of the house.</p>
<p class="cnNkMDZiZmFmY2UyYTRlYmFhOWE2NjgxNzBiNTA5YTI3" style="text-align: justify">The flowers were simply beautiful, but that is not all they were. The ones inside were separated by railings for a reason. They were some of the most poisonous you could find. I stopped looking at the plants when the carriage stopped moving. I oppened the little door to get out and feel the pleasant sensation of standing again. As usual, Bertrand started to speak with other servants to take care of the baggage.</p>
<p class="cnM1ZWRhNjk5NzBiZDQ1YWJiOWM0NDU2Y2YzOTQ1MDg1" style="text-align: justify">The finely carved doors painted in white and blue oppened for me to see someone as beautiful as a godess and as poisonous as the garden she kept.</p>
<p class="cnNjZTYyNzcyMzQ3ZDQ1YTRiNmQzOTVmNGJkYjQ4YjY3" style="text-align: justify">I forced the best smile as I could and she responded with a graceful expression, a fake one.</p>
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<p class="cnNiMGYyMzdjNzg2MzRhNzFiM2JkMmQxZDg2OGVlNGI0">He did not know how long he was out of it but I must have been some time, because the sun begun to rise again when he took a look around. They weren’t in the cab anymore and also not in the city as it seemed. He was surrounded by trees and bushes and the air was much better than before. Mist danced in the cool air and rays of sunlight tried to get through it.</p>
<p class="cnNmZTMwNDQ5YzA2MjQ4MWRiMDAyOWI4MGZiMWNjMjNm"> </p>
<p class="cnM2OGQ5ZDdmMzU0OTQ4ZmY5NjkyYmVlY2E1ZDVlZTQy">“Took you long enough to wake up. I feared to have damaged your mind by giving you my special power. You are just born and have gotten two powers could have been too much for you. But now that you are back, we can progress faster than before. First you need to scan me and then we figure out, what to do in the future.”</p>
<p class="cnM5MjlhODg5NTM3MDRhODZiZGM4ZGI4ZTI0ZTA0MjZk"> </p>
<p class="cnM5N2ZjNzY2MTIzOTQyZDhhMzE3MTY5YTIwY2Q4ZWQ1">Misako stood some steps away and stoked a little fire at her feet with a long branch. The smell of roasted meat filled the air and made Iranueels stomach growl.</p>
<p class="cnMyNTFjMTZiYjMzOTQ0MWViMTkzMTBmYWE0MzU4YzU4"> </p>
<p class="cnM2MTE3Y2NkOGM4ZDRkYWQ4Njc0MDAyMWNlYzJkZGVh">“Okay, let’s get it over. I hope, this shows us, what is wrong with you and then we can settle it.”</p>
<p class="cnNhM2Q1YmI4ODdiMDRiYjZhNmE1NzhjZDJkMjM1MjQ0"> </p>
<p class="cnNkM2M1MzkyNjhhMDRkMWE4NzgyZmZkM2RjYWZmNWE3">Misako came to him and sat on her knees before him, looking him deep into his eyes. Under different circumstances he would really like this situation but now, there was serious business to be done. He concentrated and tried to look deeper than just her eyes. After a few seconds he recognized a shine rising from her body that had a dark and menacing feeling. Using her imprinted knowledge he understood that this was her aptitude for necromancy.</p>
<p class="cnMxMzdhOTAzOTRiYjQyODBiNWRmZGU4NjQ4MTY3OGJi"> </p>
<p class="cnMyMzQ5OWQ2MzQ1ZDQ4MGM4NzA3NTQzYjdjYmU0MGFi">But that was not what he was looking for. Looking deeper he saw some kind of lightning sparkle in her aura and shoot of into the distance.</p>
<p class="cnNkNDYxMjI0Y2M2NTQxZmQ5MTMzYmEzZDFlNjZkNjlj"> </p>
<p class="cnM0NDYxYWMxMjk3MzRmNGI5NmRlNjhmMmZhMjA5YjMz">“I think I saw just now, what seems to be a kind of homing magic transmitting your position to the recipient. Removing it will be tricky and if i say so very uncomfortable. I will have to separate your mind from your body for a moment and that is something a bit too much for a simple spell. We will have to build a spell array for this and that will consume some time. Time we possibly don’t have.”</p>
<p class="cnNiZmZkYWY5NTU1MDRiY2RhMzlmYTkxMzQ1YzgxYTYy"> </p>
<p class="cnM5MjRhYTEwYzIzNzQ5N2Y4NjM0NTBmYTE0N2VlM2U4">Iranueel watched Misako closely to ascertain what she thought. She let her head sink in a depressed way and sighed deeply.</p>
<p class="cnM2MDZjNWYwOTVmMTQ5YTRiZmQ5NjkwMmZhYTM3MmI5"> </p><p class="cjhiMTFkOTMwZTA3ZDQwZjRiY2Y2ZGYxNDg4Nzk4NThi">This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it</p>
<p class="cnMxZGFkNWU1M2JlYzRmNWNiMmYxZmNjYzgwMzhkNDA2">“How long do you need for this to happen? I mean, if this is mind magic, it’s bound to be complicated and as far as I know, you’re just a beginner with magic. How can you make a spell array if you just started to be an avatar?”</p>
<p class="cnM1ZmFmZjc4YWVjNjQxZTc4YzkzOTU0OGRkN2U4YWFj"> </p>
<p class="cnM0YjY3MDRlMDE2ZDRkZjhiMTIxYjEzMWVlMzBiNjNl">Iranueel leaned back and thought about his response.</p>
<p class="cnMwMGQyMTcwZDIyNjRiY2ZiMDU4ZTEyZmMzYWM3NDNk"> </p>
<p class="cnM2YTNiZWRhNmU0NTQwODE5YTBlMjM0OGViY2JlNjRi">“I have invested heavily into my spellcasting technique when I created my avatar. So I have more knowledge about casting spells and rituals. But my knowledge about the different categories of magic is quite limited. So I have to rely on rituals to create strong magic. Most of my spells are very weak but quite diversified. I want to be able to cope with a wide array of situations. You would call it a jack of all trades. I don’t know if this a good idea in this world, so please enlighten me a bit.”</p>
<p class="cnM3Y2MyN2MzMDViMDQ1N2Y5ZGMzMTYzNTg5Y2E0NDhm"> </p>
<p class="cnNkZTZiOGViYTYzMzRkZTJiYWI0MjQxMTg2NTE0YTk0">Looking to Misako, Iranueel saw her contemplating his words. Her eyes were dark and staring into space. Then she sought his face.</p>
<p class="cnMzY2U0NDgzMGU2YTRiMGViMmFlOThlMWZmYzc1OGFj"> </p>
<p class="cnMzNjhlNzhlZDA0MzQ1NDQ5ZDVlNjA5ODU4MTJlOTg3">“It’s nothing bad being able to cope with many situations, but a specialist has more power in the beginning. Only some time later in their development most avatars broaden the repertoire. But this also makes most dependent on other avatars or mortals. You have to raise many skills but at the same time your potential grows exponential.”</p>
<p class="cnMzYTk5YzE1YWU0NTQ5MzA5NmJhNTc0YzViNmQwYjQz"> </p>
<p class="cnNjN2M4ODY5MTIwYTRhMTU4NGE5NzhkMmZkZmU4NmI4">Iranueel nodded and reflected on this a bit.</p>
<p class="cnM5MjE3ZDZjNjllYjQxY2U5NmM2NzYxYWUyNGI2ZTZh"> </p>
<p class="cnMxYTg5MzliNWFkMDRkNDhiNzZiYzc3ZjYzMmMzNDdm">“I will need two days to build this array and also need some ingredients for it. I don’t know where to find them, but this is china, so getting strange things like tigers piss should be easier to get than in Europe. So do you think, we have these two days and also the ability to fetch the needed materials before your pursuers catch up?”</p>
<p class="cnM5MTBjODJiYWI5ZTQ1Mzg4YTk4ZTQyYmJlMzA1MmM2"> </p>
<p class="cnNmODUxNjg4ZmU0ODRiNDc5YjFkMDhmZDA4MDg3Nzg4">“We could travel deeper into the country where their power is weaker, but that will also cripple our grip onto materials, but I have some connections still going on and some people still owe me. 10 kilometers from here is a small town where I can get money. My enemies will know where we are when I withdraw some cash but I will give us the option to get away faster.”</p>
<p class="cnNmNmM4MmExMGQzNzRkM2VhYjlhNzczZTIzNzYyMTY1"> </p>
<p class="cnMzODg2Y2YxOWNkNzRkYTM4ZGJkMjBlMmUwNGRlMjNl">She seemed unsecure about his reaction and looked to the side.</p>
<p class="cnMzNWYzZTAzODJkOTQ3ZjFhNjU3MDNiYmJmNTgxYTIw"> </p>
<p class="cnM5NTFkNTc3ZmIwNDRhMTlhN2FkZTUzNzI5Mzg0NzNl">“I would understand you, when this whole mess is too much for you and you want to leave me behind. The triads will hunt you too if they discover you with me and trying to help.”</p>
<p class="cnNkMWFmZTBhY2ViZTQwZTdhMjkyZDg3NmIwNjViNzJk"> </p>
<p class="cnMxNmMwM2E0Y2M3ODQ2OGFiMjc1MjIxOWUzY2I3MjRj">Iranueel saw some tears coming from her eyes and felt a strong impulse to hug her but he also knew that Misako was an experienced avatar and also a woman. She used all her weapons to influence his decision to follow her.</p>
<p class="cnM3NGZhM2NlOTIyODQ0N2ViZDdhYjIyNzJkMGVjMTFk"> </p>
<p class="cnNjNmQxZmE3YWFiODQ0NmE5NjMwYzMzMWEwN2EyZmIy">“Now, now, please don’t cry for me lady. It will do you no good to pull this womanly trick on me!”</p>
<p class="cnNhNjVjNDM5MmEzYTQzNWZiOTMyMjBhMTI2MTRkOTJl"> </p>
<p class="cnNmNmE1MmE4NjQyYjRmYmM5NTNjZTM5MDQ3ZTZkZjNm">Misako took a look at him and then a sudden smile appeared on her face.</p>
<p class="cnNkY2QyNzNmYTFkYTQxNTc4ZDIwYWQ5M2QxNDZiYmFk"> </p>
<p class="cnMxNGMyNzg4MmZjNDRhMGU4ZDY0ZDZlZjE0MzE3Njc3">“Hey, I see, you’re learning. Don’t be mad for me trying this trick. Some men fall for it and in my position I have to use all of my arsenal.”</p>
<p class="cnNmZTEyMWRkMDljZDRjNTJiOWNjOGRhNmEwMGQ0ZTdk"> </p>
<p class="cnM4NGQwN2U3ZmZmMTQxNWM5MjA1YjBmYjNhMTgyNzk2">“I do understand but believe me or not, but I will stay with you. You’re fun to be around and you seem to care about me, at least enough to not let me die in vain. So get back on track and find a way to get out of this mess. You’re the experienced one here and I will follow your lead. And if everything goes downhill, I can absorb your soul as a last resort.”</p>
<p class="cnMwNTZmMjE5MWI4ODQ3MTBiNTY2ZTJlZmQ4YzU4MzIz"> </p>
<p class="cnM2MGU0MWZjYjJkODQyMzY4ZmExZDgyZDcwYTcyYjU5">Misako watched him and leaned suddenly forward to kiss him directly on his lips. She smelled like peppermint and lemon and her lips were soft and smooth to the touch.</p>
<p class="cnM1Yjk2MDUxNzljZDQwZjhiM2IyMWY3OTk3N2M3ZGZm"> </p>
<p class="cnMzOTE4MzI4NmZkYjQ1NmM4MmU3OTc3NTUzNjFkMDM4">“Thank you! Really, I appreciate it more than you can imagine. Friends that stand at your side in this world are a rare trove. I will do my best to repay your kindness with my knowledge and power. So together we rise or fall.”</p>
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<i class="fa fa-calendar" title="Published"></i> <time unixtime="1476314468" datetime="2016-10-12T23:21:08.0000000Z" format="U" >Wednesday, October 12, 2016 11:21:08 PM</time>
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<i class="fa fa-info-circle"></i> <strong>Bio:</strong>
At the moment 46 years old, and going on, I write and read as a hobby. Crazy ideas and strange thoughts have some connection with my past a roleplaying geek. </p>
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<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content">
<h2>Chapter 8: The White Bear</h2>
<p class="cnNhNjFjZTY1MGI2MTRkMmE4MzQ2YWE5MjAxYjQ0MjU2"><em>Sasasa</em></p>
<p class="cnM3NTNkZmM4NTQ5YzRiOWI4Y2U2ZWNlOTY2MWQzN2Jl">I’m running towards the village by leaping down towards the valley.</p>
<p class="cnMxN2IyYmM0NzhmNjRjNTZhOTlkYjA1YjgxNTkyOTA2">Like the eastern starting area, the northern starting area has the village in a valley in a mountainous region.</p>
<p class="cnMyMzE2YWQxM2U3MzQxN2Y5ODc1Yzc1OTVmYjUyYzdk">The differences are that the village is much closer to the forest and the mountain, and the slopes are much steeper and rockier.</p>
<p class="cnM0ZDE1NGQ1NzIzODRhMjVhOGU0ZGRlNmNlYTBjMmQ4">I complained at the chibi earlier to let off some steam, but in the end I decided not to chew him out.</p>
<p class="cnM5Yjk1OTYxOTk3YTRjMGM5NWRkOGU3YmI4NjdiNTNk">After all, it’s not like he could have imagined that by trying to avoid being blunt, 2 reckless kids would pull a stunt like this. Getting upset at him would totally be misplaced anger.</p>
<p class="cnNlNDUzMDc1OGVmZTQ5NzE5NjY3NjBkMjEzOGM2MWE3">Anyway, if he’s trying for what I’m almost 100% sure he’s trying for, this kind of risk when soliciting party members is necessary.</p>
<p class="cnM4MjYxYmE0Mzc3NTRjMmZiMGIxZThmYjNhMDlhZmE3">That chibi. Work hard towards the guild you desire~.</p>
<p class="cnNkOTliODk2MGMyOTQxN2NhN2EyNjhmZjkwODM0NTk1">Being a top level player, working with a large group of people, and actively trading information; he needs to cast his nets wide and manage his Friend List well in order to build up a community of strong and active players. In the future, if he starts a guild, all this ground work will pay off.</p>
<p class="cnM3ZDBmNTc5OTQyZjRhNjNiMDI5NTc2NmZkNGY1NTQ5">Boys, be ambitious! (-W S Clark)</p>
<p class="cnMyMmY5YzU2NjIwYzQ2YWVhYjgyNGZlOGU1OWM4Nzky">A~nyway it’s time for something I’ve been waiting for~.</p>
<p class="cnMzNWYzMTM3MmMzNjQ3MmE4MGI4ZDE2YTJmMmMzMzk5">“<Werebear Form>!”</p>
<p class="cnNlNzU1YWUwOWUwMzRlNGQ4OWRlZmIyMTJjNjhiMzJj"><em>Fufufu</em>, a big increase in offense and defense!</p>
<p class="cnNkNjU1ZGNjNmVlYzQ5OTY4MGM0ZmIxNDJjMDU3M2Ux">Ordinarily I’d go in swinging with an axe, but not this time.</p>
<p class="cnM4OWI3MDNiYjg4NzQyNWZhM2E5ZjQwNmM4ZjQ5ZTMz">An axe increases damage greatly, but I’m hunting beginner mobs right now. Even without the buffs given with <Werebear Form> I can destroy them in 1 or 2 hits. No, increased damage isn’t the reason I activated that Skill this time.</p>
<p class="cnNkMTQxZGFkMDlmMjQ4NjZiZGFiNzM3Y2U1MjMyZGVi">This time I’m after the defense buffs if increased defense and a bit of increased HP, as well as this:</p>
<p class="cnNiZmZhOTkzYWNkYzRlMjZhYzk2Zjc2Yjk5MWUwMTBj"><em>— Werebear Natural Attacks: In Werebear Form, you are able to use your claws and teeth as natural weapons</em>.</p>
<p class="cnM5MDdmYjUwOGUzYzRhNjZiYTQ0ZmVkNTVhMzgwY2Yx">I’m not sure about biting, but when using my claws, although the damage is less than an axe, the attack speed is much, much faster.</p>
<p class="cnNlMjZkYjVkZDdlNDQ4ODliZTc0ZGViOGMyNjBlYTRj">In this situation where I need to take out as many weak mobs as I can in as little time as I can, I’m going in claws out!</p>
<p class="cnM4ZDRiYmNhNTRlOTRlNzVhZjI4Nzg3Nzc3OWQxMWNm"><em>Gwaaaaor!</em></p>
<p class="cnMxYTM3NTNiZWFkZDQ3ZmI5ZGNlMTg3M2MxMDFiMmI2">With a roar I charge in.</p>
<p class="cnNkODNmMTU0MWJlMTRhMTdiN2ZmM2JkNDQwOTZmMGQ0">Not from the front; even if they’re low-leveled, being swarmed can only lead to death.</p>
<p class="cnM2NTYzZDZjNTU5YTQ2ODZhZmE2MTdlMjBkMTMwOGNl">No, I charge in from the rear!</p>
<p class="cnNhZTkzNzNmOTlhYzRlODY5YzA4ZTUyZDdiYjhiMjM2">————–</p>
<p class="cnMwMTM0OTliN2Y3OTRmMWQ4YWQzZTNkYTdjYzE3ZGMw">Around the northern beginner’s village, still within the safe zone, many players nervously looked out at the rampaging monsters in the originally tranquil valley.</p>
<p class="cnM1YWE2YjYxZjE4ZDRjYTc4ZDFkMTY4MzRmZTkyMTg0">All of them were wondering</p>
<p class="cnNlYjJhYzE0NDQ4MjRiZWM5YmRlYmRhYzNmZTI1NmVh"><em>Should we give up and move to another starter village?</em></p>
<p class="cnMwZDBkZjNmNDExYTRmYTE4Y2ZmMGUwYWI2MzUyMjdi">There are 4 main beginner’s villages that can be teleported between from a teleporter in the main square.</p>
<p class="cnMyMDIwZGVhZTU3MzRlNTY5NzNkY2JjZTY4OWIzY2U5">It’s just, it costs 3 silver for each transfer.</p>
<p class="cnNiNThmYTE2YmJlMTQyY2I4ZDFhNzljZTM3OTExOWE1">While that amount of money is something that can be easily thrown away after a few hours of play, for the players who haven’t completed any quests yet, it’s an amount of money that’s impossible to obtain right out of character creation.</p>
<p class="cnM1ODQ1ZTYzOGRmNDQ2MTc4YmQ0NjE4N2YzMjUxOGY5">Unable to get money because of the monster train outside, unable to go to a different area because they can’t get money, the new players are trapped.</p>
<p class="cnNkNGQxNGY0NzAxYTQzZWNhY2M5OGI4YWQyNjQwODM2">All they can do is hope that the train will crumble naturally… but with players unaware of the situation trying to return to the village to complete their quests, it doesn’t seem like that will happen anytime soon.</p>
<p class="cnNkMzViNDkzZTkwMDRiYzZiOGNlYjczNDA5NWY3Y2Zk">Death screams sound from outside of the village as the monster train re-frenzies at the death of yet another poor player.</p>
<p class="cnM0NTEwNmVhODUxMTRmNzViYzkzNjZmZDNhMzUxYjZj">After some time, the resurrection crystal shines and yet another shocked and hysterical player is revived within Rustbourne Village.</p>
<p class="cnMzZjhkZjNiYjZkMDQxYmZhZTBjZjUyNzUxODYzZjgz">This has become the common scene.</p>
<p class="cnM2MmUyNmRlZjI2YzQwZjA5NThjMGJmNmU2MTZmZGM5">Earlier, 2 parties of 6 beginners attempted to quell the stampeding monsters, but alas, all have perished.</p>
<p class="cnM3MWViNGQ2NWU5NzQwNTRiNzliYzRiNzI5YTA4NGQy">The defeated players are now among the other players looking out at the monster train, while also being unfairly blamed for prolonging the train.</p>
<p class="cnM4MDk5ZWJlMjg1YzQ4ZGFiODUyMWJjMTc3YTFhMzhl">If it was just the level 1 and 2 monsters, maybe they could have banded together and driven them out, but there were also level 3 and 4 monsters from the forested ridge beyond the valley.</p>
<p class="cnM0YmZhOTNkZTgxYzRlM2M4OTkzNGZkYWQxY2UyOGQy">Just who brought them all down here …</p>
<p class="cnM5ODdiMzU5ZjU0MTQ5OWFiZGZiZGFmNmJkOWNkOTk1">As the new players bitterly cursed in their heads,</p>
<p class="cnNkYTBmZjFjN2I4ZDQ1N2RiMGY5Y2JmZGJjZGFkYmM5"><em>Gwaaaor!</em></p>
<p class="cnMwZWQzN2ExNzZkMzQyZmE5YmQ4ODMwYWZkYmUyMDU5">A thundering roar lit up the valley next to the town.</p>
<p class="cnM4OGIyYTkwMjM1ODQ5NWVhYWQ4Y2E5YzE3YTMyZTU0">“Oh no, what now-!”</p>
<p class="cnNjMTU3M2U5ZTg2ZTRmMmVhZjgyZmQ2Yzk1ZTBjMjQy">Ashura, a player with an Avg Level of 2, had gotten run over numerous times by the monster train. The first time he was picking herbs for a grocer when the train swarmed out of no where; the second and third times he was part of a group that hoped to thin out the monster train.</p>
<p class="cnM5NTMyMDkyMmYzYjQ2NWQ5MGQxM2UxYmRkMzEwYzg0">The fourth time he ran for it, hoping to reach the forested ridge to warn returning players about the train, but he was overcome in the end.</p>
<p class="cnM5NjNlMjYwYjQ3NjQ5ZDVhOTI0OTViYjk4NTY1MzM3">He isn’t a man used to sitting and waiting for troubles to pass by.</p>
<p class="cnMzMWNhMmU3OTdjOTRlMzQ4YjNhMTc4MWJiN2Y3OWQ5">As he and a few other players tried to formulate a plan to divert the rampaging monsters, that snarling roar sounded.</p>
<p class="cnMxMzE0NzI2MDA5ODRmOThiZTUwODQ5ODdmMWExNTIx">“Don’t tell me something even nastier is coming from the forests.”</p>
<p class="cnM0YTE3M2M3YzViZDQ5MzZhNzYxMDE4YjhmYjA4MjEw">“Is it because there’s so many herbivores here that predators will come down and hunt them?”</p>
<p class="cnM2YTVmNjMwMzU1YTQ3N2RhNjIwYmQyMWNkYTE0Zjhi">“No way-? Wouldn’t that be too much even for VR?”</p>
<p class="cnMxNGYyNDE4YjRlYjQ4ZDA4MzdmNzliNDRjZGY1YWQz">Ashura and the other players with him, discussing their options, rushed to the edge of the village, looking out over the hectic valley with concern.</p>
<p class="cnNjYzY2NzlhNmQ0NjQyZjY4NjQyY2MwZDBkOThlMzQ0">“… Why are the monsters flying?!”</p>
<p class="cnNlYmNmZGViOGY2YzQ1YTc5ZDFlNzQ3ZDRiZmMyN2Qy">————–</p>
<p class="cnNmMDJkNmVjMDdhMjQzZmZiYjBiOGIwZjdjMjI4MzAz">Hahahaha!</p>
<p class="cnMwM2JlMmRjYTMxMDQwYzZiMzM2ZDM1MGIxZjA1NTdj">The strength of Werebear Form is amazing!</p>
<p class="cnMyODM1ZGI2NDcxNTQ3MDA4YmI5NGYzMmJhZmIwNmJh">With just a swipe of a claw, a monster dies.</p>
<p class="cnNjOTg4ZDM0Yjg2ZjQwZWZiZDZmM2JkYTIyYTJhNTJm">Ah, no good. My lips are loosening into a silly grin. In Werebear Form, the fangs and teeth transform my grin into a face to run away from.</p>
<p class="cnM2ZDAzOTA0OTQwNDQ3ZmViMDYxNzQ3NGYxZjUwODhh">Though I’ve been told my battle-grin is terrifying even when I’m not a bear.</p>
<p class="cnNjZTEyMDdiNzI3MTQ4NzM5ODFkNGQ3ZGZkNTczYzFm">The only thing I regret is that the drops are left behind. In some ways I’m happy about the realism requiring us to pick up the loot, but in others … it’s really inconvenient, you know?</p>
<p class="cnNkZjhiNTc1ZjVlNDQ3YWRhYjg1MTEzOTYzZjg1NzFj">Aaah, that was a deer pelt …</p>
<p class="cnMwMDhjMzhhZmVhZDQ0NGFiYjZlZjAyZTM5MzY1NGMy">I could probably sell it for a high price to a tailor player right now.</p>
<p class="cnMwOThiYjZmMmQwMjQ0Y2ZiZmVkZTBjOTM3YjdlZDk1">Thanks to my slaughtering spree on the first day, my Skill Levels are probably higher than the other players right now, so it’s likely that my Scavenge is higher than anyone else’s.</p>
<p class="cnM3MGYyMGE5YWY5MjQyOGQ4ZDFiYjY3MjRmZTQ2YzVi">Pelts would sell so well right now~ Ah!</p>
<p class="cnM2NDE3ZmI3MTExYzQ0Zjc4N2Y5ODFmYmM5Y2VmYWEz">Acting on impulse, I swipe at the badger in front of me, knocking it sky-high.</p>
<p class="cnNlZTJhNjhjZmExMzRkODJhNDMxMDRjMGRhOWE2NDE4">“<em>Guu-!”</em></p>
<p class="cnNkZGU1NTdjYWYwYjRjODg4ODg3NGJmNTExYzg0MDNm">As it gave a distressed cry it died in the air, and the drops came falling down right in front of me.</p>
<p class="cnNkODg1ZmFmYzhiMDQ4NmI4NjBiNWQ1MzM1Y2QzNDBj">Alright!</p>
<p class="cnMxM2JkODE4NTFmYjQ2YTNiMTg2Y2E3NTYyN2ZjZmNh">At the pace I’m going I have to give up the drops on every third monster, but now I’m getting more than just ExP!</p>
<p class="cnMzYTBmMTlkZTc0MDRkYjlhZGZjZjgyYjlhODI5NDNj">Wahaha!</p>
<p class="cnM4NmJlMmU0NzkwZTRmNzY5YTEzOTlhZjg2ZTUyODU5">What a glorious bounty for hunting!</p>
<p class="cnM0YWZmMWQ1ODk2OTQwMDg5YjQ3YWNmMWViMjU3MTVi">I didn’t think about how absurd it would look from far away, monsters being sent flying, only to turn into drop items and rain from the sky.</p>
<p class="cnMxNzdhMDBmYWMzNDQ4ZjliMmMzYjQ0NTE5NWEwNDMx">“What is THAT?”</p>
<p class="cnNjMjUzMDA3ZGFkYTQ5MTM5OWVjYzZjMDE0ZmU2ZTAy">“White bear? Polar bear?! Where did it come from?”</p>
<p class="cnMzMmI2ZThhNjc1MjQ4OWRiNDQ0MjNiMTNmZWMyM2Zh">“An overworld boss?”</p>
<p class="cnNjNDZmZjY4MTQ3NTQ4NzdhMzEwNmQ4NjUxODBiZmI3">I hear bits and pieces from the players surrounding the village but I ignore them.</p>
<p class="cnMzYTQ0MzlhNWFlODQ5Zjc5YjJmMjAwNWU0YThlN2Nl">The slaughtering spree – I mean, subjugating the frenzied monsters takes precedence.</p>
<p class="cnM0MjBhZjIxMmMyODQ5NjM5ODFiY2NmYzM4NTQzNWIz">I chase the monster train past the village and up towards the forested ridge.</p>
<p class="cnNmZGY1ZGU0ODA5YzQ2MjNiOTNkNWU1OTdhZjI1MTBm">I’ve whittled the train down to 1/3 of its original amount, but it won’t be good if I do it half-heartedly and it comes back even stronger than before.</p>
<p class="cnM5NDYxZmI1YmViYzQ2MGM4MjRkMzMzZjMxZDg2NmQ0">But for monsters designed primarily for beginners to defeat, they run really fast.</p>
<p class="cnMyNzQxMTI3MTg3MjQxM2ViODE1NjBkZDQ4MTQyZDMy">Out of sight of the village, I chase the train and continue to swipe my paws at the monsters as fast as I can. I’m running out of time for <Werebear Form>! 1 minute left.</p>
<p class="cnNjMTdjNmE1YjFiNjRhYmRhYTRlZmU0M2Q0MDYyYWU0">All of a sudden, Sharp Senses sounds an alarm in my head; all I can do is lift an arm.</p>
<p class="cnMyNTA5NGY2MDFlMDQ2ZDZiNTdhZjA4NTY3ZjU3MGI3">Ouch!</p>
<p class="cnMwMzAyYTE3ZWJhMTQxNjNhNDdlYmQzNTQ4NmFiYTVh">A small throwing dagger is embedded into my arm.</p>
<p class="cnM5YTExYzllODg1YjQwZGVhM2MwODc5NmQzOTI4MmU1">I stare in disbelief as a hooded beastkin player fades into view right in front of me. Cat ears, the low kind on the sides of the head, distort the hood, revealing blood-red hair.</p>
<p class="cnNhZGY4OTE3OTM4OTQ1Y2U4ZjVjMDIwYjFhNjkwZDhl">Where did this guy come from?!</p>
<p class="cnNhNDdlZjg2ZWEwODQ4Mzk4MjkwZTk3YmQwYTI5NGQ4">Like magic, he materializes from thin air.</p>
<p class="cnM4N2E2NTFjZDA0NjRhNDc5ZTdiMDhmY2RlMjkwMmM0">Before he attacked me, I seriously didn’t notice him even a little bit.</p>
<p class="cnM5OGUxMGI4MjY1NjQ0MGU5OTJiYTE1YWU1MzhhYzFl">If it weren’t for Sharp Senses, there’s no doubt I wouldn’t have known he was there at all.</p>
<p class="cnM5NWY3OWQxZjNlYTRkYWFiMDQ4YzA4OWU2ODQ0MTEy">I’m not used to forced sensory.</p>
<p class="cnMwZjkzYjlhYWUyOTQ2MjI5YmE5NjA2M2NmNjQ5MTdm">Normally your enhanced sense-type skills are just that, things that enhance the senses that are already there. After playing a lot of VR games, I’ve gotten pretty good at noticing things that are important, and I’m proud to say that I’m rarely surprised by the game system forcing stimulation on me without me being prepared for it.</p><p class="cjU0ODE4NmQ5NDc3ODQ0MDc5NmE1MDNmNjFmMWIxM2Rm">This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.</p>
<p class="cnM0N2E2M2ZkMjFkZTRmZmU4YTAwYjY1MjgyZTc1MDMx">This guy’s stealth is nuts!</p>
<p class="cnNhNjJlMmQzYzA3NDRkZDFiZDE3NTRhMDljZDA5YzFi">Since he attacked me, his name is visible to me.</p>
<p class="cnM1YWZmZWQ2MTRlZjQ5YTdiNDI0ZDRkNTM5NWY2MWMz">Fenrys, huh?</p>
<p class="cnNjNGQwNDczN2Q1YTQ4OGI5NmFlMDc3ZDhhYWI0MTdl">If he succeeds in killing me, his name will turn red and be visible to everyone, and it will be impossible to hide it for a full in-game day. NPCs might even become hostile at the sight of a red-named player.</p>
<p class="cnM4MzU2MTU5MDNkZDQxMzhhYjg1NzBkMjY1NTYwZjVm">Well, anyway, what I’m mostly shocked about is …</p>
<p class="cnNiYTg4NGQ4ZWM5NjQyZWRhMmJhMzJmZTczOWJmZDQ2">Just 2 damage?</p>
<p class="cnNhYTQ1MDRlNWY1YzQ4MWJhNThiYjUzNzRlYTNjZTZk">Oi.</p>
<p class="cnM3ZDM2YTBlOTNlNTQ1NDhiZmMzNDYxOGVhYzBiMjZm">How is that low of a number even possible from a player attack?</p>
<p class="cnMxN2IzNjJmZGViYzQxNTNiZTUwNDQ0MGY3NmJmZTky">Your stealth is great, but your attack is … um… yeah.</p>
<p class="cnM4N2JlYzYyOTk3MDRhNjlhM2ZiZjQwZTlmZGMyMzFi">If this is a PK, it’s not very well thought out.</p>
<p class="cnNiZGViZTFkMmU3MTQwYjU4OGQ1OGNmYjViNDFjMzAy">Precious seconds are wasted as that player and I stare each other down.</p>
<p class="cnMzZDMwNDlmMGIxNTRkNDlhMjMxZTRlNmRjYjg3YjQ0">“… You’re a player.”</p>
<p class="cnM4MmMyZTNiNDU1MzRhMDM5OWEzYTY1YWU4ZjcxMzYz">“Yes?”</p>
<p class="cnMxNDI4OWJhY2Q5OTRmM2JiNzBjMDYyMzk4NzFkMDQ0">The first thing he says was completely unexpected.</p>
<p class="cnM4ODQ3NDlmOGY1ZTQ4ZDBhOTY4MTg4M2IwMTU5ZDM3">Of course I’m a player! Can’t you tell?</p>
<p class="cnMyYWFjYjA3MTRkNTRkYWNiYWQ2ODIzOTNkZTE4ZjY1">It’s easy to forget that I’m currently a giant, fuzzy bear at the moment.</p>
<p class="cnMzNTRlZmRmNGQ4ZTQ1NzViMDdhYzk4ZjhkNjdiYjNm">The other guy awkwardly stands there in a half-hearted battle-stance and his twin cat tails twitch. He then quickly stands up, bows lightly, and steps back, calling,</p>
<p class="cnM4MWI2MGZhYjAwYzRiZGM5ZGRmODE5YTI2MjQ2M2Y3">“Feng!”</p>
<p class="cnM4MjA3YWMxZTVjNzQyYzFiNzA0MTU3ZWY4YjVhMzNk">From behind him, a light-green fairy-like creature flitters in front of him. It sings out,</p>
<p class="cnNkOWJhYzU1YmE4NDQxMGViZmZmMDI5ZGQwMGY4ZWE2">“<Wind Aura>!”</p>
<p class="cnM0MjM0ZGEwNTQ0MjQ2ZjNhZmNmNmNkMmU5YWUzN2Vm">And a shimmering green light, like glitter floating in the wind surrounds him.</p>
<p class="cnM1NDExOTk5YjRmMzQ0YWZhMjBjNjk0N2Q4MGMwY2Ey">With a startling speed, Fenrys leaps agilely backwards until he’s up on a tree branch.</p>
<p class="cnMzZjYzNjNhZjBlMjRhMjZhNDY1YTQ5ZjhjMTM1YmJi">A sort of movement buff, huh?</p>
<p class="cnM2N2ZjNmQ0OWQ4YzRkOGY5OGUyZTVkNDkxYzA0MmNk">He dips his head curtly once again and vanishes right in front of my eyes.</p>
<p class="cnMwMjBhN2NkM2JmYzQ5Yzc5MTJjNzczN2I0YzM0YzNl">Haa… he attacked me by mistake, huh?</p>
<p class="cnNjMWNlNTNmNTJmMzRjMGRiOWNmZmU1NzI5ZjNhMGQ2">Now that I think about it, people think that my Werebear Form is an overworld boss.</p>
<p class="cnNkMWQ1YmE2ZTNiYjRlOGJiMTdkMThhNjkxZTUwMWMw">I decide not to worry too much about it and run hard to catch up with the remnants of the monster train.</p>
<p class="cnNmYTM5MjM1NjVkZjQ0OTA4MmFmNTNmMDc2NGNmZDQ3">With just 35 seconds to Werebear Form left, I catch up with the remaining monster train + the new additions that were frenzied from the surroundings, and continue to kill.</p>
<p class="cnNjMzYyZWFlMTc0NzRhMjNhNWNjYjVjODVhMTE3NmFl">Moving my paws and slashing numerous times until I lost count, I feel the change from Werebear Form to my regular avatar form when there are just 6 more monsters left.</p>
<p class="cnMxZmQ1ZWM4ZGQxZDQ5MmE5NTE5NTZjMjU2YzYwZTZh"><em>Slash, slash, slash</em></p>
<p class="cnMyOWMyZDI5Nzk3MTQ5NWViMGI2ZDU2YmUzYzJlYWQ2">Three more</p>
<p class="cnNhYzBhZWEzYzhiNDQ4OGU4NjcxZmI3YzEyNjgxM2E1"><em>Slash, slash, slash</em></p>
<p class="cnMxNzg4NWU3YWU3MTQ5NWU5NWM5ZjMwZDZmMWVhZThm">The final 6 were dealt with in human form, my trusty Beginner’s Axe glinting in the setting sun.</p>
<p class="cnMxNzAzMmIwZGRiMzRiYTc5MDJjYmY5MTRmNTI2YmVm">“<em>Fuaa-! </em>It’s done!”</p>
<p class="cnMzYjhjZGFjMjEzZjQ0ZDk4YmFkYTgzYjY1OThmYzMy">I must have reached the ends of my endurance. I feel exhausted, and the adrenaline from the rush is beginning to subside.</p>
<p class="cnM1ODhlZWY1YmU2MDQ4OGY5YTU2NjQ0YzU3NTM4Yzkw">Truthfully, this was only easy because I was a high Avg Level character (comparatively) with high END.</p>
<p class="cnM5NjlmMjExNTlkMTQ4ODNhMzcxMTI0MWI4YTQwMDJj">If I was a lower Avg Level, I would draw aggro faster and get surrounded before I could finish one of them off. If I had a lower END, I would have been unable to chase them this far without taking penalties to my attacks.</p>
<p class="cnNhNmRjZTQwODA4ZjQwZDE4ODdiZmUwYjNkYjNiMTJi">Although it must look like I was peerlessly destroying all that was before me, to be honest, without some clever maneuvering, I would have been killed.</p>
<p class="cnM1MTFjZDBiY2UyNzQzODI5MmZiM2QzYjMyOGJjNGE2">I was only just barely at the level, even including Werebear Form, to be able to pull off this stunt.</p>
<p class="cnM2MTBiNDZjMzEyMzRhODVhODk5ZWIxNDIyM2FhYzZj">Thinking over my various faults, I send the shortie a private text message, then headed off into the direction of the village, collecting drops that I had left behind on my way.</p>
<p class="cnM1OGUxMWM4YTBhMDQ2YjE5NzViNzRmNTIyNTg1ZWNi">To be honest, I’m mulling over the concerns about raising Sharp Senses quickly.</p>
<p class="cnNkOGQ3MGNhNDA5ZDQxOGY5YmQ1NzUzNmIwYzZlMWQ5">After running into the accidental PK, if stealth in this game is going to be like that … the higher level stealth players are going to be pretty nasty if they turn to PK.</p>
<p class="cnM2Yjg1YmRjOWQ5ZDRhMTJiNzM1ZTZkNThjNjI1Mjdm">I should be prepared to welcome them with open arms, and the edge of a blade!</p>
<p class="cnNlYzRkODMxNTVmMTRmNmM5NjRlNTAzMGZlODY1YjMz">————–</p>
<p class="cnMzMmMxYzU3Yzk4ZTRjNzRiNGZlMzY5ZWQ5MmU5MDM0">“Do you think it was a sweeper?”</p>
<p class="cnMyNDYyMTBkZWZhMzQwNTBiNGQxNWNlNGNlNjI3YWU2">“Who knows? But it got rid of the monster train, so banzai!”</p>
<p class="cnM1NjQxMTk1ZTRhYTRjNTVhYzdkN2EzZjgyNmQxZTM1">“Cheers for the White Bear!”</p>
<p class="cnM2NzI0ZmFhNGU3ZDQzZjBiM2I1NTZjMmJmYzI4ZWQ0">As I enter the northern starting village, the players near the entrance are all talking excitedly.</p>
<p class="cnNkMWFiMmU2YTVmMDRmMDY5MTU0YjE4M2E5NGM2OTE1">Their comments are making me twitchy.</p>
<p class="cnNhYjFhZTZlYTFiODRlZGE4NDc0OTIwYTIxMDY0YzQ1">Ah, ignore them, ignore them… There’s someone else I’m concerned with.</p>
<p class="cnM5YzE2NDIzMWZhMDQ3MWFhZmE2MGZjYTA3MTEyMmIy">I walk towards the square.</p>
<p class="cnNlN2QzOGUyNWMzMzQ4YzY4OGY0NGExZTZkMGIyNzhl">Later on there will be a great many number of blankets and stalls put out, with many merchants yelling to sell and buy things, but right now there are only a handful.</p>
<p class="cnNjZWFjYjM0NTk2MDQwZjFhMDNiMGU1Njg2NjI1MGI5">I spy exactly who I’m looking for and walk up to a certain stall, whipping out my Beginner’s Axe and the unidentified axe from the Hidden Quest.</p>
<p class="cnNmMjExMTU4Zjg4YjQ1MDk4ZDEwZDUxOWU4Mzc2ZDky">“Ane-chan, repair please. Also, Identify.”</p>
<p class="cnNjM2Q1NTMzYmZiNjRhYjdiYzkwMjZhOTA2YWE5ZjM3">“Mu~ Call me On-ee-chan! Narunaru gets charged full price because of that.”</p>
<p class="cnNiNjhlMmJmMjljNjRmZDI5ZjFkYmU2NzFlZTgwNWZh">A short, cute-looking construct girl with dark pink, wavy hair, half up in twintails, pouts as she takes both of the axes.</p>
<p class="cnNiOWIzM2RjYzZlZDRjZmE4OGZjNmQzNDAzNGRiZGFl">Around her are a lot of other players bringing their weapons and metal armor for repair.</p>
<p class="cnM3NmRiY2VmNDEyMDRkNDJhZjIyNThiNzFmNjBjZWNk">It’s the player who was promising to do repairs for 1 copper for the next half hour.</p>
<p class="cnNlYjRjNzU5NzJlYTRkNzQ4MGMxYWE5NmE5YTE5ZDUy">“So Ane-chan came over to OriginStory too. I thought you were having fun in<em>Lorewind</em>?”</p>
<p class="cnMzYTYzYzg4ZTg4NTQyMTU5MjU2OThkNTQ1ZjE5NTM2">Although her face is relatively motionless as a construct, an eyebrow quirks in dissatisfaction and her lips form a definite frown.</p>
<p class="cnNlODBhN2M5ZDg0NzRkNTE4ZmJkMGRiYWE2OGRjYWM4">“Of course it gets boring when they started to do all those micro-transactions. It was a paradise for crafters, and then the devs start making better quality stuff and putting it in the marketplace. There was no point. First they drive the combat professions away with godly crafting, and then they drive the crafters away with microtransactions. How pointless.”</p>
<p class="cnNhZTNkMWE4M2NlODRiNDBiNWQ4ZmI3OTc5OWU3MjVj">I had heard all sorts of bad stories about that VRMMO… Of course I had left early on, before the microtransaction frenzy went into play.</p>
<p class="cnNjZGZjZjc1OTBmNDRiNzI4ODdhMjBhYjYyZGUxODJk">The girl, Arisette, or Ane-chan as all of our acquaintances call her, sets the unidentified axe down next to her while she examines my Beginner’s Axe. It’s … in really bad shape. I haven’t bothered with repairing it since the beginning after all, nor have I done any basic maintenance.</p>
<p class="cnNmZWZhMGExM2FmNjQ3ZmNiNTg2ZjU3MWMyNTAzMjM5">I mean, I thought I would get a new axe before it completely broke, so …</p>
<p class="cnNjM2Y3MGZjYjllYTQwZTA5ZDEwYmFiY2JlNDY5YWI0">Ahem.</p>
<p class="cnM5NzJiYzRjMGQwZTRjZjQ4YmVhYjI1NDA4MmNkMzBh">Anyway, I look over Ane-chan’s construct form. I thought the construct race’s appearances would be like old, steam machinery or some sort of animated suit of armor, but it’s quite different.</p>
<p class="cnM1ZmYxOTAxNWQzZjQ3NTBhNjUyNTE4MzU1ODUyNjJi">“So Ane-chan chose to be a construct, huh? I was thinking it would look clunky, but it’s more like an animated doll, huh?”</p>
<p class="cnMzOTU4MWE4ZTZkYzRjNjRiODc2OGQ1ZWUxYzMzYmRi">“Well, there are guys like him, too, but constructs are basically sentient dolls given life through magic, so a variety of looks are possible.”</p>
<p class="cnM5ODA4NmIxMDM5ZTRhNWViNWRhYjc0NzUxNWQ3ZDM3">Ane-chan jerked her head in the direction of a man that actually looked exactly like a walking suit of armor.</p>
<p class="cnM2NjRiMTBiMmUyMTQwNGY4MDM1OGM2MTQ3M2Y2NzVj">Ane-chan looks like an android-type doll with sci-fi effects, but otherwise her form is hardly different from a human’s. A loli-human with abnormally long legs and a slender waist, but human nonetheless.</p>
<p class="cnM1NzgzNmI2NDg5YTQwYzE5ZWZmYWE0Y2Q0NTNmMmUy">I see. There are a lot of appearance choices if you choose to be a construct.</p>
<p class="cnM2MzgyODMwZmFjZjQ4MDdiMDVkODA0YTA2NGFiZDBj">I wonder if it’s possible for someone to become a toaster.</p>
<p class="cnM5MDQwNzA4MTdlNjQ2YzVhZmJlZGFlOGE5ZjMxNDQy">“By the way, Ane-chan, how did you meet Chie?”</p>
<p class="cnM1ODhhZDkxZDIzNDQzYzJhZjdiODgwYTg1NzMzZTk3">Next to Ane-chan, and just as busy, is Chie!</p>
<p class="cnMwMGJlODY5MThmYjQ0OTU4M2MxOTAyMDcyMTA2Mjlh">Are they already working together? Crafters are fast.</p>
<p class="cnNjNmNhMTRmNGQ2NDQxNDE5NWFiN2EwMDFjNjhkMTY1">“Of course Jo introduced her. She’s really talented! She knit me these tights already!”</p>
<p class="cnMwZjE2MGFkNDI1NDRmNjRiMWFjNGI5NzU4MTRjMTAy">Without stopping her hands from using the Repair Skill, Ane-chan stood up and stuck out a leg.</p>
<p class="cnMyODhkMjcyMDBhMzQ5YWNhNzMxMGQzYzY3Mzg4ZDVk">… Over the knee tights with kitty faces at the tops.</p>
<p class="cnM3YmFmZDJiNjM3ODRlZWU4ZmE3YjE0OGU1NzEzNWVl">“You have cute tastes as always, Ane-chan. How do they stay up?”</p>
<p class="cnMyZmUzNmJlNmNjZjRkZjBiMjA3YjRjYzNhYmNmZDBk">As Ane-chan cackled in delight, Chie raised an eyebrow and smiled slyly.</p>
<p class="cnM2NGU3M2VhYjkwZDQwYmZiZWU3ZjJmMWY2MTU1YmMz">“Never underestimsate a cosplayer.”</p>
<p class="cnNkZDBhOWUwZjdiNjRiNDc5YTZjNmJjNDZmNWI3ZjRj">Ah… I won’t ask anymore.</p>
<p class="cnMzM2Y4NGEyMDQ3ZTRmOWRhZTNjMmIwMzg3NzQ4MGI4">“By the way, Naru …”</p>
<p class="cnMzNDA4MjYzZTZhZDRhZTM4NzU2NjQ1MjIxNWUxMGJk">Chie leaned over, her hands not stopping as she repaired beginner armors for waiting players.</p>
<p class="cnM4OWMzZjM3NjY4YTQyOTliZDExMDViY2Y2MmFkZGVj">“Naru, exactly how old is Arisette? She looks like a pre-teen, but her hips and legs look like they’ve been altered to be more slender than normal, so …”</p>
<p class="cnNiN2E3NWRjMzkwOTQwZGZhYzFkN2IzODk1ZDk1OTNl">“That is an unsolvable mystery.”</p>
<p class="cnMyZDdhMzEwNDYyNjRkNDNiODg3ZmU0ZTk0MDNkMDAy">Although I know quite a few of the players on my friends list in the real world, of course there are going to be more people on my friends list that I DON’T know in the real world. Arisette is one of the friends I made when I first started another VRMMO before this one, but we’ve never met in real.</p>
<p class="cnNjMGM5YWE1MTllYjQwOWJhYWVkMzY0ZGE1MjVmMzRk">Ane-chan’s avatars always resemble lolis, except something about them always feels like she adjusted the form to look younger from an older age. Something about the body shape and legs …</p>
<p class="cnM0NTY3Y2NjOWQ0NjQyNmI5MmU0MzFiOTRmZmE5NjJm">EVERYONE ends up wondering exactly how old she actually is.</p>
<p class="cnM3NmIyNjQyNjY0MzRjNjI4ZWFkNzA4ODNmMzg0NDMz">“Hey, what are you two talking about over there?!”</p>
<p class="cnNkYjEyN2YyZTI2NTQ0NTc5OWY4ZDAzNTQ2OGE2N2Jm">With sharp ears, Ane-chan turns towards us with a dangerous glint in her eyes.</p>
<p class="cnM4Yjg3MzgzYjE2ZDRhYjZiZDYzYTQ0ZjU3NDVlNzc3">Chie paled, saying, “Ah, um… er…”</p>
<p class="cnNjZTNmZDIxN2YyODQ4YWNhOGYwMGYxMmVhYjU3MGEz">I laugh and say,</p>
<p class="cnM5Y2VjMWM4NjA0NTRkMjg5ZDY1OGY0M2NhNmNmOWZh">“Ane-chan’s construct avatar this time looks very charming. Despite feeling like a girl on the brink of growing up, there’s also a subtle allure of a woman. Chie was excited to design clothes for someone like that.”</p>
<p class="cnNlY2EzYWJhNTgwNTQ4ZTRhNTZhZjI3ZDZlNjQ3MmQ0">“Oh, is that it! Hehehe, it’s the charms of a woman who will always remain youthful, after all!”</p>
<p class="cnNiMWZjZjFhN2FjZjQ0YmE5YjUzMzQ5ZDgwNTA0OWJj">Chie and I quietly swallow the words that threatened to leap out of our throats.</p>
<p class="cnM4NzFhN2FhMWJhOTQzOTZhMjJjYTg5ZjVmMDY0MGY1">Ane-chan doesn’t seem to notice as she finishes repairing my Beginner’s Axe and takes up the unidentified axe.</p>
<p class="cnMzYTdiY2I1MTk0ZTRjNjY4ZDIzZGVjNTEyOTE1OGEx">“Hm hm… so Narunaru already found another weapon, huh? What could it be, I wonder~ <Identify>!”</p>
<p class="cnM0MzI3MjBlOTgwYjRjMDM5YjNlMzU5Mjk4ZWU5NTdj">… Now that I think about it, I just assumed Ane-chan took [Blacksmith] this time around.</p>
<p class="cnNkMDA1N2NlMTRhOTQyMThhZWY0OWUyMWQ1M2I1NDJh">In the previous game we played together, the weapons’ durabilities dropped too quickly and I was always running back to Ane-chan for repairs. It’s scary what you can get used to.</p>
<p class="cnMwMTliYmFhOGI0MjQxYzk5N2NhMzhjMzUyMjllM2Jh">Maa, I guess it’s fine since I wasn’t wrong.</p>
<p class="cnNiMWNiYThiZjY0MzRmY2FiZGFkNmFmMjJhM2M2OGU0">In <em>OriginStory</em>, you can only Identify items if you have the corresponding crafting profession Talent, and so getting to know someone in each of the main three types of crafters is a must; Blacksmith, Woodworker, and Tailor.</p>
<p class="cnM2NjkwM2EwNDI1NDQ5OWE4YzNiN2I0Y2Q3ZTM5MDM5">And the most important quality you need in a crafter isn’t Skill Level … it’s trust.</p>
<p class="cnNlMmVkYWEwODQ1MDQ1YmQ4NmEwODg4ODVhZjNlNWNl">People new to MMOs might think that’s absurd; it should be Skill Level, right? Who cares if the crafter is a little shady if he can perform well?</p>
<p class="cnNjZmQzNzAxNDA3ODQ4ODg5OTg5MDA4NGMyOGRiMDNk">Hahaaan… Little chicks who haven’t left the nest should listen well.</p>
<p class="cnNlZDM2YWNhMWU2NTQ5YzA4YjE4ZGYzNTcxZWJmMGIz">The crafter gets to see your weapon’s stats when they use Repair and Identify.</p>
<p class="cnMxNWI1YWRlZGE1YTRiOGQ5NTk3NGI1NjhmNjllYmMw">I don’t know how many stories I’ve heard of players getting ripped off when crafters secretly swap their weapons, or selling the information of a rare item to PKs, or selling information about someone’s equipment stats to rival Guilds.</p>
<p class="cnMxMzAzNTlmZWEwZDQzODJhYWRkNWI4ZmUzN2M3NzA5">Anyway, that’s why I’m always eager to re-connect with crafters I’ve gotten to know in other games.</p>
<p class="cnM4NmNjZmI0NzJlOTRhYzFiOTJmZmI2M2Q4ZDVlZDZk"><em>Swoosh</em>.</p>
<p class="cnM0ODdkZWNhNDk2NzQ1ODU5ZDU4NzQ3ZmU2ZTMwNWVk">“… Narunaru.”</p>
<p class="cnMyYmQ5NWVmOTcwYjQ0MjU5MGU5YzAyMzQ0YTA5NWQ1">Uwaaah!</p>
<p class="cnNlZmJmMTYzYzU1OTQyOTg4OGRhNGY4ODcwMWFjMzQx">Before I realized it, Ane-chan’s face was right up against mine.</p>
<p class="cnM5MGVkMTA5MTA1ZDQxYjZiMTU3ZTAwNzM3NzE5NjA1">“I want it. It’s ok even if it’s after you’ve out-leveled it, but sell this to me!”</p>
<p class="cnMxYWI1ZTRlNDNkYjRkZDY4YzQxZWIzMDk2M2ExYmVk">“… Ane-chan, those conditions are fine, but your excitement is a little unnerving so please explain.”</p>
<p class="cnNkZDM1OGMzMWM5MjQ1ZDRhNmQzZDYyY2Q5MGNiZDgz">“Well, first of all, look at this.”</p>
<p class="cnMzZmY4YWU3OTQ3NTRjZTk4M2M3NzU0Y2I5YTNjYzVm">She handed me the axe.</p>
<p class="cnM3NTRhNDdlNjAzYjQwZThiMGIxZjM2NDI1MWVjMTMz">—<br><strong>Spectre’s End </strong><br>One-handed Axe (Mist-Touch)</p>
<p class="cnM1ZWI4MDViMzcyNTRhOWE4ZDZjYmM2MTdiNjRhNmE3">A light-weight axe that shimmers with an eerie light.</p>
<p class="cnM3MDk0Y2E4OTUwMTRmNTk5MDQ4N2MwZTZlNmRkMzQ0"><strong>Attack:</strong> +87-92 damage<br><strong>Durability:</strong> 100/100<br><strong>Special: </strong>This weapon is a Mist-Touch weapon. It is possible to deal half-damage to incorporeal opponents.<br>—</p>
<p class="cnMzZThjZTZkNTcwMjRmYjc4YTZiNzE4OTlkZGVlNzRk">Banzai!</p>
<p class="cnMzZWUzMTc0ZmE0ZjRmZGNiZGNkNTU1NGE3Y2NlN2Jm">I have a way to damage ghosts now!</p>
<p class="cnM2YWQ3YzlhYzE5YjQ2ZjI5YjhiMTEyYWRjYjVlZWI4">It’s unfortunate that it happened after I had to run away from a ghost, but there’s no use worrying about what might have been.</p>
<p class="cnMxOTkwYTM0MGE0NTQyZjg4MGNmZDkyMDUyNWYzMDUz">The damage bonus is good too.</p>
<p class="cnM2YzQxM2RkNjg4MjRmMmJiMjMxN2JlOGQyYmI2MmU3">But …</p>
<p class="cnMzM2Y1YTFhMzAwZDRkYmY4NDI4NGExNTBmN2E0Nzli">“Ok, this is an awesome weapon, but why does Ane-chan want it? Are you using axes this time around?”</p>
<p class="cnMyOGQyYzViOWFhYTRjZWU5MjQyMmYwYjg0NWZmZjU2">“Tsk tsk tsk. That’s not it at all, Narunaru. In this crafting system, you can only add certain types of enchantments and properties to weapons if you deconstruct enough of those types of weapons. Mist-Touch weapons … do you know how much money I could make off of that?!”</p>
<p class="cnNjMTBhYTBlOGU4NTRmMDg5MTFmNjk0Y2I1M2M3OTgy">Aaah… Ane-chan’s eyes have turned into money signs.</p>
<p class="cnNmMTI1ZWU2YWVlMTRkZTFiOTQ3NTcxMjUwOWU2Mjkx">Fumu, I see.</p>
<p class="cnMyZGJhOWJlNTQwNDRhY2ViZjg1MTI2ZGU4MzNmY2Uy">“Well, as long as you’re willing to wait until I’ve out-leveled it … Oh that’s right, speaking of crafting, Chie-“</p>
<p class="cnNhOWYzY2JjYzA5ZTQ1ZjNiZjZlZTFjNmE1Mzc2NjIw">I open my Item Bag and take out a few items. 5 deer pelts, 3 badger pelts, 10 bat pelts, and 25 rabbit pelts.</p>
<p class="cnM3ZGYzNjE4OGRkNTQ0N2ZiODRmZjc0ODI1M2NkYzdh">“Kyaaa-! Naru, I love you!”</p>
<p class="cnNlZDNhNWFkZTE0NTQ0YmRiN2JhYTk3MDVjNGRmMTgz">Chie dropped the armor she was repairing and flung her arms around me.</p>
<p class="cnNhODUyZWE3MjNlZDQ1N2M5OWQwNzE1NmE5MTIzMGUx">“Oi oi, I didn’t say it was free.”</p>
<p class="cnNhOWY1Zjk1MjIwYzQ3MTJiNGU4NTU0NjQzOTg4MGU2">“How much? 1 gold?”</p>
<p class="cnM0YmExZGQ2MzliYjQ1MzA4YTM1N2UyN2M3YmM5Y2Fj">Eh… 1 gold?</p>
<p class="cnM4ZjI2NjMwZTEyNjQ5YmRiN2NmNGEyZmNkZWNmNzJh">“… Chie, you already have 1 gold?”</p>
<p class="cnMwYzAwMGQ2YmVmMjQ0MTRiMTYzYzBjM2E2NWFhNzBk">“Only just, but yes.”</p>
<p class="cnNlYzBmZTlkZTRmZjQ5ZjliMzM2OTlkMzE1MDg4NTYy">“… 100 silver is fine…”</p>
<p class="cnM3MmIwZDk2YmU3NzQ1NThiNWY3ODcyOTA1NzIzMGVm">I was just going to tease her, but Chie is already rich!</p>
<p class="cnNmMzFjMGJmODExYTQwOTJiYWFiOGJhNDBlMzZhMzFi">I wonder if combat was the wrong way to go… How the hell does she already have 1 gold?!</p>
<p class="cnM1YzZkNDk5NDhhODQwODBhN2IwY2YwZjkyZmFhZDQ0">“Narunaru, come here.”</p>
<p class="cnMxNjllMzdmNGE3YzRjNmFiMTYxZTQ2YjRjZTJmOWM4">Ane-chan motioned me closer, then whispered in my ear.</p>
<p class="cnNmM2YwNWJkMjBhYzQwOTFiZWZlYmM1NTFhZjUyZTFl">“You know what she’s been doing? She’s been taking apart other peoples’ starter armors and re-arranging them. She’s already super famous.”</p>
<p class="cnNlOTRhZDliMWMxMzQyZjVhOTU1NzViODE5NDRiZmFl">“That’s possible? Taking apart the starter armor without ruining it, I mean.”</p>
<p class="cnM2OGY4ODNmM2Y0MTQzNzY4NmE1N2VhZjk2ZTg5YjBj">“Yup. This VR is pretty good for incorporating real-life abilities in crafting. If you don’t have any abilities, you just need the materials, and you can auto-make the armor by just filling in the choices, like appearances and stats and stuff. BUT, you can also make something completely from scratch and use the crafting interface to apply the stats and stuff to what you make.”</p>
<p class="cnNjZDU0MDlmYzZjMzQ2ODU4NmYyYzhhZTQ4OWU0ZjEz">“Eh? What’s the differences?”</p>
<p class="cnNhNzZjMjYwNzk3YjQ1YjI5ZjFjMTI2NDI0MThhMmM1">“If you make it from scratch, you’re not limited to just the appearance choices in the interface. You have to use at least the same or more number of materials required in the auto-make version to use those stats, but that’s of no consequence. That’s why Chi-chan can just re-arrange the starter armor. Although it’s the same stats, humans are vain creatures as always! Just from people who want to look good, she’s collected so much money and fame already!”</p>
<p class="cnM5NDA4ZmU3MTEyOTQzYzQ5NGQyN2NiZDY2ZDEyZmI4">“Within the first day the game’s been open, though? To make 1 gold just from crafting?”</p>
<p class="cnNhZTk2Nzk3ODk2MDRjY2U4NTc5ZTgyNjJkYmMzMGY4">“Ah … It’s because Jo and her set up shop together. While Jo attracted people and did their hair, she re-arranged armor … At 70 silver for a full set of armor, she made just barely 1 gold.”</p>
<p class="cnMwODg3YjUxNWI2NjQ1NmE4YmNlZmM1NmU2OGE0Njdm">Kuu-! To think Chie was the first out of all of us to make it big!</p>
<p class="cnM1YzRmNzI5OGQ3NDQ3NmE4ZGJkNzBjYTYwMTJhMzQ1">But she’s making it big with no fighting abilities…</p>
<p class="cnNhODU4YWY2MWJhNTQyZGRhYmU4ZjU3MGRjZTkyNjQy">“Ane-chan, can you keep an eye on her? If she gets too famous, nasty sorts might start hanging around…”</p>
<p class="cnMxOTkyZGQ4ZDUwYjQzNmE4NTcyNjZiODVjY2E3ODY0">“<em>Osu</em>, I understand. I’m going to drag her around hunting for ores and pelts later, so she might be able to at least run away while healing if she gets PKed.”</p>
<p class="cnM3ZjMxY2E3OTcyNDQ1OThiNzg3M2NjNDRiNDJiM2U5">“Thank you.”</p>
<p class="cnM5NmM3ZjA0MTEyZjQ3Njc5YTdlNzM5YmY1MGM5NGE1">If Chie stays in the villages and safe zones, there should be no problem, but this is a VRMMO. It is possible to grab someone’s avatar even if you don’t actively attack them.</p>
<p class="cnM4YjRiMmNhNzBjZjRkN2M4M2RlZjE2ZTc1NjllZWMx">Well, that’s why NPC guards and GMs exist, but no matter how many precautions the devs take, there’s going to be someone who finds loopholes in them in order to terrorize other players.</p>
<p class="cnNmMTc1NGQyMjFlZDQxM2Q4MjkxNGEyZjAxODFhZjgy">————–</p>
<p class="cnNmZjY0NWYwMjdlNjRlOWJiMmE0MjMyZGYzNGExYTMx">—-</p>
<p class="cnMzMzNlYTcwMjkzOTQxNDU4ZWNmNGI3YTRjNGE0OTE5"><strong>TALENTS</strong></p>
<p class="cnNkYmY0NzE4NDMxMzQzOTRhOWVhNTAyMWI0MWI3Zjc2"><strong>[Axe]</strong>Lv8 (+1) <strong><br>[Bolstered Endurance]</strong>Lv8 (+3)<strong><br>[Sharp Senses]</strong>Lv8 (+1)<strong><br>[Scavenge]</strong>Lv7 (+2) <strong><br>[Spirit of the Wild Hunt]</strong>Lv6 (+2)<strong><br>[Inheritance of the Forest Guardian]</strong>Lv5 (+2)</p>
<p class="cnM5NzJkYzIxN2UyMzQ0YmM5NjcxMDg3NDc2OGNlNzZj"><strong>Avg Lv: </strong>7<br><strong>TP: </strong>6<br>—-</p>
<p class="cnNlYTgwZjg3NjM2YTQ1YWViYzlkNDgyMGJjMGI3MDE5">—-</p>
<p class="cnNiZDA1MDVmMmRlYTRiODM4NmY5ZDFhZTNkMzAxYjIy"><strong>EXTRA</strong></p>
<p class="cnNhOTg4YTFhNWZmNzRjNzVhMGUxZWFmOTRhZWVmMTk5">About the Game Pt4</p>
<p class="cnNiZDVlM2FlZTY4MjQ0MTI4ODE3YWRiNDRiN2RlZTM2">Unlike an MMO, there is very little that a player sees on the visual interface. Almost everything is controlled by voice and gesture commands.</p>
<p class="cnMxZDFkYmI0NjBkYTRiMGI4NTBmZDcwNGVhOGEzMDc0">In general, OriginStory is designed to eliminate use of Skill Bars and HP/MP gauges in order to give a more realistic immersion experience.</p>
<p class="cnMwNWZhNzM2MzA3MTQzYTNhMGZiOTQwNTI3YjI5MTFh">Skills, for example, are activated by saying the name of the Skill after fulfilling the requirements to use the Skill. Magic Skills often require an accompanying gesture to indicate the direction or point of activation, while melee Skills usually just require the appropriate weapon equipped. Crafting Skills … are a whole other story when it comes to fulfilling requirements.</p>
<p class="cnNmMDY2YTdjN2JkZjQwYzlhMDFlZGJmOGQxZDVkMDQ2">While there’s no need for a Skill Bar with this type of activation, it is still possible to set one up in your field of vision, although this is not recommended, as it clutters your view and can be very disorienting to people new to VR, often to a point of inducing motion sickness.</p>
<p class="cnM0YmQzZDczOWMzZjQxMzVhMTg2YzE5ZjhjZTEwZDVj">Some veteran players prefer to set up a Skill Bar with Skills that remain active for a duration of time or Skills with a long CD. This way, they can keep track of when the Skill will expire and when to use other long-duration Skills. Players who have Healing and Buff type Skills tend to use this method.</p>
<p class="cnM5N2NjMGZjZDQyYzRhYzM4ZjUzYzkzZTQxZmEwMDJj">It is also possible to set up so that the Skill Bars only appear during combat, or to appear with a glance gesture, a voice command, or a swipe gesture.</p>
<p class="cnM5MjFjZGRhNzY5NDQwZDFiM2VlNjEwOWQ3ZmRiZDFm">HP/MP gauges are set to appear for 10 seconds when glancing to the upper-left and include the buffs/debuffs/bad statuses you currently have. This is the default, and like the Skill Bars, the gauges can be configured to appear constantly during combat, switched to a different glance direction, a voice command, or a swipe gesture. The duration the HP/MP gauges appear for is also configurable.</p>
<p class="cnNlMjkyNGM2ZjQ0NTRiYmZiMGQ4YTE3MzQyYjMyYTMx">HP/MP status of another person is only able to be seen when the person is in your party. In general, it is not possible to see the statuses of an opponent. Experience and instinct are required to make good judgments on when you should pick a fight … along with some other means…</p>
<p class="cnNjMjIzNGRkMTg4MTQ0Y2JiYjVkNzAzZjhhODQ1ZjU2">It is possible to see NPC and player names when out of combat, but it is possible for players to hide their names.</p>
<p class="cnNkMTk4NzM2MzkwMTRkZWQ4NDZlN2QzMzI1OTEzNjk4">The only time when it is impossible to keep your name hidden is if you PK or kill certain NPCs. Your name will turn red and remain visible to everyone</p>
<hr>
<p class="cnM3ODI4YTk4YWE4MDQ1NzY5OTU4NDc3NzMzOTliNzFl">A/n: Thank you for your attentions! I'm happy to see people enjoying this story.<br>Just to be sure, for those who had some expectations, this is not going to be yuri.</p>
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<i class="fa fa-calendar" title="Published"></i> <time unixtime="1476202849" datetime="2016-10-11T16:20:49.0000000Z" format="U" >Tuesday, October 11, 2016 4:20:49 PM</time>
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<h1 style="margin-top: 10px" class="font-white break-word">Chapter Twenty-Two: The Den of the Beast</h1>
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<div class="portlet-body author-note"><p><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #cc3333">W</span><span style="color: #cc3333">ARNING: </span>The chapters of this story have been rearranged, the comments below may not properly reflect the content of this chapter. The order has been changed due to accurate constructive criticism, and these changes will reduce the jarring back and forth between perspectives. Thank you to all of my readers whose feedback allowed me to make these changes, please enjoy the chapter.</span></p></div>
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<div>Pike quickly described the light to all the men behind, and everyone was immediately alert. This day had constantly shocked and surprised them to the point that they should have been immune, but this was a different sort of surprise. It couldn't be sunlight, and no other natural light was so bright, even and steady and that meant it had to be artificial. Artificial lighting meant there were other people around, and this was somewhere people just shouldn't be. They had lost just over a hundred men to come this far, and there shouldn't have been any other force in the area with the power to cut a path through the bestial hordes.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"What do we do?" Bill asked Pike.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"We keep going. It's down there. We aren't far now," Pike answered.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"But that light-" </div>
<div> </div>
<div>"We keep going," Pike cut him off, "Get your weapons ready and shoot on sight. There won't be anything good down there."</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The gruff Sheriff set off down the tunnel, with Earl on his left and Bill on his right. The empty tunnel sloped down gently, driving steadily deeper towards the illuminated cavern below. As they entered the light an impossible scenery greeted them. The cave ahead was covered in lush green tall grass. On the third floor of this strange complex, grass and weeds flourished just as it might in the light of the world above. It would have been beautiful had it not been covered with corpses.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The grass had been trampled, bent, and broken with more of it covered in blood than not. Uncountable piles of bones littered the large room, and the scattered skeletons came from all kinds of mutated creatures. There were great serpents large enough to eat a man, dogs or wolves larger than great danes, large cats, a cougar and a great host of smaller beasts. There were many rat and other rodent corpses amongst the piles, but badgers, ferrets, and what appeared to be hedgehogs were mixed in as well. Their foe were less numerous, but only slightly. Hundreds of goblins had made this room of carnage their tomb, and if these childlike skeletons were goblins, then the larger ones that appeared to be the size of a man must be orcs. There were only a few, but they quickly drew Pikes full attention.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>They were definitely not human. Just like the goblins their teeth were sharp, jagged and crooked, and their oversized canines resembled the tusks of a boar. Their brow ridge was thick and jutted out far further than normal from the face and all of its bones were thicker, stronger, and more dense than any human bone he had ever seen, but still deformed like the smaller goblins. It reminded Pike of a Neanderthal article he had read while waiting his turn in the barber shop, if only they had tusks and a taste for human flesh. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>As Pike took his first step onto the grass floor, his boots splashed into the pooled ichor the dense and tall grass stalks obscured. In this moment Pike fibally knew why they hadn't seen any signs of battle for such a long time. The beasts had retreated and rallied to this place, abandoning the rest of the cave to make their stand here. Their great battle was something beyond imagining. A horde of strange, warped beasts who should have torn each other apart had somehow rallied together to defend their homes from monsters that had stepped out of the realm of fantasy to invade their world. He took another few squelching steps into the bloody mud of the room before he remembered something important. They were underground. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The shocking scenery had drawn his attention to the ground, and he lost himself as he scanned the battlefield. He looked up and saw what had allowed him to imagine he was in a clearing in the open air. A large crystal was embedded in the center of the high domed ceiling and the crystal released an even, radiant light which recreated the invigorating warmth of the sun almost perfectly. It even had a slight tinge of orange to match the setting sun in the world above. Dotted around the rest of the dome were small, dormant crystals but what purpose they served Pike couldn't begin to imagine. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The artificial sunlight explained how the grass had managed to grow, but how such a glowing crystal had come to be here and how it was powered joined the wild assortment of inexplicable impossibilities which had confronted them today. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>As he stomped through the blood, mud, bones and grass out into the center of the cavern his men slowly sloshed through the muck behind him. A chorus of curses and fearful grumbling followed their sloppy march through the wide cavern and yet another surprise welcomed them as they entered the tunnel Pike's sense led them to. Where the cavern had been the domain of the crystal sun, the tunnels were dimly lit with eerie green crystals. Their weak glow was barely enough light to see by, but after their eyes adjusted to the relative darkness he felt confident enough to continue their march without flares.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>They passed through two more gruesome grassy caverns, and two more tunnels before Pike called a halt. There was a bend in the tunnel just ahead, and the light of another crystal sun found its way into the tunnel. They were about to enter another cavern, but this one was different. His sense was screaming. His foe was just ahead. This was the end. Pike called his deputies over to him along with Bill, Duke, and Earl.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"This is it men," announced Pike, "After that final turn our enemy is just ahead. We've had it easy till now, but our enemy knows we are here. I can feel it watching us. There might just be another pile of bones ahead of us, but we have to be ready."</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"What's the plan?" asked one of the deputies.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"I'll take a look around the corner and make sure the entryway is clear. If it is, my six with Bill, Earl and Myself at the head will storm through the doorway and lay down suppressive fire into whatever is waiting for us in that room. The first and second groups will rush out and to our left and immediately take up a kneel fire formation. The third and fourth will do the same to our right. If we are quick we can form up before the enemy can reach us, but we should be prepared for things to go wrong. The men all have their close combat weapons, and by this point they all know how to use them. Go to your men, and get ready. We won't wait for long. Any questions?"</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"Yeah, boss?" Bill mumbled.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"What is it?"</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"Were underground. It's a bit tight in here." </div>
<div> </div>
<div>"Yeah?"</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"Were bout to fire off a whole lot of noise here in a minute."</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"Hell..." Pike groaned</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"What? What is it?" another deputy demanded.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"The echo," said Pike, "We're underground in close quarters. All of us firing our guns off at the same time is gonna make us all go deaf. Put your earplugs in and tell your men to use it if they have them, share if they have extras, and suck it up if they don't."</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Pike watched the deputies relaying his orders before he blocked off his ear canals with the standard issue plugs OSHA had mandated he and his men carry. It was the first time he was glad to have them, and the first time he had used them. He crept through the unnatural green light into the rays of false sunshine radiating around the corner. As he stared out into the cavern ahead, one word came to mind. <em>Fuck.</em></div>
<div> </div>
<div>"Lets go!" he roared before he charged out into the light of the cavern ahead. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The sudden roar in the nearly silent tunnel was clearly heard by the men despite the muffling of their ear protection, and it took them only moments to answer his call. Earl and Bill followed at his heels as fast as they could run and as they stepped out into the cavern the rest of the men came behind. They thundered past as they raced to take their formations, but they weren't the only ones charging. Or roaring.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The vaulted cavern they had rushed into was nearly as large as a football field, and a slavering horde of three hundred of the largest rats they had seen so far stood guard at the far wall. The smallest among them was nearly as large as Pike's mastiff, but there was something far more terrifying behind them. Towering over the rodent horde was a grizzly bear, and it was the largest grizzly anyone had ever seen. The great beast was covered in scars from hundreds of battles, and its body bulged with an unnatural strength. The mighty beast let out a deafening roar in reply to Pike's shout. The entire cavern shook with the force of the beast's voice, and the roar was a signal for every last rat to charge forward across the barren ground.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The shaking of the cavern did not stop as the bear's roar faded into silence because it was replaced with the stampede of the rodents. Pike dropped to a knee as the deadly tide of rats thundered towards them, and pulled the trigger of his rifle. He felt a click from his rifle in reply, but it failed to fire. <em>Fuck. Now, of all times.</em> He had never had a misfire with this gun, but his luck had run out. He quickly ejected the dud, replaced it, aimed, and pulled the trigger. It clicked uselessly once more. The rats were charging closer as he fussed with his weapon. After a third failed shot, he dropped the rifle and readied his shotgun, but as he did he saw the rest of his men.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Every last one was fumbling with their gun. They were ejecting rounds, frantically trying to find and fix whatever was wrong with the firing mechanism, or even pounding the weapon on the ground. Nearly all of his men were in position and attempting to fire into the enemy ranks, but not a single shot left the barrel.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"Piece of shit!" Bill cried out, before he threw his rifle at the enemy. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>It fell short, but it came far too close to hitting them. They had wasted far too much time and the beasts were nearly upon them. It was absurd, but Bill had the right idea. If they wasted any more time they would die. Pike tore the useless plugs out of his ears, and stepped out from the firing line. His ears were instantly assailed by the rabid chattering of the rats, but he could finally hear the frustrated cursing from his men. All eyes were upon him as he chucked his shotgun down on the ground and drew out his machete and his hunting knife. He couldn't shout over the squeaks and squeals of the horde and still be heard through earplugs, but he didn't need to. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Many amongst the warband saw him in front with blades drawn and realized that no amount of percussive maintenance or begging would cause their useless guns to fire. There was nothing wrong with their rifles, fifty guns wouldn't all fail all at once without intentional sabotage. As the beasts closed the last few feet, they cast aside their firearms and drew their blades and hatchets. They stepped forwards to stand with Pike and then the rats were upon them. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The battlefield erupted in shouts, screams and screeches as blades cut into rodents and teeth tore out chunks of flesh. Despite Pike's stand and the obvious failure of their arsenal, a few men failed to prepare. The natural fear of the charging rats was driven to terror as their trusted guns failed them. No amount of thought or reason could sway their minds. Those who had blindly refused to give up on their guns until it was far too late were helpless before the storm. They desperately tried to fend off the rats using their rifles as clubs or pull out their knives, but such a pitiful defense was not enough to stem the tide. These men were torn apart in the first moments of battle, but the rest fared better. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The first blows of the battle were the most fatal. The men had time to aim their first hit carefully, and they were able to wind up their body to swing with all their strength. Axes and hammers crashed down on their skulls, machetes cut through necks, and the front line of the rodents collapsed, but then more surged over the top of their fallen brothers. Axes, blades and knives rose and fell in a chaotic flurry of violence. The hunters cut down many rats for each man they lost, but the rats kept coming. Any slip, any lapse, or any mistake would prove fatal as they were swarmed and devoured.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Pike was at the front of the chaotic battle line, leading his men from the front as he laid waste to the furious rodents around him. His machete chipped on the brow of a great rat as it cleaved through it on its way to the rodent's brain, but it was not the only new notch on the blade, and he didn't have time to care. Before he could retrieve his embedded weapon another rat leapt through the air in a wild tackle. Just as it was about to chomp down, he caught it in its breast with his hunting knife. The momentum of the beast had fully impaled itself onto the short weapon, but then pain erupted from his left arm. The beast hadn't died from the blow and tore out a large chunk of flesh from his bicep as it flailed. Pike cried out in an agonized roar, desperately tugging on his machete to free it from the other rat.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Long claws like talons scrambled on his jacket as the rat furiously lunged at his face leaving deep gouges in his flesh. Still he held onto the dagger planted firmly in its chest for dear life, keeping the rat just out of reach before it bit down on his arm again in frustration. Something important was severed as another chunk of flesh was torn from his arm and his arm went limp. Whether it was a muscle, a tendon, or a nerve Pike didn't know, all he knew was that his arm could no longer protect him. He abandoned his weapon as the rat lunged again, knocking Pike to the ground as it furiously pressed against his remaining good arm to tear apart his vitals with its furiously chomping teeth. He struggled desperately, but he couldn't hold off the beast, and its teeth sunk into the side of his face.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Then a great force suddenly slammed into Pike's chest and the teeth left a messy wound on his face as the rodent's head roughly smacked into his. Pike's left cheek had been almost entirely torn off, it was held on by a thin string of flesh as blood poured out from the wound, but that was all. The rat had stopped fighting, biting and clawing. In only a moment, the rat was thrown off him and Bill pulled Pike back behind the battle lines. From what he could guess from the mangled corpse of the rat as he was being dragged, Earl had slammed his sledgehammer with all his might right down onto the beast's spine at the base of the neck, killing it instantly.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>He gazed around the battlefield as Bill dragged him further back, and despite their heavy casualties, the rats were being slaughtered. Watching Duke and Earl swinging around their heavy crowbars, it wasn't hard to imagine why. The rats had numbers, but most of his men could kill one with a single well placed blow or two, and the brothers swept their crowbars in devastating blows, blasting away any rats unfortunate enough to be caught in their path. It would be close, but if things kept going like this they could win. They could hold out, kill the rats, destroy whatever controlled this unnatural den of evil, and go home. They were almost there. But then he heard a noise which crushed his hope.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>A mighty roar once again shook the cavern, and the great bear broke into a furious charge as he rushed into the battle.</div>
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<i class="fa fa-calendar" title="Published"></i> <time unixtime="1476311542" datetime="2016-10-12T22:32:22.0000000Z" format="U" >Wednesday, October 12, 2016 10:32:22 PM</time>
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<h1 style="margin-top: 10px" class="font-white break-word">Chapter 10: Targhas</h1>
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<div class="portlet-body author-note"><p>So here it finally is. I got back from Scotland on Friday, which is one reason why this chapter took long. Another reason is that we have some sheep, and we slaughter them this time of year. So I was a bit preoccupied, until yesterday.</p>
<p>Also, in this chapter, is some important information, not about the future of the story, but the past. As you probably know, I'm in the progress of slowly rewriting book 1. It will be mostly the same, except that I rewrite some parts, and perhaps remove some. However, Isaac's origins have been changed a lot. Sooner or later, you'll be able to read this on your own, but for now, I added the new information in here, in the form of a conversation, between Isaac, and a new character named Targhas, whom we will be seeing more of. He will infact be the first Inter Continental Vampire.</p>
<p>Oh and these new tabs for author's notes are really nice. When I saw RRL had been updated, while I was in Scotland, I was less than happy, but that all changed when I saw that I could change the background to bacl. Now it's pretty nice, to be hones. Just need to get used to it. It brings a lot of usefull features, at least for an author, like the new dashboard. Well, I'm babbling, enjoy the chapter.</p>
<p>Also, this is still unedited. I'll post the edited version as soon as RagNarok gets to work. He already did HotN chapter, and the rewrites I've done in the past weeks, so he'll hopefully get to it soon, if he has time. I know how it feels to be swarmed with homework, so let's not rush him.</p>
<p>Also, the new edited is so so so so so much better. I don't have to press enter twice any more, to get good spacing! So nice...</p>
<p>Makes uploading chapters much quicker.</p>
<p>Anyways, go read the chapter!</p></div>
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<p class="cnM3MWI3ZjBjODI1MTRhYTJhOTU0M2RlZDIzYWViOWM5"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">Chapter 10</span></p>
<p class="cnNmMmExOWQ4ZDdjZjRiNDliZmQxNTVhNzljMWZjZjlh"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">The darkness around me, faded away, and in its stead, came lush forests on one side, deep valleys on the other side, and an old road, in the middle. I looked around me, my eyes still bloodshot, but I didn’t recognise my surroundings at all. The forest was really dense, it seemed as if the trees could touch the skies. The valleys were gorgeous, filled with beautiful, green grass.</span></p>
<p class="cnNjNmU4ZmMzM2IyNDQyYjk5MWE3OGE4M2E5YWNjZTdi"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">The landscape here, was truly something I had never seen before. In the distance, I could even see the edge of a desert. It was so varied, and so excessive. It was on a whole other level, compared to what I had seen in the Sword Continent, and the Marestir Peninsula. It was very varied. A lush forest, a deep valley, and a dry desert, all in the same line of sight.</span></p>
<p class="cnM3MzZjMmE4NTNmYzRkODM5ZjExYWUxOTJlOTQ1M2Qz"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">Where ever it was I was at, I still sat on my knees. Slowly, I stood back up, when I saw people coming towards me, on the road. It seemed to be a small group, and there were several guards. They all seemed ready to attack, but they didn’t attack as soon as they saw me.</span></p>
<p class="cnMzNjVkMjkyOTU4MDQ1Yzk4YmI5M2Y4NGVjYTNmZjRk"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em"> The small caravan stopped in front of me, and one of the men, walked up to me. He opened his mouth, and out came a series of sounds. However, I didn’t understand them.</span></p>
<p class="cnNiMzNkOGRmYjgxNDQxNDQ4NzVmYmFkNjU5NDYzNGRk"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“What are you saying?” I asked him, much to his surprise, as his forehead furrowed, and he looked at me weirdly and tried to speak again, but I didn’t understand, much like he didn’t understand me. He tried to speak again, but when I still didn’t understand him, he shook his head. He look up, thinking for a bit, then he spoke again, but this time the tone of his voice sounded completely different; probably a different language, but I still couldn’t understand. I just shook my head.</span></p>
<p class="cnM2ZjYzNTY0ZThjMzQ2MGVhMmQ2YjM4NGI0YmI1OTBm"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">He started walking in circles, trying to think. He seemed to be adamant on not abandoning me, at least.</span></p>
<p class="cnNkMTVhYWMwYTZmMDQ5YmI5MjNmMGY3MzViZTExMzkw"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“Aha!” He said, the only think I could understand, as he had an idea. He turned back around, and called for a few people, who all came running up to us. He spoke a few words to them, then, one by one, the tried to speak to me. They all had different accents, and tones of voice, as they spoke, probably all different languages, but I still couldn’t understand a single one of them.</span></p>
<p class="cnM3MTA4MDViNmFmOTRjYTViNDI1YWNhZGFhZjY3MTA1"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">The caravan had frozen, as the one who seemed to be the leader, was thinking about what to do with me. I truly felt helpless. I had no idea where I was, and I didn’t speak their language. The languages of the Sword Continent and Marestir Peninsula, as well as all the continents in between, had all been the same, or at least, they had some languages in common.</span></p>
<p class="cnNiZGVlMWMyMDU0NTRhMjc5OTU0ZTk3NTZlN2M1NjUx"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">But now he had come up with a dozen different languages, and I didn’t understand any of them, even though I spoke a lot of languages. Then I decided that I should try and list all of my languages off, one after the other, to see if someone here could understand it.</span></p>
<p class="cnM0MWM4YWM4MDYyOTQwYjM5NmZmNzc4NWY1MzU4NDM4"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">I spoke a few sentences in different languages, and they seemed to understand what I was doing, so I continued. In the end, they were both shocked and surprised. Shocked at how many languages I spoke, and surprised that not one single person here, understood a single one of them.</span></p>
<p class="cnM4NjAyNzJlZWUwYTQ3OGI5YjdiOWJlYWVhODBkMjk2"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">The leader guy, looked at me with pity in his eyes. It was clear to him that something bad had happened to me. My clothes were torn, there were signs of wounds and blood on me, and my eyes were bloodshot. He could also probably sense that I was rather powerful, however he had no way of knowing how strong I was, since I was suppressing my power.</span></p>
<p class="cnNhZDY4OTNiMGY4ODQ0ZjliODk2Y2QwM2UyNTIzYTgy"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">He however, was at the A rank. He was also the most powerful one here. There were all kinds of people here, all the way down to D rank, however curiously, there was no on weaker. In the Marestir Peninsula, and also the Sword Continent, the normal mortals, were basically G rank, even weaker than F rank. Maybe there just weren’t any weaker ones present here, but this was a caravan, not a war party. There should be some normal mortals. I would just have to wait and see, until I got into a city.</span></p>
<p class="cnM5NTIzMDA4Njk2NDQyMjU4MjNiMDRjZWRmMzU4NWFm"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">While I was thinking, the leader of the caravan was thinking too. Then he seemed to decide, as he pointed to himself, and said,</span></p>
<p class="cnM0Y2RlMmE3MTcyNjQ3ZTQ4ZDE2OTJiMjlkYTc3MTlm"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“Targhas,” and then he pointed to me, with a questioning look. I immediately understood, and said,</span></p>
<p class="cnM0ZTkzYTdjNzdkYjQyMDdiYjkxM2E5MmFkMGRiNjhh"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“Isaac.”</span></p>
<p class="cnMxM2JmMjlkODAwMTQ5MjJiYzYyOGIyNWE0OGE0YjJj"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">Targhas smiled, and nodded his head,</span></p>
<p class="cnM0MGEyYjE0MzczYjQ4ZTdiZWNhZGQ0NzZjMzA2ZTk2"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“Isaac, Isaac,” he said, as well as some other words, I couldn’t understand. Then he pointed to me, then himself, and made a walking sign, with his hand, all while wearing a questioning expression. He seemed to be asking me if I wanted to follow him.</span></p>
<p class="cnM1MTMxNzgzY2M5NDRlYmRhZWYzZjk2MTA4YTUyMGZh"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">I was a bit doubtful, if that was what he was asking, or not, but in the end, I nodded my head, with a bit of hesitation. The man made a big smile, and cupped his fist, as he laughed, seemingly happy. Then he waved me to follow, as the caravan started travelling once more.</span></p>
<p class="cnNiYjdjYjgyNDI0YTRiMmY4ZDNjZTAzNmFjOGRhZDY4"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">As we were travelling, he would point to things, and say a word, trying to teach me his language. He knew that I definitely would have to learn the language, since the only way I couldn’t know it was either if I had come from the past, or something, or if I had somehow been sent here, from somewhere, far, far away.</span></p>
<p class="cnM4OTcwOTQwMTQyZDQ3NmNiZDFiMzZiMWRmZDBkNmI5"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">Often, he would point to things he had already taught me, trying to question me about them. He was quite surprised that I always remembered the word, and never forgot.</span></p>
<p class="cnM4ODIyNDJiMjJkNTQ3MWRiZDhlZmFjZDg1OWUyNzli"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">Eventually, after a few weeks of travel, I could already speak his language. From what I had learned, we were in a country from the continent of Servana. The country, was a fairly big one, named Luxum. Right now, I was with a merchant caravan. It truly showed me the difference between my home continent and this one.</span></p>
<p class="cnM2MmU0ZDBiYmRjMzQ1MmRhNjAwMThkNjIyYzk0Mzg3"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">An A rank warrior, in the Marestir Peninsula, could originally be considered the top of a country, and even amongst the top of the entire continent, yet here he was only a small time merchant, with some wealth.</span></p>
<p class="cnNmNGU0ZGRiZjZjODQwNDg4ZjQyYjdhN2I0YzU3OWNi"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">Targhas was indeed the owner of this caravan, and they were currently on their way back to the town, in which he lived. He had apparently made a good sale, so he was in a good mood when he came upon me. That’s why he decided to help me.</span></p>
<p class="cnM1NzNlMGY5NzJmOTQ3NTJhMGQxMWFkZGE4NmU3N2Nj"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">He still didn’t know how powerful I was, he thought I was only about A rank. And I preferred it that way. This man showed me kindness in my darkest times, so I valued him. I had come to consider him as a friend, and he had helped me. If he found out just how powerful I was, even though there were countless more powerful experts than me, he would still become very respectful around me. After all, it meant I could kill everyone around him, in the blink of an eye.</span></p>
<p class="cnMyZTVkZTI1ZTA5MDQyNzA4NzI0MDMyZGI2MjI0MzY2"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">The nights since I came here, had also been sleepless. I hadn’t slept a single night in the past weeks, not that I needed it. Whenever I would shut my eyes, visions would flash past me. Visions of my dear Amelia. And whenever it did, I would get angry, so I stopped trying. I had become something of a permanent night watch, as I had nothing better to do, while everyone else slept.</span></p>
<p class="cnM2MzA3M2I4MTI3YzQ3NTdhMmJmOTJmYWY1ZmUwMjgx"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">And like thus, we kept travelling. Targhas told me that it would be at least a few months until we reached our destination. He told me he sometimes spent years on the road, but people here have long life expectancies. As an A ranker, he could even live up to five hundred years. And he might break through, and become a Saint, at any moment. Basically, he still had a long life ahead of him, and had enough time to make long trips.</span></p>
<p class="cnNlN2ZhZDc3MTcxYjRmYTBiM2I1ZWQyNmM4ZWMzYmE3"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">One thing I found peculiar, was that teleporters weren’t commonplace here. They had been banned because of bad side effects, from using them. A long time ago, it had been discovered that using a teleporter, had the potential to lower your life span, and make you weaker, although only by a little bit.</span></p>
<p class="cnM1NWE3NTlhMDQ1ODQ3MDdiZTVmYWRkM2VmMTk3YzRm"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">This was because using them, took some energy out of the user, forcefully, to fuel it. A way to counteract this, without it being ridiculously expensive, had not been discovered. Therefore, teleportation arrays, were only available to the stinking rich and powerful.</span></p>
<p class="cnM4Njk4ZDU0N2U3OTQ2YTI5ODk1NzMyZTZkZmFjOWI0"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">One thing worthy to note, is that using Energy Manipulation Magic, would not have this side effect, but it falls under the category of crazy expensive teleporters, because of its rarity.</span></p>
<p class="cnM3NjllMmQ5OGMyMDRmNmU5Y2U0OTk2MDczZDhkZTAw"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">As we travelled, I revelled at the sight of the landscape. It was completely exaggerated, compared to what I was used to. The mountains were huge, and reached far beyond anything I had ever seen before. There were oceans with sparkling blue water that seemed like it could house a leviathan; Forests, so lush and green that it seemed like a painting.</span></p>
<p class="cnNkZmQzMjg4ODU3MzQzOWI5MTU0N2NiNmUyNzgwZDg4"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">The others, however, just looked at me weirdly, not understanding why I thought it was so interesting. I just couldn’t fathom it. I had seen many beautiful sights in my life, but nothing could come even close to the normal landscapes of this place. It was truly breathtaking.</span></p><p class="cmVmMWEzNzI4MDg4YzQ5ODY5NGQyZmUzYTg4NzlhMDhh">Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.</p>
<p class="cnM1NGVjNDBmN2UwMjQ2NTI4NWMxMWQ4Y2I4ZjkzMjUy"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">However, all these beautiful sights, were suddenly taken away, as a wall of fire suddenly surrounded us. From out of nowhere, a heavily armed group appeared. The wall of fire opened, and they marched in, and surrounded us. Our guards, immediately readied themselves for a fight, as the bandits rushed around us.</span></p>
<p class="cnM5NjcyMzAyMGFjYzQ0MDhiNTNmODhjMTgyNzJmZDEw"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“Shit! A bandit attack, and it’s not a weak one this time! Everyone, to their battle positions! Ready yourselves for a fight!” Targhas shouted, while drawing his sword. In an instant, all hell broke loose, and the fighting commenced. The guards of the caravan rushed at the bandits, but Targhas was quickly surrounded by several bandits. Three of them, to be exact. And they were all A rankers.</span></p>
<p class="cnM4MGMwNGU4MDIzNjQ0Mjk5NTM0YmUzYzRhOTJiOGY2"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">I didn’t act immediately, but instead choose to look around. One of our guards, was fighting, while he was snuck upon, and ended up getting a spear through his side. However, he didn’t give up, before he managed to slash his sword through the face of at least one enemy. We were outnumbered, but everyone fought valiantly.</span></p>
<p class="cnMxNzc3YjI5ZDlhOTRmMWY5MzI3MGJkODI1YTdhZjkw"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">Targhas almost managed to give a life threatening blow to one of the A rankers, but he managed to dodge. Suddenly he looked toward me, not understanding why I wasn’t doing anything. However, doing this, caused him to get distracted, and he got a sword through his side.</span></p>
<p class="cnMyYTkyZjUyNzAwZTQxYzk5MGE3NGZjYzBkMGJlYmNj"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“Glargh!” He bellowed, as he spit a mouthful of blood. However, I still didn’t act. However, Targhas took advantage of the fact that his enemies got distracted at their momentary victory, and slashed at an opening. The enemy A ranker was completely open, and the sword was going directly towards him. It was impossible for him to dodge.</span></p>
<p class="cnMyYzZiZGFhZmE1NDQyNDQ4MGVhZGFmYmQwOWY1Zjk2"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“Ah, there he is,” I said, as someone suddenly appeared to block the sword. Targhas looked at him with despaired eyes.</span></p>
<p class="cnNkYzhmNWViYTBhMDRhNTVhMDRiZjE5NDVmMTRkOGMx"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“It’s a saint!” He bellowed, as he realized; they were fucked. If there were three A rankers, he might still be able to escape, but he didn’t feel very confident at all, against a Saint.</span></p>
<p class="cnNhOTEyOWU4YTkzYzRhNzk4MzI5ZDNlY2Q0ZmU2YmJh"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“Did you just try to kill my brother?” The saint asked. The saint who had appeared was a tall, slender man, with hawk like eyes. His hair was lean, and slicked back.</span></p>
<p class="cnM5NTI2NDlkYmI4MDRlMDNhNDYwMTc3NTUyNTQ3Nzdj"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“Surely you don’t expect to live, then?” He continued, and raised his sword, to strike Targhas down. Targhas just accepted his fate, and closed his eyes. He knew his day had come. He was going to die, and there was nothing he could do about it. If only he could have slept with a couple more women.</span></p>
<p class="cnNkYTU2NzhiYjFlMjRhMmRiN2ZmZWE1ODZmMjBlODg2"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">However, the sword he was waiting for, never arrived. In confusion, he slowly opened his eyes, only to see a single finger blocking the Saint sword. In shock, he let his eyes trail up the arm, only to see me, using a single finger to block a Saints Sword, as if it was nothing.</span></p>
<p class="cnM3MDBkYzllYWI1YjQ4OTQ4YjhlMzE2ZTQwZGNlMDY2"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">The Saint however, was even more shocked. He was terrified! He doubted that even the average early Mythical Saint could block his sword so easily. At least not without a special technique.</span></p>
<p class="cnM1OTI2NGI1NzE5NTRlMjk5NjhjOTdlNzAzYjZjNDZm"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“You speak of him trying to kill your brother, so he can’t live. Then tell me, did I not just now see you, trying to kill my dear friend? Surely, that would mean you have to die, don’t you agree?” I said with an accent, as I grabbed his sword with two fingers. He tried to pull his sword away, but no matter how hard he tried, it wouldn’t budge.</span></p>
<p class="cnNjMmI2MWRhYTk0YzQxMTk5YmExOTU3NTc0ODEwODZm"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">Targhas, however, couldn’t make himself say a word. He only stared at me.</span></p>
<p class="cnNhYzA1Y2M4YmZkMjRmYmFiY2Q1ZGQwYTVlNmYwYTMx"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“No, don’t kill me! I’m warning you, I’m from the Afflicted Prince’s gang! If you hurt me, the boss will be sure to kill you! I’m warning you!” The Saint said, as he let go off his sword, and took a step back. I looked down the frozen Targhas,</span></p>
<p class="cnMyMWRkZTViZTQxZTQ4OTZhZjU0YjNiZDM5OWUwYjQw"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“The Afflicted Prince? You know about him?” I asked. As I asked him, Targhas seemed to be shaken out of his stupor. He shook his head, as if to clear it of useless thoughts.</span></p>
<p class="cnMzYzE2ZGNhYThmMjQ4NzdiMTAxNWE3NTAyZDE4NWVk"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“Ah, yes the Afflicted Prince… This is bad. The Afflicted Prince is an infamous gang leader. He’s very strong, being at the peak the Mythical Saint level. Isaac, we should just let them go with a warning, we can’t afford to anger him,” Targhas said, urging me to consider mercy.</span></p>
<p class="cnNkM2JkMWRmNWI0MjQ4MTI5MDMzZDJkZjI2ZmIxYzRi"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“Hahahaha, peak Mythical Saint? He’s only a Mythical Saint, and you say I should let you go? For such a weakling? Let me tell you, I do not show mercy. I once destroyed half a continent, just because they didn’t agree with me, so tell me, should I let you go, just because you work for a measly Mythical Saint?” I asked the little Saint, with a menacing voice, releasing my devastating aura, crushing his weak body.</span></p>
<p class="cnNhMTM2YTE0OTFiNDQ4ZWFhZmQ1ZDI4ZGMyMWU2YzM5"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">As my energy blew unto the Saint, he fell to his knees. After everything that had happened, my aura gave a very heavy feeling of despair and sadness, as well as dread and terror. Despair and sadness, from the death of Amelia, dread and terror for taking several trillions of lives.</span></p>
<p class="cnM5ZWRiZTg5ZWZkNDRkZjU5NjlhZDU4OTJlZGFhOTkz"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">The Saint found himself completely unable to neither move, nor talk. Targhas looked at me in terror, as he too felt the aura.</span></p>
<p class="cnNkZDM0ZjE3NThmMDRkYmJhYTAwOTE1NjNiMmEyMzY2"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“Amongst the ones whom I have killed, there are countless Saints and Mythical Saints, many of whom lived far greater lives than you! Yet you want mercy? Dream on!” I shouted at him, and let some of my pent up anger out, and completely crushed him, with just my energy. From the after waves of my energy, most of the bandits perished as well. I looked to the rest of the bandits, who only numbered a few.</span></p>
<p class="cnNiMTQ0MDZiODhiODRlY2Q4ODk1MjQ2ZDI2MzZhN2Zi"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“The rest of you are the lucky ones. Go to that Afflicted Prince, and tell him to come if he dares. Just remember, not even a peak Mythical Saint is above the lives of five trillion people,” I said, as they scurried off.</span></p>
<p class="cnM2Y2MxN2VmYzczNjRjOGU4NWU4ZjVkYWNlMGRhOTk0"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">Targhas, however, continued to look at me, seemingly wondering if he should speak or not.</span></p>
<p class="cnNlMWNkYzM3NDg3OTQ1OTlhNjZiMTgzNTgwZTE2NGQ3"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“What is it?” I asked him. As I directly asked him, he seemed to decide to just speak.</span></p>
<p class="cnNmYTg3NjI0YWVjYTQyMWU5MTlhODdhOTEyOTY4YmNi"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“Is it true, what you said? About destroying half a continent?” He asked, slightly nervous I would get angry at him.</span></p>
<p class="cnM5YjY5ZWY1ZTRkYTQyMTJiYmJiMmFjN2Y3OTkyYzMy"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“Well, yes. However, it is much more complicated than that. It was a war, where either we die, or they die. It was a war of religion, we were under the Gods of Order, and they were under the Gods of Chaos, or the Demon Gods. Through many events, I found myself becoming the leader, of the forces of the Gods of Order. It was under my orders that all those lives were lost, and a great deal of them, were lost to my own hand,” I said, trailing off at the end. Targhas didn’t speak for a while, before he decided to take it further.</span></p>
<p class="cnNjOWQyNTQzOWQ4ZjRjODhiM2ZkZjdjMWJlNzIwMjEw"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“Who won?” He asked. From how I spoke before, it would sound as we won, but he still wondered, since if we won, why would I be here?</span></p>
<p class="cnNkZDcwOTY5YmVmNDQ5YzY4Y2ZhMzU0M2I2MzczYTRm"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“Well, I don’t know for sure. I think neither side won. In the end, we completely and utterly destroyed all of their forces, and their entire population, but as we were about to fight the final battle, it turned out that their leader, the Demon Master, was actually an Immortal. Not even I could stand up to him. In the end, even… well, let’s just say, I don’t know the fate of the others, and I am here. However, I will never forget!” I said, with a hint of rage at the end. Targhas even got the chills, from my last words.</span></p>
<p class="cnNjZmFhMmZhYTQwMTQ0NzliYjY4YmYwM2M5MTE3MWNm"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">He understood that I had left some details out. He felt my aura before. It was one of complete despair. It was not something you would only get from losing a battle, but he didn’t ask further. He realized that touching my soft spots, was not the best of ideas.</span></p>
<p class="cnNjYzJjYmRjYmRjMjRhMDA4NWY4OTg3NDE1M2YyZmNi"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">And thus, we continued travelling, after taking care of the wounded, and deceased.</span></p>
<p class="cnM3ZmQ2ZmE1YjVlOTQyZGU5YmZkMWEzZDAyOWVmNmY3"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“So, Isaac, do you think you can take this Afflicted Prince? He’s a peak level Mythical Saint, and he’ll likely want revenge. He’s supposed to have a lot of pride. I’m certain that there’s probably someone tailing us, as we speak,” he said. He was still worried about this Afflicted Prince guy, but I was quite confident.</span></p>
<p class="cnMwY2NiM2Q3OTEyYTRkNzFhOWRkZWFiY2Q5YmViZjdi"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“Don’t worry, a peak Mythical Saint is small game. And yes, there is in fact, someone tailing us as we speak. But don’t worry, there’s no danger. And if he brings a Legendary Saint, I’ll figure something out. But I doubt that’d happen. In fact, it’s likely he’ll give up, when he arrives. After all, three A rankers, and a Saint, are not worth risking your life over. In the end, he’ll value his own life over that of his already dead subordinates,” I said, reassuring him.</span></p>
<p class="cnM3ODJiMGFlNGZlMTQ5YTFiZDZjZGIxNzBhOWY5YjNj"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“Hmm, well if you say so. From the sounds of it, you’re a legendary saint, so you’ve lived far longer than me, and are much wiser, I bet,” Targhas said, rubbing his chin.</span></p>
<p class="cnMyMzFmMTVjMTlhNzQ5MTNhZjRlMGFkNzkxOWI2MjI5"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“Hmm, yes I’m basically a Legendary Saint, but I’m not that old. I’m only about seven hundred years old. Still a lot older than you, though,” I said, rubbing my chin in turn. Targhas, however, stopped rubbing his chin, and looked at me in disbelief.</span></p>
<p class="cnM1NTYxM2VkZjczMjRlZWNiZWVlMzQ0NmFkYmU1MzVj"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“What?! You’re that young. How in the hell, did you reach your level of power, in such a short time?” He asked, not willing to believe me, just like that.</span></p>
<p class="cnM2ZmU3NmRhNjU4MzQzNjRiZmVmNjRjMjA1OTAxMTY4"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“Hahaha, the reactions always amuse me! But well, I’m a little special. While I am in fact, as strong as an early Legendary Saint, I’m only an early Mythical Saint. But I have a bit of a special bloodline, if you will,” I said.</span></p>
<p class="cnMyMmYwMWNhOTdkMzQ3YzVhMGFlYzEzODc5MjA3NTQz"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“Special bloodline? What kind of bloodline lets you become that strong, that quickly? It defies logic, and quite honestly, you’re making me feel bad!” Targhas said, again making me laugh at him.</span></p>
<p class="cnM2N2FiMTRmOGRhNjQ5YWFhYTAyZjA0YjkwOWJkZDFh"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“Well, we’ve known each other for how many months now? I suppose I could tell, I intend to leech on you for a bit longer anyway. Just promise you’ll keep your mouth shut, or I suppose I’ll have to kill you. Alright?”</span></p>
<p class="cnMxYjBkNGE5NDIwMzRiYzdiNjUyZDBlMzQ4NzY5ZTVk"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“Huh? Yeah, I promise! I won’t tell a soul!” He said, immediately. He was quite curious to hear about me.</span></p>
<p class="cnM5YzM2NWIyYmE2YTQ2MDg4MWQ4ZDkwNDZhMTUxYTI5"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“Well then, maybe I can even give you my blessing, when we get to the city. But let’s get started, on my life’s story! Apparently, I’m the son of Gebados, the God of Death. Gebados, the God of Death, decided that he wanted a new race of vampires, since all the other incarnations failed, so he had me, with his wife, Delia, he said she’s called. I’ve never met her, but I’m quite curious. Apparently she’s the Goddess of Nature. Quite the peculiar combination.</span></p>
<p class="cnNmNTk5ZjE0OTQyYjQ1MTU4N2I2Zjg0NWIwYzI3OGQ2"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">Well, after I was born, he dumped me here to this world, to the people I’ve always known as my parents. They proceeded to raise me, as a normal farm boy, and I eventually became the hunter of the family. This was in a continent, at the edge of the world mind you, so there were no Saints there, The strongest ones, were A rankers, like you.</span></p>
<p class="cnM4ZWY4NTA2MTliZTRlYWM5YTdmZWFjZTdjYjUwZDU4"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">Skip forwards nineteen years, and I’m reintroduced to my father, the God of Death. He awakens the power which was hidden inside me since I was born, and I became the Vampire Progenitor.</span></p>
<p class="cnNiZTExZGMyMDUxMDRlMThhOGMyNjI3ZTRmYWEwMzll"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">So, to answer your question about my so called special bloodline, I’m a Demigod Vampire Progenitor. As a Demi God Vampire Progenitor, I’m naturally gifted with the potential to reach the actual Demigod stage, as well as eternal life. So, I grow in power rather quickly,” I explained to him, in one big breath.</span></p>
<p class="cnNiMTY1NGRjOTczMDQ2ODg4OGY3MTBlNGEyNjVkMDdi"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">Targhas, found himself unable to speak, once more, as the truck load of information overflowed his little brain.</span></p>
<p class="cnMxMjYyYjdiNDE1MTQ3NzE4NGNmMTNiZTNmYzE5NTYw"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">“What?” Was all he said.</span></p>
<p class="cnNhYWFjZTI3ODFkYjQ2NmE5ZWMzNmY4MWI3ODgyZTFh"><span style="font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.3em">End of chapter 10.</span></p>
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<i class="fa fa-calendar" title="Published"></i> <time unixtime="1476311074" datetime="2016-10-12T22:24:34.0000000Z" format="U" >Wednesday, October 12, 2016 10:24:34 PM</time>
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<p class="cnM4NWY2MTE3MjkzOTRiNjhhNDRmNmRlNThjN2M0NjQ3">Chapter 11:<br><br>Markus walked north on the road and out of the village. He wanted to finally visit the town in the northern area. Markus only had one set of clothes and while it had been dirty before already, he had managed to get horse droppings on it today, so he was in dire need of a replacement. The bandits’ clothes were even filthier than his own, so they weren’t an option.<br><br>He managed to get to the town, [Vrosa], in less than an hour. It was still bright and probably would stay that way for some time.<br><br>The main part of the town was surrounded by a low wall. Outside the wall he saw several dozen sheds and tents on both sides of the road, forming a small shanty town. Passing through, Markus noticed that many of the dwellings had been around for some time, judging from the different states of weathered materials and repairs, and some even had vegetables growing in small yards. The inhabitants were haggard, slightly sickly looking people with dirty rags for clothes. Some looked at Markus like they wanted to approach him, but none of them did, so he quickly passed through the slum.<br><br>The gate itself was guarded by two soldiers, but they did not stop Markus from walking through after eyeing him curiously. Their uniforms were different from the ones the soldiers stationed in Springkeep were wearing. They were mostly made of leather and only reinforced with metal on the shoulders and chest.<br><br>Behind the main gate Markus saw a wooden tower, about a dozen meters high. A large ballista, basically an oversized crossbow, was sitting on top. Walking on the main street, he asked a passing woman where he could find a store or merchant to buy some clothes. She pointed him to the market square, which was near the town centre.<br><br>The houses he passed by were mostly of simple design, with some having a stone foundation and utilizing bricks for construction. In contrast to the villages, destroyed and intact, he had seen so far the buildings here were rather densely placed and mostly two-storey houses. From what he remembered from history lessons, medieval towns were dirty, smelly places, but at least the air was mostly clean and he couldn’t see any refuse on the streets. <br><br>He passed by at least two small fountains that were constantly spitting out seemingly clean water. Markus figured that in this world people found ways to utilize magic to solve some of the problems medieval Earth was struggling to cope with.<br><br>Not everything was rosy though. He could see some trash in the alleys and chimneys produced smoke, both sending wafting smells around the place. The painting on some of the houses was fading and cracking, and the people on the street did not look overly healthy. Their bodies and faces were clean, in contrast to the people living outside the walls, but many clothes had obviously been repaired after long use.<br> <br>Arriving at the place the woman had pointed him to, he found a fairly large square with market stands. There were a lot of empty spaces and several stands were empty and deserted, so he was probably already a bit late. A few merchants were still present, offering their wares.<br><br>The first stall offered different accessories and a few female customers were looking at the wares. A quick glance revealed that the items were of considerably low value, so Markus wasn’t interested. The next merchant had household tools on sale. Markus couldn’t make out anything magic like the cooking plate, but some items caught his interest.<br><br>Before he went on to the next stall, he bought a pair of scissors, a small washboard with a bucket that was wide enough to fit the board inside, a small metal pan and some basic cutlery. He also bought a sewing kit. <br><br>The only other merchant of interest sold textiles, but no ready-made clothes. The sheets were about 1 meter wide and could be cut to any length. Markus bought about 10 meters of a simple, undyed linen cloth. The quality was a bit uneven, but the texture was reasonably soft. He had a few crates of cloth of higher quality, but he wanted something simple as well. Markus then asked the sales-woman if there was a place where he could get tailored clothing. She pointed at a place at the other side of the square and told him that a tailor had a shop there. <br><br>Carrying the bucket in one hand and the cloth in the other, he made a detour through an alley to stash everything into his inventory before entering the store. So far he had only spent 2 large silver coins, with the cloth being the most expensive item.<br><br>Inside the store it became apparent that this store was not exactly meant for regular villagers. The clothes on display were all of high quality and some were outright gaudy. <br><br>On the other hand, there were also very practical clothes with a large amount of pockets and reinforcements, but still somewhat stylish. Markus approached the old man behind the counter, who was watching him with some suspicion.<br><br>After telling him of his intention to buy one or two full sets of clothes and casually showing a small stack of large silver coins, the man’s expression softened and he called a female employee from the back of the shop, who presented a selection of outfits to Markus. <br><br>She brought colourful and flashy clothes, which were aimed at merchants and the occasional noble, and practical clothes that were made for adventurers, mercenaries and wealthier travellers. The owner also took custom orders, but those would take a few days to complete.<br><br>Markus then went on a minor shopping spree. He bought a pair of green cargo pants and a dark grey shirt with long sleeves. He also bought five pairs of underpants and woollen socks. He switched into his new outfit and instantly felt like a new person. There weren’t any elastics or other parts like rivets or machine-made buttons, but he wouldn’t stand out in those clothes even if he wore them on modern Earth. <br><br>He also bought a green, hooded cape that matched his pants and a black scarf. He wanted some sort of disguise if he needed one and those items would do the job. Markus also added a few plain shirts and regular pants to his purchase, of the cheaper variety. After bringing the merchants price down as low as he could, he still had to pay 4 large silver coins for everything, but felt it was totally worth it.<br><br>Leaving the store he checked the map to see where he could safely stash away the bag with his old and additional clothes into his inventory. He saw a pair of red dots on the map, further away at the edge of the shanty-town. Checking more closely, those were named people. Around them were yellow dots, also named. <br><br>Markus decided to at least check it out on his way. Making his way through back-alleys, he stashed away all the unneeded items, put on his new cape and scarf and equipped his dagger. Not concealing his face yet, he just looked like an adventurer.<br><br>After he went outside the wall, he made a beeline towards the place with the red dots. Now he wrapped the scarf around his face and put on the hood. Passing through the gaps between the irregularly placed shacks and tents, he soon approached the people he had seen on the map and heard voices.<br><br>There didn’t seem to be any fighting. Markus decided to confirm what was going on before doing anything.<br><br>Getting a little closer, he heard a girl shouting. “Get your filthy hands off her! She doesn’t have anything to do with this!” There was now just one shack between Markus and the group of people.<br><br>A man then shouted back “Got nothing to do with it? As I see it, you are both in debt with us. Just because you were the one taking the money and worked it off the last few times, she is still as involved as you are.”<br><br>“He’s right. If you want it so badly, we will take care of you later. But this girl is first.” A different man’s voice could be heard.<br><br>There was definitely something shady going on. Now curious, Markus decided to take a closer look.<br>Stepping around the corner he saw a group of dirty men in shabby clothes. There were also two girls, equally dirty and in equally shabby clothes.<br><br>Two men were holding back one of the girls, who looked terribly angry and was probably the one shouting. She was a bit smaller than Abigail and in her teens, but it was hard to tell her exact age from the dirty face and her black hair hanging into her face. The other girl was even younger, thirteen at most. She looked frightened and tears were running down her cheeks. Her light brown hair was tied into a ponytail behind her back.<p class="cjBkN2ZjYTY0MGViYTRjMTdhNGJiMTVhZTgyODc2ZmRi">The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.</p><br> A slim but muscular man with a large nose and bad teeth was holding onto the smaller girl. He was one of the men indicated with a red dot. <br><br>“Can you tell me what’s going on here?” Markus stepped forward. The group turned around towards him, the girls were looking at him as well. At least he got their attention fast. The other of the two men who were marked with a red dot and was close to Markus immediately stepped forward and tried to grab him.<br><br>Markus simply grabbed his outstretched arm, twisted it slightly and then gave the man a kick with his shin into the stomach. He collapsed on the spot. “Please do not touch me. Who will tell me what is going on now? You?” Markus pointed at the next best man.<br><br>“Haah? Who do you think you are? Those girls owe us money, this has nothing to do with you!” Before anyone else could say something, the slim man started shouting at Markus. He then forcefully pushed the girl he was holding onto into the arms of the guy standing next to him. She was too frightened to move away anyway.<br><br>“Even if you don’t want to explain, I somehow get it. You gave that girl money” Markus pointed at the older girl “then you fucked her in return. And now you want to bang the other girl as well. That’s not OK, you know? She didn’t agree and she’s too young in the first place.”<br><br>“I didn’t agree either!!” The older girl was shouting now “I just couldn’t pay them back.” <br><br>“You shut up already!” Yelling so to the girl, the thin man started walking towards Markus “And you don’t think that you can just walk in here and cause trouble. You know what will happen? We will beat you up, have fun with both girls and then have you pay off their debt. And maybe we will let all of you go afterwards. Maybe.” <br><br>Some of the other yellow dots turned red now as well. It looked like the negotiations had broken down. Thinking so, Markus made a fast dash towards the slim man and just kicked him so hard in the groin that his feet lifted off the ground. He wouldn’t have fun with any girls in the foreseeable future. The man fell onto the ground and balled into a foetal position, whimpering.<br><br>“Anyone else? I can do this all day.” No one came forward. Markus walked towards the younger girl, grabbed her arm and pulled her away from the man holding her. He didn’t resist and just let go.<br>The red dots on the maps had turned yellow again by now. <br><br>Half-dragging the girl behind him, he walked to the older girl. The two men holding her quickly pulled their hands away. Markus pulled the girl to the side with his other hand, then turned around to face the group.<br><br>“I will now take those girls with me. The next time you try to rape someone, I will come and give you ten kicks like the one that asshole just got, understood?” The men looked at Markus, but didn’t say anything. “I asked if you understood. Answer me!”<br>“Yes, no rape!” One man said so, the others nodded. It was good enough for Markus. He left the way he came, dragging the girls behind him. After reaching the main road, Markus let go of the girls’ arms. <br><br>“So, now you tell me what I just did there.”<br><br>“You kicked a man in the balls?” the older girl said so. <br><br>“I know that, smartass. I mean what was going on. I understand you took money from them, and that they are a bunch of perverts. Tell me the details” Markus was acting tough, but he just wanted to somehow solve the whole situation. He could just leave the girls alone now, but he doubted that his thread of kicking groins would help for very long.<br><br>“I’m Tessa and this is my friend Liana. We are from the same village, but both our parents are dead or lost. Probably dead. Whatever. We don’t have money most of the time, and no money means no food. That guy with the large nose, Norton, he sometimes gave me money, or food for the two of us. I thought he was just nice. One day he wanted to – well, you know – and I said no. Then he wanted me to pay back the money he gave me, plus ‘interest’.”<br><br>The older girl, Tessa, was talking while the younger girl, Liana, was holding onto her hand. Now that she had brushed her hair back, Markus could see that she was rather pretty. There was a thin, long scar on her forehead, but that didn’t really make her look bad. The dirt on her face and slightly oily hair made a negative impact on her beauty scoring though.<br><br>“I couldn’t pay and then he made me do it with him anyway. We tried working, but we can only earn so little in the town, but I tried to pay him off. He took it but the debt didn’t get smaller, because of the ‘interest’. Well, then when we had no money anymore he offered me food again, and then his friends, too. That’s what happened.” She was stating it calmly, but her face was showing a mix of desperation and resignation.<br><br>“How much do you owe him?” Markus asked her.<br><br>“I’m not sure. 12 silver I guess. I don’t really know what that ‘interest’ is.”<br><br>Markus pulled out a large silver coin. “You mean twelve of those?”<br><br>Both of the girls’ eyes went wide. “No, I mean the small ones. He mostly gave us copper coins and food though. Norton said it was 12 silver coins, but it has to be the small coins.”<br><br>What a ridiculously small amount of money. Even for villager standards it couldn’t be that much. 120 beers or a dozen nights at the village’s tavern. Markus pulled out two more large silver coins, making sure no one was watching too closely. He then gave the three coins to Tessa.<br><br>“Take those. I don’t care what you do with them. Pay back the asshole with the crushed balls, or don’t. But better don’t take any more money from them if you aren’t prepared to whore yourself out. My advice is to get some clean clothes, a good wash and find a job in town. Perhaps stay a night or two at the inn, but that is your own choice.”<br><br>“Thank you! I promise I will take good care of it” Tessa nearly started crying.<br><br>“…thank you” the other girl, Liana, said so as well. It was the first time Markus heard her speak. The two girls looked over to the gate with the guards, then Tessa looked at the coins in her hands with a slightly worried look.<br><br>“Don’t wave that money around in the open. Is there a problem?” Markus inquired.<br>“Not really a problem. The guards usually don’t let us into the town, or only for a short while to buy things, if we show them that we have money. They don’t want beggars in town is what they say. I wonder if they just let us in with that much money…”<br><br>“Well… it should work, right? I have to go though, so take care. Bye!” He turned around and walked away. Before falling into a full sprint, he observed the girls on the map. After standing at the gate for a short while, they entered the town, so everything seemed fine so far. Markus felt relieved, he had already gotten involved a little too much, and maybe the troublesome men would now behave even worse than before. <br><br>Before travelling leaving the area for good, Markus would talk once more to the girls to see if anything came out of this. After entering the forest, Markus put on his old clothes again. He didn’t really want to, but he had no way of explaining how he got the new outfit if anyone asked. A minor flaw in his plan… <br><br>By the time he reached Spingkeep village again it was nearly completely dark. Greeting Abigail’s mom, who was standing behind the counter, he quickly went to his room. After sitting down on the bed, he felt very tired. Not only physically, but mentally. He had a wealth of new experiences today, from sparring with Boyd, over smiting and riding to cooking, not to forget some shopping and crotch-kicking. In comparison, just running through the forest for two hours felt like a literal walk in the park.<br><br>Deciding that it was more than enough for one day, Marcus tucked himself in and fell asleep almost immediately.</p>
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<h1 style="margin-top: 10px" class="font-white break-word">BK II, Chapter Sixteen: A Hateful Bow</h1>
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<p class="cnM3NjQ2OWEzYWYxMTQzODk5NTI5NjJiMzNlMmQ5NTlj"><span style="font-size: 2em"><strong>Chapter Sixteen: A Hateful Bow</strong></span></p>
<hr>
<p class="cnM5ZDhkYzJhMzVkMTQyMWViNWRiYzQwZDVmNDE2MjYx"> </p>
<p class="cnNlZmJhYzgyZGI5NjQ5MzhhMjM2YTBkZjU1MWJmOWYz">I lost. I lost so shamefully.</p>
<p class="cnM2MGM2MWMwZmQ5YTQxY2E5ZjA5OGNhNjFkNGZiMGFh">Those were the words that kept echoing in Valerian’s head. He was still in shock. When the referee called the match, he meekly went home, ignoring all of the platitudes that were offered him by his family and well-wishers. He just walked into his room and sat on his bed, unable to come to grips with what happened.</p>
<p class="cnM2NzM1ODE4OTI5NzRhZmM4ZGE3MGM3MjVlOTRlOWZi">It’s not like he expected to win the match. He had known from the very beginning that he was not going to win. Everyone had told him, warned him. Ethan had never even transformed fully in any of his previous matches. Not that his opponents were weak but because he was too strong. He steamrolled them without much effort. He was the prized genius of the clan. The top of his class in his academy. An institution that trained officers for the Royal Bathan Army.</p>
<p class="cnNmMjA0YzliZWU0OTRkMTQ5NjgzNzQ2NzJmZDc5MmRm">Be it weapons, skills, tutors, training, cultivation resources, he had lacked none growing up. He was considered by the elders to be a true heir to the Menhirionn legacy. Fit, powerful, with incredible battle instincts and enough raw strength to flip hills. In their entire generation, the only person who completely outclassed Valerian in pure strength was none other than that same Ethan. Bear in mind that Valerian was more than twice as strong as the average Steelborn at his cultivation tier.</p>
<p class="cnMwM2Y1ZmFjY2E5YTQxM2E5ZTdjNTFjNTI2ZjZjNDZh">Then there was the rumour Richard had told him. That Ethan had the favour of the StormHawk and the ability to call on some of its powers in battle. Valerian had confirmed most of those rumours today. Ethan’s strength really was greater than his. His transformation, even without its “extra features”, was also a step above their peers. As for his sword, just thinking about it caused Valerian to shudder unconsciously.</p>
<p class="cnNmOGU4MWJmYTJlYzQ0YjViMmVhNjMxMWIxMmQzYzBl">No! Valerian had not gone into the battle expecting to win.</p>
<p class="cnNiYjQ5NmMyZDY2YzRhZWNiNDM5NWY1YTRkNjI3MmQ0">That notwithstanding, he had not also expected to lose in the manner he had. His intention was to climb up that stage and reveal some of his fighting prowess. Let everyone know that he wasn’t just an arcanist and an array master but also a tellurian and a Steelborn tellurian at that. After displaying some of his best moves, he would then concede and bow out gracefully.</p>
<p class="cnM4ODEzMmM0ODhiODRhYmY5NDIxNzI1Yjk0Y2YyMjZm">That would not only showcase his skill but also win the favour of the clan and the elders. It would make it clear to the Steelborns, who he confessed to being a bit isolated from, that he was still a clan member and that he was willing to put aside his own aspirations for the clan. Putting Ethan before himself would show them that he greatly considered the clan and his place in it. However, he made a big mistake. He had considered himself to be Ethan’s equal.</p>
<p class="cnM4Y2Y2OTk4MTI5NDQwMzdiYzJhZmNkNmI4YjA5Njlh">In spite of all the warnings, he did not accept that Ethan really was that far above him. In his head, even if Ethan was more powerful, he would not be that far behind. Both of them were Steelborns, weren’t they? Both of them were lauded as geniuses and most of all, Valerian himself was not just a tellurian he was an array master and the descendant of the Golden Winged Peng. Even if Ethan was more powerful, it was only because he was eight years older than him, right? The gap couldn’t possibly be that wide.</p>
<p class="cnM4ZTBjMGVmMTY3MjRlZDZhN2RjZWVkNTFjN2EyNmM5">He was wrong.</p>
<p class="cnMyOWQzMWU3ZThiNTRmZDk4NTE2ODlmYzAzMGRlMGQw">He let his own arrogance and pride steer him wrong. If Ethan had taken him seriously from the get-go…. Valerian felt his heart skip a beat from fear. His body experienced the phantom sensations from before. He saw that cross slash again in his mind’s eye. Only this time, he was unable to dodge and it cut him into quarters. He put his hands together and squeezed, trying to stop them from trembling.</p>
<p class="cnM5OWRjNzFiNTE4YTQzYzBhN2JjZGUzNzcwYmRiNjU0">He nearly died today. If he hadn’t dodged? If Ethan had followed up quickly instead of pausing when he did? He would be dead. There were no two ways about it. The fact that Ethan had been taken aside and harshly admonished by the clan elders for using that attack was more than enough proof.</p>
<p class="cnNmMmY2MzQ2NDcwMTRmMTI4Y2MxMzBhOTcwNGI4ZjA3">The spectators didn’t know. They didn’t experience what he did. They didn’t have the same extrasensory abilities. That moment when the sword first appeared, Valerian had known something was off about it. Truthfully, he didn’t even notice the sword at first. He just sensed the bloodlust and quickly backpedalled, abandoning his attack. It was only when he got away that he noticed that it was a sword. Plus, the way it changed Ethan when he held it…</p>
<p class="cnM3YzhjNDFhZDAxNDQzYzFiNGMwZGUxMzVlZWFhMWU0">Even so, he didn’t see it for what it truly was until Ethan drew our its true power and attacked him with it. It was a noble artefact! Forget normal essence artefacts like his mace. Ethan’s sword was a weapon that should only be in the hands of people at the lord tier or above. In terms of power, it was at least fifteen times greater than his poor mace. How Ethan was able to control it was a question on its own. The thing that frightened Valerian was not its power but its aura.</p>
<p class="cnMwZTRhNmJiMGUyMzRhMTQ5YmI5ZjcxOTJiY2UxNmI1">Everyone saw the frigid sword qi that Ethan shot from it but Valerian with his abilities saw more than that. Neither the sword nor its qi possessed any freezing or ice abilities. Yet, the blade somehow froze everything in its vicinity. It did this by leeching the heat and life of everything around it. Valerian remembered clearly and he doubted he would ever forget. That cross shaped slash he dodged. Despite dodging it, he felt his blood chill, his body grow cold, his qi diminish, his vitality drain away and his whole self, get covered in hoarfrost.</p>
<p class="cnNhNzZkZTI4ODY3MjRjZjc4OTUzNjE1NDRjZTU5MDk4">All that, just from coming close to some of its expelled qi. Imagine if the sword qi hit him or if the sword itself did. He turned to look at the claymore wondering what sort of weapon would do such a thing and then saw <strong>it. </strong>By taking off the suppressants, Ethan also allowed him to see the sword for what it truly was. It was all he could do not to scream in fright. The thing was evil. It was a bloodthirsty, life stealing weapon, of destruction.</p>
<p class="cnNkYjM2NGZlMjA5OTRkZTQ5NWQxMzY0OTFjODI3OTJl">That’s what it was. What it did. What’s worse, that’s what Ethan did. His aura was entwined with the blade, enhancing it just the sword did him. Valerian’s senses reached for his cousin only to recoil in shock at the realisation that the sword had taken lives. Dozens of them. Proudly. Happily. All at Ethan’s hands. He could sense the energies gathered in the blade, strengthening it and its wielder. A wielder whose eyes communicated the intent to do him harm and whose sword thirsted for his blood. Both of whom were gearing up for another attack.</p>
<p class="cnM4MmJiY2JiYTgwYjQyOThhM2VkNTYxMTdlZTcxNGVl">Valerian surrendered immediately knowing that he would die if he didn’t. Shit! He had nearly died just a couple of seconds before. He was not proud of his decision but at the time he had been staring death in the face and contrary to his own expectations, Valerian did not stand firm. He lost his composure. Not just surrendering but doing so in obvious fear. He wasn’t sure which was first. Nearly dying or having everyone see him at his weakest moment.</p>
<p class="cnNmYmViODhlMmU1MjQ3YzQ4YmI3NzdkMzQ2OTc3MmFk">Valerian Steelborn never lost nor did he fail at anything. He never backed down from a challenge and he never went back on his word. Today he had failed at not one but three of his maxims. Valerian could honestly say that that had been the closest he had ever knowing come to death and he was disappointed in himself. Not just for losing but because he had just realised that he may be the type to tuck tail and scurry away when the big moment came.</p>
<p class="cnMxZTM1NjVhMGY2YjQ3OTZiYWY4MWRmMmNiNzFkMWM1">His mattress sunk, a form suddenly appearing at his side. Valerian nearly struck at it with his mace. Thankfully, his uncle was able to grab onto it and stop it. Valerian looked at his uncle and Richard looked at him understanding clear in his eyes.</p>
<p class="cnNhOWY0Nzc4ZWUwNjRmMDdiMWQ5ZmJjMmQ0ZDRmYjA3">“We need to talk!” the armoured giant said softly.</p>
<hr>
<p class="cnMwYTUzOGIxNzU3NjQyNDlhMTBlYjMwOTA3ZDZmYTMw">Valerian looked at his opponent today. Aaron Veldt was praised and hailed a genius of the bow. There was even a story circulating of him tripping over a strung crossbow as a child and causing it to shoot a target dead centre. Despite that though, he did not use a crossbow but a longbow. He was a tellurian who specialised in ranged warfare and whose enemies were often defeated before they could even get within three metres of himself.</p><p class="cjUwZGJiNThkNDQ0MTRhNjk5NWU2Yjg0YzgyMjUzZGQy">Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.</p>
<p class="cnMzMzhjZTRiMjFhYjRmNDlhNjc0OTE2MjI3Yjk4ZWJm">He was about Valerian’s height but probably a few centimetres taller, with long hair drawn into braids. He was surprisingly pale for someone who supposedly spent twelve hours a day shooting targets at his family’s range. Also, he seemed very tense. His bow was already drawn and his kept running his fingers over the quiver at his side. Interestingly, he carried two of those. One at each side.</p>
<p class="cnMwZTMyOTcwNjdlODRkZGY4MGI5YjY4NzI2MzZjNjBh">Valerian was more interested in the bow though. It had a strange scaly appearance. The material looked like bone covered by golden scales. There were also red strips of cloth wrapped around the ends. ‘A stylistic choice perhaps?’ Valerian wondered. Then his eyes were drawn to the stands where a few females screamed for their ‘hero’ whilst waving coloured kerchiefs. ‘A token from a lady or something?’</p>
<p class="cnM2YTNiMGU2YmYwNjQ0ODY5MTJlZWZkOWVkNjE1ODYy">Whatever. He could guess the reason for his opponent’s nervousness. Aaron too had lost his first match. Right now, it would seem that first place was already out of both their hands. The winner of the zebra would be determined by the number of wins. Unless both Ethan and Tirenael lost a match each, there was no chance for them to catch up. Valerian doubted his monster of a cousin could even lose. Still, he felt no pity or empathy for his opponent. He too had come here to win and he had already resolved to crush him.</p>
<p class="cnNlOWUxMjEwNzlkMDRlNDA5ZjE1MTZkZWVmY2UxYTJj">“FIGHT!” the referee yelled.</p>
<p class="cnMxZmRhNzBiNzI2MjQ5NDJhZTdjNzU0YjFiMjg4ODYx">Immediately, both sides sprang into action, seeking to seize the initiative. Faster than he would have deemed possible, Aaron had drawn and fired. Arrow after arrow flew at Valerian but he was long gone. A gold streak shot into the air, pausing to reveal Valerian already in his transformed state. He looked down, noting Aaron’s surprised face.</p>
<p class="cnMwYTMzYmJkYjk0YzQ5ODFiN2I1ZDE1NDNjZjIyMzRi">‘He probably didn’t think I could transform that fast’, Valerian realised. He snorted in derision. ‘How useful could a transformation be if it took too long to enter it?’</p>
<p class="cnMxNGVmMTJmYTQ2YzQ1YzhiMmRhOTM0YjVjY2M3NTRi">Impassively, he swung his mace downward and let his arcane energy loose. Forgoing [Wind Fists] his go to choice, he released [Wind Blades] instead. They were harder to shoot down. Yet, Aaron managed to do so. He shoot them out of the sky like a hunter would pheasants. The strange part was the care he took to ensure that not even a single one landed anywhere near him.</p>
<p class="cnMxNGYzN2QxNzYyZjQxNDQ4MzVhNmJkNzZjM2ZhNjEw">Valerian immediately caught on that his opponent was on guard against his tactic of hiding spell anchors in other spells. As he dodged a series of incoming arrows, he frowned. That would make things harder. He raised his mace high, shaping his next spell. [Wind Scythe]. A massive, one and half metre long, curved blade took shape from the world essence. Valerian directed it towards his adversary whilst shaping another one.</p>
<p class="cnM4MDg4ZGJmNGQxNzQ1YzM5NWFmNDAwN2EzYWE4OWEw">Aaron left his position and run as far and as fast as he could. That was not a spell he could shoot down. Unfortunately for him, Valerian had sunk his consciousness in the spell and was controlling it remotely. Thus, it followed him. He looked to the side to find another bearing down on him and a third descending from above. Three! Three wind scythes were chasing him. None of which had any intention of dispersing or flying off course.</p>
<p class="cnMxOTA5YzgzNTk3MDRkYTE5ODYxZjNlY2JjMWE4ODAy">He gazed upwards searching for Valerian even as he leapt and run around the platform. Scurrying under a scythe that came too close for comfort, he confirmed his suspicions. Valerian hung in the air, his mace raised and his eyes closed. He wasn’t moving. Knowing that the only way to stop the spells pursuing him was to defeat the caster, Aaron grabbed an arrow from his quiver and begun to infuse it with his qi, intending to release his first skill in this match.</p>
<p class="cnMyODA0ZTI4ZTBlNjQ0Y2I5MDJlNzU5MmZiNDdhY2E2">[Skyward Lance]</p>
<hr>
<p class="cnM1YWQ0ODhjMDVkZjQ2ODRiYWRhNzE5ZjRmMGRjY2Jl">The sky, elevation and the high ground were all great and obvious strategically superior positions. Nevertheless, everyone knew that ranged fighters restrained that advantage. There was nothing else to be said. The bow was specifically invented to attack things from afar. It didn’t matter if they were on the ground or in the sky. In fact, the sky was worse. It had no cover. Nowhere to hide from his arrows. A smirk came on his face as he observed his arrow shoot towards Valerian’s oblivious figure.</p>
<p class="cnM3MGI2ZDAyMTc0YTRlNWJiMTU5ZDFiNjAxMGVlNDdj">The Veldt were predominantly lightning attributed. That posed a problem for them. Despite the lightning attribute’s power and destructive capabilities, it fared badly against certain kinds of foes. Especially people like the Steelborn who were metal attributed. Metal conducts lightning making them resistant to their powers. This was the only reason he brought physical arrows into this fight.</p>
<p class="cnNhNTM3NGZhNTI5NDQ0NjJiODZlZWM4ZGRmYzEyNTZk">Normally, Aaron would merely shape his qi and fire it at his foe. Such a tactic was ineffective on the Steelborns would could ignore the majority of the attacks power. However, once the lightning was centred on a physical object even if the elemental damage would not be much the penetrative force of the arrow itself would enough.</p>
<p class="cnNjNmZjNTU3MDE0MjQ0Yzk4MTJkMGY1YzNkM2YzNTcz">The skyward lance he had fired was even better. It used lightning qi to boost the speed penetrative power and force of the special arrow he had fired at his opponent. It streaked through the air, expelling lightning from its fletching as it shot towards its unwary target. The crowd watched as what could only be described as a bolt of lightning went ground-up and through Valerian.</p>
<hr>
<p class="cnM0M2ZkNDA5ZmM1ZTQ0ZThhZDZkZmEwMzhiM2ExNDZh">A grin snaked across Valerian’s face as he intoned, “[Burst].”</p>
<p class="cnNlYTcwNmRlNmE5MjQzNDFiZDlkZjUxNDg0NTkwYzNl">The [Wind Scythes] glowed brightly for a split second before fracturing loudly. The pieces shot everywhere, tearing through everything in their vicinity. Most notably, tearing through a dumbstruck Aaron. Having expected the spells to disperse once he disrupted the caster’s concentration of in his case injured him greatly he had taken his mind of them. He hadn’t done so for long but it was long enough for what Valerian intended.</p>
<p class="cnMzM2E0MjFkZTllMjQzNmY4OTRjZmViNjBmNDM4Zjg2">The Valerian in the sky shimmered and disperse, fading away like smoke blown away by the wind. As it did so, the real Valerian appeared, a full ten metres away from the first. Having dispersed the [Mirage spell], he hovered in the air to survey his handiwork. Shards of stone and bits of stand were still flying around from the explosion of wind shards he had created. A dust cloud obscured the part he wanted to see most.</p>
<p class="cnM5ZDkwYmFhOWEzNDQxMTBiMjFkOTZmOTI1ZDA3NjEz">The smile on his face was yet to fade. His plan had worked perfectly. Aaron might have prevented him from anchoring spells around him but what about spells around Valerian himself? He knew from the beginning that the [Wind Scythes] probably wouldn’t work. Plus, his opponent was being conservative with his skills and qi. Funny then that all he had needed was a decoy to act as bait and he was able to get him to drop his guard enough to slip in that attack.</p>
<p class="cnMxYmQ2YWNkMjc5ZjRmNzc5NDc5ZDY3ZmI0MTA1M2Nl">Who would have thought he would get so much utility from a spell that he was taught for hiding traps and his presence when hunting? He had to thank his grandmother after this match. That and see if she had more nifty tricks like this one.</p>
<p class="cnNkOTQ4MTAzN2ExZjQ0MjU4MjVkYjA3OWU1MmE1ZTU4">Valerian really wanted to fire another [Wind Scythe] or two into the dust cloud. He really didn’t want to take chances. However, he could not be sure about the state of his opponent. If he did so and ended up killing or maiming him he could end up being disqualified from the tournament. Still, he gathered arcane energy and called on the wind to clear the obstruction.</p>
<hr>
<p class="cnNiMzI0MGRlYWUxMDRiZjk4MDAyMmFhZGE0MDQ3NzEy">Aaron was hurt, badly. His body was littered with cuts and his body felt like it had been struck multiple times with a meat tenderiser. That explosion had carried both force and sharp implements. As he bled into the dirt, he couldn’t help but fear that he had lost the match already. It was that thought that woke him up. He couldn’t lose. If he did, the clan would do more than kill him.</p>
<p class="cnM3MzQ1NGVmNmVjYjQ1N2JiNzVkNDcyOTU4NDFiMjdh">Struggling, he pulled himself to his feet, using his bow as a crutch. Then he begun to undo the ribbons wrapped around the ends. Gritting his teeth, he channelled his qi into the weapon, still unblemished from the calamity that had befallen its temporary master. When Aaron first got this weapon he was filled with awe. Following that came dread and apprehension. For his clan to be willing to go so far to win against the Steelborns was worrying and telling.</p>
<p class="cnNiZGJkYTY1OTNlNjQyN2Y5MjY2YTdjZTZmNmE4MWQ1">The last month he had been feed the best medicines. Given special training and even been the subject of no less than four forbidden techniques. The most his body would handle. His qi and body had been strengthened. His cultivation boosted and all at the cost of twenty years of his lifespan. Also, he would probably never enter the Emperor realm in this lifetime. The last he wasn’t worried about. He had had a less than one percent chance of doing so anyway.</p>
<p class="cnMyYjcyNDkyZmJiZDQwMjZhY2FlMzZkMDI1ZWE3MDFl">The gains were tremendous. If he succeeded in winning the Zebre, he and his closest relatives would be catered for for the rest of their lives. He would continue to enjoy the treatment he had just experienced as well. That was more than enough for him to put his life on the line. What he couldn’t do was lose. Keeping this in mind, he finished unwrapping the bow. His qi continued to be sucked in, the weapon voraciously devouring his essence. Then their aura’s begun to merge and its power begun to flow into him. This was his trump card the one that would ensure his success.</p>
<p class="cnMyNWFjNDNhMDQ5ZDQ0YjFhOTg3MTNkNzJhYjM5OWJk">He had already lost one match but the clan had understood. The weapon and its abilities would have been useless against his opponent. Even so, he had been warned against losing again. No matter what, he had to beat the Steelborns. That was his true goal in this tournament. On that matter, Aaron wasn’t worried. Burstfire was a Steelborn slaughterer.</p>
<p class="cnNmM2Y5NjA0OWQ2MjRmNmU4ZDc5NmQwMWEyZDY4NWZh">The wind blew, obviating his cover. Aaron looked up at his opponent’s smiling face. He watched transfixed as that smile turned to horror. Somehow he could tell that things had changed. Sadly, the Steelborn could do nothing. His qi surged, Burstfire boosting it to levels that a Tellurian practitioner should not have. Feeling invigorated, Aaron raised the bow. Drawing it and releasing it whilst aiming at his winged target.</p>
<p class="cnNmMWEzMzE5NmJiZjQyNzE5OWYzYWMyY2FkMzE4ZTYx">An arrow of fire shot across the distance faster than he could blink. It was practically a skyward meteor. One that struck Valerian in his chest. He couldn’t even scream. The heat and pain were beyond intense burning his throat and lungs. Smoking and burning, he fell from the sky.</p>
<p class="cnNhODU3YWY0MjI4MTRkOTJiOWVmNGRiZTQ4Njc2NjJl"> </p>
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<i class="fa fa-calendar" title="Published"></i> <time unixtime="1476315019" datetime="2016-10-12T23:30:19.0000000Z" format="U" >Wednesday, October 12, 2016 11:30:19 PM</time>
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<i class="fa fa-user" title="Display Group"></i> Crowned Wolf
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<i class="fa fa-info-circle"></i> <strong>Bio:</strong>
Someone hunched over a keyboard, creating new worlds and magic systems. Web serial author and fantasy nerd. The mastermind behind https://lupineking.com/ the official site where my dastardly deeds come to life. <br/>You may also find me on http://patreon.com/lupineking </p>
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<h1 style="margin-top: 10px" class="font-white break-word">Chapter five</h1>
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<p class="cnNhYTYzYWViZTU0MTRlNzk4ODU3MGM4MmFjOTZiMTI0" style="text-align: justify">My heart was beating as fast as a horse could run. He charged at me and I let a girly shout scape. I closed my eyes and tryied to defende myself with my hands, but no pain came. I felt he holding me and pull me to his direction. I nearly fell.</p>
<p class="cnNhMDk2NjYxODRmNzQ4NGQ4YmE4YWEyYmY5Mzg1MWJm" style="text-align: justify">"Show yourself!"</p>
<p class="cnMxMzVlNWMxMWU5NjQ1MjdiMTZmYTI0MmVlYTkwODc4" style="text-align: justify">The liutentant ordered, but there was no response. He continued in defensive posture while holding my arm strongly. My eyes looked everywhere and I saw nothing. Not a single shadow. The woods weren't dense and it was still day. There was no way a large group could have hidden themselves there.</p>
<p class="cnMxMGQyNmM5M2MyMTQzNzRhZjcxOGY3YWQ4ZmQwZjQ1" style="text-align: justify">We heard another step. We turned to the opposite side he was expecting the stranger to be. The steps continued and he pointed his sword to where the sound was coming from. I heard the steps and looked to the ground where it was coming from. The leaves were being crushed and the kindling were breaking with a cracking sound.</p>
<p class="cnNhNDVkNTAxNzIxMDQyZTU4MTRiOGIyMTllM2I3NTE1" style="text-align: justify">I didn't know what it was, but it was invisible. Again, uncertainty made me fall into the abyss of my mind. My breath became faster and faster, following my heart andmy legs started to tremble as if saying they were ready to run.</p>
<p class="cnM1ZjU3YzM0NjkyOTQ4MWY4NjBjZTRlZjlkYjE5NWQ4" style="text-align: justify">Some sort of very strong wind hit me and I was sent flying a few meters. I think I hit my head, because I became dizzy and couldn't see things correctly, but I saw that Malkuh had fallen just ahead of me.</p>
<p class="cnNjMWZlZjQ4ODNkMjQ0YzQ5Y2FlZjViMjA4NzUxMTU0" style="text-align: justify">The images beacme blurry.</p>
<p class="cnNjOTY0YjU3NDhkNTQzZjM4ZmIyOGU5ZDcxZjI3MWY4" style="text-align: justify">I tried to get up, but I was too dizzy and fell to the ground. I lost conciousness.</p>
<p class="cnMyNDg5MWE3YmE0ZjRjM2RhNThjNjBhNzI2MjNkYjRm" style="text-align: justify">..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................</p>
<p class="cnMzMTI2ZGRhOGYzMDQxNTlhNzM4ZmEwMjNiZGY4MTU0" style="text-align: justify">My head ached. I openned my eyes to see a dark place. It looked like a normal room, made with wood and floor of stones. I was over a bed that was basically some sheets over the hard wood. It was dusty and very silent.</p>
<p class="cnM5NTg4NGY3ZjMzODQ2OGZiMTY1MGJmOGFlYWEyYzhm" style="text-align: justify">I moved slowly as my eyes analysed everything in the room. I tried to be silent, but the bed creaked at any exerted force. I decided that it was too late to be afraid of making any noise. I got up and walked, still as silently and as slowly as I could. I opened the door, just enough for me to pass and not making considerable sounds.</p>
<p class="cnNlNWYzODQwOWNjYzQ2YzVhMjA4MDgyNzc0NDU2MmYy" style="text-align: justify">The rest of the house was also very dark. It was a strange feeling I never expected to feel. Now I know what the characters of horror movies experience. My breathing became slower and I stopped moving.</p><p class="cmE3YjRmOWJiY2FiNjQzNDY5OTc4MTRhY2FlMmI2OTdh">If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.</p>
<p class="cnNkZWI1MzEyMzVlYTQzM2JiOGQ5NWI0ZDFlNGFmYzVl" style="text-align: justify">Somehow I could hear everything. Every breath and every beat of my heart were too loud to be comfortable.</p>
<p class="cnNlYjk4MzdiZTk0ZDRmZjFhNzcwNWE1NmNlMzk2ZjRk" style="text-align: justify">I let my eyes wonder through the room. I Found nothing, but at that time we couldn't see anything either.</p>
<p class="cnNmOGJlYTFmOGY3YjQyNjJhMTZhZDNlYTllZGFlZGIz" style="text-align: justify">"What if whatever it is... it can't see us? It makes sense in science. Maybe it smells us? Maybe it hears us?</p>
<p class="cnNhOWIzOGUzMjM2NTRiMmQ4MWViNTk3MWE5MTc2YWZi" style="text-align: justify">My mind started to run through the possibilities...</p>
<p class="cnNkYTBhYzU3NjA4ZDQwNDBhM2Q0Yzg0YTRiZWQ4YmFj" style="text-align: justify">"What are you doing here boy?"</p>
<p class="cnNmYTdkMjkzNDgwZDQxYzRiOTg1MTBkOWUzMmRmNmZj" style="text-align: justify">I jumped and throwed myself at the floor. My breathing was erratic and I stood up in a speed I didn't know was possible.</p>
<p class="cnM5MjlmZTU3YWYzMjQzOWVhOGE1ZGVhOTBmMmZkZGY3" style="text-align: justify">"Calm down, not gonna hurt you"</p>
<p class="cnM2MDExMzc1MDlkMjRjNjE5Yzk2MjcxNGJiY2NhYTVl" style="text-align: justify">I looked to see the image of the wall become blurry and suddenly there was a man there, taking some sort of sheet off.</p>
<p class="cnNkZDk1ZGY4YTE3NDRhZDc4OWU3NGE2YTcwOTMwOGIx" style="text-align: justify">"Shit.."</p>
<p class="cnNmOTQ5MTNiODQxNzRkNWZhMmQ4YjBlZjI4MTBiM2Zl" style="text-align: justify">I hadn't seen any form of magic in my old world. And I don't think I had seen any real magic up to that time. It seemed like an illusion, a lie.</p>
<p class="cnNhMzdlYzA5ZDRjMDRkMzFiMDViZjA1ZmY4Y2I3Mzc0" style="text-align: justify">"..What..?.... Was that magic!?"</p>
<p class="cnM2NTE1YjAwOWI4YzQ5Zjg5ZDkwYWM5YzlkZjM1MDJi" style="text-align: justify">"Magic!? I am no trickster!"</p>
<p class="cnMyYjRmMGIzMzhmYzQyODBiNWRjODVlNTZkOTZlZWIx" style="text-align: justify">"No, that's not what.."</p>
<p class="cnNlNTIxMWZjNDhmZDQ5MjZiOGI3OGI0NzhjMjE1Yzg3" style="text-align: justify">"Shut your mouth, little man"</p>
<p class="cnM4YmFlMGE2ZGRmYjRkNzA4ODMzOWZkNDIwMGY4OGI0" style="text-align: justify">Magic. I stared at him with widened eyes. He was mage. It didn't seem like it was impressive for him. He didn't boast or made a show of it. He ignored my presence and walked slowly to open a door.</p>
<p class="cnMyZTQ4OGY2OWIwZTRhMWNiOGM2ZWIyMzVlZWYxMzQ4" style="text-align: justify">I stood there. I needed time to relax my heart and continue. </p>
<p class="cnMyMDk2MTE2ZGQ2NDQ3NmM4ZjVmYzhmNjVmMWVlZWUx" style="text-align: justify">He had entered on the kitchen, or some sort of place to cook and make things with plants.</p>
<p class="cnM0ZmE2Mzc2MWJkMTQ2YmM5NzRiOTNmYWQ3YjIzOTJh" style="text-align: justify">"The other will soon wake up"</p>
<p class="cnM0ZTIyNjg0MDRkZTRjMzliNDA5OWUyOTQzZmRiODky" style="text-align: justify">"...What are you going to do with us?"</p>
<p class="cnM3ZjJkMDc5NDI1NTRhMTk5ZGM4MzhiN2Y0NWRhZmY1" style="text-align: justify">"You spoiled brat! Shut youself before I do it myself!I won't do anything with you, neither with that man"</p>
<p class="cnM0ZjAzYTRjNjBmYTRhNzI4NzBmYmI5NGUxOTA5Yjk1" style="text-align: justify">I took his advice to the heart and decided to speak no more. I still wanted to ask why he took us, but thought it was better to leave him.</p>
<p class="cnM5YmY1NDc0ZjlkZTQyNWVhZWU2MDZhZDYyY2M1YTNk" style="text-align: justify">He took a book from the shelf and started to search for something. He looked into every page slowly before leaving it open and get many ingridients, plants that were placed in bottles of glass.</p>
<p class="cnNmZTQ1YjQwMzBmYTRkNmFiNmUzYjYzMmM1NzYwMWEx" style="text-align: justify">Every ingridient was cut into very small pieces and put on a recipient with water.</p>
<p class="cnNkMzI3ZTFjN2IzODQwODBiOTAxZDYyMGE4YWQ5NDdi" style="text-align: justify">I stood looking at it, but he didn't seem to mind. He lit the fire in some sort of oven and put the recipient there, to boil.</p>
<p class="cnM3ZDE5N2M1ZTQ4YjRhMTNhYzAxMmIwNjk3ZjNhYjYx" style="text-align: justify">"Tell me, boy. What's your name?"</p>
<p class="cnNhMzNlM2NmYmIwZDQzYzY4NWQwNTdkMjEwMzliYTFi" style="text-align: justify">"Liam"</p>
<p class="cnNmMDUwNWU5MzAxYzQ5YTg4MjM2NDc1NzczNmQ3Y2Uw" style="text-align: justify">"Just Liam? I doubt so. Your fancy clothes say otherwise"</p>
<p class="cnM0MmMxZGNiYzZkODRkZmViOTUyZjQyMTFlNDZjZjBi" style="text-align: justify">"..Liam Rondelern"</p>
<p class="cnM2NTc5YTk4NGUyNjQ3ZjU5MDlkOTVkNmI0ZGQ2ZGNl" style="text-align: justify">"....Family Rondelern. Never liked them"</p>
<p class="cnNiZGFiMjQzNWJhNDQwOGY4NGIxMzdjN2JkYjhkOTQ0" style="text-align: justify">"Are you.. perhaps.. a mage?"</p>
<p class="cnM0MDI1ZjFhYTg3MjRhNDBiZmVkY2Y5OTlkYzE5YmZm" style="text-align: justify">"A mage? Don't mistake me for those travelling fools. I am a Druid and it's the second time you offend me today"</p>
<p class="cnM3YTk5OGFhM2EyMDRlOTc5ZWQyYjQ1MzlhZjA1MmU5" style="text-align: justify">"I beg your pardon"</p>
<p class="cnM3NzRhMTY4NDJmZjQyOWRiZjY1NTA5NjAxYWVhNTI2" style="text-align: justify">"Beg more. Go on. I don't care about you, about your status. Never liked the likes of you"</p>
<p class="cnNhNmUwYzVmMmViZDQxZGNiNmExOWM1OWVkMThmNWVh" style="text-align: justify">His words were rude, but there was no hint of agressiveness. His weary eyes looked at me for a while. He turned around to lit a candle. I could finally see how he looked. He was old, somewhere around the 60s, and had gray hair. His eyes were green and his robe was made of a dark brown textile. His beard was still light brown and it was big, covering a great part of his face.</p>
<p class="cnNmYjExMWY0NDY3ZTQ2MTZhYWMyNDc3MTVjMTNjMzgx" style="text-align: justify">He was the Druid of forest Camupel.</p>
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- The Journey to the Afterlife
 
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<h1 style="margin-top: 10px" class="font-white break-word">51. ~Crashed.~</h1>
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<p lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0cm"><span style="color: #ff0000"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif">If you find mistakes, pls tell, thx. I don't like mistakes.</span></span></p>
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<p lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0cm"><span style="color: #ff0000"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif">I was asked about reading my work on other sites.</span></span></p>
<p lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0cm"><span style="color: #ff0000"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif">The answer is simple: Currently I am not active in any other networks than royalroadl.com. Only here, I correct mistakes and errors.</span></span></p>
<p lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0cm"> </p>
<p lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0cm"><span style="color: #ff0000"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif">If you read it anywhere else and have to pay for it, or have to deal with an annoying amount of advertisement, You Are Being Betrayed.</span></span></p>
<p lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0cm"><span style="color: #ff0000"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif">You would do good if you make other people in that network aware of it. This is a free project of mine for the purpose of having fun. And if people try to make money with it you shouldn't bother visiting their website.</span></span></p>
<p lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0cm"> </p>
<p lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0cm"><span style="color: #ff0000"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif">I have no problem with translation and reposting of the story, as long as the person in question isn't doing it for money or stealing my identity.</span></span></p>
<p lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0cm"> </p>
<p lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0cm"><span style="color: #ff0000"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif">The only one whom I actually allowed to have my work on his website is Armaell who invested the time to compile them into pdf.</span></span></p>
<p lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0cm"><span style="color: #ff0000"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif">(<a href="http://armaell-library.net/author/andur">http://armaell-library.net/author/andur</a>)</span></span></p>
<p lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0cm"> </p>
<p lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0cm"> </p>
<p lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0cm"><span style="color: #ff0000"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif">###############################################################</span></span></p></div>
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<p class="cnM5ZDE3OTkwMmI1MzQwNWJiMjUyNTM2YmE2MDM0YjU1" lang="en-GB"><span style="font-size: 1.3em"><em>“I will feel no guilt on shutting my door to those who didn't listen.”</em></span></p>
<p class="cnNkZDY3NDliMGU2ZjQwZTBiNzY2MzkwODE1NDM5Mjk5" lang="en-GB"> </p>
<p class="cnMzOTBhYWRmMTEwZjQ3NjM4ZGRmNTBhMmI0NDE0MTNh" lang="en-GB">- The Journey to the Afterlife</p>
<p class="cnM1YWRiMDQ0ZjA5ODQ3MzU4MTBlNTU1YjVmYzQ1NjFh" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0cm"> </p>
<p class="cnM4NzhmYmM5NGZiMjRmZmRiZDM5ZDFhYmUyY2UwNGRm" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0cm"><span style="color: #ff420e"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif">***Spirit Realm***</span></span></p>
<p class="cnMzYTg1MzMyYjY3ZTQ0NzhiMWU2Mjk1YmRkOTJkNjhi" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0cm"><span style="color: #ff420e"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif">***Marcus***</span></span></p>
<p class="cnM4YTcwYWU5NWQyODQ1MjhiNDJkYWJhODk0NDVhZDNi" lang="en-GB"> </p>
<p class="cnMxYzYyNzkwMjdhMDRiN2JhMmE1MGZjYjA0MDdmMjA1" lang="en-GB">There isn't much time until we crash, so I take Seria in my arms and summon as many barriers as I can. Shade's previous incarnation never struck me as a trustworthy character and his new ego as Shade seems to be even more unstable. Why isn't he using any weapons on the pyramid? They must have thrice as many people over there as us. If we board them, we surely have to pay the price in blood.</p>
<p class="cnM5MTNmMWI1ZGExYzQ0MTM4ZTZhYzc3NDBkYTI0ZTc1" lang="en-GB">Shade's attention is suddenly on us. Again, he is ignoring the screen in front of us where the pyramid is rapidly growing larger, making everyone aware of the difference in size. “Hey, don't grope my daughter in my presence! Go and get a room!”</p>
<p class="cnNjOTc0MWY2MDg3NzQ2NmI4ZmRiZDFhOTRkMjU3NGFj" lang="en-GB">“Oh, I don't know, Dad. He is just holding me so that he can protect me. It's nice to have a man with protective instincts.” Seria chuckles and uses her position to pinch my arm as if I am a piece of meat. Then she takes my hand and guides it lower, suggesting something inappropriate. It makes my blood boil, igniting the wish to find a quiet place and...</p>
<p class="cnNlMWQ2NjRkYTgwOTRjNDBiN2Q3NjlmZjVlN2JlZTU5" lang="en-GB">I've to correct myself. They are both mad! We are engaging the enemy and they are thinking about that!</p>
<p class="cnM1M2I0ZjVhMTMxMzQ2ZmM4YjJkZmVhN2MyNjUyYjVm" lang="en-GB">One moment later, our shield makes contact with the pyramid's and there is a blinding flash of light. Then we impact the other ship and the sudden change in velocity throws some of the people forward, despite them holding onto their consoles. Shade is almost unaffected, as he apparently has enough safety measures in place. One of my wards is also intended to dampen the effects of impacts, which I was able to apply to this situation. All Seria and I feel, is a soft rocking motion. It's definitely better than being thrown across the room.</p>
<p class="cnNiNTY1NzI1NjJhYTQ5YmViZDI2NzAzOGJlNWUyNmZl" lang="en-GB">The camera vision goes dark as we smash through the pyramid’s metal hull and the first person view on the main screen is replaced by a three dimensional representation of the collision.</p>
<p class="cnM2YzE1MTlmNzNlNjRkZGM5YTU5NDg4NWY4ZDhlMzY3" lang="en-GB">Being inside the silent command bridge makes the whole collision somehow unreal. The citadel digs itself deep into the pyramid, tearing through metal plates and crushing them as if they were paper. It feels like the entire collision takes seconds until the tactical display decides to show us a blue model of the citadel being lodged halfway inside the red model of the pyramid. Some blue and red fragments signal that the collision also threw out some debris, which is now spiralling away from us.</p>
<p class="cnMzMmE3NWI5MTEzNDQ0NGM4ZTNmNzBmYTE2OWQ2Mzdl" lang="en-GB">“We broke off some of our decorative elements. I've to take ramming tactics into account for my next design.” Shade complains and manipulates his console, zooming closer in to get a better picture of the pyramid's layout. It seems like our sensors are now able to penetrate the pyramid, giving us a map of its design.</p><p class="cmFlYjhjYTAxMGE1ZjQ2ZjA4ZTkyYzMzMjVkMWE4NWEz">Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.</p>
<p class="cnMyNGE0ZGJlYzQxZDRkZDg5YjExMzE3NjNhN2Y3YTkw" lang="en-GB">Seria separates herself from me and crosses her arms in front of her chest. “Well, that was certainly not what you designed the citadel for. Do you care to explain why we suddenly had to go kamikaze on them?”</p>
<p class="cnNjNjIxNjIxNWUwNzRjOThiMDVmNjE5MDcxMzIzMTU4" lang="en-GB">Shade furrows his forehead and zooms the map farther out until we can see the whole swarm. “There are simply too many of them. Sooner or later the ship would run out of energy, so I decided to hide in the only safe place I could find.”</p>
<p class="cnMwMjc0MGVhMTRlNjQ5YjA5MjVlNGQ5Y2Q3ZGQwYThj" lang="en-GB">I almost double over. “Hide? Safe place?” How the hell did he come to that conclusion!?</p>
<p class="cnNmNWVlNmViZjY2ZTQzY2I5MmY1YWZhZThjZTAwMGU3" lang="en-GB">Seria's father spreads his hands and gestures at the screen. “Isn't it obvious? Most of the spirits have less intelligence than a chicken. I highly doubt that they can differentiate between friend and foe, so the ones who are using them as drones must keep them away from their base, or control centre, or whatever this pyramid is. Otherwise they would attack the pyramid. And now that we are a part of the pyramid, we are also safe from attack.” Shade gets up and smiles at us. “Oh, by the way, give the command to start the boarding action.”</p>
<p class="cnM4Y2NjYTM5NmEzOTQ1NmNhZmRiZjc5ZWU2YzkyMjhl" lang="en-GB">One of the operators starts giving instructions and the map zooms closer once more, deploying markers for our troops as they are leaving the citadel. I watch the scene for a few seconds, hoping that Shade didn't jump to conclusions too fast. After a while I've to admit that he is right. The spirits aren't attacking the pyramid, instead they are staying at a respectful distance.</p>
<p class="cnNkYjIxNjRkMjNlMTQ2OWNiZjAyZGJkM2FhMTNkNmVj" lang="en-GB">When we entered this dimension, the spirits immediately started converging on our position. It was as if they were drawn in by a magnet. But now that we are close to the pyramid, most of them seem to be returning to their positions in the swarm.</p>
<p class="cnM1YzRjYzZmZGIyYTRhOWI5NGNhN2YyMjlkZjY2YzFj" lang="en-GB">I decide to leave the boarding action to Shade and use the console next to me to call up a picture of the whole swarm. “It seems like the pyramid is the centre of the swarm. So it must also hold the Spirits close, not just repel them. Maybe the swarm disperses if we destroy the pyramid? Even if some spirits stay in place, our enemy would first have to collect all of them again.”</p>
<p class="cnM3MGFiNjEyZDU2YjRkNzNiZGNjZjU2NjQwM2UwOTE4" lang="en-GB">“And maybe they simply stay in place until they send a replacement pyramid. This is obviously not their main staging area. It’s impressive, but too small for conquering a multiverse. But your idea is certainly worth the try, once we've explored our other options.” Shade points at the big screen. “Our troops report that they encountered humanoids who are definitely not spirits, or at least the smarter version of them.”</p>
<p class="cnM1MzRhZmJhMWZiZjQzMTA5ZjhlN2FhMTllNjhkNTIw" lang="en-GB">The model of the pyramid is now filled with tactical symbols. They represent our troops as they cut their way through the foreign structure, mostly ignoring the pyramid's layout. “Why aren't they using the existing tunnels and rooms?”</p>
<p class="cnMwNGI0NDhkMzQ1YjQ0M2VhZGMxNTA4YTkzNWRiZGQ2" lang="en-GB">Seria decides to enlighten me. “Standard seize procedure for foreign enemy structures. I've written the protocol for our boarding parties. They are instructed to avoid using existing tunnels wherever possible. Especially when it's so easy to cut through the structure. It causes all sorts of problems for the defenders and lessens their control over their own vessel. The more energy lines we cut, the less control they have. Taking an unexpected route through the floor or the ceiling also avoids traps and lessens the chance that our people get trapped between two fronts. Fighting in enclosed spaces is always troublesome, but more so if the opponent is more familiar with the layout. Changing the layout also ensures to lessen the enemy's advantage.”</p>
<p class="cnMyMGNlNGUwNzc3ODQxYzk5YjkwOWU4NjEwYmRhODY1" lang="en-GB">I need a moment to digest Seria's mental outburst, then I decide on an answer. “You definitely had a lot more time to think about this.”</p>
<p class="cnM4ZDIwOWE0NDM1ZjQ1YzVhOWE3ODEzODFmOTY3MDBl" lang="en-GB">She smiles. “I am my parents' executioner. That didn't only include killing people, but also taking command of our forces.”</p>
<p class="cnMyMjRlNmRkZTJkNDRiN2U4N2ZjMTY2ZDUzMmNhZTgz" lang="en-GB">An operator at one of the front consoles turns around to give us a report. “We've encountered only weak resistance so far. Seems like there are a lot less defenders than expected. The only places where our soldiers are being challenged, are at what we identified as the main power supply and the enemy command centre. The defenders have apparently given up on the rest of the pyramid.”</p>
<p class="cnNlNjAzMGUxYjY2OTQyZjI5OTNlYzIzYTFjMmQ3ZjY1" lang="en-GB">I furrow my forehead, not trusting the report. “That sounds a little too easy.”</p>
<p class="cnM0ZmI1MGM1NTMxOTRmMDhhNWNlNjg1MWQ3YmU4YzY3" lang="en-GB">Shade punches his palm with his fist. “Not in the least! I’ve waited for years for this moment.”</p>
<p class="cnNmYmQ2M2UwOWM3MDQ5ODVhMzAwMWZkZGM1MzgyNmZm" lang="en-GB"> </p>
<p class="cnMzYzFmMDZmNzhkNDRhZGRhNGFkOTE2NWNmMDkwZTk1" lang="en-GB">.</p>
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<i class="fa fa-calendar" title="Published"></i> <time unixtime="1476205974" datetime="2016-10-11T17:12:54.0000000Z" format="U" >Tuesday, October 11, 2016 5:12:54 PM</time>
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Shin slowly woke up.He could feel the changes in his body He felt different.He quickly searched his pocket.Which was weird.”Didn’t I have this (...)">
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Shin slowly woke up.He could feel the changes in his body He felt different.He quickly searched his pocket.Which was weird.”Didn’t I have this kind of pocket in middle school?”He muttered.Then (...)">
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<td>Name:Shin</td>
<td>Age:36</td>
<td> Race:Human -Demon</td>
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<td>Mana:250.000</td>
<td>Agility:250</td>
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<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content">
<p class="cnMyMWFiZGE3NTRhYjQyMjFiYzExYWI5Nzg3Mjk0ZWRi"><span style="font-weight: 400">Third Pov</span></p>
<p class="cnMwY2RhZGU5MGNhNzRjODM4YjQxYjRhMzllYWJhMDAz"> </p>
<p class="cnNmMTYwZDNlMjMzZDQ0YjZhMDg0NDIwMjJlYjBjNTg5"><span style="font-weight: 400">Shin slowly woke up.He could feel the changes in his body He felt different.He quickly searched his pocket.Which was weird.”Didn’t I have this kind of pocket in middle school?”He muttered.Then he looked down.</span></p>
<p class="cnM1OGY2YzdmZWIxODQyNTViNjdiMGUwNDcxMGU5Y2I3"> </p>
<p class="cnMxOTY0ZDBiOGEyYjRlZmZiOGNkOThjNWZmMmYxZTY0"><span style="font-weight: 400">He confirmed one thing,he had returned to the past.It was laughable.He couldn’t imagine the faces of the Heaven’s Army if they even realized he had survived.</span></p>
<p class="cnNmNWRhNDA1NWVkYTRjMTc4YTFkZjU1MDI0N2Y2N2Q1"> </p>
<p class="cnMyZTBhZDc0OGEwMjRiNGQ5MDdhYzgxODhiOTUzZDg4"><span style="font-weight: 400">He looked around,and counted.There were around fifty people here.In total there should be a hundred.He looked deep into his memories and found the memories of the beginning.They were in a cave.</span></p>
<p class="cnM5NmJjZjI5ZmZmMjQ3MTZhYjBkMmYxMzlmM2Q5OTNl"> </p>
<p class="cnMyODkzYTI3NTRhYTQ4Zjc5MGEzYjZkOWI1N2Q5ODQ3"><span style="font-weight: 400">Soon,the cave would open,revealing a huge savage forest.There they had to kill at least ten monsters before going to the Temple.There they would have to choose one of the two paths.There they would get their status bar’s.</span></p>
<p class="cnNhYjQ4MmRhNzM4NjQzYzU5YzVjNDE1MDhlMDY2YzNk"> </p>
<p class="cnNjMzk5OGFkZWIwNzRlMjQ4MGVkYmFlMWE5YzI4Y2I3"><span style="font-weight: 400">Then they had to travel in two more stages before reaching the City.There they would choose their Class and Race.</span></p>
<p class="cnM5OGViOGE0ZDRjZDRiN2U5ZjAzMjNhMDZjYzdkOTli"> </p>
<p class="cnM2NWNhYWZmNjgyMzQ1NTVhZjBhMGFlZjljZGY0ZmNk"><span style="font-weight: 400">Shin had previously chosen Swordsman and Demon as his first choices.He rose from Novice to Elite Swordsman in a flash,and became one of the thirty commanders of the Hell’s Army.But to say the truth,he was only average from the Thirty Commanders.</span></p>
<p class="cnNjMjFiMmM3M2U4MDRmOGFiNmRlMTM4MmQwNzcwYjc3"> </p>
<p class="cnM1MjhkNjQ2ZDk1ZDQ2YzY5MzY0ZTFjMDMxMmQxNTI3"><span style="font-weight: 400">But he was the last one to fall,after Satan.</span></p>
<p class="cnM2ZDhiY2IzNzEyMDQxZDZhNWRiNDc2NDU0NDFjNTRi"> </p>
<p class="cnNhMDViNmIzNWE2NzRhYTk4OGE0ODAwMWRkY2RkYzdi"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Where the hell are we?”</span></p>
<p class="cnM1ZTBmNzFlNzhhMDQxOGJhYWIzYjljNDdjMDAwOTdk"> </p>
<p class="cnMwYTIxZTZhM2EwMDRmZWNiYTk3MTFkODVkZmVlNGQ1"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Kyaaa!I was bathing and the next moment I am here naked!”</span></p>
<p class="cnNkNWMwZGE1ZTEzNTRjMjZhYTk1NzdkMDVjNDcwYTUw"> </p>
<p class="cnNlMWY3ZTZmMTc2MjQ2OTBiOTBiMDA2MDY1OGE0OTQ2"><span style="font-weight: 400">A few people were shocked.They could easily find a few people naked,it seems they had been cleaning themselves in the bathroom before being sent here.Shin knew them.They would die.’They either will become slaves or sex slaves,well both aren’t good’He thought.</span></p>
<p class="cnMwYjM3MTA0MTVlZTRhMzY5ZmUwZWY1ZDQ5ZTllZGJm"> </p>
<p class="cnM5ODg3YjJmZjcxYjQxYzNhNjQ1OGMwZjUyNTM1YjNl"><span style="font-weight: 400">Slaves were treated as trashes.They were weak,weaker than the slaver.Slave Merchant’s would put them a collar around their neck,it was made from special magic which could kill the slave if they didn’t obey.But usually a slave was sold in a high price of 1 to 10 gold coins.</span></p>
<p class="cnM5NWI1ZDlmYTkyMjQ4Njg4Y2VhY2FjOTk3MGE1ZTJm"> </p>
<p class="cnMxNGU0MzA4YjI0ZTQ5MTA5NDkzZjY5YjVkNmI2YTM4"><span style="font-weight: 400">In total there were around 100 billion slaves in the whole world of,”Heaven or Hell”.The world was divided in two pieces,Hell and Heaven.Hell usually had the most slaves,Heaven none.Or that was what everyone thought!</span></p>
<p class="cnNjYzg3NWFmYmI5MjQ5MjRhOTUwNWU5NmVmMjhhYmUx"> </p>
<p class="cnM1YTg5ZTUzYTkyMTQzMzI4MjEwMjgyMjM1NWUzNGMz"><span style="font-weight: 400">Every angel was a slave!</span></p>
<p class="cnNiMmFiZDFhNmQxYjQyNTdhZTBjY2YzMTdiODJiMjQ0"> </p>
<p class="cnMzNjgwNjk0OTE5YjRlOGFhOTBmMTQ0YzFlMDY4MGMw"><span style="font-weight: 400">Is what everyone in the Hell Side knows!If God says,”Kill Yourself”They will do it without a second of hesitation.Although they might deny that,even the Heaven Side knew that!</span></p>
<p class="cnM1OWJkM2MzMmIwODQyMTViMTdjMzVmZDJmZjdjOTc4"> </p>
<p class="cnM0Yzk2NDg4ODVkNDRiZjhhODUwNzdiYzA3M2VjMjli"><span style="font-weight: 400">Shin looked at the cave’s opening.Soon It would open.”Then I should hurry towards the left side,there are the weakest monsters.”He muttered.He didn’t have to kill the strongest monsters to survive.</span></p>
<p class="cnNkMGM1ZTg4MzhlNjQxOGJhOWM3YzMyZGNhMTg4ZGY3"> </p>
<p class="cnNkZGRiMmZjZGU2ZjRmMDQ4MzVhNjRiNDZhMTRjYWRh"><span style="font-weight: 400">Then he smiled,”Thankfully I used my special skill,”Absorb” for every enemy I killed,getting their memories.Thus I know every place.”He smiled again and walked towards the cave’s opening place.He then stopped and started to hear the other guys.</span></p>
<p class="cnM0NGEzMTcxYmRjMTQ1ZTY5ZjUzMWE1YTY4NTJlYWVl"> </p>
<p class="cnM4Y2ZhZGNlNDdlYTRhNjZiYmU1YTMzNTE2NjlhOTdk"><span style="font-weight: 400">“What should we do?Somehow there is no way to get out!”A person shouted.</span></p>
<p class="cnM4ZGVhZjM1YmY4MTQwNmRhZjBiOGZlMWQzNzcxMmE0"> </p>
<p class="cnNiNmZlYWNkNWExOTQ5OWM4MDcyNDU1ZWQzZDU5NDg4"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Impossible!Then how did we enter?Did they block the way out?!”Another person shouted in surprise.</span></p>
<p class="cnNhZGU3N2QwYjYxMzQ4YTY5ZWExZDM2MDkxNmQ0NTI4"> </p>
<p class="cnNjZDI3Yzc3ODE0YTQ3NjliYzAzYTE5MTFjMzNkYTQ2"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Is this a dream?This should be a dream!”Another shouted.</span></p>
<p class="cnM1ZWY4MmM3ZTIxNDQyNjJhNzJhZTQyNGYxZTVhOGMy"> </p>
<p class="cnM3ZTNlZTlhNWU5ZjRlOTVhODViNmJjNzE1ZGFkODcx"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Calm Down guys,we have to face the truth,we probably have been kidnaped.”Then he came,the good hero.His hair was black and his eyes light brown.He was wearing a black school uniform and a wooden sword in his waist.</span></p><p class="cmMzZjJmNTA0Nzg1NjQwYWQ5MDAxNzE0NzVjYTIxOGNm">This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author's work.</p>
<p class="cnNkZDEyODg0Mjc1MjQ4ODViYWRlODBlMGEyNDIzZmNj"> </p>
<p class="cnMyZjRkOTU5MGM0YjQzZTdiZTc1YTliNTY1ZGU4MmYw"><span style="font-weight: 400">“The Kendo Club’s Captain?”Shin was amused.He knew who this boy was,he was Ginsuke Tama.He was known for his idiotic personality.He became a powerful person in the Heaven Army.</span></p>
<p class="cnM5YmNhOTNlMjFiNTQzZDlhMDRjZGI5ZmU1N2NhN2Q2"> </p>
<p class="cnNjZWM5NjU3ZGE1ODRiZDM5MGJjMjU3MzhlZWMzODM1"><span style="font-weight: 400">He believed in justice a lot,which was what ruined him.At least that was Shin’s thought.”Kidnapped?”Another person was stunned.</span></p>
<p class="cnNmZTgyNjQyNDIzNjQxZmI5Mjg3ZjVjMGVmYjQ4Yjhl"> </p>
<p class="cnNiNDk1ZThkYTA2NjQ3NDlhYTdiOWJkMGU1ZjE0NGY3"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Yes.Judging from the cave,it’s probably thousands of years old,do any of you know of a cave this huge and old?”He asked.The cave was certainly huge,capable of easily holding a hundred people.Such a cave couldn’t be called ,”Small”.</span></p>
<p class="cnM1YzZmMjExYTRiZTQwYWY5OTM2MTk3MTQwMzIyODAz"> </p>
<p class="cnMyMDE4MDIyMjBlNDQwNzRhNDA5ZTI3MTUxMjViY2Mw"><span style="font-weight: 400">“No,I am not bragging but I study in a high level university,and study geography,but have never heard of such a cave,especially in our homeland,Japan.”A guy with glasses said.”I agree”A smart looking boy said nodding.</span></p>
<p class="cnNiYzVlYTM4OGI3ODQ3ZGNiMGZmNDlhZDgyYjM5OTU1"> </p>
<p class="cnNiNzE1NmRkMzA2NjQxM2Q5ZjY0MzgyNjcwNWNkYmNh"><span style="font-weight: 400">There were few university students here,and also even fewer people who studied that part.”What about outside Japan?”Ginsuke asked.”Nope,I doubt there is any cave like this inside 25 million km outside Japan.”The person with glasses said.</span></p>
<p class="cnM4ZGQzMzUyYTBlYzRhN2FiOGNjNjI1NDkyMGJmNWIw"> </p>
<p class="cnM0ZTBmM2ZhMzE0YzRhYWQ4NGMxOTRhYTE2NTgzOTM0"><span style="font-weight: 400">It was also impossible for a person to travel 25 million km in just one day,they would have been awake,at least several times,but they didn’t meaning they were in Japan,or not, sadly they weren’t in Earth anymore,they were in another bigger planet.</span></p>
<p class="cnNhY2UyZmY0NGM4MzQxYTNiNjBhZWY5Yzk1ZjZlMTk1"> </p>
<p class="cnM2NDMwODRkZGQzZjQ1ZTc5NjhjNWQ1MTE2YzY3ZWQy"><span style="font-weight: 400">The biggest planet in the universe to be exact.Shin smiled,”How much time until they realise.”He thought to himself.</span></p>
<p class="cnNhMjNmMTVmYjExMzQ2NGI5MDM5ZjM2ZDE1YzlhYThm"> </p>
<p class="cnMyNTMyYTMyNDQwZjQ1NjI4ZjE4OTc4OTEyMTcyYzJh"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Then there is only one answer,”We are no longer in Earth.””Ginsuke sighed others protested saying he was crazy,but they thought the same thing in their hearts.Where else could they be?In the moon?Impossible,they would need special suits to move or even breath.</span></p>
<p class="cnMzYzgyNDg2YjY3ZDQ2ZTQ5YjAzY2I5NWQyNmM4NzAz"> </p>
<p class="cnNlZmJhODY0OTQ0MDQ0MzQ4N2I5NWMzOWZiMDU2MDA2"><span style="font-weight: 400">But they had no difficulties breathing at all.That proves they were in an advanced planet,where breathing and talking weren’t a problem,and neither was moving.But they had a single question,”Then,how could they get out?”</span></p>
<p class="cnNjNDVlYmUwNTZjZTQ1NDFiMDJlYWQzYzJmNmI0MDk3"> </p>
<p class="cnMyNDVkOTk5ZWI1MjQ0NjE4MjEyZjlhYzIyYTZiYmNj"><span style="font-weight: 400">Shin smirked.The cave would open soon.The reason it hadn’t opened still was because it was testing if everyone was capable of at least trying to ‘fight’ the weakest monsters.</span></p>
<p class="cnNmOWJiM2M2NGY3ZTQ2ZGViMGE2ZTc0Nzc5MTA3MDAz"> </p>
<p class="cnM3NDJlOTQ3MzNlNDRlZjc5NzEwY2JlNzFlY2ZkYTBh"><span style="font-weight: 400">Monsters were neutral,they mostly were creatures which weren’t smart,like Goblins or Orc’s or even Ogre’s.Shin could easily deal with Goblins but first he had to take a weapon.When they left,the first people to go out would get the best weapons like,”Steel Sword” and the last got Wooden Swords or simply sticks.</span></p>
<p class="cnM5MWZjZTQ2NzY5ZjRlODBhNDU5YzRkYTI1NTY2MzI1"> </p>
<p class="cnMxOTNiYmZiM2U1MjRjMjZhZmM4MDNkMTk5NjNjYTEx"><span style="font-weight: 400">It was miserable.But also the best would receive special bonuses,like reinforced Steel Sword,ten times stronger than normal Steel Sword.</span></p>
<p class="cnNjNWI5MjRkYzczZjRmZjJhY2ZhOTYwOWQ4MDc1MGMx"> </p>
<p class="cnM1ODQ0ZTZjZDIzNzQxZTU5Nzc5OGUyNjZhMzc4ZTNl"><span style="font-weight: 400">They could easily cut Goblins in two like tofu.People who got them,usually had the potential to become Captains,a level lower than Commander.But they were also strong.They couldn’t be underestimated.</span></p>
<p class="cnMzZWU1YWY2ODZjZDRiMDdhZTQxOWYyNWU5NGNmMGY2"> </p>
<p class="cnMxZDVlMTZmNjY5ZjQ2YTVhZmQ3YTJjNGM0Y2M4NDZk"><span style="font-weight: 400">Then as expected chaos arrived.The one hundred civilians started to fight,some from fear some from anger or rage.Shin slowly got up and looked at the wall,it was wet.That was strange,”That could’ve made it wet?”Then he realized,he had forgotten something.</span></p>
<p class="cnNjNzkzZDg0ZWJiMjQ0MmE4ODI4NDU5NzgwZDY5YTI3"> </p>
<p class="cnNiMjYwNjc4MDg1MjRjZDA4OGQwMTFiZmM2MWI3ZDAy"><span style="font-weight: 400">Or to be exact,a monster.”The Water Spider!”Shin shouted in his mind.Water Spiders were very dangerous.They could easily poison a person.But there was a way to not get attacked from them,It was to make a strange noise,which Shin Immediately did.</span></p>
<p class="cnM5MzJmYTk5NTc2MzQ4ZWY5Njg3ZTNkZThiZGI2ODY3"> </p>
<p class="cnNiNzFjZjYyYmM4ZTQ0Y2JiNzAwMDhlNTYxM2FiYjNh"><span style="font-weight: 400">Water Spiders were powerful monsters,capable of killing all the newbies if they wanted.The other people thought of him as strange,but Shin didn’t care.In his first life he wasn’t very friendly,you could say he had no friends,but everyone relied on him in wars.</span></p>
<p class="cnNjYjBmMTExZjI2ODQwOGQ5ZmQ2YmI2YTg5ZmE2NzMy"> </p>
<p class="cnM0MTNhODU0YmQxZDRjMTc5NmY1OGJiOTk5OThmMGQ3"><span style="font-weight: 400">Shin looked at the wet wall,It showed him,his face and body.His hair was black with a bit of brown mixed in it,his hair was short and spiky,his eyes were blue like the sea,and he was just a bit higher than average in terms of muscles.</span></p>
<p class="cnM0OWFkNDY1MzA0NDRlNGRhZDI0ZDNlMjAzN2NjODUx"> </p>
<p class="cnNkNTJkMGZkNDc5ODQ5MGJiOGI5ZmNkNDg1YTA2OGEx"><span style="font-weight: 400">He was only fourteen,but he was sure no sixteen years student could defeat him easily.But that didn’t matter now.Water Spiders couldn’t be defeated with fists alone.Even Steel Swords would have a hard time,let alone Iron Swords which were weaker than Steel Swords.</span></p>
<p class="cnM1ZjhkMzllZWUxNDQ0OTE4MmZmNjc5ZjllYTdmYjE2"> </p>
<p class="cnNhY2YwZjQ1NDBkMjRmMWE5OTM4M2NlZTJhY2RkMmVh"><span style="font-weight: 400">“I have to hurry!”Shin thought loudly and suddenly the cave opened,he rushed outside,and so did most people,but a few were slower and were slaughtered and eaten by the Water Spider,alive.</span></p>
<p class="cnNhYjAzZmExZjI2ZTQzZTdiMjVjMzk1YWNkZTRlYzY2"> </p>
<p class="cnM5YTQ3YzFlODM2ZTRmNWZhNzRlOGM5ODc0MWM2Y2Jj"><span style="font-weight: 400">Shin couldn’t do anything,after all,he no longer was the predator,he was the prey.</span></p>
<p class="cnNiMjZhYjI2YjIyYzQ4OTY5ODhiM2UzYmY0NDRiNjFl"> </p>
<p class="cnM2MDA2Mzg0YmIzYjQ5ZThiMGRjM2E5NzA1YWRjOTg4"><span style="font-weight: 400">He ran and ran,straight where he wanted to go.He didn’t even bother checking what weapon he got.After a nice tens of minutes of running he stopped,checking where he was.Before him,was a huge huge forest.Covered in tall trees of green.He looked and found his weapon,it was a ten times reinforced Steel Sword.</span></p>
<p class="cnMyMGYzYmY0NmQ5MzRiMmZiYmM5MmZiNGMxNjM0MjZl"> </p>
<p class="cnM5Nzg4YjVmMjA5ZTQxODNiNmU3NGY0MjMzMTc2Zjgw"><span style="font-weight: 400">The Steel Sword was pure white,with a long blade and the handle covered in a strong leather with a “X” sign over it.Shin tried swinging it,but it seems his strength was still low,and he failed.</span></p>
<p class="cnNmODUwZmU3MWQ3MTQ1ZmI5NDA5NjE4MGI2MWY4ZWM1"> </p>
<p class="cnMyZTMwNDk3MDA4ODQzOGRiMTdkNzE3ZTA0MjhiNjQ1"><span style="font-weight: 400">He tried and tried for minutes,before finally doing it.But it didn’t have enough force.The push was weak.At least that was what Shin thought.He took a huge breath and thrust the sword forward,the strength in the attack was small.</span></p>
<p class="cnNlYmNmZWFlOGM3YjQxOTU4MzMwYmE0Y2QzM2MwZTBh"> </p>
<p class="cnNiMWQ1YWRiOTNmODQ2YThiNjQwMzczNzZkOTZiYzRj"><span style="font-weight: 400">There was one thought in his mind right now,’Fix’.Fix his strength.He quickly started training,doing push-ups,climbing trees with one hand and leg,climbing rocks with only one hand and two legs.</span></p>
<p class="cnMyM2I5NTBjZjI1MTQ1ODZhMTMyNzRjNmM5NmFkN2Nj"> </p>
<p class="cnNmMzQ4NWIxNTBiMjRhZGY5YjU3NGQ0MGUwZTU1Y2Jm"><span style="font-weight: 400">All this took a whole week.But it didn’t bother him.Most newbies took at least one month before finishing the first stage.He then tried to swing the Steel Sword,it was at least fifty times easier.That wasn’t a surprise.</span></p>
<p class="cnNkMTI3YWNmOTZlMTQ5MTA4N2QyMjRlNWMzNzI5OWU1"> </p>
<p class="cnNhMTE1ZmNmNjg0NjQxOTY4NTg0MjIyZDA3OTg2Yjcx"><span style="font-weight: 400">The training he did could only be called,”Hellish”.Only because of his endurance of his previous life did he manage to survive it.Then it appeared,a goblin.</span></p>
<p class="cnNlNmYxYjRjZmE1ZTQ1ODNhNjFlYjFiOGQzYWVhNTk2"> </p>
<p class="cnMwNDExNDU3Y2YxZDRlMzQ5NjQ5YjcyOTQ0YjU3MDE0"><span style="font-weight: 400">Goblins were one of the weakest monsters,after the slimes.It looked silently at Shin.This Goblin had leather armour and a huge iron rod which it used to attack.It was around 50-70 centimeters,still a lot shorter than Shin,by at least 100 centimeters.</span></p>
<p class="cnM4ZDRmOWJkMGJjYzRjMzU5MzUzYzU5MDc5NTA3ZWI0"> </p>
<p class="cnM4ZTgyNmY2ZWQ5YzQzZjZhNzNmNDAyZDljN2EzZDA2"><span style="font-weight: 400">Shin smiled and looked down,he lowered his body and took a rock on his hand.He threw the rock with all his strength straight into the poor green goblin.Although It didn’t kill it,it certainly was painful.</span></p>
<p class="cnNkODk3YjZlOGRlNTQ5MDY4NzY0NDJhZjMwMDNhNzlk"> </p>
<p class="cnM5OGU1MmUyZjQ0OTRkNWFhODEzM2M5YTBhNDQyMjkw"><span style="font-weight: 400">Especially for Goblins who had weaker defenses.The Goblin raised it’s hand in pain and attacked,swinging the sword straight into Shin who evaded it moving right.He did a lower kick,making the Goblin fall into the ground.</span></p>
<p class="cnMyYmE5OWE1MDI0MDQ0MTY5OWUxMTFlNWNkN2YyYjM0"> </p>
<p class="cnMyNWQ0YmQ3ZGEwYzRiNWRhNzg1MWNhYjY5MmFmNTFk"><span style="font-weight: 400">It cried in pain and slowly got up.Shin did yet another kick,the Goblin fell again,this time it never got up,Shin ended it with a piercing sound of his blade.He had pierced it’s body with the Steel Sword.</span></p>
<p class="cnMyNzk5Y2RlMTU1NzQxNzg4MzQzNWFiNGRlYjFkYjNk"> </p>
<p class="cnMwZjg1OWUyNDc5MzRmNWQ4NTljZDYxZGE3MjNlY2Ey"><span style="font-weight: 400">He then lowered his body,and looked at the Goblin.He slowly took his leather armour and washed it,and wore it.He then let the Iron rod alone,he didn’t want it.</span></p>
<p class="cnM5OTMzMTM2NjRlZDQzNWM4YjJmYWEyY2NmNGE1OTc4"><br><span style="font-weight: 400">Then he looked at the sky,”Just how many lives will have to die,just for peace?...”He muttered.</span></p>
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<h1 style="margin-top: 10px" class="font-white break-word">Chapter 5- Promise</h1>
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<div class="portlet-body author-note"><p> This chapter is about 4000 words, so it gets posted as one chapter. I was originally worried i wouldnt be able to get past 3000 words for this one without it seeming repetitive, but it turned out fine. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Im posting it because im still riding the high of people reading my story and enjoying it. Every amatuers dream!</p></div>
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<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content">
<p class="cnNhMTJiNjRlOTFiYzQ1NzJhYWVlOTQ2YjI5NTYwZDhi"><em> Ryder woke up, his alarm beeping quietly to his side. He groaned, smacking the machine into silence. He settled back into the bed, glancing over by his side, where an angel lay soundly sleeping, hugging his arm, not letting him get up. She was the love of his life, and they were finally living together. The house was not theirs, and took up a big portion of their paycheck, but it was home.</em></p>
<p class="cnNkNzBiMjBlOGJlODRmMzFhYTcxZDRkNmQzNDdiNzEz" style="text-align: justify"><em> The bedroom was barely large enough to hold their queen sized bed. The walls were old, and the paint had faded long before they moved in. Even the ceiling fan that hung from the faded white ceiling looked ancient. The house had been built in the 1950’s though, so they expected such things when they moved in. She said it showed the house had character. </em></p>
<p class="cnNlMWZkZmJiOTg5MTRlNGRhNGE3ZTVmMTQxNDZjMjMw"><em> He suddenly had a thought. A hand slipped underneath the covers. </em></p>
<p class="cnMxMWFiMjcwMWY2MzQwMWZhZjM2ZWY3MTBjZWQxY2I1"><em> “Ryder, you’re going to make us late for work” </em></p>
<p class="cnNmN2VhNjVjOGRjMTRlMzNhNDAxOTYyN2ExN2ViMDM0"><em> He slid his hand farther underneath the blanket. </em></p>
<p class="cnNjMzM3NjJmNGZhNDQ0MWFiYzc1MjBhMzlkYmYyYzA3"><em> Some things are worth being late to work for” </em></p>
<p class="cnNlOGE5ZGY1NmYwOTQzZTBhMzdlNTAzNDY3MjZhMjk3"><em> She rolled over to face him, giving him her best rendition of a pout. He chuckled at her display, not fooled at all, mostly because he felt hands moving towards him. </em></p>
<p class="cnNlYWQ0YmEyNzY4MzQ3OTZiYzNlMWJlNDQ0ZjZhYmM3"><em> To tickle him. </em></p>
<p class="cnMxZDJkODJmZjQ1YjRiOGRhZDYxOTBkMTkzZGEyOTM0"><em> “Hehe, stop that, you know I’m super ticklish!”</em></p>
<p class="cnMwYjlkZTM4NTc5NTQ0YWZhNjJjN2JiYmM2MmY3ZTA3"><em> The two squirmed around in bed, both competing for the top position and dominance. Ryder counterattacked her waist, knowing all her ticklish spots. </em></p>
<p class="cnM1MWZmNDNkN2E2ZTQ4YjE4MDk5MjE1MTc2NzFiZmNj"><em> “Hehe! Revenge tickling!”</em></p>
<p class="cnMzODY2ZGI3OWIzMDRlZGI4NTNjOGFlODBhODA0ZjM4"><em> “No, not the hips. That’s my weakness, hahaha”</em></p>
<p class="cnMzM2U5MjNjOTg2MjRmYmNiOWUxMzdiNDRkOWZiMGMx"><em> The blankets caught at their ankles, and somehow she ended up on top of him, straddling his waist.</em></p>
<p class="cnNhYWFjMWQwNjg4ZDRjZTliMmY4ZjhkYzM5NWU4YjIx"><em> The two stopped to stare into each other’s eyes, breathless. The temperature in the room mysteriously raised a few degrees. He leaned up and gave her a lover’s kiss.</em></p>
<p class="cnNmMjg0ZGJiMDNiNzRlZjJiYzk0MGRmN2EwN2E3ZThj"><em> She accepted, and smiled as his head settled back into the pillow. </em></p>
<p class="cnNlMTQ3ODIxMmNhMTRiMmM4YzNkNDQzMTdiMTllZTU1"><em> “No fair, I want a pillow too.”</em></p>
<p class="cnNhYTM1YWM5ODBiZTQwOGU4N2MxNmQ4YjA1NmUzMGU1"><em> “I’ll always be your pillow.”</em></p>
<p class="cnMyZTE3YWIxN2VhZjQwOTlhMjc2YjEyNWY3Y2E2NGVh"><em> she laid her head on his chest with a contented sigh. He wrapped her in his arms. He felt complete. </em></p>
<p class="cnMzNTBlNGE1YmUyZTRhNGM4MjJkMDMwNTlhNmZlZWY4"><em> “Promise me something, Ryder.”</em></p>
<p class="cnMxOGI0NTNkNTU2NDQ2NjE4YWM4ZjI5ODI5MTZmNTFm"><em> “hmm?”</em></p>
<p class="cnNkN2IyMzAyZjQwZTQwYzFiZDUxY2I3NjZlYWUxYzg1"><em> “Promise you won’t forget me…”</em></p>
<p class="cnMwY2Y2NDY3OTlhYzRmNDlhYWFjMWEzZmFkOTBmNTI0"> “<em>Never.”</em></p>
<p class="cnM3NjY4MjcyMzczMTQyY2RhNGViNjZmN2QzNzJmMGVm"> He fell off the bed.</p>
<p class="cnM0MzQ2N2UzZmQ3ODQ4MjFiNWQyZjcyYTEyMTgzNDQ1"> Ryder looked around, confused. He was back in the inn. The cool wood of the floor helped to wake him up.</p>
<p class="cnMyYzZkZjU0YmNjODQxNzU5NzdlMmFkZTNmMGYyMzBh"><em> “Ah, I see. It was another dream.”</em></p>
<p class="cnNmYjQwZjZiOGYwMTQ0NTA5ZTkyODhkYWQzOGM2ZmNj"> His legs were still on the bed. He let them fall to the floor. They brought with them a light blanket.</p>
<p class="cnNiMzUzYTMyMzIxZjQwODJhZDJkOWU1OGExY2UzY2E5"> ‘Sigh’</p>
<p class="cnNmMTcwMGNjNzFiMDQyMDI4YTY2N2Y1Nzg4MGQwMzAx"> He climbed back onto the bed, this time sitting on it, and picked up the blanket. He had gotten used to sleeping in cold weather, so he hadn’t needed a blanket, but it still made the night more comfortable.</p>
<p class="cnMwZmI5OGEwMmEzZjRkNDk5NGViOGQ4MzU1ZWUwMjY5"> He began folding the blanket, thinking back to his dream.</p>
<p class="cnMxOTJlZWYxNzYxZDQ4NjA4MDc5OTZhYjY2MDc2ODFi"><em> “It had been so real. I wish I never woke up. What I wouldn’t give to be back there, with her.”</em></p>
<p class="cnNjYjY3OTUyZTAxNDQyODNhM2Q1ZmRhYWZlYjdlMzc4"> He laid the blanket next to him on the bed.</p>
<p class="cnMxNjhkMjgzMjIwYTQ1NjI5YjMzOGNkMDZkMzgzNDYw"><em> “Even a year after… I’m still having these dreams. I miss you…so much”</em></p>
<p class="cnNmZTdlY2Y2OTFlMzQyYTViMWQwOWQ5M2MyYTdkNzI1"> A sudden thought struck him.</p>
<p class="cnNmMzdhNDRhNmQ1ODRmOWI4ODRjYThhOWZkOGZiMWQ0"> A knife appeared in his hand, pulled from his ring. He handled the blade, studying it, testing the edge.</p>
<p class="cnNhMDMzNjUxODliNTRjYmQ5NmNlMGE0ZTZiMjAxNTkx"><em> “If there are gods, there must be some kind of afterlife. If I kill myself… Will I be able to see you again?”</em></p>
<p class="cnM2NWY3ZjYzNWRjYjQ3OThhNThhNmZiMWY3YmMxOWIz"> He leveled the blade with his heart, the tip poking his chest.</p>
<p class="cnM5ZmNkZTkwMDEzZDQ3MGM4YjFkMmE4YWQwMmQ3MDJk"><em> “What would you say if you knew I killed myself?”</em></p>
<p class="cnM0MjExOGQ0MGIwZTQwYjk5NWFhMTY1MDcxNzAyYjNm"> The thought shattered his surging resolve. His hands trembled.</p>
<p class="cnNlMjU5YmM3YjExZTQxZmJhZWJhYjE0NTE1MTc3YjRm"><em> “I know what you would say. You would call me a coward. You would get so angry. You’d probably ignore me for three days, and snap at me whenever you saw me. Your so cute when your angry…”</em></p>
<p class="cnM3YWIyZDBjNTMzYzQ4ZGY5ODcxNDZmN2Q3NzgxYTdh"> The knife disappeared into the ring.</p>
<p class="cnM4ZGUxODdmNDIxYTRjOTE4MTQ4ZjY4OTQxN2FhNTIz"><em> “God I miss you Luna…”</em></p>
<p class="cnNjMjM0YTcwNzdjMDRiOGZiNWM4OTE5M2YyNTc3NWQ0"> ‘Inhale’</p>
<p class="cnM5OTc1MjgwNGE1ZTQ5YWQ5OWZkNDgzN2JlYzI0NGZh"> ‘exhale’</p>
<p class="cnM0NjE5NDlkN2VlZDRkMDY4MWZlMDE1M2NkMzEyMGJm"> He stood, shaking his thoughts from his mind. His muscles still hurt, and the bruises had turned ugly. It meant that they were healing though.</p>
<p class="cnNiMjhlZGIyMjUyNDQ2YjM5OGU2MTE5MGI2OWI5NGFj"><em> “I need to get some food and get going, I can’t keep dwelling on her…”</em></p>
<p class="cnM2MTM1MTI0ZDc5MDQ3MTViZTE0NmZjMmY0OTRlZGQy"> He left the blanket on his bed and made his way out of his room, and over to the bar. The grizzled bartender was nowhere to be found. Lisa, however, gave him a look as he slipped onto a stool.</p>
<p class="cnM3NjEzZDA4MDk5NDRlNjM5NjFkYjlmNmQyMWRkZmU2"> “Wow, you look like crap. Here”</p>
<p class="cnM0ZjI4NmIwOThmZDQzMjVhZjUwNTdlNzRkOTQ5MmQ5"> A mug appeared in her hand, filled with a steaming concoction he didn’t recognize.</p>
<p class="cnNjYjBkNzFhZGU2ODRmZjFiMGJiNjlmYzlmYWQ3NzI2"> “Drink this, it will make you feel better.”</p>
<p class="cnNkMTQzYTJjMzUxMjQzZjg4NDA1MmNkZTUwYzQ2OTg1"> Ryder took a glance at the brew, but didn’t really care. He downed it. The alcohol burned as it rolled down his throat.</p>
<p class="cnM3YjM1MTA1NmQ1ZDQ3MTg4ZTk5OTk0MjgzOWVmNGRj"> “Woah, slow down there. Sip it, it’s pretty strong”</p>
<p class="cnNiZjMwMmU5MmM3MDQ4MjE5ODIzMDg2YTA4NTg4ZDBk"> Lisa advised, but it made no difference. He had already finished it, the last drop falling onto his tongue.</p>
<p class="cnMxYTMyZmQxZmNlZjRjNGFiZTU2OTRmMTQ5NDVjMWI4"> “Thank you for that. I think I needed it.” His voice was gruff, the alcohol still burning his throat.</p>
<p class="cnNjNTcwYmU2YTZmMzQ0ODA5MzZmODI4N2FiZDM0ZDI3"> “Gosh, younglings these days think that there untouchable. You’re going to be feeling that for the rest of the day you know.”</p>
<p class="cnMyNTgzMDc0M2FiNTQzNzY4ZDA0Yjc2MDhhZGYwMzY3"> “Hopefully. What’s for breakfast?”</p>
<p class="cnNhMWIzMWY5NWE1ZjQxYTA5Yzk5YWI5NTY0NWY0MGIz"> Lisa clicked her tongue at him, not happy with him changing the subject, but relented</p>
<p class="cnNiYzBlOTFlNWFiZjRiMzA4NjQ2MmFlNGVhYjBhNTli"> “Krill omelets. I know you usually get two portions, but these omelets are huge, you really won’t need to get two. Save it for buying Yuri dinner again”</p>
<p class="cnNkZDFiY2VkZDIwNjRiNGFiZjM2NzJlOWIxOTg1YzA5"> Ryder grumbled under his breath, suppressing the curses he almost blurted out. He was in no mood for being teased today.</p>
<p class="cnMyNzdlNWVkYjYyYTRiMDBiZDMxYjE1ZWQxNmUyMDU5"> “I’ll take one then.”</p>
<p class="cnM3MGNiMTk1YzM3OTQ1NDZhOGI4ZGZlZjA4Y2VhNmMy"> Lisa seemed to take the hint, for she sauntered away without another word.</p>
<p class="cnM5Zjk5ZGRkMjhjNTQ0YjFhNzJiNDZjZjM5ZTk3ODNi"> Ryder turned in his chair, observing the people, or the lack of, in the place. It had always been relatively packed when he had been in here, and yet it seemed mornings were the exception. Though, the day before there had been more people in here, so maybe it was just chance.</p>
<p class="cnMxMWIwMTAyMjZmMDQzNDg4Y2MyNWIyYTMxYjQ5ZWU2"> That meant less noise and people to bother him though, so he didn’t really mind. He turned back to the bar, noticing the grizzled bartender had appeared.</p>
<p class="cnM1Mjg2MTExYjdiZjQ1NTFiMDU4ZGJiOTQ5NDg3NDVi"><em> “I didn’t even hear him walk up…”</em></p>
<p class="cnMxOTYzNGZiZGM1ZTRiOTg4ZTk5NTExYzcxYTI4MzJl"> He was giving Ryder a thoughtful look, as if trying to decide if he was worth writing words onto the board to talk to. Apparently he was.</p>
<p class="cnM1MGU3ZDZmYmM0MTRiNGU5ZWFkYmQ5OGE0YjdmOGJh"> ‘Bad dreams?’</p>
<p class="cnM1NzJkNDgzODcyMzQ0OWU5NjE2ZjM4YmM5MjZkNjAw"> Ryder gave it a glance, shocked at the truth of the words and the man’s ability to read people.</p>
<p class="cnM2NzJkZDkxNDlkNTRjNTZiYjM3MDRlYjM5NmQ1ZTU1"> “You could say that. I don’t want to talk about it.”</p>
<p class="cnM4NjBjN2M0YmUwYjRmZTBiZDJmMWI3ZDZhYjliODAz"> The grizzled bartender didn’t even pause at his words.</p>
<p class="cnM1OTY4MDZkMjFkZDRhNGVhZDNhNWFlNzc0NGEyODIw"> ‘It gets better.’</p>
<p class="cnMyYjA0YTYwYmEzNzQ4NDVhZGVlZjJhMzRkMjUwMjlm"> “No it fucking doesn’t!”</p>
<p class="cnMyYTgwZjlkMTU1YzRiOWY4YWUyMjI1N2I4ZGRjOGRj"> The words had come out louder and harsher than he intended, garnering looks from the few people in the place, and even surprising the bartender for a second.</p>
<p class="cnNiZThiZmIyODY0YjQzOGE5YWVjYzM2ZDU0MWI3NWNl"> ‘Must be a girl.’</p>
<p class="cnM4ZjYxMmQxZmMzNTRmMDk5ZTU5NDBmMzYyNTNjZGFj"> “I said I didn’t want to talk about it. Go away.”</p>
<p class="cnMwNWQ3MDgyYTJkNTRhMDc5YTNmNmJhMmM1MzNiMGEw"> The bartender was interrupted before he could reply by Lisa, who placed a large plate and a mug of spring water on the bar in front of Ryder.</p>
<p class="cnNiNjViNTVhMzE0OTRmM2E5MjMwNGQ4MzJkZGNmOWM1"> Ryder handed Lisa two Seps, and dug into the meal, speaking no more words. Lisa gave the bartender a look, and he nodded, moving away from the bar and following Lisa into the kitchen.</p>
<p class="cnNhMjFjYjRhNGRiMTRhNTg5MGY1MzBmZDY5N2MyMmFl"> “What was that about, Tanka?’</p>
<p class="cnMyZWNlMGUxMmM4OTRmYzI5OGZiZjdiYTM5OTc1NmFl"> ‘Anger hides grief, and regret.’</p>
<p class="cnNlYTMyODMzNDU3OTQ2NDU5MmYzNmQzNWNmMWI2ZDNh"> Tanka flipped the board, showing Lisa. An eyebrow perked up at that.</p>
<p class="cnMyMjk5ZmVkYzg5NjQyZmRhNzU3ZThjNzAyYzAzNzcy"> “Hmm, well… Everyone has their secrets, and a past. Nothing we can do about it besides give him some space.”</p>
<p class="cnNmODdjZWQwYWFjODRhODBhZjEzMTI1NWI4OTc4ZWJi"> Tanka shook his head with more passion than normal. A furious scribbling sounded out through the kitchen.</p>
<p class="cnNiYjViY2E5YTM5NTQ4Y2ZiNzgwNTE3N2E5MzczMTBh"> ‘That man is being eaten alive by it…’</p>
<p class="cnM2OThiZTg3OTA4ZDRlMGJhOTI2ZWJlNTYwNGY3YWNj">—Meanwhile…</p>
<p class="cnNkYTk4MmFlNjc1NTQ1ZjViMzZjZWZlZmZkOWQ2ZTY4"> Ryder had finished his meal and downed his spring water. The alcohol had started to hit him on his way to the academy. He enjoyed the way the alcohol kept him from thinking.</p>
<p class="cnM4ZTAzYTE5YjU3OTQ5ZGM4MGEyOGViYjkxNzgyN2I5"> He shambled his way into the academy. He paid no mind to the same buildings that had left him speechless the day before. He had been seriously interested in the buildings methods of the people here, but today he couldn’t care less.</p><p class="cjg5ZDg2NDk4MjRhNzQ2NTZhMWE0NGVlOWIwMzMwZTZl">If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.</p>
<p class="cnMxMjAyN2I0OTlmNTQ2N2E5YjM5MzA0MzBiM2M5NDVj"> He stumbled towards the area that his class used to train. He would be practicing the sword for the whole day again. Whether the alcohol would help or hinder that remained to be seen.</p>
<p class="cnM3YTA4OTEwZDcyMDRjOGU5MjUwODAzYTA1MWE1NDA4"> Yuri spotted him from across the way, and waved, but he didn’t wave back. He didn’t wish to talk to her. He would say something he would regret. She watched him, confused, as he joined the rest of his class.</p>
<p class="cnMzMTM4YmQ3ZmY0ZjQxMWE5NzdkYWRmZTAzZGE5ZTk1"> The instructor was waiting with a cart full of wooden swords, just like yesterday. Ryder was actually a bit earlier today than he had been before, but that didn’t matter, as all of the swords were the same length and weight.</p>
<p class="cnM4MjBjOGY2ZWE3MDRkZTFhYTBiZWY0YmJlOTcxMDM2"> He received a sword from the instructor, who glanced at him oddly. He ignored the look, instead moving over to an open training dummy and waiting.</p>
<p class="cnMzN2EyZDJmMTYwNTRjMzE4NDVmMjg1NzY1NDRiNGRm"> “Alright! Yesterday we practiced hitting the blade with simple attacks, today I’m going to show you how to do it properly. All of you should be somewhat used to the pain of holding a sword now. Watch carefully!”</p>
<p class="cnMxYWVjYTA0Y2FhMTQ0NWZiYzMzMTcyY2Y4MjhiMzcz"> The students gathered around the instructor with interest, wanting to learn more. The instructor waited until everyone had a clear view of him before started.</p>
<p class="cnM4NjgwZGZhYzNiNTQxZGViMDdjNmM3ODkzNzgyNTU4"> “The key to any proper strike is based upon two things! Footwork, and blade control. With only footwork, you’ll be lucky to hit where you want to! That the difference between striking an opponent between the cracks in his armor, and harmlessly missing them completely!”</p>
<p class="cnM0ODUwMDc4MzNhODQ4MWU4YWY1NjRmODdlYmZhZWUy"> The instructor demonstrated several basic stances as he spoke.</p>
<p class="cnNkOTZiNDIwN2Q0ZDQyMjVhYWRjNWZlNjdjM2ZlMjc0"> “With no footwork and only blade control, it won’t matter if you hit your opponent, because the blade won’t have enough force behind it to seriously injure someone! These two points are the true basics of attack, as well as defense! We will get to defense later though. Now, begin practice! If I catch you slacking off, I’ll make you run the gauntlet!”</p>
<p class="cnMxZTdmNzhhZjk0YTQyMjM5N2Y2ZGYxMzhmYzJmYjMz"> A collective groan sounded out from the students. A few had been forced the run the gauntlet the day before. It was an obstacle course designed to push the students to their limits. It was also extremely exhausting.</p>
<p class="cnM4MzM0YzEzZDU1NDQ1YTU5YTljZWU4Mzk5MzZiNTQ1"> The students wasted no time beginning the practice, under the watchful eye of the instructor.</p>
<p class="cnM0ZmY2MmZiZTA1MDQ3ODM5ODg1MzBmMDM0YTM1ZTYx"> ‘Thud’</p>
<p class="cnM0NzQ5NTQyZjQ5ZjRhMmNhZDM4ZTg0ZDI0NmFlOGNi"> ‘Crack’</p>
<p class="cnMxMjVkNWIzYWE1OTRmMmNiYTBkMDhlN2Y3OTgyM2Y3"> The morning mist that had been hiding the heat burned off once the sun got high in the sky, raising the temperature into what felt like the 90’s. Whenever they got off balance during striking, or their footwork was wrong, the instructor would yell at them. If they did it often enough, they would be told to run the gauntlet. It was effective coercion.</p>
<p class="cnMxNzYyZTM0MjgzMTQ1MDM5OTFkYjA3ZTcxZGIwYzY2"> After several hours of sword practice, the instructor met them at the well.</p>
<p class="cnM2MWU3MmRlZTAyZDQ1N2M4NzQ5NjYxM2E5NGU5ZWRk"> “Listen up! Sword practice is over for today. Get washed up, the rest of the day you will be taking classes inside on the arcane. Ryder, I need to speak with you, follow me.”</p>
<p class="cnMwODlhYzg3MGQ1NzQ4YjFiNzc5NjQxYmRiOTFkOTAx"> Snickers abounded as he followed the instructor away from the group, they obviously thought he was in trouble.</p>
<p class="cnM2YTFkNjhiMzYyNzQ0MzY4Yzg4ZjA5ZmFkZDg5NzU0"> As it turned out, the instructor led him to a storage shed.</p>
<p class="cnMzYmM3NjllZTRhMjQyMDFiODNhZTA1YTNiNjNkMjZj"> “Ryder, since you can already control the arcane, you will be taking different classes than the rest of the new students. Your classes will be the older students. Here is a change of clothes, go get changed. A student will be waiting for you out here to take to the class room, so do hurry up.”</p>
<p class="cnM4ZTU2YjE0ODQyMzQzNTZhZjQwM2VmN2YwMjkxMDRi"> The instructor sauntered off with a smile on his face.</p>
<p class="cnM1NDU2YmRlYWZhZjRhYjY5OTllOGE5YTAzMjZmYWY2"> Ryder collected the clothes, noticing that they were much nicer than the clothes he wore. In fact, they seemed somewhat expensive.</p>
<p class="cnMwYWE5YzhkNTczMzQ1YWE4MWU3M2NlZTExYmY5ODE3"><em> “I must have really looked poor if they are giving me spare clothes...”</em></p>
<p class="cnMxMTE3YmIyOTgzZTQyOGFhM2ZjMTgwYTU4ZjY5M2Ni"> He wasted no time getting cleaned up, and changing into the clothes. A bucket of water had been placed inside the shed, and he used it to rinse the sweat off. His hair was still wet as he made his way out of the shed.</p>
<p class="cnM1M2E1MWEzN2M3YjQ3ZmU5NGY1MGFjNzgxODg0NjNm"> Yuri stood in front of the shed, an odd look on her face. The sword practice had helped him work off his frustration, so he greeted her with a smile.</p>
<p class="cnNhOTVlNDNiMzU5MjRlOTQ5MWIwOThjNjk2NDdlMDQ4"> “Hello Yuri, are you the one guiding me to the class? Does that mean I’ll be taking classes with other gold armband students?”</p>
<p class="cnMwN2Q3NDdkMzc2NDQ4NDViZTIyYzFhODc2YTU3OTFi"> Yuri seemed surprised at his friendliness.</p>
<p class="cnNmMDFlMzYxMmQ0YTQwYjZhZmU4NjUxOTJiZTJhYTY3"> “Ah, yea. There aren’t actually that many students here that can control the arcane, so the academy teaches them together… Besides that, earlier today you seem troubled, is something wrong?”</p>
<p class="cnM4N2IxNDI0N2VjOTQyZTU5YzI1NTJiOTBhMzFhNGRh"> ‘sigh’</p>
<p class="cnMxOTg0MjIyMDc3ZDRlYjdhNzM0OWZmNWRhYjFlYmRl"> “Yes Yuri, something was troubling me. I’m fine now though, thank you.”</p>
<p class="cnMwY2YxNzE0NTAyODQ4Yjc5ZDlkMjM0ZmFiYWUyYWE3"> “It wasn’t my family was it? They didn’t threaten you did they?”</p>
<p class="cnMxMDM2NjIzMmZjMDRlMjVhNTVmMGQ1YTQ1Y2ZkZTMx"> Ryder chuckled. Yuri was a good friend, to be so worried about him.</p>
<p class="cnM2YTljMWU5ZDAwNTQyZmE5M2U1MGY5ZjBhMDYzZjRj"> “No, not at all. Does your family usually threaten your friends?”</p>
<p class="cnM3NGQ5OTc0NWE2NDQ1YzhhYTA1YzUzODFhM2VjZDJi"> Yuri studied him after he spoke, seemingly unconvinced that her family hadn’t come after him. They talked as they made their way to their class. Surprisingly, it wasn’t in one of the many buildings he had been shown his first day. Instead, she led him deep into the woods behind the Academy.</p>
<p class="cnM5YTg5NTljZjFmNzQ1MWRhYzQ4YjdkNmQ5MDhkZTk4"> “Thank goodness. When you didn’t wave earlier, I was afraid they had threatened you…”</p>
<p class="cnNiZTRiYzQyYmEzYTQ1NGFiMjQ2ZTM5ZjQyNjNjYmIw"> “Ah, my apologies. I wasn’t in a good mood. I shouldn’t have taken it out on you.”</p>
<p class="cnM2OGNlMDAzMjkzNTQ1NDRhNDA5ZGE2ZjgzZjhkZGNk"> An awkward silence encroached on the conversation.</p>
<p class="cnNlNDc4YzQ4YmQ1ZjQ2ZGJiMjg2MzhiMDZjMzM3YmNi"> “speaking of you family. Are they important or something? I noticed that my fellow students were shocked that you were talking to me. I take it they are nobles?”</p>
<p class="cnM2NWRjYWU0NzJhNjQ3ZGJiZDRiNmUzMGE4ZTE3MmE0"> Yuri didn’t answer right away, hesitant, it seemed, to answer the question.</p>
<p class="cnNjMTc5ODZkNTUxYzQwMmU4MzhiMTNjYThjMGQ3ZTRl"> “My family are nobles, but not of this country. My people’s homeland lies far to the southeast from here.”</p>
<p class="cnM4NGRiOGE3Mjk2NDRkNjlhOTdlYWFkMGRiYTAzOWFi"> “Hmm, that sounds like quite the distance. What made you come here?”</p>
<p class="cnNiMjUxZWRhYTkyNDRmNWE5YjY2ODc0ZTU2MTM3NmU1"> Yuri seemed even more hesitant to answer that question.</p>
<p class="cnM5Yzk2Mzc5M2M5OTQxYzk5MWQ5ODI2NjQ2NTQ0ZWYx"> “Its fine Yuri, you don’t have to tell me if you don’t wish to. I’m not going to be upset with you or angry. Everyone has secrets, and I suspect that nobles tend to have more than the average person…”</p>
<p class="cnM3YmVjYjE3Y2M0NzQ0YTM4YzkzNjgzZmMxNzcwNzI3"> She nodded at him in relief.</p>
<p class="cnNmMzVlOTRlZTRjMTQzN2JhNWFiZjQ4ZDNjMzhjN2Q2"> The woods thinned in front of them, becoming a large clearing. A moderately sized house sat somewhat in the middle of it.</p>
<p class="cnNhOTQ1MjZlYjgzMjQ0NzFiZDY5N2IyYTI5YTdkOTM3"><em> “so not only is there a small forest in the middle of the forest, but someone lives in said forest. Must be someone of considerable power. Hopefully our teacher…”</em></p>
<p class="cnMwMTRkZjc1ZDAwMzQ1Y2ViN2I5NjUzMjFhMjgyZDdi"> Surrounding the house was around thirty to forty, he didn’t count them, students of varying attire, and moderately different armbands. Most of them had blue armbands. Several of them had red armbands, but only three, including Yuri, had gold armbands.</p>
<p class="cnMwZGM4YmJjNjRmZDRkYjFhMmYwMzZiYzllOWRmZGM2"> “Took you long enough!”</p>
<p class="cnNhOWNmYWIzYWFjNzQ5M2E4ZDU5NTljNDQ2OWRlNjcz"> One of the shortest students there, and one with a gold armband, approached with a scowl on his face. The scowl was obviously directed at Ryder.</p>
<p class="cnNlOGIxOTQ2NDc1YzQxZjI4MDUzMTdlZmM1MTFiMjc5"> “Hello. You are?”</p>
<p class="cnNiZDY5ZjU4MDhkNzQyNWM4OTVlYWNkODVkMTQ5NDFh"><em> “Might as well keep my tone cordial.”</em></p>
<p class="cnNhZjY0NTA0OGRmYjQ2NTU5OTI0Nzg1NmNkMWYyNjUy"> “Seeing as your new here, ill disregard the disrespect in your tone. My name is Gregor Valona, and I am much stronger than you. Mind your tone next time. Ryuri, you should teach your followers better manners.”</p>
<p class="cnMwNTgwNjY5NjZkZjQ4OTg4NjFiZjcxZTc4ZWI4MzJm"><em> “Sigh. I hate people like this.”</em></p>
<p class="cnM4NTdiMDFmNzA3MTRiMjg4ZDVkZGM2ZmU0M2Q3NjA5"> Yuri beat him to it.</p>
<p class="cnNmYjM0YmJmMTA5ODQ4ZTFiMWJiOGRhYjgzMWYxYWJh"> “You’re the one that should watch your tongue Gregor, lest I remind you that I am much more powerful than you. You seem to have forgotten the last duel between us quickly.”</p>
<p class="cnMzODYxNDEyYmFmYjQxNzJiNTJmZjRjY2JiZGIyYmNi"> Ryder was witness to a great many emotions the sprinted across Gregor’s face quicker than a stampede, before his face decided to be angry. Before he could comment though, Yuri continued talking.</p>
<p class="cnNlM2NjODhkZjJmMTQzNGRhMDdiNmUxYmFkNzFkZGMx"> “As for this man, he is my friend. His name is Ryder, and he has a larger arcane center than the two of us combined. Be mindful of who you belittle.”</p>
<p class="cnNiM2Y3Y2ZkN2M1MDQwNGY4YjhiZjBkN2QxNTE2MjFh"> Apparently most of the students had been listening in on their conversation, because shocks abounded aplenty in the clearing.</p>
<p class="cnNhYzc0NDFjMWIwMDRhNTA5ZWYzNzQ4N2JkNTcxOTkw"> “Surely you don’t think I’ll believe that.”</p>
<p class="cnNiYWNlMGE1MzlhZDRjY2U5ZDA0NTQ3Y2IyOGE4YmNi"> Gregor decided that his best bet going forward was to call her a liar. Ryder had gotten tired of the petty argument. A flame danced along his palm, reaching high into the sky, just as high as the first flame he had made. The temperature in the clearing rose a few degrees.</p>
<p class="cnM2NzA0MWQxZWJhODQwMTJiNmMzM2M1NzY0NmRjYmU5"> “So large! How are you doing that without even trying!”</p>
<p class="cnMzNDIyNGFiNzY3ZTRkODc5YTdkNjQ4OWZiNDYxZmNj"> “Doing what? All I’m doing is making a flame. I could keep this going indefinitely.”</p>
<p class="cnM3ZDc3ZjZiODg4NzQ1YzNhNTYzYzgwNWVlZWU1YzE5"> “Yes, well I would rather you not burn down the forest or my home for that matter, so if you would please cease funneling Arcane power into that, I would appreciate Mr. Ryder.”</p>
<p class="cnNlNjE4OGU0YWE5YTQyOWQ5NzA1NWIyZjUwMmQwYzhl"> The voice sounded, aged. Yet the woman who appeared from the house, giving Ryder one of the best teachers stares he had ever seen, couldn’t have been older than forty. His flame danced from his palm, carried by the wind into oblivion.</p>
<p class="cnM2MjkyNjRjODU4MzRhN2M4OWQyZGJjNTMzNTYwNWI2"> “With a flame like that, you could probably test into wearing a red armband. I wouldn’t recommend it though; your control is obviously lacking. Is it the same with the other techniques that you use?”</p>
<p class="cnNiYzEwYzk0ZjM0MDQ1NWRhN2Y5OTdiMzNjZWIxMjdh"> Ryder paused, surprised she had spotted the root of his problem so easily.</p>
<p class="cnNhNDFjNTYzZDkzYTRjYmI5NjdlNzFlYjg5MDNjZDNj"> “Yes. Though not with my heart path abilities. I only have a problem with my brain path arcane control.”</p>
<p class="cnNiMjZmZTA3YTA2ZTQyODZiMzA1NzYyNjhmYzFiYTFj"> Silence. The teacher had an amused smile on her face. She had obviously known of his abilities, probably told by the old man who tested him.</p>
<p class="cnM2MjQxODE1NjYxNjQ5MjNiZjlmMzg0M2JmZWIwMTJk"><em> “Shit! I can’t believe I just blurted that out so casually!”</em></p>
<p class="cnNkYzY3ODU2ODc5YzRlMmM5OGMzNzZmMzNlMGY0NDk3"> A bead of sweat rolled down his forehead.</p>
<p class="cnMzOTM4ODhiNjhjMzQ0NjFhNWVkYzVkNzFkMGM5YTRl"> “Teacher, you’re not saying that he is a duel user right? I thought it wasn’t possible.”</p>
<p class="cnNjNzY0ZDJhYjdiMjQwOWViMTk0M2QwMGQ1YWE2OTRj"> Gregor’s tone had become the most respectful he had ever heard it. Though, considering that they just met, that wasn’t saying much.</p>
<p class="cnNkYjNjZjFlMzYzNDQzMTU5NjYxNGNkOTU3YTU0Zjky"> “Yes Gregor. It is not that it is impossible, just that the likelihood of the arcane energies in the air being balanced is very low. So when most arcane users awaken, they are forced to one path or the other. Still, one must not have absorbed too much of a type of arcane energy for it to succeed though. I’m very interested in the location that you awakened in, Mr. Ryder.”</p>
<p class="cnNlNmI3YWU2ZTVlMTRiZjZiMmJkN2E2ZTYzNjM0YmUx"> Ryder declined to answer that baited question.</p>
<p class="cnNhMGI0ZjY5M2FkMjQyNmViYTk1MTI3M2IzYjI5NGQ4"> “Alas, we can waste no more time conversing without care. We must begin class. Luckily for you Ryder, we will be working on control. Everyone, get into meditative positions and start practicing. I will be around to help you when I can.”</p>
<p class="cnM1NjllMGFkNGQwMTQ1N2NiNWFkMzQ2Y2IyZWI0Mzdj"> The class obeyed, and he noted that Gregor put as much distance between the two of them as possible.</p>
<p class="cnM1ODQzMzBiOTlhNTRlYzA4NDJhNGRjMWY3MTc4MTk1"><em> “Guess he won’t be bothering me anymore. That’s good too. Though I don’t like the way Yuri has been sneaking glances at me…”</em></p>
<p class="cnM5NzA3YzNiNzFmZDQxMzBhMGI2MGRlYWExOTM1YmE4"> He ignored her attempts and found a spot on the ground to meditate. The books he had poured over during his time in the cave discussed meditation thoroughly, and the effects it could have on his control of the arcane. Unfortunately, the cave had very few basic level books, so he was quite lacking in that regard.</p>
<p class="cnM4YTQzY2E3ZDAwNDQ0OGQ5YjdiZjk5OTFiZmY0MTQ3"> Ryder wasn’t the first student the teacher helped, but she eventually made her way to him, placing a hand on his back.</p>
<p class="cnM3NzgzNWMwZWUzNDRlMDZiNjk0MGRhODdhM2JlZWNl"> “Relax, I’m going to send a sliver of arcane into you, so I can observe what’s happening inside your body.”</p>
<p class="cnMxOThhMWYyN2I5MDQzZDU4MzU4YTBjZjFiMTRlNTMw"> Ryder felt the tendril of power slip into his blood stream from his back, spreading throughout his body quickly. Instead of the brain path, Ryder had been circulating his arcane power through the heart path, so as to not cause a problem. His flames were the only technique he was sure of being able to do, and even those were outrageously large.</p>
<p class="cnM0ZTA0YjhjNThhZDRhMGM4NTg3OWM0NTFjM2YyMzQz"> “hmm, I don’t see any problems with you heart path circulation, you’re going to have to use the brain path for me. Try making water this time, that way the most you’ll do is flood my forest.” The teacher chuckled at her own comment, and Ryder held a hand out as he complied.</p>
<p class="cnM3MzRjMzlkNWJhYTQzYjM4MDMyYWQwYzA1MGY0OTFm"> A torrent of water appeared from his hand. He directed it from the other students.</p>
<p class="cnMwODk1YzEwOGMyZDQ1NTViOTRmZjBlZDMzMTg2YjJh"> “Ah. I see.”</p>
<p class="cnM0ZDAzOGJkMmYyNzQwNjVhMmI0M2ExNzBmMTBkZDVm"> “Hmm?”</p>
<p class="cnNjM2M1NjU2NGE5NTQxOWFhMGZhZjZkNmM4MDY4Y2M1"> “I have found your problem. Like Yuri said earlier, you have a very large arcane center, and its caused you to misjudge the amount of Arcane power you use. Most of us start off with small amounts of arcane power, and build up over time, allowing good control. You obviously awakened recently, and yet had this much arcane power.”</p>
<p class="cnM4ZmM5NzVjMzRhOTQyNzk5ZjFlMWNjNjQzMzY1MDNh"> Ryder was impressed, she had accurately deduced not only that he had awakened not long ago, but what his problem was.</p>
<p class="cnM5NDk1NjVkMjI0ODQ2OWZhOWQzMmZlOTM0ZjczYmUx"> “Is there any way to resolve this issue?”</p>
<p class="cnNkMmI0OWUxZjU1YjQyMDM5ZGRmYTdjYzdmMDdkMzdi"> “Yes, but not right now. See me after class. For now, though, it’s best not to experiment too much with the arcane. The amount of arcane you release may be nominal for you, but it’s enough to seriously injure someone unprepared. I would recommend just circulating arcane through your body, using the brain path to do it though. That should help build up control.”</p>
<p class="cnM5ZjgwZjk3ZmZjMjQyMDBhYjc3MzY1ZDQzMjhmYzIw"> The teacher moved away to help another student. Ryder crawled away from the wet earth he had created, which put him within conversation distance with Yuri. Well, a hushed conversation.</p>
<p class="cnNlNmM1Mjk2NDA5ODRiODM4OGI1ZDcyMDA1OThiNTZj"> “Why didnt you tell me!”</p>
<p class="cnMxMGZjNTVlOTcwYzQ3MjQ5YmU1M2IyYzBjYTY3NDM0"> Yuri seemed annoyed.</p>
<p class="cnMwZTc3Zjk1MjQ0MjQ1MGJiYWRhNDFmMTA3OGVkYzY2"><em> “Does she realize we’ve only known each other a few days?”</em></p>
<p class="cnM0YWE1YmU2YWY4YTQ4YzY5ZGI5NWQ5NTA0OGNjMmRl"> “Uh, well, it’s a big secret?”</p>
<p class="cnNjZTQ1NzM4NDJlYzQ3OTI5MGQyZmRlMGQxMjc0MWVl"> “And yet you blurt it out so calmly to everyone here?”</p>
<p class="cnM3M2M0NTQ3ZGI0MzQzMDM5NjAwYWM4NzViMjJhYTkz"> “That was an accident… Besides, now you know right? No harm no foul then.”</p>
<p class="cnM0MjczOGJlZmY3OTRiNGNhYWMyYWM0YzgwZjk0ZjM4"> Yuri grumbled under her breath, and Ryder only picked up a few words out of it.</p>
<p class="cnMxMGVkNzIzZDZlMjQ0NmZiMTNhNzMxNzNkNTYxNTZj"> “Idiot.” “common sense”</p>
<p class="cnNjMDNlYzdjNzRmZDQ1YzhhZjU2ZWIwYWZkMmE1NGRk"> He decided to ignore her grumbling.</p>
<p class="cnM2YjQ4NjBiZDM1ZjQ2MjRiNDdhNjVkNWU1NmRmMmQ4"> </p>
<p class="cnMwMzc2YTVkMWNiNDQyYzg4NTI5ZTQxYmZkNGFlZjU4"> The sun crawled across the sky as they practiced, and the class only ended once it had started to sink past the horizon.</p>
<p class="cnMzNWY2Njg1MTE5YjQ0Y2U5Yjc5MTVjNmMzMzA1NDAy"> </p>
<p class="cnM4ZDFjZGIxNGQyNDQzNTQ5ZjMyYTFlMTkxZmM2M2M5"> Yuri apparently decided she would wait for him, as she stood next to the teacher’s house, watching him like a hawk.</p>
<p class="cnM0OTZjYjhjYmRiZjQzYWRiOTY0YThjZDBjNDkzMTUx"><em> “I don’t know whether to feel happy or sad at your treatment…”</em></p>
<p class="cnNjNTlhNTcwZjY1YjRhYTc4ZjhjNzBkMmVmYmNjZTc2"> The rest of the students slowly meandered away, talking amongst themselves. Ryder noted that Gregor left in a hurry.</p>
<p class="cnMyODk1NDk2Zjc3ZTQ2ZDM5MmNhNTBmMmExOGMwYWFi"> “Ah Ryder, thank you for waiting. I have the answer to your problem inside. Just let me grab it. Come on in. you can come in as well Yuri”</p>
<p class="cnM3YmMzOTZjNjMwMzQxMTJiNTNkMjY4NGE1MjE2ZTQ1"> That made her far more excited than he figured it should have.</p>
<p class="cnNlYTU0OWUwNTNkYjRjNmFiZjliNjZiNWJmNGU2MmU2"> “why are you so excited about going into the teacher’s home?”</p>
<p class="cnMyYTZlYTAxMmI4NTRlNGM5OTllNWJiNjgzYzUwNDgy"> Yuri looked at him like he was an idiot.</p>
<p class="cnMzY2E0ZGExOThhMDQ1ZTdhZTI2Y2I1ZTRmODU5YzJj"> “To date, no one in our class has been allowed inside her home. It’s been off limits for so long I’m just curious as to what’s in there.”</p>
<p class="cnNmYTU5YmRkNTY3NzQ3MjJiMTg0OGNkYjY5NjhkYjlm"> The interior of the house was… Drab. Maybe supremely normal described it better. Well, normal for what Ryder had seen of the world so far. It certainly wasn’t his old home. He tried not to continue that thought.</p>
<p class="cnMwMjY5OWQyMGVlZjRmNGFhMTUyZGZjOTk1YTM1NjYy"> “Looks pretty normal to me Yuri.”</p>
<p class="cnNkMTc2NzE3ZTMyZjQ0NmViZDBhNGMwYTdkNmRhODY0"> The teacher had disappeared into the basement, and they waited inside the sitting room.</p>
<p class="cnMxNjdlMTc2ODcyZTQ3ODU5YjY5MDM5N2IzOWM1ZmM4"> “It’s probably an illusion!”</p>
<p class="cnNlMGUzYTY4NjA3ODQ5MzU5NGRjMzU4MGIyNTU2NmE0"> “I think your just upset that it turned out to be nothing special.”</p>
<p class="cnM0MDc1Y2ZjYTQ5YzRjZTZiZmVkNjU4NDY5NDBjYWZj"> The stairs creaked as the teacher came back from the basement.</p>
<p class="cnM4YWNjMGEzYzBiMjQ0Zjc4M2Y4ZGY5MGVmMzRiMTM2"> “Oh I assure you Ryder, this home is far from ordinary. Unfortunately, its secrets are for more advanced arcane users. Here, this is what I wanted to give you.”</p>
<p class="cnMxYTI2OGM0YmVkNDQ0NTJiZGVkNzhlNjNmYTMwMTBj"> Ryder stuck out a hand to receive it. Instead of dropping it into his palm, she put it on him. It was a bracelet.</p>
<p class="cnMwMzVhMTc1NGUwYTQ5ZmM5NDgxMWUzOWNlYWE0NGU1"> “This bracelet is very special, so don’t think I’m giving it to you. I’m just letting you borrow it. This bracelet blocks the amount of Arcane power you can actively access. Perfect for someone with too much.”</p>
<p class="cnNmMTQ4ZmRjY2VhOTQwNDZhYTIxNjZhYjdhNzllODIy"> Ryder realized just how immensely expensive the bracelet had to be with a single glance. First of all, the entire bracelet shined a blue silver, indicating a mysteriousness that he was unfamiliar with. Letters of a language he had not seen before decorated it as well. It reminded him of something a scam artist would sell as a good luck charm.</p>
<p class="cnNjNzI0YjRkYzdmNzQ1MTlhZjkwNjNiN2VjMjM1NzRm"> Fortunately, he could feel it blocking his connection to his arcane center.</p>
<p class="cnM5NTMzMzdjZDQ0MTRkZDE5MGU0ZjBlMDZhNDQzZGRj"> “Thank you very much for this teacher.”</p>
<p class="cnM4ZTg3Y2VkYmFlODQ2YzU5NDA1ZTY2N2QyMmE0ODc0"> “Don’t call me teacher, it sounds so stuffy. Call me Miss Melodic instead.”</p>
<p class="cnM2NTJhZGJhMzY0YjQyYTNiNDQ4ODI4ZTA5ZTg4NDZk"> “Very well, Thank you Miss Melodic. I’m in your debt for this.”</p>
<p class="cnM5ZTQ1MGFiOGE0MzRlMWY4YWNmYzA3NDdiNDViYTY0"> “It’s my job as teacher, so don’t give me those flowery words. Alright, you can go now. Try not to destroy anything when you practice.”</p>
<p class="cnMzYjFhODc3MDA4YTRmN2JhMTZlNDhhMTVkMGM5ZjJk"> Ryder nodded, and Yuri bowed to Miss Melodic as they exited the house. The walk back to the inn was jovial, to say the least.</p>
<p class="cnMyOWJhNjI4Y2NiMjQ5NWY5MTIzNTliMWJmMmEwNTBm">The sun dipped below the horizon for its well needed rest.</p>
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<div class="portlet-body author-note"><p> I did say at least a chapter a week. I never said I wouldn't post more.</p>
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<i class="fa fa-calendar" title="Published"></i> <time unixtime="1476323108" datetime="2016-10-13T01:45:08.0000000Z" format="U" >Thursday, October 13, 2016 1:45:08 AM</time>
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I am the most notorious of all entities. an amateur writer. With a single smack of my hand I can cause grammar mistakes and plot holes, fear me!<br/><br/>English is my first and only language, and i dislike poorly written stories. Especially my own. </p>
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<i class="fa fa-calendar" title="Published"></i> <time unixtime="1476325089" datetime="2016-10-13T02:18:09.0000000Z" format="U" >Thursday, October 13, 2016 2:18:09 AM</time>
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<p class="cnMyMmIwMWZjNTZjOTQ4NTNhYWIyOWJjYmMyYWI4MWU0">I woke up the next morning to the smell of breakfast being made. Carol was making two omelette dishes filled with chopped vegetables and bacon pieces. I was too busy being scolded yesterday to notice, but she's really pretty. Carol's spider parts are white as snow and her human parts are slightly tan which transitions well into her long black hair. Her clothes only only consist of a pink silk shirt, which I assume she made herself, and a white canvas apron. I look closely at her six spider legs and notice that the front pair are shorter and have a silver metal covering the tips the remind me of an old style fountain pen. Her human figure is modest in the chest area which probably only amounts to a large B cup, her face has two pairs of human eyes which seem to change color with her mood. Carol's face doesn't have any wrinkles or laugh lines which makes me feel like she might be somewhere between 17 and 20 years old. I can't help but think she's cute when she's not angry.</p>
<p class="cnMxZmI4NjE0NzkxNjRhNjliNTQ4MmU5MDQwOGM0YTMw">I collect the cups and pour a very watered down citrus wine into them and bring them to our spots at the table while she brings the plates of food. We made small talk as we ate breakfast and I learned some of the common knowledge about ths town. It doesn't really have a name or appear on any of the official maps, so the residents just refer to it as Border Town since it is on the edge of the known world and it is practically in the jungle on the southern edge of civilization. Border Town is governed by a town council and doesn't fall under the jurisdiction of any country as it is too far from any capital. Sometimes straggelrs who were exiled from the more populous cities in the north find themselves here and they are given a 30 day trial period to make themselves useful to the town. If they violate any of the laws during their probationary stay in border town they are either executed or cast out into the jungle which is referred to as Green Hell. Most people find a place to fit in here, but the ones that don't find the justice system here to be harsh. In light of my contribution to the library, Carol told me she'd vouch for me to become a welcome resident at the next council meeting. It turns out she has a lot of clout in Border town, Carol has a hand in almost every aspect of life here, she does all the enchanting work, provides silk to the tailor shop, and makes nets for the hunters that brave the jungle in the south and the forest to the north. Basically, without her, the town would be full of naked starving people. Since Border Town is in a bad location, gardening is done on all the roofs of the buildings outside the central square except for the six guard barracks in each corner of the town. The town is shaped like a hexagon with one end pointing north and the other south into the jungle. There are no guilds here, so professions are mostly inherited from parents or brought to town by people from the north. I also learned that there was a mine and smithy run by dwarves in the town itself. Carol told me that if I needed a job, it would be a good idea to start with them, since most of my knowledge seemed to focus on metal and crafting. She sent me out with directions to the dwarven mine and a package for the tailor who was next door to them, I was also promised that if I worked hard and managed to find a job for the time I was in Border Town she would train me in enchanting personally.</p>
<p class="cnMwYmMzNWYxODc4NTQzY2E4NGNmYjk4NmVjMThiNjdk">I exited the library and went down the northeastern alley in the central square. I was once again finding it odd that almost no one was on the streets, but by this point the hunters would have already left for the day and the average citizen would already be at work. I did see a few children playing and a messenger or delivery man, but it seems no adult has a day off here. I reached the end of the alley and stood in the shadow of the ten floor Guard barracks while I read the signs to find the tailor's workshop. I found it on my left and dropped off the package. There was a note on the silk delivery. The tailor read it and told me that I was to return to him for payment before I went to Carol's this evening.</p>
<p class="cnNhNmNmODg0YjBiYzQyYjlhNzNlODFmNWRlNzQzMTRm">I walked next door to the smithy as directed by Carol to introduce myself as a prospective employee to the dwarf in charge. When I entered the stiflingly hot smithy the first thing I noticed were a pair of dwarves that looked exactly alike arguing with each other. I couldn't make out what was being said due to the clanging of metal being struck in the background so I got closer to get their attention. "Hello! My name is Thomas and I'm here to ask about a possible job as a miner." I shouted so that I could be heard over the pounding of hammer on anvil going on nearby. The two dwarves were only slightly taller than me. I was four feet and two inches approximately, so I guessed they would be around three inches taller. They turned to me at the same time and sized me up before pointing at a box that looked like a dumbwaiter to my left. I bowed slightly in thanks and headed for the box. I thanked god for giving me the foresight to leave all but my helmet and pick in my room, because I doubt they'd fit in this box with me. There was a lever that was in a semi circular connector inside the elevator, I pushed it to the side labelled 'down' and Watched the wall pass by until I reached an area with a sign that said 'mine administration' I stopped the elevator and stepped off. I followed the path for about 15 minutes until reached a cavern that had a stone structure with a wooden door in the front of it. I knocked on the door and it opened. A dwarf with a white beard stood on the other side of the partially opened door, he looked me over and noticed my tools before opening the rest of the way and waving me in.</p><p class="cjQxMDBiNGVkZTM1ZDQzMjNiOGMyNzcwZTZjYjNjNTNj">A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.</p>
<p class="cnNmMjE1NzAwNGNkYjQxMTI5Mzc1YzA4YjM2YTc1MTcz">"Welcome cousin, what brings you to my office?" he asked as he took his place behind a cluttered desk. "My name is Thomas sir, and I've come at Miss Weaver's suggestion that you might be willing to take me on as a temporary worker until I can start my own trade." I replied to the dwarf who appeared to be my senior. "So, she sent you to me did she? Have you ever worked a mine before boy?" He asked, sizing me up anew. "I have sir, but it's been a while. I fear your standards might be more than I can manage at first." I attempt a small bit of flattery with a grain of truth, I really want this job. "I'll put you to work then. What are you familiar with?" He asks as an after thought. I respond with, "Iron sir, I've mined an iron vein that had copper as an impurity." I followed up with, "We used an acid to break the iron down to sand and then neutralized it with water in order to smelt the iron sand, the copper was smelted and sold off as a commodity until we had a more pure iron vein to work." I noticed the old miner's face go slack around the jaw and I thought that perhaps I said too much. The wizened dwarf collected his composure and asked, "Why not become a smith with that knowledge?" I told him that I needed resources and would rather earn my pay in the form of raw ores than work as a smith and not be allowed to create the tools I need for my eventual plans. We agreed on a payment of half ore and half coin for my necessities. He gave me a map of the mine, which was more of a book than a map, and told me to get to the iron sector which would be two shafts down.</p>
<p class="cnM2YjM3MWU0MGJmYjRjNjQ5NDVhNjJlZTRmMGUyNjFk">The mine was set up in such a way that it hit multiple different rock layers, it seemed to me that several different asteroid impacts here had caused a formation of bands which changed the available minerals on each layer. This would be highly unlikely in my old world, but if someone designed it to happen, anything was possible. I finished musing at the improbability of things in Magras at the same time as I reached the iron sector. It was effectively just a dead end to a tunnel that stopped right in the middle of the iron vein. I was told ahead of time that most of the miners were off in a newly discovered silver vein and that I would be working alone on the iron vein. Tis fact suits me just fine as I remembered being scolded for trying to project magic in the library. I figure here might be a safe place to try it again, and since I was scolded so fiercely over the possibility of destroying books that were so heavily enchanted, maybe there's a chance I can use it to mine.</p>
<p class="cnMxODc1NGI1YmY5YjQ2MzVhZmZhYzNlZTY2ZTBmMDNh">I find the cart I'm supposed to load the ore into and I move it to what I hope is a safe distance from the ore vein, I sit in the cart and meditate just like Carol's book said. I create the marble of mana faster than before as the process seems to be easier in an environment that isn't so heavily enchanted. I enlarge the marble into a ball the size of a softball this time and send it out to my fingertips. I stretch my hand out at the iron vein and urge the mana ball to strike the vein with all the willpower I can manage. The ball flies from my fingers as though my hand were a gun and strikes just off center against the raw iron ore. The blue ball of light tunnels into the ore under its own momentum for about a foot before exploding and sending chunks of iron flying all over the tunnel like shrapnel. I quickly duck and cover in the mine cart and flinch as the shrapnel hits against it violently, I know if I had been outside of the cart I wouldn't have survived. When the sound metal clanging against my temporary shelter ends I peek out over the edge of the cart at the iron vein. What was once a solid lump of iron was now a cracked wall of it several yards farther than it was when I arrived. I picked up enough ore to fill the cart and transported it to the sorting station, I grabbed a new cart and filled it three times before I was finished cleaning up the mess I had made. I managed this in what I would guess to be three hours, I would give anything to have a watch again. I delivered my fourth, and final, cart full of iron to the sorting station when the old foreman showed up. "You used magic to mine that didn't you?" He asked, he seemed excited about it rather than mad. "Yessir, I wanted to try out mana manipultaion since I was learning it from Miss Carol." I responded. "Good call," he said. "Most metals have a violent reaction to magic, silver being the exception, and you being the only miner I have that can use magic makes it easier to keep up with my other orders." The foreman pauses for a moment, "If you can manage this twice everyday, I can let you have two carts of whatever you're mining and still pay you a week's wage for that one day of work, you feel up to it?" He asks, as if challenging me. I grin in a mischievous manner and reply "Affirmative sir."</p>
<p class="cnMxMDc0MzA1ZmM5MDQ2NDdiM2IzMzgxMGExNTJkOTQ2">I took four carts with me to the iron sector again and blasted the vein with a tad less force. The wall was already cracked, so I got similar results to my first attempt and brought the carts back one at a time after I filled them up. I checked in with the foreman and he inspected my work. "Good work kid," he said with a smile, he handed me a pouch containing 35 silver pieces and a receipt that entitled me to two carts of iron ore. I took lunch at the tavern and then went back to Carol to tell her about my new job.</p>
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<div class="portlet-body author-note"><p>Found the problem! :D My average chapter is roughly one third of my favorite story's chapters, therefore, I take more chapters to finish each day. I can deal though. ;p</p>
<p>P.S. Thank you Cody for giving me my first comment! I appreciate it greatly! (But I'm still not giving any spoilers, lol)</p></div>
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<i class="fa fa-calendar" title="Published"></i> <time unixtime="1476322400" datetime="2016-10-13T01:33:20.0000000Z" format="U" >Thursday, October 13, 2016 1:33:20 AM</time>
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<div class="portlet-body author-note"><p><span style="font-weight: 400">Current Chapter of the Week: 1/5</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400">AN: Hey guys, happy hump day and here’s your first chapter of the week. A big thank you to all my readers and I’m very excited now being so high up the various leaderboards all thanks to you lovely people. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400">So there were a lot of comments about the last chapter and I just wanted to give some appreciation for basically everyone keeping their criticism as constructive as possible. Even those who heavily disagreed with the direction of the chapter still didn’t devolve to just flaming me, and I really appreciate that as I work very hard keeping up with releases. I’ve never had any stored chapters even in the beginning so it's not easy at times, though I do enjoy it. In terms of future edits, there won’t be any major plot line changes but I am most certainly taking your advice into account when it comes to editing the in-betweens/details. </span></p>
<p><strong>TLDR: </strong>Thank you very much for keeping the comments constructive.</p>
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<p class="cnM1NDA2YTFlYTNmNDRlOWI4ZGE4NDQwMjdkNDVlMzIw"><span style="font-weight: 400">Staring at the [Return Stone] in his hand, Rainer realized they may not be as lucky as he assumed.</span></p>
<p class="cnMxODE3MjQxMWE0NTRkYjZhMzRiMDIyYmVjNTVhYzYz"><span style="font-weight: 400">[Return Stone: Returns one to the entrance outside of the Dungeon. 5-second cast-time.]</span></p>
<p class="cnMyZDliZGE2YmVjNzQ2ZWFiOTUzMTIyZGUyMjMzMWE5"><span style="font-weight: 400">A Dungeon it required and a Dungeon this was not. In fact, Rainer was quite sure they were no longer within the same world. Wherever the World Tree or otherwise sent them without that ring from the first quest they could not leave. There was an advantage to being outside a Dungeon, however: the experience was no longer stunted.</span></p>
<p class="cnNhMmY5ZjRlN2QyMDQ1MDM5MTc4ODBkZWY5YWQzZTYy"><span style="font-weight: 400">Rainer looked forward at Kara walking in front of him. He was entranced for what seemed like a moment at the swing of her tail until her abruptly spinning around to face him nearly knocked him flat.</span></p>
<p class="cnM3MWQzZmRmYTAzMzRiYWE4ZTUyOWI3Mzg3ZjIyMDhh"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Rainer.”</span></p>
<p class="cnM3NzZmYjRjNmRjYzRkYjNiYjA1NDQ5ZTRmYTA1YTU2"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Uh..what?”</span></p>
<p class="cnMzYmUxYzRmMmFjMjQ5NWI5ZTg5ZTJhMDA4M2EyYWU1"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Do you agree or not?”</span></p>
<p class="cnMxYzNhMmMwOGZkZjQwMzg5OTAxMmUyNjg5NmUxZTYy"><em><span style="font-weight: 400">Agree? Agree to what?</span></em></p>
<p class="cnM0NGY2ZGEzMjJkNzQwODBiNjBmZDc3NDE5Zjk0MGUz"><span style="font-weight: 400">“I agree…”</span></p>
<p class="cnM4Y2I2ZDJkOWI0MDQ1ZjBiNWZmZDU0ODkzYmU3OWIw"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Good, Luna go scout ahead and look for a decent place to camp, preferably inside a cave or in a defensible position. Even with the overcast sky, the Undead will not be too active, but once the sun falls we may be set upon.”</span></p>
<p class="cnNiNzljODcxYzYwMTQzZDQ4OWQ4NzMyZGRkOWRlYjA2"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Aye aye!” Luna, still in a great mood from receiving a Main Quest, happily fluttered over the forest.</span></p>
<p class="cnMwZjJkYjViYTQ3MDQxZDY4OTkyMDgxODRhMmNiY2Qy"><em><span style="font-weight: 400">Well, I can just summon her if there’s trouble. And it looks like I didn’t agree to anything bothersome, how long was I out of it?</span></em></p>
<p class="cnNlNWEyYzY0MGI0NjQxODQ4NDU1MzA5MjExNGI2NmRk"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Let’s rest for a moment,” Kara said before sitting down on the stone path. They had walked quite a distance since they’d gotten here but the Tower they saw, likely the fort they needed to capture, was still a long ways away. Likely it was far larger than they had initially believed.</span></p>
<p class="cnM1NDcyMDk3ZTY4ZTRjZjBhNTEwYTVmNWQ0Y2U5ZTYw"><span style="font-weight: 400">Rainer sat next to Kara and wrapped his arm around her. He sneakily used the chance to feel her ears with his face, while Kara simply leaned into him.</span></p>
<p class="cnMxMzU4MTIyNDVjNDQ0MzI4YjRhZGNhMjJmOWExMjg0"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Does it bother you?”</span></p>
<p class="cnM4OTY4ZWNlZDJjMTQ1ZmZhMmJmZGYxZDJlYTFhNmEy"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Does what bother me?”</span></p>
<p class="cnNiYzU1ZDhhZTQxMjQ1MzY4ZWU4MzViZTNhMTBkNDMy"><span style="font-weight: 400">“If my eye stays transformed..?”</span></p>
<p class="cnNkZWYzNTcwYTYzODQwNTQ5ZDM1ZmUxZjE4NGQwNjFi"><span style="font-weight: 400">Rainer looked over and wondered if her “demonic” eye may even be more beautiful than her other. He thought for a moment if he should reveal his true origins and perhaps ease any concerns she may have, but decided it was best left for another time. He didn’t fully understand what being a traveler meant, if anything. While he had no interest in taking up the mantle of a “hero” he couldn’t be sure it wouldn’t be forced upon him. And then he may very well be her race’s greatest foe.</span></p>
<p class="cnNjNjk4MTM0OGQ1YTQ4NmFhZGM1NzE3ZjQ1ZDIxNDhk"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Not in the slightest, rather it's as if someone extracted the very essence of a ruby and deemed your eye fit to hold its color.”</span></p>
<p class="cnM0ODJkNTVmZWQ0MDQ1NDQ5MmY4ZTgzMjNhNTRkOWZm"><span style="font-weight: 400">At this, she chuckled a bit.</span></p>
<p class="cnNjMDMwM2MwYjQ0ZDQ5ZTZhZGRlMWIzYzNhYzQ3YTkw"><span style="font-weight: 400">“I suppose I should have expected such an answer...Then what of my tail?” she asked amused.</span></p>
<p class="cnM5NTVjZGU4NmQ4MjQzODdiMWJiNGY1YjkyZTkyNTA0"><span style="font-weight: 400">“So entrancing that when you had asked me if I agreed earlier I hadn’t a clue what I was agreeing to.”</span></p>
<p class="cnMyMzdkNDc1MjhkMTRmODNhZjZiMjAzNjRkYjJjYTZj"><span style="font-weight: 400">There was no laugh this time as she gave him a serious glare. Rainer had thought he messed up admitting such a thing, but it seems for once Kara had gotten one over on him as he heard her unable to hold in her laughter any longer. Luna had flown back just in time to catch the tail end of their laughter.</span></p>
<p class="cnM2ZmI0NTNhMjM2NzQzYTk4NDRhZTRkYmNhNDJkNjk3"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Humph, Luna is doing all the hard work while Rainer relaxes with She-Wolf. Luna doesn’t wanna share great spot she found.”</span></p>
<p class="cnMxMjBkMTAzMzZkODRmYzc5Yzc3NTBlODMwZGJkNzQ5"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Oh no, my mana, it's useless, it's all gone, what will Luna do…” Rainer said in mock sadness.</span></p>
<p class="cnMwNjE5ZDFiOGY3NzQyZjk4ZDQyY2FkZDIzYWVhOGUw"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Rainer is playing unfair…”</span></p>
<p class="cnM3OTI5YjQ0NTg2ODQzYjA5OTkyOGY5N2E2ODYxNTNj"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Don’t make such a face. We don’t have anything in particular to do now the sun’s setting. So come on, the quicker we make camp the quicker you’ll have yours truly as entertainment.”</span></p>
<p class="cnNmMThiZTY1MDcxYjQ0Zjk4MTg1MzM5MjkyNzlhMzA2"><span style="font-weight: 400">He said after standing and giving an overzealous pose. To his surprise, Kara stood up behind him and patted him on the butt before heading towards Luna.</span></p>
<p class="cnNkN2IwNWJjOGM5YjQ2ZmViYTJiMjkzNDA0ZjcxNjQ3"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Come on </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400">yours truly</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400">, let's get going, she said, doing her best to hide the slight reddening of her face.</span></p>
<p class="cnNjYzIyZjM4MzhjODRjNjI4MmUxMjc5MWMxM2UyOWUz"><span style="font-weight: 400">Giving a grin Rainer followed Luna and Kara into the forest.</span></p>
<p class="cnMxNjY2YWVlMTlmMTRlMTFhNTRlMDNiY2QzZmQ4ZDc2"><span style="font-weight: 400">It did not take too long before they found their destination...which was straight up a sheer cliff face.</span></p>
<p class="cnM5ZGVmNGY1ZTg4ZTQ1YTRiOWVjMDA5NDljMjJmZDJm"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Luna...you know I can’t fly.”</span></p>
<p class="cnNiMTFlNTIzNzMyMTQxNGZhMDBjMGFlZGJlOTRkNDBi"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Rainer is silly, just mount the She-Wolf.”</span></p>
<p class="cnM4NDc5YTRlMWNkNTRhOGQ5N2FkZjhkYmVkZTcwYzYx"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Luna, that's only for tonight, yet you want us to do that in the open?” Rainer asked with as much serious intonation as he could manage.</span></p>
<p class="cnM2M2FkNTQwMmU1ZjRkMGQ4ODllMjYzNjhiODdmN2Zi"><span style="font-weight: 400">“What-t...Rainer...I think she...means for me to carry you…” Kara spoke a bit flustered.</span></p>
<p class="cnNiNzVjMjQxNDRjODRiNWQ4YmNhNzM1OTUyNDkyZmUz"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Oh, in that case whenever you’re ready Kara,” he said staring directly at her.</span></p>
<p class="cnNmM2IwMDcxNjE4ZTQyODg5MGQ1NTNlNTk2MTUwODdm"><span style="font-weight: 400">“I’m going to shift could you turn away Rainer?”</span></p>
<p class="cnMzYjljOTc3ZjU3OTRiMTRhYjAyMTYyZjAwZDYxZmZl"><span style="font-weight: 400">“I’ve seen it all already, there’s…”</span></p>
<p class="cnNkNTcxMjhlZjM5NTQwMWY5YTVhZDljYTY4NDVhMDVh"><span style="font-weight: 400">This time, her glare was honestly of the serious nature prompting him to turn around.</span></p>
<p class="cnM5MTI4MWJlMDM5NzRmZDRhMjM3N2RlZDQ0OTIwNTM5"><span style="font-weight: 400">At a far slower pace than she did during the boss fight, Kara began shifting causing Rainer to gain some understanding why she tired out so quickly. It must have cost something to instantly shift like that. After 15 or so seconds of bone-cracking sounds, Kara called for Rainer to turn around, though, her voice had an odd vibration to it now.</span></p>
<p class="cnNmYjNiNDU1YmMxNDQxNmM5MzI5MGQzZGJjN2QyNzc0"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Come, I’ll carry you. I promise I won’t drop you…” Kara gave a toothy grin showing her fangs. She was a little worried Rainer would have an adverse reaction to seeing her form so up close and without the distraction of battle, but contrary to expectations he seemed extremely interested.</span></p>
<p class="cnNjYjcyZDI5YjZhZjQ1NDFhMGY3MTU3ZDE0ZDhiMTY5"><span style="font-weight: 400">Walking up closer, Rainer reached out his hand to touch her ears, seeing it as his best chance. He was able to scratch and enjoy them for a few seconds before Kara realized what he was doing and hastily turned away. Though, he swore he heard a breath of contentment as he did it.</span></p>
<p class="cnM2ODVjNjE1N2FlNjRlOGQ5MzE5MDBlYWI1MGYxNTli"><span style="font-weight: 400">He picked up her scabbards, though he didn’t grab her share of the supplies, already at his limit, before Kara bent down and allowed him on her back.</span></p>
<p class="cnMyODI0YjkxNGFmYTRiMDE4OTFiZmY2NGU2MTY5MjJk"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Hold on tightly, it won’t hurt,” Kara said before jumping towards the cliff, which in reality was more of a small plateau, though its sides were quite jagged.</span></p>
<p class="cnMwMWI1MDI5YmYzZDRmODg4YTQ2YWQ1MGE4MTNhMjQy"><span style="font-weight: 400">Gripping the smooth fur tightly Rainer gave a look of amazement as he saw how high up they already were in but a few moments. They reached the top soon after, and Rainer looked it over. A decently wide space with a few trees they could use for cover in case of an archer actually capable of shooting up this high.</span></p>
<p class="cnM0YmI5YmY1MjVkZjRhNDU4NmNmZjgzYjA2YWU0MzFi"><em><span style="font-weight: 400">Luna really found a great spot, though the image of undead scaling the sides all around us is not exactly pleasant…</span></em></p>
<p class="cnMxOGI0ZDNiODliMTQxYTZiOGQzZWE2NWViMmU5NGRm"><span style="font-weight: 400">He looked straight up into the clouds noting it was already getting darker and colder. Whether or not they’d be beset by undead at night only the setting of the sun would tell.</span></p>
<p class="cnM5Yjc2MTMwZTkyMjRiY2NhZTczMzYzZjUxZDM1ZWNk"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Kara it’ll get cold tonight let’s huddle together for warmth.”</span></p>
<p class="cnM3NWM2OTZhYmNkOTQ0ZjJiYjk1OTE1ZjVlYjMwMTVh"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Of course.”</span></p>
<p class="cnNmZDFkZDc3NjY2MjRlMzI5YWMxNmRjODkwMWQxZDhk"><span style="font-weight: 400">Rainer was a bit surprised how readily she agreed until he saw her still in her Werewolf form curl up and lay down waiting for him.</span></p>
<p class="cnM4OTU4MjdiMDllNzRjYzg5ZGY3NTIxY2Q4ZGZmNDEx"><em><span style="font-weight: 400">Good enough…</span></em></p>
<p class="cnM5MmYzNDExNTBmMDRhYzA4Y2Q3MjE1MjkwM2ZiYzFl"><span style="font-weight: 400">Though, that good enough became too good as he felt how perfect her fur was and laid down on her.</span></p>
<p class="cnNmZTliNWMxNDIxYzRmYTU5MTc5NjE2MWRiNzRmYTJh"><span style="font-weight: 400">“How long can you stay like this anyways?”</span></p>
<p class="cnMxMWZlZjZjNmQ5OTQyNDY4OGY2ZGI0ODYxZWU1Yjdj"><span style="font-weight: 400">“So long as I don’t overextend my Demonic Aura or Stamina, a day or two with little issue.”</span></p>
<p class="cnNlMjFiYjUxNDUxYTRhZGNiM2ZjYjI2NGFiMWIyYjFl"><span style="font-weight: 400">He relaxed in the comfortable fur for a moment before calling out to Luna. “Luna come over and explain the gifts you have besides wind.”</span></p>
<p class="cnM3OTI2M2NhMWFmOTQ1NGViZTk1NmU2MjU5ODU3Mjgy"><span style="font-weight: 400">She flew over while muttering to herself, though as usual at a volume that everyone could hear. “All pleasure with She-wolf but it's all business with Luna. Luna feels underappreciated.”</span></p>
<p class="cnNkYzQ3NmQ5ZjI3NDQ3MDhhOWE2NjY0ODgxNTA0NzIz"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Kara you should get some rest, if we are attacked at night I only have so much mana,” he said not yet acknowledging Luna.</span></p>
<p class="cnM2ZjFjMjJjM2JlNTRlNjE5NTk1MWYwYjQzNDNlMzNm"><span style="font-weight: 400">“It will be fine you may rest as well, I will sense anyone long before they see us. Though I will take up your offer,” she yawned and nestled closer around Rainer.</span></p>
<p class="cnM3MDRkMTI2N2QzMzQ1OThhNDVmOWRhODI4ZWY3MGUy"><span style="font-weight: 400">Rainer extended out his hand so Luna could have her favorite spot as she still seemed to be muttering complaints. Landing and sitting on his hand, she appeared content. He gave her a moment before asking again.</span></p>
<p class="cnM4NWQ0ZmE4ZTIxNTQ1NWI5YzJiNjZkMDA5MmZkMzFh"><span style="font-weight: 400">“What does Gift of Lightning do?”</span></p>
<p class="cnMwMTE0Yzc5NWNkYTQ2OWI4MWE1ZDQxMjJiMDQ5OWE5"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Luna says it's like Gift of the Wind, but it's half as strong, though it makes everything fast.”</span></p>
<p class="cnM3MTJhZDg2YmU5MzRiODY5NDE5ZDk3YjY5ZTE0Y2Vm"><span style="font-weight: 400">“So, you always have that on when you’re talking?”</span></p>
<p class="cnM5MDE2ODQ5YTU5MDRmMjBhZmIyNjUzZjcwNGM0N2M3"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Luna says Gift of Stoneskin makes you tough like stone, but not metal, only stone. Gift of Translucence makes you like little snake with legs, but the kind you can’t see very well, it doesn’t last long though,” she continued, ignoring Rainer’s comment while fully embodying it.</span></p>
<p class="cnNhZTk3MGE4MmI5NTQ4ZTliMDIzODVkMzIwYzg4YWYz"><span style="font-weight: 400">“From now on, Gift of Lightning on both me and Kara should be best when needed,” he decided, hoping the Arcane bonus he received from Gift of the Wind would also be in effect.</span></p>
<p class="cnNlZjBmM2E3MmZhNjRiMTBiYzJmZmZiNTM1YTI2NjQy"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Luna will do,” she affirmed before she laid down in his hand seemingly thinking about something. Her new size being a bit too large for his hand Rainer laid her gently on top of his head instead.</span></p>
<p class="cnM1YmE0MDI5ODA4OTRiODdiYTNkNjIzZWE5MDlmOGVl"><span style="font-weight: 400">With Kara resting and Luna contemplating, close to half an hour passed before Luna spoke up once more. “Rainer...are you still awake.”</span></p>
<p class="cnM2NDcwMGMyMmZkMzQ0NGNiZGU4NzU0Y2ZjMjRiZmVl"><span style="font-weight: 400">“I am now,” he joked when in truth every time he’d closed his eyes he’d had to open them.</span></p>
<p class="cnNlNWI1OWQ2ZjI3ZTRjNzE5M2YwODljZTA1OGRjNjZl"><span style="font-weight: 400">He thought several times to ask Luna to cast the sleep spell on him again but every time he couldn’t help but compare himself to a sad old man drowning his sorrows with alcohol just to sleep at night. He refused to be such an existence, yet the reality was seeing all their faces every time he closed his eyes. He didn't understand it, he wasn't even that close to them. The only one who he held in any regard was Erik, who had inadvertently given his life for Rainer and wasn't even a part of those he killed.</span></p>
<p class="cnM5Mzg4YWU1ODQ3OTQ1MmRiYmJmYmNmMTk2ZDg3Zjcw"><span style="font-weight: 400">He didn’t regret his choice, though he was regretful over Leaf getting away. It was undebatable that one of them would succumb to greed and come after him and Luna or sell the information to another. Such a declaration, however, didn’t make it any easier. Rainer could only hope time truly healed all wounds…</span></p>
<p class="cnM4ZDk3NWI2NTM2ZDRhNDA4MjNkMGI5ZWE1ZjhkNDFm"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Can Luna tell Rainer a story?”</span></p>
<p class="cnNmOGY1Mzc0YThjMzQ2ZDhiMmI5NTc2MTczNTAxYmZk"><span style="font-weight: 400">“She can,” Rainer responded while the supposedly sleeping Kara twitched her ears.</span></p>
<p class="cnNiMzAyOTJjNWQ3NzQ0ZjVhMmRlYWQyZjg1NjVhNWJl"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Well…” She started while cutely clearing her throat.</span></p>
<p class="cnMxNTUwMmJkODA0MzRkOGE4NDY4YjFkMDQwYzY5MmUx"><span style="font-weight: 400">“There was a very special Fairy. The prettiest smartest Fairy that ever was. But this Fairy didn’t come from a mother: she was instead made by many mothers and fathers in order to...serve a purpose.”</span></p>
<p class="cnNjM2M1ZDU0ZDFjMjQyNWViMDYxNzJiZWI1ZWEzYWJm"><span style="font-weight: 400">“But this Fairy grew up not knowing this. And this Fairy believed the prettiest and loveliest Queen in the land to be her mother, and that this Fairy was her daughter, the Fae Princess.”</span></p>
<p class="cnNmMGIyZWY4ODU1YzQ2ZGViNzMwMWEyYWYzYWUzZjA1"><span style="font-weight: 400">“This Fairy grew up nicely but ever so often she would dream of horrible things. Of fire and screams, of being forced to burn the flames within her at the whims of others. Though this Fairy would wake up and no longer remember any of it.”</span></p>
<p class="cnNiYzc2OTA0MjIxOTRiNjZiMTBjNTc5MjI2NjkwNWQx"><span style="font-weight: 400">“But one day...this Fairy remembered everything. That Lu-the Fairy wasn’t a real Fairy but magically created to revive the ancient and true Fae Fire. To be used as a sacrifice to give to her mother...the Fae Queen.”</span></p>
<p class="cnM5ZjUxMDlhMDIzZTRmYmY4YTM1YmM3MzQ0MDkzN2U5"><span style="font-weight: 400">“And then Lu-The Fairy’s caretaker helped Lu-na but only Luna got away…” she ended and Rainer could hear her crying a bit. He took her off his head and did his best to hug the small Fairy despite the size difference.</span></p>
<p class="cnM4NmYwODhmMTJlODQzMjU4YWE3YzU0ZDg3YjdkMzM1"><span style="font-weight: 400">“And then Luna found a wonderful hero who saved her and protected her but Luna never told this hero the truth.”</span></p>
<p class="cnMyYWMzZjcxZDZhOTRkYjM5N2U5MmFmYjEzMWU2M2E5"><span style="font-weight: 400">“That’s when Luna felt the hero’s strange mana Luna knew she could hide from those after her. That by being his familiar Luna could hide. They still would eventually find Luna though. But now Luna really likes hero but it's too late for Luna to make up for it. Luna will leave if Hero wants it, Luna will make sure they don’t come after Rainer…”</span></p>
<p class="cnMzMGM3YTgzODRjMzQwNmFhNjI1NzYyY2RlZTVlZDE4"><span style="font-weight: 400">Rainer looked at the crying Fairy in his hands and thought it over. He couldn’t deny the situation wasn’t ideal. That he was a bit annoyed being used in such a manner but it wasn’t as if he didn’t gain a great deal of benefit as well. In the end…</span></p>
<p class="cnM2ZmFkNDMxYWZhMjQyNGE4OTg3ODM5MDA0OWMyYmVh"><em><span style="font-weight: 400">What’s one more entire race of people coming after me going to matter?</span></em></p>
<p class="cnM3NTViMTJmYmI0NTQ0MzdhMjk1MGY0NjYxMDljOGM2"><span style="font-weight: 400">Depending on to whom and what Leaf spread, there could be an army of fae, demons and/or humans waiting for them at the Dungeon entrance. If they believed them still alive. It may even be better for all of them to be there. Maybe they’d just wipe each other out. Either way, Rainer decided he wouldn’t be leaving this place as long as he could manage.</span></p>
<p class="cnM1ZjJjZDEwN2Y4YzQ4ZDU4YmI1ZTUwYjlhM2FmY2E1"><em><span style="font-weight: 400">At the end of it all, I'd like to see who's capable of standing in my way…</span></em></p>
<p class="cnM0YzM5MTk3YThlZTRhZDdhNDg4MDdkZGVmYjkyYzg0"><span style="font-weight: 400">“I’m sorry Rainer…” Luna spoke lacking the usual tone of her voice.</span></p>
<p class="cnNhMGVlODJjNDgwYTQ0MTQ5M2U4NjlkNzIwYmRlNDVl"><span style="font-weight: 400">Just before Rainer could say anything Luna suddenly blew out a silver dust with a violet shine onto Rainer’s hand.</span></p>
<p class="cnMyMTNhMjE1ODRmODQxOGViZjMwNDZjNTE1NzRhZTY5"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Luna! What are you doing?”</span></p>
<p class="cnM1NzE3MmNkYjI2NzRlYzc4MGEzNDVjZDAxMjgyMWEx"><span style="font-weight: 400">“I’m happy Rainer is so worried,” she said wiping away her tears.</span></p>
<p class="cnMxOGQ5ZGIzZjQ3MzQ3ZGQ5M2RmN2JiZWRjOWNhODlm"><span style="font-weight: 400">“But Fairies naturally produce a very small amount of dust, this was all the dust I made over my entire life. Whether Rainer accepts me or doesn’t once this is over, I wish for you to have it…”</span></p>
<p class="cnMxOTFkZjBlN2Q3NTQ1MzVhMzc3MzkwMjE1ZDFmY2Rl"><span style="font-weight: 400">“You're my familiar...” he spoke his head feeling a little strange from the dust, “You don’t get to leave whether you want to or not…” he said before his vision turned black and he felt a feeling beyond anything he’d ever known. It was as if for but the briefest moment he could sense the entire universe. The flow of mana throughout all existence, the depths of magic...and then...it ended.</span></p><p class="cjU1MDhhM2U0Njc5ODQwMDhhNjM3ZTA1NjVkNzJmOGI3">The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.</p>
<p class="cnNmNDc4NGI1ZWZkYTQ5OTI4MzRlOWU5YzNhZDRkNmNh"><span style="font-weight: 400">His eyes watered a bit and he then looked down at Luna.</span></p>
<p class="cnNkYzYyZWMwYjBlNTQ5MjU4NDQ5ZDUzMWZiNTEyNWEy"><span style="font-weight: 400">“It's good you finally told-” Rainer said before he clutched his chest in pain. Violet lines like veins flowed up and down his arms shining through even his clothes.</span></p>
<p class="cnMyMGQxZWVlMzI3NTQ4NWVhOGNlOGI3NmIzM2NlODk2"><span style="font-weight: 400">He could feel that small amount of strange arcane energy within his mana expand and change in nature before reverting back to what it was, though slightly more.</span></p>
<p class="cnNiMTZhZDhmMGY2NDQwNTM5NjMzNTQ2MzE0YzI5YjM4"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Rainer!” Kara called out. Both Kara and Luna looked at Rainer with concern. Luna especially as her dust was most certainly not supposed to have this effect.</span></p>
<p class="cnNmMTZlNWYxOTA3NjQwZDQ4ZjBlNDZjMmFjOTI3NTdm"><span style="font-weight: 400">Looking at his messages Rainer just waved his arm and spoke.</span></p>
<p class="cnNkYjI5YzRhNTc3MTQzMzU4Nzk2N2YyNmQ1ZmEyZjU4"><span style="font-weight: 400">“I’m alright. No rather, I’m better than alright…”</span></p>
<p class="cnM3ZWIxZDYwMzg5MTRmYmY4Y2Q1NTYzNDVjOWI5NWUx"><span style="font-weight: 400">[Fairy Dust has been absorbed. Affinity +4, Lifespan + 1]</span></p>
<p class="cnNiNjNlN2Y5MDhhMDQ0ZDZhNjQ4NTBkYmVlYWI4NzNj"><span style="font-weight: 400">[Arcane elements within the Fairy Dust compatible with user.]</span></p>
<p class="cnM3NGI0NzUzZWMwMzQzMzA4MzM5OWI1NDgxMDk4MTc0"><span style="font-weight: 400">[Arcane Attunement + 3]</span></p>
<p class="cnMzZTIzY2RmNWU0ZTQ3ZmJiMDc2MjlhMWZkODI5NmE2"><em><span style="font-weight: 400">My choice was not wrong...this could quite literally make someone a mage, or a stronger one, and in a society that treats strong mages as lords could you even put a price on that? Not only that but how much would a dying king pay to extend his life even just a bit, what or who would he be willing to sacrifice? Besides...this was just her natural dust...what lengths would people go to in forcing her to produce more?</span></em></p>
<p class="cnNiMDgyZDY4M2NlZDQ4OTBhY2VlOTljYmU2N2JmOGNm"><span style="font-weight: 400">Hastily, Rainer tried to find the [Arcane Attunement] attribute but it seemed even if it increased he likely wouldn’t unlock it until level 10. Whatever it was, it dealt with that strange Arcane Energy within his mana.</span></p>
<p class="cnM2MGZhY2IxZjdiZTQzNjk4YTQ3NTdlM2M1NWNlYWQ1"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Rainer, what happened, did Luna screw up?” Luna, back to her old self, asked.</span></p>
<p class="cnNlMTcxNTkwNzk1YjRmZjNhM2Y4NzNhODRkNmEzMTJj"><span style="font-weight: 400">“The opposite. It seemed to increase the hidden attribute that I might get at level 10, though perhaps because I don’t have it unlocked yet I haven’t a clue what it really did.”</span></p>
<p class="cnM1ZWE5N2YwNDMzZDRkZjU5NWExYWI2NWZiYjNlMDRj"><span style="font-weight: 400">Rainer now understood that there may be more to a hidden attribute than just being hidden. He wondered if the +1 he’d gain to all attributes at level 10 would give him the ability to use Aura or just increase the attribute should he ever unlock it. Meaning that beyond hidden attributes like Lifespan, which was clearly working or he’d be dead, versus Aura, which may require other conditions other than simply raising it, there were major differences.</span></p>
<p class="cnMzZWY5NWJlMTljYjRkODA4ZmIxN2Y2NjQzZjk0NWY0"><span style="font-weight: 400">“What else did Rainer gain?!” Luna asked with shining eyes.</span></p>
<p class="cnM4YWFiZTk1MGUxZTRlZGFhMTRjZTFiZDhjODI1Yzdk"><span style="font-weight: 400">“4 to Affinity and 1 to Lifespan,” Rainer answered.</span></p>
<p class="cnNkM2Y3N2UwOTJlZTQ2ZWU4YmRhM2RjMTRlYjk2ZjZj"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Hehe isn’t Luna impressive!” she said proudly.</span></p>
<p class="cnM3MzY1YjFjOWUzMDQ0OGZiNDBiNWE5MGQ0MTAyOTNm"><span style="font-weight: 400">“How long did it take for you to naturally produce that anyways?”</span></p>
<p class="cnM4OTFhNjQxZWJhZDQwZmY4MGFlMjc2MDRlOThjMWUz"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Rainer shouldn’t ask a lady’s age.”</span></p>
<p class="cnMwZjg5YjUxN2QyNjRjMTZhZDE2NGE5MzgyOWI2OTI5"><span style="font-weight: 400">At this point, Kara had already returned to resting leaving the two to their play.</span></p>
<p class="cnM5YTBiZGFmODY4OTQwMWU5MDQ1N2Y4MDM2NDAzZmM3"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Luna is a lady?”</span></p>
<p class="cnNmZDg3ZThlMjUwMTRlZGViOGFjZWRkYzQzMzY3YjJh"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Of course Luna is a lady! To think Rainer would question the beauty in front of him. Luna hurt!”</span></p>
<p class="cnNmNDVkY2MyZGM5ZTQ1NDViOTJmZTc0OGY0ZDU1NzQz"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Ah, to think I’ve offended Lady Luna, now she won’t take my mana anymore even if I forced it on her.”</span></p>
<p class="cnNkMWZjNzkyODFiMzQ1NGE4NDI2YTU2MGI1ZWNkM2Vi"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Rainer always plays the same card…”</span></p>
<p class="cnM3M2IwYTE1MzlmMDRjMTJhM2JhYzZlNDBjYWY1MDc3"><span style="font-weight: 400">Both laughed for a moment as a clear weight had lifted off Luna's shoulders.</span></p>
<p class="cnMwNjhmNDdjOTExMzQ0ZDdhMDNjYzE0YjFmNjgwMTIw"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Alright well come on, hit me with a sleeping spell, I need all the sleep I can get before tomorrow,” he said, deciding to deal with whatever problems he had once they left here. Seeing the effects of Fairy Dust, he felt slightly better with his actions and even more regretful Leaf had gotten away.</span></p>
<p class="cnM2YzJlMDc0OTVkNzQzNmI5NTgxYjJmY2ZmZTkwYTRh"><span style="font-weight: 400">”Humph using Luna so shamelessly. When Luna is like a giant to puny Rainer, Luna will use her hands to play with Rainer like he does to Luna!”</span></p>
<p class="cnMwZjMwYTM3NTc3ZDRmMDM4MTJiZjFmNTNkNzk1Yjg3"><span style="font-weight: 400">Once again Luna’s threat was in no way seen as a negative by Rainer, and, following the sleeping spell and his setting of [Sleep Learning], he let sleep take him.</span></p>
<p class="cnMzMWZkMmUzNzk3OTRlODI4ZjFiMmQyNmQ4NjUyYmM2"><span style="font-weight: 400">Just hours after the sun had set, Rainer was awakened by Kara’s whisper. Only the currently gentle light of Rainer’s 8 armed [Arcane Bolts] lit the night. Though, having slept surrounded by Kara's Werewolf form, little light actually escaped.</span></p>
<p class="cnNjOTc1ZDk1OWE3YTQ1MGI5ZTEyM2IwZGRhNmQzOTc2"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Something comes.”</span></p>
<p class="cnMyMTFhN2Q1NGY2NzQ5MTI5ZDQ5MDI1OGZmZGEyYmYz"><span style="font-weight: 400">Rainer slowly got up off of Kara with much regret, wondering if there existed a bed as comfortable as her, before he took a look at his messages.</span></p>
<p class="cnMyNTAwYTkxMDg5OTQ3N2M5NWFlYWFlYzk2YzZjZmJl"><span style="font-weight: 400">[Arcane Candle Flame has reached level 10]</span></p>
<p class="cnMzYjA2M2ExMWRmNTRkOTdhMmQ3OTg2MTY0OGE5ZDFm"><span style="font-weight: 400">[Reached the maximum proficiency of a Tier 1 spell: Rewarding 1 skill point.]</span></p>
<p class="cnMzMjZhMGFkOWUyYTRjNzI4MTc0NjY1Y2ViOWRhYTcx"><span style="font-weight: 400">[Skill Gained: Arcane-Fire Manipulation lvl 1/10]</span></p>
<p class="cnM3MzJiNGNhYzIwNTQyODY4M2I1MmQ4ZGYxNzcyMzlm"><span style="font-weight: 400">In but a moment an Arcane-Flame appeared in Rainer’s palm. Different from before, there was no effort in combining the two elements required. He was excited by this sure but, at the same time, all his earlier work on creating an Arcane-Fire Bolt with an explosive ending became for naught. Now all he had to do was replace the Arcane with Arcane-Fire when casting an [Arcane Bolt], and he would create the spell he tried so hard to research on his own.</span></p>
<p class="cnMwOTY2ZWM5N2JhZjRlZWY4NGMyNGNjNDExNjViM2I0"><span style="font-weight: 400">The Arcane-Fire was naturally explosive, but mixing the fire with the [Arcane Bolt] directly wouldn’t work as the Arcane energy was enclosed. Simply adding fire to it without compromising the bolt itself wasn't an option, hence his earlier experiments.</span></p>
<p class="cnM0NDkwNzM5ODM4NjRkYmI5M2RmYjNjZWEyMTNmOGRh"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Rainer, we may have an issue…” Kara spoke while looking over the edge of the small but tall plateau, still within her Werewolf form.</span></p>
<p class="cnMyNmZkZDQ5ZWYwMDQ4MjU4NzM1NDJmODM5NGZjYzdl"><span style="font-weight: 400">Canceling the flame, Rainer looked over as well and within the forest was a different type of flame. Minuscule dots of pale blue littered the place. Rainer used [Appraisal] on a few and his concerns were answered.</span></p>
<p class="cnMwNjliOTE2M2JkYjQxY2I4OTQxNzhiZGViNTJlYzM1"><span style="font-weight: 400">[Undead, Male, Skeleton Soldier lvl 8]</span></p>
<p class="cnNhZDk3MzU5MDBmOTQ1NDZhYWNkMmIzNWUwM2YxMjJm"><span style="font-weight: 400">[Undead, Male, Skeleton Warrior lvl 12]</span></p>
<p class="cnMyMjBlNjg5MGUyMTQ4ZmJiYzUyNmUwN2ExNzlmMmZm"><span style="font-weight: 400">[Undead, Male, Skeleton Spearman lvl 7]</span></p>
<p class="cnNhZmZkY2VlMDQ3NDRkZTRhYmI0ZWI4ODM3OGQ2ZDBj"><span style="font-weight: 400">All of them were quite high leveled, likely a remnant of Nalmar’s army. How such a city fell and the fact he had to fight such an opponent instead of scaring him excited him.</span></p>
<p class="cnMzMDljNTA0MDg2NDRhZDg4NmU5NTEzOTM4OTA2ODBi"><span style="font-weight: 400">They were clearly marching towards them. Rainer looked out over the forest and realized the situation was the opposite of dangerous, rather, it could not be better for a little experiment.</span></p>
<p class="cnNkMTc1ZTZlNzgxZDRkNzhiMDQzOTczMDlkZTg2MGY4"><span style="font-weight: 400">Slowly, he formed a bolt of Arcane-Fire using the spell formula from [Arcane Bolt] while simultaneously trying to replace the Arcane part using the [Arcane-Fire Manipulation]. Like Rainer had predicted, the difficulty was not high. Rainer couldn’t imagine how high the actual barrier to learning these skills would be without his [Arcanist] class given their powerful use.</span></p>
<p class="cnMzZGQ5Mzk0YWU4NjRlYjBiOGVmNzg3NzZhY2E3NTMy"><span style="font-weight: 400">He wouldn't even know where to begin with manipulating fire. Does he have to manipulate the oxygen as well? Does the mana take care of that? Isn't he just manipulating mana then? His skill made it intuitive but didn't answer his questions completely. Learning the first level of any skill had always been strange with the assistance he got from his class, not that he complained.</span></p>
<p class="cnNhODZkNDYzYzMxODQ2NGZhM2RiZmE2NjBhNDAwYTY2"><span style="font-weight: 400">Ever-more, he sought to meet another mage, though the concept of guilds irritated him greatly. Who were they to horde magic amongst themselves? To restrict its progress. How many simple issues could be solved with just two guilds among them sharing their research?</span></p>
<p class="cnM1MTg0NGUwZmVmOTRkMDliOTY5NmEzZjc2N2EzZjYz"><span style="font-weight: 400">[Spell gained: Arcane-Fire Bolt lvl 1/10]</span></p>
<p class="cnNiZTk2MzQzMTM0MzQ4YzJiNjY4ZTg1Yzc2NmI5YzJk"><span style="font-weight: 400">[Arcane-Fire Bolt: Fires a bolt of concentrated Arcane-Flame.]</span></p>
<p class="cnNmMThjOThlNmYzZDQ1OGFhYzgzMjljZjJhMmU2OWZm"><span style="font-weight: 400">Now the only question left was how volatile it was.</span></p>
<p class="cnM4Yjk3NWNjZGI1ZjQ0N2FhZGY4OWZlY2U2NGM0YWM4"><span style="font-weight: 400">It cost roughly twice the mana of an [Arcane Bolt], which, after recent increases in his manipulation, just went below a single point of mana. The [Arcane-Fire Bolt] formed in Rainer’s palm at his will.</span></p>
<p class="cnMzYTIzYjZlYzI3NTRiOWRhZjU1ZmViMzg2N2Q1MGVl"><span style="font-weight: 400">Small violet sparks fluttered off the spell, Rainer now thought his earlier idea of also mixing Arcane-Fire to improve his [Arcane Blade] would result in an explosive death. He shuddered a bit, glad creating his [Cone of Arcane-Flame] hadn't backfired. Without the containment field or the directional explosion of a cone, he wasn’t sure what would happen to him.</span></p>
<p class="cnM3MGIyMjkwMjQwNjQ3ODk5YWVhOTZiNDdiNWZkMGYy"><span style="font-weight: 400">Kara as well stared deeply at the strange spell in Rainer’s hand. She had seen more powerful magic before but none ever felt as dangerous as any of Rainer’s strange spells. Her Demon form could resist magic to a degree, but she, looking at his magic, would not bet against it. What was more surprising to her was Luna. She gave off a similar feeling and Kara had guessed Rainer’s mana did that to her. Kara did not know much about fairies beyond the effects of their dust, but she knew at the very least this was not an ordinary thing.</span></p>
<p class="cnM4OTU0M2Q5N2RhYjQ1ZGI4ZjQ0NjE1Y2YxYjk0Yzk3"><span style="font-weight: 400">Choosing against empowering the dangerous existence within his palm, Rainer aimed it at the approaching horde and with but a quiet whistle the [Arcane-Fire Bolt] flew.</span></p>
<p class="cnM5YzhlZjJmN2FlMDRiYjM4NDRhZDViZGI0NzI3NGVj"><span style="font-weight: 400">The bolt soared forward, a white and violet mass of destruction, before slamming into the head of the undead horde. A wave of violet flame erupted out from the unfortunate undead granting a true death to six of the closely grouped undead. The flame violently combusted on the surrounding trees but quickly died out, not expanding far from its initial spread of ten or so feet.</span></p>
<p class="cnNhMzJmODg4NThhNDRiMDhhNGEyNGRkOTdiYjYyNThi"><span style="font-weight: 400">In terms of single target damage, [Arcane Bolt] may still be superior when taking into account its mana cost, but now the bolt of Arcane and Fire stood superior. Rainer, without abandon, began creating more bolts. This time, he empowered it with about one mana’s worth of Arcane-Fire, seeing this was about his limit. With a power increase of over 300% from his various bonuses it was a fearsome spell.</span></p>
<p class="cnMxZDBiMjA0NWE1NTQ3MjY5YmEwM2IyZGZhNWQyMzc2"><span style="font-weight: 400">Once more, with a quiet whistle, the deadly bolt struck out in an even larger eruption of power, killing even more undead. Seeing that the mindless horde had no intention of spreading out Rainer continued firing non-stop, eliminating over 50 undead before his mana depleted. From the looks of it, nearly half the horde had been eliminated. Nearly all of them were at a higher level than Rainer, giving quite the addition to his experience.</span></p>
<p class="cnM4Y2MyYmY2NDM1MjRiMjA5M2FjM2FkMmMwMTY0NjEx"><span style="font-weight: 400">[Total Experience Gained: 71%]</span></p>
<p class="cnNhNDNkNmM4MzNjYzRjYzlhODU2YzUwNDQzN2YyMDZm"><span style="font-weight: 400">[Arcanist has leveled up to lvl 8/25. Standard Attributes have been distributed. 1 Attribute and skill point have been rewarded.]</span></p>
<p class="cnMzYmU3MjFiNjRhNjQ3ZmVhMWFkNDkxZmE3YjU4Y2Y4"><span style="font-weight: 400">He was almost there, Rainer thought. His plan was to use the completion of the first quest to pass the level 9 experience barrier. Which meant prior to capturing the fort he needed to reach said barrier. He opened up his status and attributes next to look at all he’s gained.</span></p>
<p class="cnM2MmQyYmUwNWU2MDRjYzJhNzJkZjAyNjk5NWVjNWI0"><span style="font-weight: 400">[Primary Classes: Arcanist lvl 8/25]</span><span style="font-weight: 400"><br></span><span style="font-weight: 400">[Titles: Arcane Scholar, Fae Contractor, Arcane Elementalist, Dungeon Pioneer]</span><span style="font-weight: 400"><br></span><span style="font-weight: 400">[Exp: 15.2%]</span><span style="font-weight: 400"><br></span><span style="font-weight: 400">[Sub-classes: None]</span><span style="font-weight: 400"><br></span><span style="font-weight: 400">[Race: Human]</span><span style="font-weight: 400"><br></span><span style="font-weight: 400">[Skills: Sleep Learning lvl 9/10, Appraisal lvl 2/10, Goblin Anatomy lvl 1/10, Fae Anatomy lvl 4/10, Long Jumping lvl 2/10, Sprinting lvl 1/10, Bare-Fist Fighting lvl 1/10, Weightless Blade Mastery lvl 2/10, General Blade Mastery lvl 2/10, Muknar Language lvl 3/10, Faaran Runic Language lvl 3/10, Fae Language lvl 1/10, Mana Manipulation lvl 2/10, Arcane Energy Manipulation lvl 5/10, Fire Manipulation lvl 3/10, Arcane-Fire Manipulation lvl 1/10]</span><span style="font-weight: 400"><br></span><span style="font-weight: 400">[Toggled On Skills: Pain Resistance lvl 1/10, Physical Resistance lvl 1/10, Burn Resistance lvl 1/10, Fire Resistance lvl 1/10, Mental Resistance lvl 1/10]</span><span style="font-weight: 400"><br></span><span style="font-weight: 400">[Toggled Off Skills: None]</span><span style="font-weight: 400"><br></span><span style="font-weight: 400">[Skill Points: 19]</span><span style="font-weight: 400"><br></span><span style="font-weight: 400">[Talents: Excellent Arcane Affinity, Human Growth, Gift of the Fae(Luna)]</span><span style="font-weight: 400"><br></span><span style="font-weight: 400">[Stamina: 13/14]</span><span style="font-weight: 400"><br></span><span style="font-weight: 400">[Stamina Regen: .1% per second]</span><span style="font-weight: 400"><br></span><span style="font-weight: 400">[Mana: 1/25(29)]</span><span style="font-weight: 400"><br></span><span style="font-weight: 400">[Mana Regen: .0028 per second]</span></p>
<p class="cnNhN2JjZDg3NTM4NjRjYjdhNjVlNTU0MTZjYTlmM2Fi"><span style="font-weight: 400">[Constitution: 11(+2)]</span><span style="font-weight: 400"><br></span><span style="font-weight: 400">[Affinity: 31]</span><span style="font-weight: 400"><br></span><span style="font-weight: 400">[Vitality: 10(+2)]</span><span style="font-weight: 400"><br></span><span style="font-weight: 400">[Endurance: 12(+2)]</span><span style="font-weight: 400"><br></span><span style="font-weight: 400">[Strength: 12]</span><span style="font-weight: 400"><br></span><span style="font-weight: 400">[Dexterity: 12]</span><span style="font-weight: 400"><br></span><span style="font-weight: 400">[Intelligence: 28]</span><span style="font-weight: 400"><br></span><span style="font-weight: 400">[Willpower: 14]</span><span style="font-weight: 400"><br></span><span style="font-weight: 400">[Attribute points: 7]</span></p>
<p class="cnNlN2RkMDk1MzYzODQ1OTlhODk0N2Y1OTgwMmUzYzQw"><span style="font-weight: 400">He also took this moment to finally look at his newest title.</span></p>
<p class="cnNmMDc2YzEyMTExMzQ5NTM5NzA2NDY0YWM0OTA1YmY2"><span style="font-weight: 400">[Dungeon Pioneer: Completed a stage of a Dungeon before anyone else. 10% Experience Bonus]</span></p>
<p class="cnNiOTU0ZDRjZjgzZjQyZGRiOGNmYTc4MzY5MjhkOThj"><span style="font-weight: 400">A bonus that was even larger than his previous titles, but he felt it lacking for the risk taken. Though of course, Rainer saw the world through a different lens than nearly all its inhabitants. He had gained 8 levels in less than 2 weeks through a combination of rare titles and overwhelming magic.</span></p>
<p class="cnNjOTI0NTg4ZGNhYzRmYzdiNjU1NjJhMzcxNzRjMDlk"><span style="font-weight: 400">It had been hard to notice the effect of his intelligence increase at first but slowly Rainer felt the changes. As of now, he felt as he did during his use of Adderall for the final stages of his wall-walking spell. Without the side-effects nor the one-track mind. Everything felt clearer and his thoughts felt faster.</span></p>
<p class="cnM1ZjVkNGU2ZGFjOTQ1NTM5ZTU3NDNlYjYwY2U4MmVk"><span style="font-weight: 400">He opened up his overcoat and brought Luna out who was resting peacefully. Unceremoniously, Rainer began poking her so that she could buff Kara before she went out to take care of the rest. He hoped Kara too would reach level 9, but before the first quest it may be impossible. She did receive less experience as a Wolfkin. Even less when it came to being a Half-Demon. Each respectively affected the related primary class. According to her, the experience was split in half regardless of her current form and then the experience penalties were applied afterward.</span></p>
<p class="cnMzMTAyNDIzYTk4ZDRlZTI5ZTJmNDJiNTNiZDYzOWEy"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Ah...No...Rainer...We’re too young…”</span></p>
<p class="cnMzNzE0MTU4MzU5MjQwNjI4MzI0YjViYzEzMDQ1ZTFj"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Who’s too young? Get up already.”</span></p>
<p class="cnMwNzEyNmMxZGEwNTQ0ZTRiZDA1MzRhNjIyZDU4Y2Jj"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Rainer? Why are you waking Luna up in the middle of the night. Quite improper.”</span></p>
<p class="cnM1M2Q4MmZkYjQ1OTQ2MDBiYzg3Y2IyNzI4NzVhODhj"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Is it not you who is sleeping in the comfort of an unmarried man improper?”</span></p>
<p class="cnM5ZDA5MmVlZjZjYjQ0MDI5ZTM5ZTc5M2ZiYTdkNDMz"><span style="font-weight: 400">“That is that and this is this. Do not make Luna’s perfect bed into something unladylike.”</span></p>
<p class="cnMzZWZiYWJhMDcyYTQzMmE5MDFjMmZhODIxMWUxYmMy"><span style="font-weight: 400">“As always you two lack the tension for the situation we are facing, Luna please grant me the Gift of Lightning then you may continue your flirting,” Kara interrupted.</span></p>
<p class="cnMxYTlhZDBmMmJhNDQ5Y2E5Zjk5OWNmMzUwNTEwM2Ew"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Who’s flirting, Luna isn’t such an easy lady,” Luna retorted before she began chanting [Gift of Lightning] onto Kara.</span></p>
<p class="cnM5ZTJjZTRkY2MyNTRjMDI4YTMwOThhYWY1YTgyOTIw"><span style="font-weight: 400">This time, Rainer listened carefully to what Luna was saying, but immediately he figured it was a magic language as his translation skill wasn’t working. He still listened carefully though hoping his [Arcanist] class would help out but as the chant finished there was no skill gained message. He'd have to get Luna to explain her magic to him.</span></p>
<p class="cnMzYWNjZWI1NDMyMDRmNTZhNTdjYjE5MjUzNWUyMmZi"><span style="font-weight: 400">With the chant finished, Kara erupted from the top of the plateau, leaving behind a gale that nearly blew Luna away.</span></p>
<p class="cnM4OTk0YjZmZmE5MjQ5M2U4ZDU1MWE2YmUxZjBlODBl"><span style="font-weight: 400">Luna smoothed out her dress while remarking at Kara’s exit. “Luna gave such nice gift to She-Wolf yet she almost blows Luna away.”</span></p>
<p class="cnNkZjg0ZjUyNTkzYzRhYTI4YjU2YmJjYzc1ODJiYWQw"><span style="font-weight: 400">Rainer looked out at the maelstrom that was Kara. Several of the undead surpassed her in level yet it was highly unlikely any even compared to her in terms of attributes. With a combination of her level 6 rare class, level 3 demonic class, current transformed form, and a 30% total speed increase from the [Gift of Lightning], they weren't even an opponent for her. Her only limiting factor would be her stamina.</span></p>
<p class="cnNkM2I3NTRhMDM4NDRkMmFiMmNmMWI2NTY1N2I3NGVi"><span style="font-weight: 400">But the total 50 or so remaining undead were defeated by Kara before she tired. As she made her way back to Rainer he appraised her hoping she had increased in level.</span></p>
<p class="cnNhYWQyMTU2YTMwYjQxZmViMjAyNWQzZTExM2ZjNDQ1"><span style="font-weight: 400">[Half-Demon/Half-Wolfkin, Female, Blade Dancer lvl 6, Demonic Werewolf lvl 4]</span></p>
<p class="cnNhYTQ4MDgzNmI3ZTQ5MjRiNDdiZTVkN2M4MjhhZTll"><em><span style="font-weight: 400">It seems she had already been close to lvl 4 for her Demon class.</span></em></p>
<p class="cnNjMmNkOTgyODdkNzQ1ZDM5YzhlOTk4NWY5OTdjNTVj"><span style="font-weight: 400">Seeing Kara climbing back up the cliff, Rainer shouted out.</span></p>
<p class="cnM5YTlmZDAyYTY5YTRhYjc4MjhlNzAxZDUzZjEzZTBi"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Congratulations.”</span></p>
<p class="cnNhYTY2NmMxNmQ1MDRiMGRiNThiOTAyZTg5ZmFlZGQ0"><span style="font-weight: 400">This, however, caused Kara to pause.</span></p>
<p class="cnMwNjliMTlmMjA2MjQzNzRiZDM0YmM1NDJjMGI4NjBj"><em><span style="font-weight: 400">How did he know…</span></em></p>
<p class="cnM0ZGE1ZDAxYWM4MDQ1MDBhODc1ZmEwZmZhMzRjZmM5"><span style="font-weight: 400">It was not a common fact that Heroes and Fae had the [Appraisal] ability. Kara could only assume he somehow inferred it from her expression. Though, how he read the subtle expression of a wolf she didn’t have a clue.</span></p>
<p class="cnM3OTI4YjBkZjQwMTRmYzZhZjE4Y2MzMWYwNWQ5OTQ1"><span style="font-weight: 400">“We should head towards the fort in the distance. If we can reach there by sunrise it would be the perfect time to attack,” Kara said upon reaching Rainer.</span></p>
<p class="cnMyNmU5MGQxOTNlNjQ4N2E5MWFlYzU5YTFjODA3NmEy"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Are you up for such a trip?” he couldn’t help but wonder.</span></p>
<p class="cnM2ZWM5YTgwMTJmNDRkNTViZWE3MDdmMDk0OWVkMDcz"><span style="font-weight: 400">“We shouldn’t attack immediately before checking on the situation, in any case. I should have plenty of time to shift out and recover,” she responded.</span></p>
<p class="cnNiYjJiOWQzNmM1OTQxZjA5OTMzYjRkOTQ2NWIxMmY1"><span style="font-weight: 400">Kara bent down giving Rainer the ability to climb up. With Luna in her favorite pocket, Rainer laid as flat as he could and held on tight. While he trusted Kara’s abilities to avoid any enemy patrols he wasn’t going to risk a stray arrow.</span></p>
<p class="cnM0Njg3MTBjMjg1ZjQ1OWI5ZTFjMjFmNzEwODAxZTFi"><span style="font-weight: 400">Rainer had to hold on a lot tighter on the way down, though Kara descended as carefully as she could. Kara ran back on all fours towards the stone road and upon reaching headed into the forest, directly towards the walled tower in the far distance.</span></p>
<p class="cnM4ZWRkYThlMzc3ZTRjOTQ4MmRjMTAzZjNlMjY3YzAz"><span style="font-weight: 400">As she ran through the forest, Rainer could only see as far as the light of his armed bolts shined. The overcast clouds from the day were still in full effect making it a night almost devoid of light.</span></p>
<p class="cnNmYTBhMzE2MjEzMDQ3ZDI4MDdmYjBjYmNiYThmY2Q2"><span style="font-weight: 400">After nearly an hour of running, they finally came close to what they assumed to be Sunlight’s Keeper. Just the distance alone caused Rainer to vastly underestimate its size. The tower itself did not resemble a thin turret of castles of old but was more akin to a grand tower fit for giants. The walls surrounding it reached nearly 60 feet in height. Rainer could not see over them and did not know what else Sunlight’s Keeper contained within.</span></p>
<p class="cnMwNjY5NzgwN2FkNzQyYTk5NWFkNGE0YzlmNTRiYmJj"><span style="font-weight: 400">The stone path they had previously followed lead directly towards a shut gate. Rainer wondered for a moment what purpose such a fort could hold when others could simply venture into the surrounding forest, using the trees as cover. Yet looking at the majestic tower he couldn’t shake the feeling of magic. Now the imagery of powerful mages standing on its balconies raining hell down upon their foes filled his mind.</span></p>
<p class="cnNjZDkzZjRkMGIxYTRhMTdhOTY2ZGNlN2QxYzE1MWI0"><span style="font-weight: 400">From his vantage point on the branch at the top of a tree, he could see the pale blue flame of the undead patrolling the walls. Behind him, Kara had just finished shifting back to her Wolfkin form and, with the assistance of Luna, was quickly clothed.</span></p>
<p class="cnM0YTBiZDk3OGI1MTQwMzM4MWRmYmEyYjBkNDg2M2Q3"><span style="font-weight: 400">Kara climbed up to where Rainer was quite easily. Rainer himself could only get up there with her help. She had managed to find a place far enough away from patrols before they decided to rest here for a while so she could recover. Kara leaned her back against him as Rainer sat forward on a thick branch looking towards the tower.</span></p>
<p class="cnNiNDczNzQ2MTU4MzRmZGM5MGQ0MmRkYmZjOWFlOTk4"><span style="font-weight: 400">This wasn’t a Dungeon, that much was clear to Rainer when the [Return Stone] wouldn’t work. That meant the explanation for these undead couldn’t simply be that they appeared from thin air. They were alive at one point. More importantly, someone, or something, created them. Whether or not one of those someones was within this tower, Rainer couldn’t know. But what gave him pause was that even after destroying that large patrol no one else came after them. What reason did their masters have to sit back and watch them attack? Did they not know?</span></p>
<p class="cnM5NDE4MWIzMzFlMjQwMWI5NmU4ZjM4MDI3YzYwNWNj"><span style="font-weight: 400">His thoughts then led him to the 6-month time limit. It was quite possible that after these 6 months, it would no longer be possible to complete this Main Quest with just a lone party rather than simply giving the opportunity to others. On the simple basis that the masters of these undead may complete some sort of task within those 6 months. Whatever task that was, it perhaps prevented them from going out and simply attacking Rainer. Or that they were themselves weak and were too cautious to send out their strongest guards.</span></p>
<p class="cnNmZjhhYTMwYzAyOTRlZTNiZjZlNTEzODc5ZWUzODcx"><span style="font-weight: 400">Rainer sat there still contemplating their attack plan on the fort with the sun soon rising in the distance still covered by clouds. It was then that he felt a surge of the most vile magic he’d ever felt. Reacting without pause, Rainer spun around and grabbed the sleeping Kara, throwing them both off the tree and landing hard on the ground with Kara on top of him. He felt a surging pain in his shoulder but he struggled up.</span></p>
<p class="cnNkMDBlN2M0YmZiNzQ0ZGM5NGM3YTFmMTJkNGNhMmMw"><span style="font-weight: 400">“What…”</span></p>
<p class="cnM0NDBhMzUxZmI2YzQwN2ZhZGQzMmVmMzJjMmM3YTY1"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Move!”</span></p>
<p class="cnM4NTY0MGJkMGI5OTRkMzRhMDFmNzUwMzkxNjBlMjQx"><span style="font-weight: 400">He grunted out just as a black fog, even contrasting the night around it, encompassed the spot they were just at. In an instant, the tree began decaying. Black veins spread across it, draining the life from it.</span></p>
<p class="cnM1MWQ0MmI3MGY0MDQwNzg4OWQwZTliZGVhMzFjMDlk"><span style="font-weight: 400">The black fog spread towards Rainer and Kara but with her assistance the injured Rainer had long since escaped its range. They ran into the forest several hundred yards before stopping and huddling behind a tree.</span></p>
<p class="cnMwMjAzYTQ0ZjU1MTQ0NDRhODhlMWQ1ZjdmMWQ4MmEy"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Rainer are you alright? I could not even sense that attack...” Kara spoke.</span></p>
<p class="cnMyYzhlODA3NTJhMzRhOTU5M2ZkYTE2OTVhZGU3Yzhj"><span style="font-weight: 400">“I’ll...be...fine. Luna...get out here,” Rainer replied.</span></p>
<p class="cnNlZjlmZDJkOTgxZDRmNDA4ZGZiZjk0ODE3YmViNTBh"><span style="font-weight: 400">"What magic was that?" Kara asked now with some worry in her voice.</span></p>
<p class="cnMzMjgyMjFkMmEzMjRhY2U5MDYyNTYzZWEzYTk0MTUz"><span style="font-weight: 400">As he felt the comforting flames he tried to make sense of that attack. He had no way to describe what he felt in that magic but a single word.</span></p>
<p class="cnNhNTA3ZjVkZjViNTRlNTg4Zjg0ZThlZDY2ODRmMDVj"><span style="font-weight: 400">“Death.”</span></p>
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<p class="cnNhZjcyMjJhYmI4NDRmZDA4ZmUwN2Q5YTgwZmRkMGVh"><strong>Mark “Coop” Cooper</strong></p>
<p class="cnMwYWRlYzUxNzU3YTRjZDlhYjBhODg1ZGYyYWZjOGM5"><strong>Location: Stewart-Benning Training Center, Earth, United Commonwealth of Colonies</strong></p>
<p class="cnMwM2UxNGNiNDY5YjQ4MWQ5NjRkYjUzOWY5NzI0Mzc4"> </p>
<p class="cnNlNGVhMmE2N2Q3ZDQxZGU5MDFkYTlhNDg1NjBjMGQ2"><em><Best night sleep ever.> </em>Coop regained consciousness just as the first rays of sunshine crested the hill behind them.</p>
<p class="cnM1OTIyMjRlZTEwNjQxZjlhMzc1NzJkZDhhYTIyZWE0">His arm was still around Eve, exactly where he’d left it; and even better, she’d grabbed his arm with her own and had it cuddled to her chest. Coop hadn’t felt so content since he’d fucked himself dry with Hailey. This was a different type of content though, the type of content a moment of peace in the middle of a hurricane offered you.</p>
<p class="cnNmNzA0MzlhNTU3MTQ0ZmViMzQwMDY2MDE5NTMwNzll">Mike was on watch, watching the morning sky fill up with light. Their eyes met for a second, and he gave Coop a respectful nod. Coop returned the nod. It was a universal gesture any man gave to another when acknowledging the first man had bagged a fine ass woman.</p>
<p class="cnM4MTJlNTcxYTkzYzRhZTM4N2FlNGE1ZGIyZWQwY2Ni"><em><Speaking of a fine ass.> </em>Coop cuddled closer.</p>
<p class="cnMwOTE0YWJkY2Q5NTQyNzY4ZjQzMGRmOTM0MTA5Mjk5">“Stop drooling on my neck,” Eve grunted, throwing an elbow that hit Coop right in the ribs.</p>
<p class="cnM3ODZiYzM5MDQ0NTQ2ZTJhZWExMDk0Y2ZkYWM2ODNh">“Ouch,” Coop backed off and rubbed his stomach. “I didn’t drool, that’s got to be morning dew or something.”</p>
<p class="cnNhYzZmYmUwMmZiYzRjMmI4NTFmZWFmMDgxMDdiMDE5">“Sure, whatever,” Eve rolled over and looked at him. “Get over that morningwood, Coop. We’ve got a busy day ahead of us.”</p>
<p class="cnNjODJhNzk0NDY2ZDQ3ZGI4MDRhMDY2YTllZDQ5OWM0">Over the next thirty minutes second squad ate, broke camp, and planned the rest for the route to their objective. They’d pushed hard the previous day, so they only had ten kilometers left.</p>
<p class="cnM0MDU2MGY3MGUzYjQ0YWRiZTkyYTJkN2JjMzNiMjcw">“We really only have about three clicks of travel through these woods,” Eve had the holo-map up and was drawing the route with her finger. “Once we hit the road here we can parallel it all the way into the objective.”</p>
<p class="cnNlODhhMTc3MjJkNjRhOWFiMmNkYzQzNWY1MWFjZTFj">“Why don’t we just walk on the road,” Davenport pointed. “We’d save ourselves at least twenty minutes not having to pick our way through the scrub.”</p>
<p class="cnNmYmVkMDk5NzE3ZTQzYzViMDRhMGEzMThjYmQ0NTgx">“Nope,” Coop jumped in. He just loved shutting the arrogant asshole down. “When we ran into fifth squad yesterday they told me instructors are patrolling up and down the road in air-cars shooting at anyone they see.”</p>
<p class="cnM1ZWU5MDg5MmRlMTRiMTlhMjdlOWQ1YjZmZjlhZjAw">“Coop’s right,” Eve said, the exasperation that usually went along with her speaking to one of Coop’s comments was absent. “The mission parameters state that we’re crossing through enemy territory. We can’t be seen, so we need to stay at least a hundred meters off the road.”</p>
<p class="cnM3ODUwMDk5ODQzMTRkNzVhMzk4ZmVhZDdkZGVhNzMx">Davenport grumbled, but everyone agreed. They’d all been shot once during the raid on their first camp, and no one wanted to experience that utter helplessness again.</p>
<p class="cnMxYTFlMzgzMDc1ZDRiYThhN2ZhOWE4ZmZkZDhlN2Fl">The last thing they did was make sure there was no sign left that they camped where they had. They couldn’t be sure of the tricks the instructors had up their sleeves, but being tracked and ambushed from the rear was something they would prefer to avoid. Once everything met Eve’s expectations they headed out.</p>
<p class="cnNkNDhhZTc1YmZkODQzOTg4ZDIyYWM2MDQzNmQ2YzQ5">They moved at an even pace in a line with about five meters between each person. Eve was in the center with Coop right ahead of her and Mike right behind so she could pass them orders and they could deal with their teams. At the front of the line was Olivia.</p>
<p class="cnM0Y2YwMGI3ZDQyODRlZjViNjJkNmQ3MmI5OWYwNDA4">The quiet girl had an uncanny ability to blend into her surroundings. Even if the whole squad was sitting at a table in the chow hall, Coop would forget she was sitting there until she said something. As the person at the front of the line she needed to blend. All Coop caught was the occasional bounce of brown hair tied back in a tight ponytail.</p>
<p class="cnNmOGNkYTk5YTQyYTQzZDk4OTlhYjJhOTQzN2UwOWZh">Coop had seen these types of people back in the PHA before, and he feared them even more than the big guys. The big guys could bang their chests and taunt how they’d destroy you in a fight, but Coop knew it was the unassuming, quiet ones that could walk right up to you and stick a knife between your ribs before you even knew what was happening.</p>
<p class="cnNjMWFmNWUxNDQxZTRmMTNiZjBhNmM3ZWIzMjBmNTc1">The thought sent a chill through his body, but he shook it off. <em><Olivia is too nice…right?> </em></p>
<p class="cnMyMmRiNTFmZTc2OTQyZjJhMDQzZWM0MWVkM2FhZjNj">Olivia suddenly stopped and held up her hand. It was in a closed fist, which meant everybody freeze. Coop did exactly that but slowly slid off his ruck in case he needed to move fast.</p>
<p class="cnNhMGE1ZWYwMTc1YTQyYjNhMWM2MzVjNTNiZjNkNjcx">It didn’t take long to see why Olivia had called the freeze. A soft hum filled the air and steadily grew louder. They had good concealment in the woods, they were still over a hundred meters from the road, but anything searching for them more advanced than the Mark One Eyeball and second squad was going to get chewed up.</p>
<p class="cnM5MjI2Y2I0OTYzYjQyZGE4ZWY2MGZlYTI5MGVmMjBk">Coop held his breath as he saw the outline of the air-car pass by on the road ahead of them. It looked nothing like the air-car he’d tried to steal. It was clearly armored. It looked thicker, and the noticeable hum made it obvious it was putting out more power to stay in the air. It also had some type of active camouflage that made it very difficult to see. Without the humming and the pasty white, incredible stacked woman manning a ridiculously large weapons on the top they might have missed it all together.</p>
<p class="cnMzMDE0NmY3ZmQ5MjRlNjA5NTdiYjQyNWYyODJhYzM5">Thankfully, it passed them by without incident. They waited a few minutes after the air-car passed. Coop looked and listened for anything else out of the ordinary, or any indication the air-car was turning around and heading back in their direction.</p>
<p class="cnM0MDM2NWE0ZDQ4YjQxYmY4NTNiNTBiOTBhYTkzODJh">After those few minutes Olivia made a “get up” motion with her hand, and second squad continue their mission.</p>
<p class="cnM3ZDRmMGY4M2JjODQyNjk5NmRjNDcxZTc5MzRlYjA3">The objective of the final test of wilderness week was to reach a specific grid coordinate. SSG Cunningham and PO3 Janney didn’t tell them where they were going or what they were looking for. They just told them to get to the grid coordinate by 1200 hours.</p>
<p class="cnNjMTZmMTgyYTI0NTQ2OGM5NTUxNTE3OGU1MGJjNWQ1">Second squad stepped out of where the woods ended, which also happened to be the grid coordinate of their objective, at 1020 hours; a full hour and forty minutes ahead of schedule. But that was the last thing on their mind as they looked at their destination.</p><p class="cjY1NzVhYjYxMGYzNjQ0YzY4NzUzMDdkYmRmM2UyZmY1">If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.</p>
<p class="cnM5NTQwOGNiZjJlNDQ2NmRiYzAyOTBlZDdhZGNkYTA5">Just a few hundred yards from the tree line was a white building. It was made of the same material as the barracks, the chow hall, and every other building in the training center. The difference between this building and all the rest was its size.</p>
<p class="cnM5NjAyZjg3MzkwMDQwNmI4YjQ4OGNkNDUwMzdkMDVk">“Holy shit.” Coop didn’t know what else to say.</p>
<p class="cnM0OTM2MGRlZjBlODQyNjFhZmRlYWRmZWM1MmUxYzJm">It looked like someone had taken half a dozen PHA towers, dropped them on their side and bound them all together. The building was massive. He wasn’t even sure if you could call it a building, it was more of a complex.</p>
<p class="cnMwMzZhOWYyYTZhOTQ2Nzc4ODI0N2M5ZTlmYjllNTRl">“It’s the Dojo.” Eve spoke softly and with a reverence reserved for something spiritual.</p>
<p class="cnM3NDU4YTk3MmVkYTQ5NDVhZjQzODlhOTljYjYxNjZk">“Dojo?” The word sounded funny, and Coop felt like he’d heard it before in a holo-show or movie.</p>
<p class="cnNhNTgzNzM0M2M3MDRiNTRhOTc2MzRjNGQ3NmIyMDE1">“Not dojo, or a dojo; this The Dojo.” Eve’s reprimand didn’t hold as much bite as it usually did. She was still staring open-mouthed at the huge structure.</p>
<p class="cnM2NDRkZDhhOWFkNjRkYmI4NDg2MTM1NmI0YjI4NTEz">“Care to enlighten us.” Davenport walked up behind them.</p>
<p class="cnMyMzdmNjMzMDc4MTRjOWI4MTdkZjUzOTQ0NTQ0OWE2">The proximity of the creepy squad member seemed to snap Eve out of it.</p>
<p class="cnMxZjE2Yzg0NWVjZjRjZmE5NWQ3YzhiYmYzMTZmYzA4">“The Dojo is the Commonwealth’s premiere Combative’s School, which means our next training phase is…”</p>
<p class="cnNlNGM5MmUwYmZjMTRkNWFiNTUxNGUxMGM4YjRlMjEy"> </p>
<p class="cnM0NTU2Zjk0MWQyYjQ3YTQ4YTQ0OGFjZjU5MTM2MWFl">“Welcome to Fight Week!” SSG Cunningham was grinning at all of them an hour and a half later.</p>
<p class="cnNiYzUwMDE5ODU1YzQ2MjhiNjY0ZjMxZjNmZjY2MjI2">All of Echo Company was standing in formation, minus two people. A battle buddy team from sixth squad had apparently walked right off a cliff the previous night. They hadn’t made it. The rest of the squad was still reeling, a fact that wasn’t missed by the drill instructors. PO3 Janney was prowling around like a hungry dog waiting to jump on them.</p>
<p class="cnM4MWU5ZmJmNTE4ODQzNzI4NjU5MTY1YzlkNGYzYmMw">“We will be spending the next week of basic training in this building here.” She pointed behind her at The Dojo. “For all of you who think that finally being back in civilization is a good thing, think again.”</p>
<p class="cnM1MTM4M2UwYTZkYjQ1ZmJiNDNhZjVjZTBiODdlZjc1">Coop looked over at Eve and saw that his squad leader was a little white. That scared him a lot more than anything the SSG or PO3 could say. So far Eve had been fearless and ready to tackle any obstacle. Finally seeing her show uncertainty and fear was unsettling, and it was seeping into the rest of the squad.</p>
<p class="cnMxZDFmNTJmZTY1YTRhOGFhMTE2MDM3ZjRjMDFhYTBl">“You have thirty minutes for chow. There are pullup bars by all the doors to and from the chow hall. Since you’ve had a nice little break from upper body workouts you will do twenty-five pull-ups before and after every meal. At 1230 I expect to see you all in Room Eleven Bravo, understand?”</p>
<p class="cnNiNDJlOTY0ZWQyMzQ0MTZhNzgwNTI2M2JmYzM1MzZh">“Yes, Staff Sergeant.” They all yelled.</p>
<p class="cnMwZDgzYmVmMGFmNDQwYTRiM2MwZjIxZjY4NjJiNzc0">“Fall out.”</p>
<p class="cnM0ZDEyYzdiN2U3ZDRiYTdiMmNlZWNiYjEyZjhkZGQ2">They fell out and ran toward the doors. They pushed through them like a wave crashing against the shore and stampeded into the building. It took a few precious minutes to find and get to the chow hall, which was not the first door they reached. On top of that, they had to negotiate around other groups running through the halls. At eighty-one recruits, Echo Company was the biggest of those groups, but it was still a battle to fit a hundred plus people through a narrow hallway when both of the groups were determined to get to where they were going as fast as possible.</p>
<p class="cnM4YzliZjUyZmExZTQ2OWRiMmVhYWI4NTZkNGYzMTdh">Finally, they reached a door with pullup bars outside it. It was a sprint to the bars. Coop got their first and threw himself up and into the bar. He knocked out his first twenty without incident, but the last five he felt the burn.</p>
<p class="cnM1ZTYxN2E3YWYwZjQzZmQ5ZDBhODU4Zjg4MThmM2Ex"><em><That hurt.> </em>Coop rotated his shoulders as he dropped to the ground and proceeded through the door.</p>
<p class="cnM3MjlkNzI5N2YwOTQ5OTRhZjhkMTdhMDIzYzk2MDc3">Hauling around the thirty kilo rucksack all week had done a number on his back and shoulders. He hadn’t realized how sore he was until he had to do the pull-ups.</p>
<p class="cnNhM2EwMDM4OGI4YjQxMzA4NzI0MjllNWQzOWJhYzlh">The chow hall was just as large as any other they’d been in, and the set up was exactly the same; so Coop supposed the rules were too. He got in line, followed the clockwise pattern, grabbed what he wanted, and didn’t backtrack. There were more instructors present; lots of corporals, some petty officers, other sergeants, staff sergeants, and even a few gunnery sergeants. Coop didn’t want to give them any opportunity to smoke him.</p>
<p class="cnMxMzA0Yjk2YTQ3NjQwYjk5NDYyODkyODJkZmQxMmU1">Fifteen minutes into their chow time all of second squad was gathered at a single table and scarfing down their lunch. Coop didn’t even bother talking, his attention was on his food and the giant clock on the wall.</p>
<p class="cnM4ZTgxYjE1ZWI5ODRiMzE4MGZlMmU4NmJjNzA0OTU2">He kept the meal lighter than he would have liked. After a week of eating nothing but MREs and the last twenty-four hours with only scavenged berries, Coop thought the chow hall food was fine dining. However, he remembered the first meal he had and the run afterwards. This was the beginning of their next phase, and so far the pattern meant that today was going to suck. The last thing Coop needed to be doing was puking up his lunch.</p>
<p class="cnM3YTJkNThkYjkzZjRkNTI5OTRiNDBjYWQxMDU4NTAx">Despite what Eve might think, Coop was learning. He was starting to see the pattern. He had just needed an extra push from her.</p>
<p class="cnM1NDk1MzgzYWY1YTRiY2E4NjNhZWE0MzgxM2U0NzM0">Really, Coop wanted to talk to Eve. He wanted to talk about last night. He wanted to press the issue with her and use the momentum of the cuddling to turn it into something more. He had an idea of how he’d usually do that which involved an empty supply closet, but he knew Eve wouldn’t go for it. That method would most likely leave Coop dickless. He needed to find another way to get into her pants.</p>
<p class="cnNiMjIyMDI0MGYxOTQyMGE4MmRmNjNhMjQzZGNmZTdh">Second squad hurried out of the chow hall with six minutes left. They threw their trays in the dispenser, knocked out their pull-ups and scrambled to find Room 11B. They found it with thirty seconds remaining.</p>
<p class="cnM0ZGM3MmVkMTE0MTQ5Mjk5MDE5MmY0NmM2NzRhZDc5">Room 11B was a large padded room. What looked like practice bots were idle in the corner leaving the wide open space empty. Coop’s feelings on seeing the space were mixed, a mix of excitement and dread.</p>
<p class="cnNlOGQwNzI0ZDQzYTQ3MWVhOWRmN2UwOTRjNjA0ZGE1"><em><What are they going to have us do now?> </em>He didn’t have to wait long to find out.</p>
<p class="cnMxYmEyMGE5NGRhMDQ1YTVhZGRiOWNlZWFkMjYyZTcx">“Company Aten’hut!”</p>
<p class="cnM3YTQ1ZDZlN2EyNzQyZjE4YThhMmIwM2QwNzZlNzhj">SSG Cunningham was at the front of the formation, and she looked determined.</p>
<p class="cnMyYjlkMGNiZmMyOTQ2NWM5MWI4MGZjYzE3OGQwMWE2">“Recruits, as I said before this is Fight Week.” She put a lot of emphasis on the second to last word. “I cannot emphasize how essential this week will be to your training. After all, it is our job to fight. And the only certainty I know for sure is that none of you know how to do this.”</p>
<p class="cnM3OWM0YjQxZGU4ZDRhZjVhZGZjMzFlOTUxOGI5OWZk">Coop frowned at the statement, got yelled at by PO3 Janney, and had to do pushups because of it.</p>
<p class="cnNmMzAwYjExZDk5NjRhZGU4NjNhZDBmOTRhZTQ4ZWY3">Coop took those words as an insult. After all, he was a Rat. In most of society’s opinion Rats were either fucking or fighting. Fucking and increasing the world’s population, or fighting for anything from living space to BSA rations. It was a stereotype that had evolved over centuries, but like all stereotypes it had its foundations in truth.</p>
<p class="cnMyZTg3OGI0ZTViYTRlZmJhODlmNDk2ZWNiNWQxZjAy">So when the SSG said that Coop didn’t know how to do one of the two things the world declared he was good at it pissed him off a little.</p>
<p class="cnMzMjNhOTYyNDk5ZDRkZTRhMDc4ZjRhZDVjMDZlMjU1">“Today we are going to see what you can do.” The SSG pulled out her pad, hit a few keys, and then swiped what was on her screen over to the wall.</p>
<p class="cnMyZWE1MTQxMTUyZDQ5NzA5ZTIzOGExZGFhMDhiNDhj">A large bracket appeared, like the type they used for the big college basketball tournament in the spring. Each line was populated by a picture of the recruit, their GIC underneath it, and their name in big bold letters.</p>
<p class="cnM5ZGRhOTk3N2NkMDQ2ZWQ5MzVjNzdjYzBkMzJjOWI2">Coop searched for his name and tried really hard not to smile.</p>
<p class="cnM2OGI0NDdhOTJmYjQzYjQ5OGMxZTliMmI2MjE1ZTQ0">On the ground all around them the pads started to glow. A thick black line appeared around the pads which had all turned a spotless white. Now, the room was full of dozens of squares with glowing numbers hovering above their centers. Those numbers corresponded to numbers on the bracket.</p>
<p class="cnM2ODczYzcyMWQ0NTQxNTZiYmE4ZTUzYmRjMTBjOTNl">“Today we’re going to have a little fun in evaluating your current level of ineptitude. I need to see if you’re hopeless or if I can actually make something out of you.” The SSG might have said all this lightly, but her eyes were hard and serious.</p>
<p class="cnNkNWMxOWViNTliNTRmZDBiMjA0OTZiNzRhZDU0NjNj">“Rules are simple!” PO3 Janney hollered. “Don’t ya go killin’ anyone. Medics will be able to handle anythin’ else.” He stared at them with a big grin splashed across his face. “Fall out and get to ya squares!”</p>
<p class="cnM0YjY1NTI3NGVkMzQyMDI4MjJmZmU2YTc0YmMwYzAy">Coop for once didn’t hesitate or question. In fact, this was the best thing that had happened to him since he’d arrived in this fucking hellhole.</p>
<p class="cnNkZDBmYmYwZTJhMjRmZmJiMzE3OTY4MmQ0OTM1Zjcx"> </p>
<p class="cnM5ZmYwYThjYmYzNzQ1ODdhMzk3NGIxNGUwZjJiMGFl">Check out my <a href="https://beammeupscottysstuff.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">website</a> for more details about me, more web serials, and my random thoughts that I occasionally post. Also, vote for Two Worlds on Topwebfiction <a href="http://topwebfiction.com/vote.php?for=two-worlds" target="_blank">here</a>!</p>
<p class="cnM5NWRiMDhlOTRjZTQ0MDg4NmQwYzhlYjQ1YzQ1YzQ3">If you like my writing check out my debut novel, <a href="../../../amazon/B01MA67Z44">The Harbinger Tales</a> out now for only $3.99.</p>
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<i class="fa fa-calendar" title="Published"></i> <time unixtime="1476324058" datetime="2016-10-13T02:00:58.0000000Z" format="U" >Thursday, October 13, 2016 2:00:58 AM</time>
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<p class="cnNiMGZjNTkyYmIyNjRkNTM5MjU4ZjRiOWU3YWVhOGU5">Once upon a time a man named harry decided to dedicate his life to science. He was a quantum scientist he was trying to work out how to make a safe way to travel through the universe almost immediately. That’s when he realised the Borg had mastered this technology centuries ago but no one had the guts to brake in to a Borg cube and study the technology.</p>
<p class="cnM0MWE4YjAwMzZlYTQ4ZjNhMjgxNjQ4YTcwY2I5Y2I2"> </p>
<p class="cnM5MDc3ZmIyNzg4ODQ5YTg4ZDhiMTdhNTQ3Njc3MGFj">As such he asked for a grant to build a ship to study the Borg with. It was a ship designed to be invisible in every way know possible to the Borg. The government turned down his grant saying if the Borg got the ship it would become impossible to spy on them anymore. Due to the government refusing his grant he borrowed money from the government without their permission through a weakness in their computers.</p>
<p class="cnNiYzRhZTE1OGZjODRmZDRiYzdiNjg0OGU4MTE2NDY2"> </p>
<p class="cnMyZDM4OGZhYjMyYjRjN2ZhNDEyNmJiZmQxZjdjZTlj">He made a deal with the forengi he would pay 15 times the price for the specialised ship. The forengi being the money lovers there were agreed. 2 weeks later he received the ship built a dedicated tech and biology labs he set out for Borg space. Apparently it was billions of lightyears across. The current technology took him 3 months to arrive at Borg space.</p>
<p class="cnMwNzIyZjhjYzliODQ3ZGQ5ZWNhOTMyYzEwZTMwMDVi"> </p>
<p class="cnM0OWY4OWQ5ZDNkMTQxMDZiNzJiZWU4N2FiYmIyYTEx">He started his study of the Borg …. A year had passed he had beamed Borg a bored his ship many times. He studied them working inside there cubes, spheres and even the rectangle colonising ships. He had even taken apart and remade there nannies without the Borg noticing. Unfortunately for harry, he made a mistake he beamed a Borg on as normal while it was recharging but an alien ship appeared and fired at the Borg cube. The Borg on bored his ship awoke and before he could react it assimilated him.</p>
<p class="cnNiMzRlMWJlNmQ4NzRjOTlhMzk3MmMyMDYwNjhiYjFi"> </p>
<p class="cnMzNWZkZWIxZDVkZTQyYTdhMDM3YTBmNWVhY2Y2Yjlk">He became part of the collective. He was there when billions of planets were assimilated including earth without the spy/stealth tech earth had a hard time defending and running away from the Borg. They turned mars into a planet weapon to keep the Borg back as they retreated. Unfortunately that weapon backfired when the Borg assimilated it after a 2 month long battle.</p>
<p class="cnMwMGJlMDQzYzU3NTQ2YTJiNDA4ZjhjNTM5YWM1ZTNm"> </p>
<p class="cnNhYmI3MmYzNjk5NDQ1YzNhY2VhNzYzZDBlMDc3OTIz">Harry as part of the collective was lucky to survive the battle he was the lone survivor of his Borg cube unfortunately his borg cube drifted into a wormhole that the Qs had accidently opened… thus harry was sent as the sole borg to another dimension.</p>
<p class="cnNmZjZiNjRlNWZiMDQ4YTQ4NmFjYTM5Y2M2ZjUzODBk"> </p>
<p class="cnNiY2U5MzIyMDQwZjRiNjFhMWQzM2M3YjllYmE3MmYx">His cube crashed into a planet in the middle of the day…. No one noticed the cube hitting the planet they only felt the earthquake. A single drone left that cube that was 95% intact .Harry as a man dedicated to science decided to rebuild a better stronger Borg no matter the cost.</p>
<p class="cnM5MTI5ZjI3Y2RjODQ2MzFhMTdiMDhkOWUzNTNhMmQ5"> </p>
<p class="cnMxNjNmMzAwZTYzZDQ0MjFhYzI4NWQxNzM5ZDY2ZGY3">The new Borg would be able to think and hypothesise about science with freewill. Due to a new group he would build called science Borg. They borrow 1% processing power from the entire collective to think up new tools and weapons for the Borg sometimes even strategies.</p>
<p class="cnNlZjdiZDUwYTc4MzQ5OTViYTllMjhhNzdjMjQ2NzI3">He decided he would use the Borg as a think tank for himself to answer and discover everything he could ever want. Harry didn’t care about the billions of dead planets that were left behind thanks to him. He was more interested in science and while with the Borg his understanding of quantum physics had soared high into the sky.</p><p class="cmMzMGIyOTIwODlhZDRjOGJiYTRhMDM1ZDkzMjUxZDI2">Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.</p>
<p class="cnNkOGE2MzcxMjZlODRiYjU5OWZlYTFiZjE5NDg2MzI2"> </p>
<p class="cnNmM2NlOGI5MTU1NzQ2YTBhNzAzODJkMjNlNGQyNmZm">He upgraded the Borg computers to make him the Borg mind and all others slave Borg. He started by upgrading the computer to be a quantum computer. He then used a signal bouncer to make a map of where he landed and find out where everything useful was.</p>
<p class="cnNlM2VjOGI5ODcwOTQ0MDA5MDQwYjZlOGEyZmY1MTdk"> </p>
<p class="cnNkOGNiOWE4MWI2OTRmODg4ZjkyZWVmZDhjYzI2MTE4">Luckily for harry he found a village only 25 miles away and an adamantium mine 500 miles underground. He beamed himself to the outskirts of the village and started monitoring. He noticed some of the humans of this world had weird energy inside of them. Almost like small power plants these humans seemed stronger and faster than the rest of the humans in the village.</p>
<p class="cnM3MjBmMDVmMjY1MjQyZmZhYWYyMjI3OWQ4ZGM1Nzgw"> </p>
<p class="cnNlOTA4ZmVkNGRkZTRiYTg5YWRhMmNiNjE4YTI2Y2Y2">Harry decided to get the normal villagers assimilated and working on fixing the cube and mining the adamantium before he tried assimilating any of the strange humans. He wanted the cube to be in space if possible before he touched the strange humans. Harry started marking out houses full of villagers. He would start assimilation at night time every night to make things safer.</p>
<p class="cnNkYTJiYTU4M2Y4NjQ5OTBhZjJlN2I1Yjc0N2Q4MDdm"> </p>
<p class="cnMxOTljMDAyYmNiMzRlZjJhN2ZiZmY3Nzg2NjdhOGU2"> Village elder’s pov</p>
<p class="cnM2ZjM0MzIxZDYzMTQzOTViNTJjZDA0NDU5ZGRhZmE0">I’m 90 and never have I had to deal with ghosts before, they have shown up and suddenly entire houses of people are becoming empty in the middle of the night. We have the local cultivators and the adventures guilds cultivators trying to protect the village, but it had no effect people disappear inside the walls even when there are cultivators guarding all over the walls. We put cultivators inside houses trying to stop it from happening but only the cultivators remain in the morning.</p>
<p class="cnM2ZGI1ZWUxYzkxNDQxYzZiNmJiYTU4YmU2MjBjYTNi"> </p>
<p class="cnMzMTU2YzljZWJiYjRkY2ZiOWI5ODlhZWVjZTIxNDQw">One of the strongest cultivators around lost his daughter said she disappeared right in front of him in a flash of light. He keeps trying to convince the other cultivators to leave with him and to evacuate the village.</p>
<p class="cnMxZDNmOWEwOGI0OTRhOWJiY2ZiYWIyNGIzNzNjOTZk"> </p>
<p class="cnMzMmVlODQzMWU4MDQwM2ViNzk5ODkwOWFkOTQ5ZjFm">In 5 days’ time everyone will decide for themselves I can’t make the decision for them as it might start a small riot we don’t have time for that. Its been 2 months since the disappearances started it was a house or 2 a night at the start now its close to 10 a night. </p>
<p class="cnM5NWYzMWIxOTRhNDQ0YmJhNDRiMDRiN2Y3ZDg3ZDFm"> </p>
<p class="cnM4YTFiYzdjMzg1ODQwOGQ4OWMyNTNiZWFlZDIyZWU4"> Harry Borg pov</p>
<p class="cnMxMDFiZTA0YTYxMzQ5NTNiNzM0Nzk5ZGQ2MzJhZWRm"> </p>
<p class="cnM4Nzg4ZTBmYmUzZDQ2Y2U4YjViOTk1Y2U0MjVmNjJm">“hahaha the villagers finally left the village “</p>
<p class="cnNhZTFlMjlhMmIzYzQzMTg4ZGE3NWMxNjE1OWNhMjNi">I prepared the borg to assimilate the rest of the normal humans tonight we have learned the strange humans are called cultivators and train to get stronger a first tier cultivator can fight up to 200 normal villagers alone. There are 10 main ranks of cultivation and 10 small ranks per main rank. Luckily for us the strange humans only have main rank 0 sub rank 3 humans at most.</p>
<p class="cnM2NjYyYjE5OWE1MDRkZGRhZTFlZDYwNmZjZjk2NWJj"> </p>
<p class="cnNlMzljMTZhNDNlODRlZWJiMWM2YTdhYTc0ZjIxZWUy">When the villagers and cultivators left we stopped mining operations and started to prepare to get a special human assimilated as it will speed up mining operations.</p>
<p class="cnM4MTA5ZWViYTZhZjQyMDVhNTk3YmM1NjI1M2M5N2Nl"> </p>
<p class="cnM1YjdiNzQ3NzA1MzRkY2ZhMDUwZjRkM2M5MWY3N2Zm">At night once the beaming started we got all normal humans out and looked for cultivators on their own. We found one out in the forest looking for the enemy at the ones near the fire said. We sent a spider Borg we had made recently up to him to assimilate him. …. It didn’t work as he had some sort of shield up. When he noticed the spider he crushed it and went back to watching the forest. We then looked for cultivators with their shields lowered we found a pair of 2 in a tent alone without shields. We snuck up and infiltrated from behind. The humans were procreating. We inserted assimilation tubes before they could make noise and then teleported to the ship we put up a level 10 forcefield immediately.</p>
<p class="cnM3ODBiY2Q3MjNkOTRiMGNhMmM3NGE3MzQ0Y2UyODNk"> </p>
<p class="cnNmNTM5MWNmYzI5NjRhYTdiNTQxOTgwZTg5YzRlNzcx">They hit the forcefield and did damage but by the time the forcefield hit 90% (2 hours ) we had finished assimilation and all borg scientist(2) started to work on using the new energy as an upgrade and a power source for better shields and weapons.</p>
<p class="cnMyYmMzMzZlNWQwZDQ3OTdhNGZiZTA0MzZiNzVjZWIw"> </p>
<p class="cnMzODEzZTdmMjU4NzQxMTA4OWIwZjhmZmEyNTAyYzQ2">…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..</p>
<p class="cnMzOTNkOTc4NzI2MzQ5NjdhYTc4ZWMwYmQ2YzQ4MTcx">Sorry for not posting dungeon of mass destruction for a while but my comedian ran away L may or may not have found him eventually …… jk he had a really long holiday might be back soon depends</p>
<p class="cnMxMzYzY2Q0YmJmNjRkYmE4OTExOWQ1ZWMyNTM5YzZm"> </p>
<p class="cnNhY2UxNjk0ZTc1NTRjODZiYzNiYmFjZTk3MTZkYWVk">hope you liked the new book</p>
<p class="cnMxZDE0ZTA4MzNjYzQ3MjY5MzBhOGNkYmYxYzU4NzNk">…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..</p>
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<h1 style="margin-top: 10px" class="font-white break-word">Chapter 55 - Lazy Journey South</h1>
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<p class="cnNjMmU0NDUxNzU2OTQyNzdiMTY3NTcyZjE0Mzc1MWJk">Of course finding land was half the battle. Jace panicked, he had not been checking the depth of the water under the keel the past two days, as he had been mostly distracted by the alluring and insatiable kindred woman who was sleeping peacefully below deck. Using a quick scrying spell, which was a melded spell of search and land and depth glyphs he breathed a sigh of relief. They were still in deep waters, and not particularly near anything dangerous. </p>
<p class="cnNiNTRhMmUwNjM3MjRlN2Q5MjNlMDBhY2FiZjJmYTU1">Removing the ice from the boat was actually easier then he feared, as all it required was careful use of the glyph “shatter”. He quickly removed the ice with a sweep of the air glyph. The water was unusually calm, which he was thankful for, as he wasn’t really in the mood to brave a choppy sea in this boat while it was subzero outside. Hobbling with the crutches was getting irritating to him. He had been on them for about 4 weeks. Granted he had done no real traveling, but he just couldn’t imagine a life on these things for much longer. </p>
<p class="cnM5MmEwOWRjODdlODRhY2Y4NzJmMWE4MjA4MDIyODFk">He had asked Verna about magic to regrow the lost limb, thinking that the regrowth glyph might work, she shot him down explaining the problems and theories regarding the glyph. He even experimented himself with it and found what she said to be accurate. The regrowth glyph didn’t seem to work at all on pretty much anything. What he found strangest about the glyph was its extensive ties to the glyphs air and sky. This made him wonder if the actual glyph originally meant something else.</p>
<p class="cnMyNmY2NmJmZDljODRiN2ZiOGJiY2RlZTg1MTMyNTll">Without an obvious way to restore the leg he had toyed with the idea of a prosthetic. However, he had never handled one before. Making a boat was easy, as he had spent countless hours on them growing up in the summer time. Making something with joints seemed a bit beyond his reasoning. Especially since he never really studied human anatomy before beyond what he learned in sex ed. Worse still was the idea of a peg leg. Something in his pride just couldn’t give up to the extent to actually use a peg leg. What was depressing to think about is that without any other options on the table, he feared a peg leg might just be a solution to the problem, no matter how stupid he’d look.</p>
<p class="cnMyZDk4M2VmYTNjNDRmOGE5Y2ZiYzc3MmYyZjEwNmM1">Getting the yacht underway, he randomly chose to head south, along the coast, reasonably guessing that they had been blow north by the storm. One of the worst things about days like this was handling the lines. The lines being formerly part of a plant meant they absorbed water, making every pull of the lines like dipping your hands in ice water. Then keeping those wet hands warm afterwards was nearly impossible. If they weren’t so close to shore he might have been tempted to wait this day out. However, 5 miles easily could be covered in two hours with a breeze or tide, basically they were far too close to just give up on the day, so he had to find ways to keep himself dry and warm. The day remained unexpectedly calm, which he was thankful for, and he felt they made fairly good time, despite the freezing temperatures that only succeeded in rising to the point the lightly falling snow turned into a light drizzling rain, which of course made everything miserable. </p>
<p class="cnM1NGNhYzgwOGZhYTRhZGQ5NWE2M2ViNzg3NzM5Nzlh">He, from time to time would warm himself up by remembering the past couple of days. Even if he never touched Verna again he suspected he’d never be able to get those two days out of his mind for the rest of his life. Jace was by no means a sadist. Nor did he get into teasing other people much. He knew he was a bit straight laced and a bit dull, but he just didn’t like making other’s uncomfortable. That said something about Verna seemed to press his buttons a bit. So while they were enjoying each other he discovered an interesting fact about this seductive red haired beauty. She really liked being physically dominated. He discovered it by accident, he pinned her hands above her head because she was hurting him by raking his back too hard with her nails. He had to use magic to do it, and she briefly struggled against him with magic, which he resisted. From that point on she went nuts. He never fucked a girl who was so out of her mind locked in pleasure. It was an intoxicating thing, knowing you’re making your partner go wild like that. If it was just a matter of her going wild, those past couple of days already would have been memorable. What really tipped the scale was how she kept him going and going. That woman seemed to know exactly what might turn a man on, and simply wouldn’t let him stop until she was too tired. It was an amazing experience.</p>
<p class="cnMzNGM1OTBiOTI2YjQ1NzNhNGRhN2ZiZDk5Y2JmMzNh">He kept a close eye on the depth, and around noon, or what passed for noon in this weather, he realized the bottom was sloping up toward them, by midafternoon he estimated they were probably in 200 feet of water. Being bone chilled and exhausted he chose to anchor while there still was light, and the depth was reasonable for anchoring like it currently was. The shore was still miles away and from what he could see, uninhabited. Worst case scenario he could always try to fish again, if the food situation got any worse. </p><p class="cmFjNTkwNDcxMTkxNTRlZDY4YzE3ZDI0NWFiYWFhYWEx">If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.</p>
<p class="cnNlNGEzZGIwNDE4YzRmZjBhZjYyOTczYTE5OTVmM2E5">After securing the yacht, he went below deck. Verna finishing prepping something like dinner. All plants again, likely tasteless as usual. He figured if he ever made it back to Earth he should start on mild buffalo wings. He was surprised his stomach rumbled even smelling the bland vegetable stew. How he ever got used to the lack of taste in the diets in this world was beyond him. She was wearing little. A pink barely opaque bottom, which would have doubled nicely for hot pants on earth, with a pink matching tube top which left little to the imagination. The material these articles of clothing were made out of would have been instant hits on earth, as it looked more like wispy filmy mist then actual cloth. Having touched this material before when he saw Sam wearing something made of it, he knew it was a type of clothing, despite its darn near illusionary appearance. </p>
<p class="cnM1MzE4MDE0MWNmMDQ1ZWE5OTNkZTJiYjk0YjZmZjM0">Verna’s back was to him as she worked some magic on a pot, heating the stew, the shining glittering spot of small scales at the base of her back shining in the dim light like rubies. He had learned that her scales were immensely sensitive, perhaps more so then her skin. Unable to prevent himself from causing her a little discomfort, he placed one of his icy cold hands directly on the small of her back. The resulting girlish screak and her teleporting, actually teleporting, directly into the blankets was so out of character with the cool beauty persona she gave off he actually couldn't help himself from breaking out in a laugh. His laughter doubled when he saw her stick a teary eyes fire haired head out of the pile of blankets as she gave him an angry look that actually looked cute rather then frightening.</p>
<p class="cnM4MzIzZDYzYzEyMjRhMTNiOWFhYWFjMjc2ZWE0NTI3">Verna clearly realized the angry glare wasn’t getting her anywhere, and blushed red. He wasn’t sure why she was turning red, he had seen and touched pretty much everything of her, so for her look so shy was a bit weird. His laughter died down as he tried to figure the blush out. Then Verna, eyeing him cautiously, spoke, “You’re not touching me with those icey hands again.”</p>
<p class="cnM1MWZmNzQzYTgzMDRmOTc4ZjkwOTY0NDZlYTU4OTUx">“Oh?” Jace looked at Verna carefully. For some reason it sounded like a challenge when she said it like that. He remembered a bit from the prior couple of days and his smile grew larger. “Is that so?” He was tempted to push her on the subject, but he knew where that would head. He wasn’t quite up for another two-day marathon. So he turned to the food and asked “is this done?”</p>
<p class="cnNjZWFkZWY0OTBkMjQzNjViZDBmNjJmMTczNmJmOTEw">He thought he heard her say “coward” under her breath, before she answered “should be.”</p>
<p class="cnMxMDEyYmI1OWRjOTRjZjdiZjE5NWY5ZTFlMjU1MjYy">He sat down and started to eat straight from the pot. It was about as tasteless as he recalled, not that Verna was at fault for that. Nothing to taste when the ingredients had none in the first place, and they had no spices for it. </p>
<p class="cnM4ZjgyODUzMGRjNjQ1M2FhNGJjZmMzOTk2Y2U3OTM3">After eating his fill, he told Verna about being in sight of shore, and the direction he was heading. She simply shrugged and said “You should learn to scry more. Had you scry’ed the location of the nearest town you wouldn’t have to randomly pick a direction to sail.”</p>
<p class="cnM3NDRlZjY2NzZlYTRlNmE5N2Y5M2Y5MTY2ODI1YzQ3">He winced. She was right of course. There was a lot he should use magic for that he did not. So he admitted it to her, “You’re right, I should have.”</p>
<p class="cnMwMzM1NGFkZTc5NzRhOTI5NDUwYThiNTgzYjhhOTE1">She smiled brightly, “I like that about you. Do you know how men typically respond to a woman telling them they made a mistake? Among your people I’m sure you can imagine. Among mine, the back of the hand is typical.”</p>
<p class="cnNjOWIwOWIxMDc4MzQzNTRiMDBiOWZiYTk1ZDU2OWNi">He winced, learning yet more how horrible these people were to each other wasn’t a good dessert. “There is some of that where I come from.” He admitted honestly. “However those men are mostly the exception.”</p>
<p class="cnNmZTIwNWYxY2FlMjQ0NDZiYTZiOGEwMDZiYTFjNDg4">“But no Dragons there, yes?” </p>
<p class="cnNkNjVlYzA2M2EyYzQ2MTI4YTdiOTY2Mjg0Yzg0YmU5">“No dragons.” He replied. </p>
<p class="cnMxZTU1NGM1NzM0YzRhYTE4OTI1NmMwYmQ5ZjdmODJm">“What a strange place.”</p>
<p class="cnNlZTM4MzFiMWJjMzQ1NDZhMWM2MDMxNmY1NDk2YWZk">He sighed, and set aside the rest of the food. “You eat yet?”</p>
<p class="cnNiMDFmYTllY2MxMDQ4ODk5Y2Q5MjNiNjkwMmYzYzkz">Her yellow cat like eyes narrowed suspiciously. “You’re not trying to place those icy hands on me again?”</p>
<p class="cnNiNjQwZTQyYzc1ZjRjN2RiNTA0NmRiYzMwYmEwYTc0">“I’m not going to bully you again with my icy hands.” </p>
<p class="cnNlMzc4Y2Q0NWIxZTQwYjU4NDMzM2Q2ZjBiZDIxMDY5">She looked at him a long time, then slipped out of the blankets and crouched down next to him. Once she had a spoon full of the stew in her mouth he placed both cold hands on both side of her waist and dropped her into his lap. He held his icy hands on her stomach as she squealed and thrashed. Eventually his hands warmed up, and she stopped struggling, leaning back against his chest. “You lied” She breathed, the tone in her voice was throaty, as she twisted in his arms and brought her face to his. </p>
<p class="cnNmZmRlYzNlZTFmZTQwZGJhYmY3MTE3OTgzMDYwMGU1">Jace figured he could try one more marathon.</p>
<p class="cnM3Njc3MzQ5MGY2NTRmYmFiYzUwNGY2MmU4MzZkNDYz"> </p>
<p class="cnNlMTE4Yjk5YjUxZDRjZmQ4MmU5MjMzYjJlZDYxM2Vi">It was in this way they gradually made their way down the coast, eventually finding the port city of Lotsorn, around the time their food ran out. </p>
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<i class="fa fa-calendar" title="Published"></i> <time unixtime="1476325797" datetime="2016-10-13T02:29:57.0000000Z" format="U" >Thursday, October 13, 2016 2:29:57 AM</time>
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<h1 style="margin-top: 10px" class="font-white break-word">Chapter 28 - Pleasant and Unpleasant surprises</h1>
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<p class="cnM3YTY4ZGQ4YjNlZDQ1ZmFiMGM1MDI2MTBiZDMwMDll">Zilan quickly went through the motions of absorbing the Universe’s energy held inside the ginseng. He put all his concentration in drawing the three cross formation before slowly sitting in the middle and just like he did with the cores, Zilan placed the ginseng in front of him and thoroughly massaged it.<br> <br>This time though, it only took a single minute before the energy within started to leak out. He then cut across his palm and blood came pouring down onto the core as well as the formation.<br>His blood force then entered the formation causing it to glow brighter.<br> <br>Not long after, and a blue mist that was clearly thicker than the one from the three low-level cores came flying out. The formation instantly pressed down on it, slowly guiding it into Zilan’s pores, mouth and nose.<br>This time, the process went much smoother and faster since the ginseng didn’t have the natural defensive abilities of the cores.<br> <br>The mist felt wonderful as it entered Zilan. It felt like a never ending spring of life was flowing into him, strengthening his body, purifying his mind and electrifying his vigour.<br>Five minutes later and the energy stream was starting to thin however, the benefits Zilan reaped this time were mind blowing. It was truly a one in a million chance.<br> <br><em>“It looks like even the Universe itself wishes for me to grow stronger.” </em>joked Zilan.<br> <br>The energy was so much that Zilan couldn’t absorb all of it so instead of letting it go to waste, he redirected the remainder towards his soul. Little did he know that doing so would cause his mental strength to grow at a frightening rate.<br> <br>If other practitioners were to be asked what the most difficult thing to train was, the first thing they would utter from their mouths would be mental strength. This was especially true for spirit masters whose mental strength was directly linked to the quality of spirit tools they could make.<br>Training ones mental strength went hand in hand with training the spirit which was commonly known as the soul. However the training of a soul had many methods and not one could be described as easy except for of course, Zilan’s new found cheat.<br> <br>He let out a faint chuckle before completely focusing himself on the task of circulating all of the Universe’s energy around his body.<br>One cycle, two cycles, three cycles.....<br> <br>With each cycle the amount of energy minimised, until finally five hours later on the three hundredth cycle, all of the energy had been absorbed.<br>Zilan grit his teeth as his body vibrated uncontrollably. The scales on his neck increased in number but at the same time decreased in size.<br>His muscles as well as bone structure were both undergoing some changes, slowly shaping into the ideal body for a cultivator.<br>Suddenly as Zilan was going through this painful ordeal, two marks of tribulation shed off from his wrist. Unfortunately he was in too much pain to notice.<br> <br>The reason he was undergoing such agony was because Zilan hadn’t bothered to train his body well enough during his years as a cripple. What he was experiencing now could be compared to a small sickly child abruptly transforming into a world-class strong man in the span of one night.<br>Not to mention that he had skipped a level once again by shedding off two marks of tribulation at once thus double the pain.<br>The marks were created by Zilan not just to stand as a tracker for his progress but also to work as a training regimen, since biting off more than one could chew would only result in pain like he was experiencing now, in the best of cases. In the worst case it could lead to his entire cultivation system collapsing, which in essence was the destruction of the blue core and since it hovered directly under his soul, any chance for re-incarnation would also disappear with his death.<p class="cmEwMjFhMmVlOTQ3YzRkYjY5OThhZDdmMTRiZDgzNjg3">This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.</p> <br>Granted, Zilan didn’t know the effect consuming all of the energy within the ginseng would have. After all, in his mind shedding off the marks would be extremely difficult since it required not only the life blood of the Spring dragon but also Universe energy from three low-level cores to remove just the first mark.<br> <br>However what Zilan didn’t realise was that he had yet to fully grasp the whole situation. Just like how the spiritual power held within the core of a powerful practitioner was different from that of a new cultivator, who was to say that there weren’t varying levels of quality of the Universe’s energy. No matter how good his formation was at drawing out the Universe’s energy from objects, impurities in the form of the object’s own unique aura or energy would still contaminate the sample.<br> <br>Only if the object that held the energy was pure for example a spirit herb like the ten thousand year old ginseng, would the energy also be purer.<br>Zilan was definitely learning a lesson through pain this time.<br> <br>............<br> <br>As more time passed, the pain gradually subsided being replaced by a cool comfortable feeling.<br> <br>“Phew~ I managed to get threw it.” exhaled Zilan as he wiped the sweat of his brow.<br> <br>Almost immediately after thinking that, a sharp headache that felt like someone was drilling into his head suddenly assaulted him.<br> <br>“This again! What the hell is going on?”<br> <br>When it happened the first time, Zilan was still able to pass it off as a slight miscalculation or an unforeseen one-time occurrence however, now that it was happening again something was definitely going on.<br> <br>As he tried to wrack his brain on what exactly that was and how to actually stop it from percisting, the piercing pain unexpectedly heightened to the point that Zilan started rolling on the ground while grabbing his head.<br>He tried to hold his voice in but no avail, wild and ear shuddering howls of torment escaped from his mouth.<br> <br>A loud buzzing noise accompanied by a earth shaking thumping continuously sounded out in ears, driving him mad.<br> <br>Suddenly just as Zilan was on the brink of knocking himself unconscious, he could feel a strange yet ancient force circling his brain.<br>As soon as he identified the force, a strange seal appeared on his forehead in large golden, bold characters spelling out the word, “Heaven”.<br> <br><em>“A..a..A seal...no...a high level spell!” </em>deduced Zilan as he struggled to his feet.<br> <br><em>“If I can just get to the voidless sack...”</em><br>Before he could finish his thought, Zilan toppled back to the floor grabbing his head. The pain had unbelievably intensified.<br> <br>Suddenly the force that was circling his brain dissipated however the pain did not.<br> <br><em>“The spell is wearing off....is that what this is about?”</em><br> <br>Just as he had suspected, the spell had worn off and the headache would soon follow just not yet.<br> <br>As Zilan was pre-occupied with enduring the aching of his head. A crisp cracking sound broke out from within his brain that sent ripples across even his sea of consciousness.<br> <br>His expression froze and his body went limp, numb to everything including the pain that was still plaguing him.<br> <br>“It was all a lie!” were the only words he whispered before tears of blood trickled down his face. </p>
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<div class="portlet-body author-note"><p>Another quick 'chapter'. Hoping we can get to the game soon. Will be fun.</p></div>
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<p class="cnMzNGRiOTYxMDA0ZjQ0NzJiMzE2YzU5ZTMyZjM3Y2I5">Chapter 6</p>
<p class="cnM0MWJlOTdmMDQwZjQ0NGQ4YzE5NDA0OWY3MjAwZmEw">Entering the house Michael gave a nod of acknowledgement towards the Butler/castellan of the property. Arthur gave one of the trademark bows in his repertoire. It was the welcome bow, he also had a sarcastic bow, you’re an idiot bow, I’m going to tell your parents as soon as I leave this room bow and the rarest of all and one which filled Michaels heart with pride, the that’s a surprisingly good idea bow.</p>
<p class="cnNlYmRhNWE5ZjE0YTQ4ZDliNTg0YzMzNzIzMDJmMWI2">Leaving Arthur and his bows behind him he travelled up a flight of stairs and then followed the corridor to the very end. Opening this final door, he was greeted by:</p>
<p class="cnMzMTM5MjI2MjgyMjQyNjdiY2YxMDQ0ZmIxNDRmOWE5">A painting of himself with rabbit ears, a top hat while carrying a fancy china cup. “What the hell is that monstrosity?!”</p>
<p class="cnMyMjVmOGJmOTVhMzRhZTZhODliNTEwNzQzZmZiOWRj">His little sister’s eyes widened, tears literally started to form around her eyes. “You don’t *sniff* like it?” Michael could only stare in horror at the monster which he had a hand in creating. </p>
<p class="cnMzNmNiNmVjNGExNjQ1OWY4MTFjYzZhYmJmOTYxOGM2">“It’s actually… really quite excellent. I was just err surprised that’s all” he answered swiftly. Trying to avoid eye contact.</p>
<p class="cnM0ZmFjZDE5MTVmMjQ0ZTZhZGI1ZmQxM2Y2NDJjYWY0">His sister suddenly let out a snort of laughter. “You… *snort* should have seen your face! I should probably say that I was bored one day and I figured I’d give it to you as joke for your birthday.”</p>
<p class="cnNmYTdmZDdmZWM5NTRhYTI4MWJjNTEyZmU2ZDc5Y2Q4"> “But… Rabbit ears? Really!?”</p><p class="cjljOTcxNzNhMWExMTRhMDNiNjA2ZGEwZTJlM2I3OGE5">This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.</p>
<p class="cnM0ZDM4YzI2MjkyMTRmZWE4ZjE1YTNhNDBiMzk5NDA4">“You looked kind of cute if I don’t say so myself.” Michael could only look upon her with horror. Trying to switch topics he asked:</p>
<p class="cnNkMzVlOTMzZjIzNzRhMmY4NWNlNDExMDI4MjI4ZWJk">“So what’s so important that we had to speak face to face?” His sister suddenly appeared shy. (Damn she’s a good actress.)</p>
<p class="cnMwYjk2NjkwZjBlNzRjN2RhZTAzZWI4ZjU1NzBmY2Jk">“Well it’s kind of embarrassing really…”, she said shyly. Michael just gave her the look. You know the ‘get to the fucking point Anna look’, he had perfected it over the years. Annabeth suddenly appeared serious. This was business.</p>
<p class="cnM4NGU3Y2I2M2U5OTQ0OWU4MTRhZmYxZDQzMzc5NzUx">“Well there’s a party on Thursday… but Mum-wants-you there.” That last part was spoken incredibly fast but it was lost upon Michael. He was stuck on the ‘party’. My cute little anti-social nerdy annoyingly unknowingly beautiful naïve sister is going to a party. He was frozen in horror with a tinge of pride that she was finally growing up. Just to reconfirm:</p>
<p class="cnMzZDA1Y2E4NDI0YTRjY2I5MTM2NDc0ZTk4NTZiYjk3">“Sorry I think I misheard did you say you are going to a party?”</p>
<p class="cnM2YTNiZjUyZGRlMzQ2Mzg4OGYyMWMxMmFjZDBkYTJi">“Well… yeah… but only if you come.”</p>
<p class="cnNlYmIyNDU3NjllMTRlMThiNzA4YzVkZDM2YmQ1NmU2">Michael asked her quizzically, “Umm why do I have to be there.”</p>
<p class="cnMyYWE0YmE5M2M2NzQ2ZGViY2M5OGEzYWVmNjJhNmU5">Annabeth snorted grumpily, “Mother said the only way I have permission to go is if you chaperone me. She believes that unsupervised I could get into trouble and or embarrass the family.” (I wonder if father will notice if one of his swords go missing) Nobody is getting near my sister! Hmm this is probably why mothers been calling. I’m not in trouble?</p>
<p class="cnNiODlmODBmMWM1NjQ3YjRhOWZkOGExNjMxNWMwNTc4">Smiling to himself at the image of him swinging his sword at anyone that approached his sister at the party.</p>
<p class="cnNmZWY3YzU4YmRiYTRhZDJiOWFmMjMwOTFiMzBlMDNj">“Michael you still there?”, Annabeth asked worriedly.</p>
<p class="cnMwNTAxZGUxMThlYjQ1MjQ5OTA2ODdiNmFiODgxYTE5">“Oh sorry was just pondering. I’ll speak to mother don’t you worry. We can talk after dinner, right now I have to go see father.” And with a last cheerful smile he walked out the room. Moments later:</p>
<p class="cnMwODRkNjkwMmViNDRiYThiMDAyODRkNTNmN2JmZmVk">“You don’t happen to know where he is do you?”</p>
<p class="cnMxOTk0MjNlNjM0MjRlYzhhZjQ5ZDAxMmUxYTIwNjU3">Annabeth grinned, “I’m pretty sure he’s at… the ‘Arena’”</p>
<p class="cnM4MzRhYTQxYjVlMDRlNmE4MTBhMzQzMjg5ZGM3YzMx">Michaels eyes widened in horror. </p>
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<i class="fa fa-calendar" title="Published"></i> <time unixtime="1476326103" datetime="2016-10-13T02:35:03.0000000Z" format="U" >Thursday, October 13, 2016 2:35:03 AM</time>
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<h2 style="font-size: 24px" class="font-white inline-block">Enmity: History is Written by the Victors</h2>
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<h1 style="margin-top: 10px" class="font-white break-word">Chapter 1: First Kill</h1>
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<p class="cnNmYTY5YTg4NTAzNTQzNDM4OTEzNzM2YzIyYTYyNjVj"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">Enmity nocked an arrow, pulling her left arm back tightly until she could smell the handmade soap. It clung to the cracked skin on her fingertips and the old prin feathers she had collected and carefully washed. Most people thought they were useless after getting dirty but she knew that with patience most things could regain at least some of their original value. Her hands were stiff and chaffed from a mixture of chores, but the stinging pain in her fingers was nothing compared to the deep blistering feeling festering in her chest. The need to cough grew and grew, but she forced it down. Years of practice had taught her that she could hold it for a little while if she really needed to, and at that moment she really needed to.</span></p>
<p class="cnMzZDBjZGNmZTJmODQxZjlhMjAwMzZhYjM2MWY4Y2Nj"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">Winter was almost upon them and she hadn’t been able to stock up enough food yet. Her jaw twitched at the somewhat false thought. In reality she had, but one of the butcher’s disgusting sons had found one of her bigger winter stashes and stolen all of her preserves. The wild boar she was sighting was the only animal she had seen in the last two hours and the sun was about to set. She knew she wouldn’t have another chance to get away from her chores anytime soon and she needed the meat.</span></p>
<p class="cnMwYWVjNTBkYjY1ODRjNTY4YjYyYWJlMmNjMzYzY2Nm"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">The arrow scraped at her cold-sensitive cheek as she waited with ragged breaths. All Enmity could think about was forcing down the urge to cough. If she couldn’t, it would all have been for nothing. Silent white puffs of breath stained the still air as she waited for the boar to angle himself toward her. She needed a definitive kill shot. Ff she missed now, she wouldn’t have time to wait for another chance. The sun would be setting soon, and the air was already getting chillier. Her threadbare clothes were no match for the weather.</span></p>
<p class="cnNhYzU0Y2VhY2RkYTQ3NDc5ZWM3NjUxOGJkOTMyN2Vj"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">Her thoughts wandered toward her mental checklist of all the things she needed to do before winter set in. Getting a new pair of clothes was one of them. She was very small for her nine years of age, the withering disease made sure of that. But even then her clothes were getting too small for her. The hem of her skirts was closer to her knees than her ankles. If it weren’t for the old socks she had salvaged from one of the baron’s kitchen maids last week, she wouldn’t have dared the chill of the woods that day.</span></p>
<p class="cnNmYzg1ODFlN2Q1OTRhOTFhYzZkNjk2NTY3YWZlN2Zi"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">She was still thinking and grouping all of the necessary tasks ahead of her when the boar moved exactly as she had wanted him to. Enmity let the arrow fly without even thinking about it, immediately slamming her thoughts back into the moment. The time it took for the soundless arrow to fly from where she was hiding out to the boar about one hundred feet in front of her took half an age. She couldn’t cough, not at this last moment, if she coughed now she would scare the boar and it would all have been for nothing.</span></p>
<p class="cnMzNDg0YjdhMTMxZTRjYjBhZDRhODE1YjkwNGYzYjRm"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">The second before the arrow slammed home, she choked on a cough she was trying to keep at bay. Her eyes teared from the effort and the boar moved, straining his ears towards her. He had sensed her presence and immediately began to run away. Enmity stood up, her position had been revealed, she needed to run after the boar. She allowed herself cough once before quickly nocking another arrow and shooting it at the already retreating boar.</span></p>
<p class="cnMxMmM3ZWJhOTA5MzQ2YjhhZDVmNDIwY2RiZGE0YzBm"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">The first arrow had ended up hitting him in the lower stomach, towards his intestines. From experience Enmity knew he would die in a couple of hours but she didn’t have time to track him down and wait for his death. As she quietly slinked after the rampaging boar and his bloodied tracks, she could only hope the second arrow had hit home. The arrow had hit him from the side, so she suspected both of his lungs had been punctured, but she couldn’t be sure until she was up close.</span></p>
<p class="cnMzODU5OTgzYWE2NjRlYTU4ZGYwODEyNzU0Y2QzYzI2"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">Ten minutes later the tracks were becoming harder to see. The sun was already past the tree line, casting too many shadows in her path. Her wracking cough wasn’t getting any better, always worsening in the humid cold. Tears were almost continuously running down her red-cold cheeks and she could barely breathe. She knew she needed to get to warmth soon. At times like these, she couldn’t help hating the withering sickness with a vehemence. It was the reason for most of her problems; the reason people avoided her. Everyone knew it wasn’t contagious, and yet she was shunned and cast aside.</span></p>
<p class="cnM0MGU4YjJiOGY0MjQwMmU5Y2U2MzQ2OTQ3NGEwZmVl"><span style="font-weight: 400">She began seeing black spots in her vision not long after as she stumbled in the boar’s direction. Her sight failed her and she relied on instinct to guide her. Through the cold brittle paths of the forest, she could almost feel the warmth the boar had left in his wake. Drawing strength from that path she succumbed completely to her senses. As she let reason and thoughts escape through the back door, she knew she had pushed too far once again. It was never intentional, but time and time again she found herself at Death’s door. Knocking and hoping no one would answer.</span></p>
<p class="cnMwZWY1NTM4YzRlMjQ1MTliMmY0NzNjMGUzZmI0ZjYy"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">It wasn’t just a girl’s fanciful imagination. This time she had pushed too far. With her body’s condition she should have known better but fear and hunger had forced her hand. She knew them well and winter brought out the worst in them. She clung to the remnants of fall before it succumbed to winter. While her feet still carried her toward the boar, she felt her mind flickering in and out of consciousness. It was as if her mind was going in and out of her body, one moment she could feel her limbs, the next they would be as numb as lead.</span></p>
<p class="cnNjODk5OGIwYjFhMjQ4MWRhNmVjNzMzMDc1MjMyMTJl"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">Death was upon her but it didn’t scare her anymore. Five years ago, the night her parents had died, it did. Back then she hadn’t ever been close to death. Now she knew better. She knew Death didn’t want her yet. Even now, with her body almost giving out on her, she could feel she would survive. She always did. Even when she thought it was all over, her body would pull life force from some hidden place and let her push through another moment of life. Slowly, her body responded in the exact way she predicted.</span></p>
<p class="cnM3MDdhYjdjYmQ5NjRhZTdhNDM2OWQzNThhYTgzNDA2"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">Instead of the usual spurt of energy from within though, she felt the energy trickling in from her surroundings. Fighting her consciousness, she remain focused on the mysterious energy source. It was as if the boar’s warmth was keeping her alive. In her mind that didn’t make sense, she hadn’t found him yet. His path lay before her and as she strained to open her eyes, she could suddenly see. </span></p>
<p class="cnNmNDExY2MxOWI4OTQ4NzM5OWZmMDA5MzJhZGM3NTUz"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">That didn’t make sense of course, her vision had already blacked out a while ago and she didn’t even have her eyes open anymore. And yet, it was like she could see a dispersing swirl of colors forming a path in ahead of her. Focusing on the swirling lines of color, she felt her body pulling them towards her. At first it seemed wrong and unnatural. She had to strain against the currents of light and pull the colors toward her. It was incredibly hard, and more often than not she didn’t manage to grab ahold of the lines before they dispersed into indistinguishable spots of nothingness. Her body learned though and she was slowly able to pull a few toward her.</span></p>
<p class="cnM3MDA5MGZlZmRlNTRhNjNhNmYwOGZmYTA5ODJhN2M1"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">The second she did, she felt a small surge of warmth stab her in the chest. It was slightly uncomfortable, but it was warm and so she kept on pulling. Forgetting everything else, she followed the colors, holding onto them like a lifeline. With every step, she could noticeably feel herself getting stronger, and every line she didn’t manage to hold onto felt like a heavy loss.</span></p><p class="cjQ2M2U3NzBjZDg5OTRkNDI5YmFkMzJlMmI1MDgzM2Fh">This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.</p>
<p class="cnMyYmI4NzVjODIxNzQwYTI4Yzc3ODI0MDNkMDdhYmU5"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">As she felt her limbs strengthen, she could feel her body waking up again. She hadn’t even noticed when it shut down its non-vital parts. Suddenly she began to feel the cold again and a violent shiver racked through her body uncontrollably. She tried to ignore it, warming herself with the ever brightening colors. By now Enmity knew she would probably be able to see again if she opened her eyes. In fact, she was feeling better than she had in months. The burden on her chest had lessened and the constant pain in her limbs had lightened. It felt like bliss and she didn’t want to risk the chance of losing this new miraculous ability.</span></p>
<p class="cnM3N2MyMTc5ZjU1MzQ0NjRiNTAyZDEyN2ZiZTNjMmQ0"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">Death didn’t seem so welcoming anymore, it didn’t seem like a comfortable alternative to the daily hell she went through. Following the brightening color trail, she realized she wanted to live! The colors were growing so vivid, it almost hurt to look at them. And finally, it did.</span></p>
<p class="cnNlN2Q5MGZlYjgxYjQ3Mzc5OTVlNTdhYjQzZDk4ZDc4"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">She had reached the end of the path, she could tell. The colors were swirling like a massive vortex around her, caressing and taunting her skin. She wanted to devour them immediately, pull them toward her and wrap herself in their warmth. But then she was afraid of the consequences. Enmity didn’t want to lose the colors; she had just found them. Even if she had finally reached death, or if this was just a great dream, she wanted to enjoy it a little longer. She stood there, basking on the strength the lights gave her. The decision could be put off for later, she could extend the moment just a little longer... but then she noticed how they dimmed.</span></p>
<p class="cnNkMjIwMGZiNjRmNDRhYWNiZTJmNDM1MGQyZmQ1MGFl"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">She choked in agony. It couldn’t be time for them to leave yet! She had just found them! As she watched for a while longer, she noticed they were growing dimmer and dimmer by the second. It hurt her to do it, they seemed too beautiful to extinguish, but she knew that if she didn’t take them herself, they would just disappear. Enmity drew the lights to her as quickly as she could. She wasn’t able to get as many as she wanted to and almost half of them got away. It was a painful to watch them floating into oblivion, but there was nothing to be done, not anymore.</span></p>
<p class="cnNjMTY4ODQzMzhlZDRhZDRiZTU0NDNmOTc0YmY1NmFk"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">Enmity fell to her knees. Her body was back to responding normally. She felt the cold rocks of the forest floor digging into her knees and shins with severe reality. She didn’t care. Compared to the loss she had just felt, this pain was nothing. Compared to the relief she had felt, this was nothing. She didn’t know how long she sat there in silence with her eyes closed, wishing with all her being for the colors to come back, but they never did.</span></p>
<p class="cnMwYWNiZTcyZGEyZTQ0MDZiMjA1ZDJjNzFmMWY0ZTdm"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">Eventually it dawned on her that she couldn’t sit on the cold forest floor forever. Even with the newfound bundle of strength, she wouldn’t be able to survive the night out in the cold. As much as she skirted death, she didn’t actively welcome or look for it. In the end she was still human and beyond all things, she wanted to survive.</span></p>
<p class="cnM3ZDM2MjUzNWQ5ZTQzZmJhMzRiN2U4Y2Q2YWNjNGEy"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">She opened her eyes and started getting on her feet before she immediately succumbed to a coughing fit. They happened every now and then, that wasn’t surprising. What was surprising was how long she had gone without the urge to cough. It was a constant companion she barely noticed anymore. Sighing in remorse, she took in her surroundings as her vision cleared. It was already quite dark. The sun had already sunk past the horizon, but its rays were still streaking the sky. Enmity knew however, that most of the light was coming from the almost full moon. While she couldn’t see everything clearly, a large oak tree with a fallen branch gave her position away.</span></p>
<p class="cnNjMTZkMzkyZTAxMTQzNzI5ZjQwYjJjYTE2ZDI2MGRl"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">She was further into the woods than she thought possible. From here, it would be nearly an hour’s trek back to town. How she had made it this far she wasn’t sure. Straightening her back, she looked around with the assessing habit of survival. Comforted by the fact that she was completely alone, she checked her hidden satchel to make sure her life’s savings were still there. They were. Her bow was draped across her shoulder, her arrows in her quiver and her several knives hidden in all the appropriate locations. She sighed in relief. Losing any of her belongings would have been a tragedy. When you lived on the edge, you couldn’t take anything for granted, not even a dull discarded knife you had sharpened to a sliver over the years.</span></p>
<p class="cnM3ZjczOTRiZTRhMTRkOTBhY2ExYzk1ZTlmYzRhZDYx"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">Standing up, she almost tripped over a mass before her. She didn’t remember there being a bolder there, she bent down to examine the bulky form. It was the boar. With two of her arrows still sticking out of it’s body, it was dead. Enmity almost felt relief, but there was a niggling feeling of uncertainty as she moved her hand to remove her arrows.</span></p>
<p class="cnMwYzhiMTNhN2JkYjRiODZhNTQ1OWQ1MzhkMDFjNThh"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">She wasn’t worried about the darkness, the real monsters prefered the light of day. Shewould be able to make it back with help of the moonlight. She also wasn’t worried about freezing to death immediately. She actually felt warmer than she had that morning when she leaned against the outside wall of the baker’s ovens. It was a warmth that radiated from inside and reverberated through all the nooks and crannies of her body. The warmth of the lights. Still thinking about the penetrating feeling that she could already feel dissipating from her body, she froze.</span></p>
<p class="cnNjN2YwZWI0NWI3MzRiYTM4NjAyNzkzOWJmM2YxMzJj"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">Something wasn’t right. Her hands were still touching the bristly fur of the dead animal. She was thinking about all the preparation she still had to do when she realized how cold it was. That wasn’t normal. Even if the animal had died over two hours ago, which she knew it hadn’t, it shouldn’t have been this cold, not this fast and not in this weather. As it stood, it was almost colder than the air around her.</span></p>
<p class="cnNlMGRhZGVhN2UxNzQxODI4NGYwMTRiOWQ3MWE1NmVh"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">Enmity’s hand flinched away when she took a closer look at the carcass and noticed the dead animal’s eyes. It’s eyeballs were completely molten into a black gory mess that had leaked down it’s face. Now that she noticed it, she also realized that the air had a dark putrid smell. She almost choked, but forced her stomach to remain still. Food was too precious a commodity to waste on something so fanciful as disgust.</span></p>
<p class="cnM0MzQzYzhlMzkwMTRjMDQ4M2E3NTQ1ZTdhZDc5ZDYx"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">She immediately stood up and evaluated her surroundings again, letting her hands drift to her hidden blades. Something wasn’t right about the whole situation and she still hadn’t figured out what had happened. She had killed a couple boars in her short life, and none of them had ever had this happen to them.</span></p>
<p class="cnM0YTgzNWQ1MzE0NjQ2NGM4OWMzODFjM2YzZjhiMWNi"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">Still trying to pry into the silent darkness, she stiffened as a thought came to her. She had killed the boar. Not only killed it though, she had followed it through the woods, she had sensed its warmth… and she had... Her eyes jerked back to the animal in question. While looking at those charred eyes, she knew it was true, even if she didn’t want it to be. This time she couldn’t hold it in. She fell to her knees and emptied the entire contents of her stomach onto the cold forest floor.</span></p>
<p class="cnNhMjQyZTQ3MzhlOTQ1MWU4NWY3NWMyOGU2NjdkODdi"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">Wiping her mouth with the back of her right hand, she brought her other to the corpse. Anguish quickly built up along with her overflowing tears. She wanted to give it it’s life back, she wanted to give it all that she had taken back. Logically, she knew that she was going to kill the animal anyway, but in her heart she knew that this type of death was different. This type of death was final. She had become a murderer.</span></p>
<p class="cnM4MTM3YTkwMGM1MzQ3ZmNhNzNhY2M4NWM3MGE1YThl"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">Enmity wanted to atone for her sins and mourn for the animal, but a part of her knew it wasn’t possible to undo what had been done. She would have to live with it. She wanted to walk away from the beast. She wanted to forget what had happened. She didn’t want to confront her deed, but she forced herself to bring out her butchering and skinning knives. It was her fault. She had done it and she was damn well not going to let her crime go to waste.</span></p>
<p class="cnM0NDJkOGFiYTVhNTRkMTNiNDk0ZjNiYTA2NTEyMGZh"><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400">Over the next two hours, Enmity cried, butchered and carried her hunt under the watchful eyes of the rising moon. Enmity tried focusing her thoughts on the tasks she was carrying out, but try as she might, she couldn’t stop her mind from wandering. She had taken a life. She felt better than she had in months. She felt worse than she had in months. Her limbs were already weakening again, there was no running from the withering sickness, not for long. Not without stealing the life force of others. For a short time it had given her strength she didn’t even know her body was capable of. And in the depths of her mind, a place that she didn’t even let herself be consciously aware of, she knew she wanted more. </span></p>
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<div class="portlet-body author-note"><p>For those of you who read Breakdown. Dun worry. Haven't stopped that one. Just needed to get this out... cuz it was preventing me from writing other one.</p>
<p>This chapter effectively unblocked me with other fic though... so back to breakdown... will probably upload a chapter every now and then. but BD will still be main. dun worry. Probably. I like them both :P (obvs... i wrote themm)</p></div>
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<i class="fa fa-calendar" title="Published"></i> <time unixtime="1476218891" datetime="2016-10-11T20:48:11.0000000Z" format="U" >Tuesday, October 11, 2016 8:48:11 PM</time>
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<p class="cnM0OWVlMDY1ODc2MTQwMGU5MDY2YTk1M2Y2YTcxYTE3">Pliny held up the sheet of paper, the word imbued upon it in his thin handwriting, and waited.</p>
<p class="cnNmMmYyZDk1Y2RiZTRiMmJhOTM5ZDY1ODg4YzMzNTc0">“<em>Stu-</em>” I said, “Stud… <em>Student</em>.”</p>
<p class="cnNhY2VmYWRkZjdiNDQ1MmFhZTc5ZjE3YzBlYzI0MzI0">“Correct!” He said, a smile playing across his face, “<em>Student</em>. Four week’s lessons, Horatius, and you’re already sounding out complex words. Not to mention that you already have most the history absorbed, which takes up the bulk of the lessons. I suppose you did have somewhat of an advantage though, what with all the gardening.”</p>
<p class="cnM5MjgyZDkwY2QzOTQ1NTc4MGZhNDkxYjc3M2I2ZDAx">We were in Pliny’s apartment, his wife Clea listening from the other room as she finished daily chores and prepared for bed, and Pliny sitting with me in their living room. It was bigger than I was accustomed to- my father’s appartment had been only three rooms, consisting of his, mine, and a closet. There were plenty of vacant rooms about the ship, but very few with space, and Pliny’s was one of them.</p>
<p class="cnM0NWUyN2Q4ZjkzZDQyYzE4ZDRiYzA3MWU5MzMyZjhl">Since my incident with Nean I had come to a near full recovery, all that remained of the accident being a small circular scar in the center of my forehead, just above my nose and between my eyes. I’d spent a few days in the doctor’s care, though remembering them was difficult as I tried to focus.</p>
<p class="cnM1NTJmYjM0ZmM3YjRjOGE4ZGNkMjE3MzdhYzg2NDYy">“Look here, son.” The head doctor had said while Hannah pressed a combination of ice and freshly cut herbs to my swollen face. I’d likely helped grow the herbs, and the ice was from the edge of the ship, near where the Hand of God had struck and could be collected off of the walls.</p>
<p class="cnNlN2M4NWQzNmI1YTQ1Mzk5MWZjYWEwYjM5YTU2MGM0">“Look here,” He repeated, when my eyes failed to focus, “This is no falling injury. Bruises like that don’t show up on your ribs from a small tumble, neither does spit end up in your hair, nor a head injury to this degree. I’m going to need you to tell me what happened, so I can properly report it in.”</p>
<p class="cnMxYTNkMGFkNjUzNjQzODZiZWU1ZjJhYzMyY2QzNzRk">“Was walking, decided to jump around in the light hall just like when I was younger, and I tipped on the cart.” I answered.</p>
<p class="cnNiNTFhMmFlNzE0YTQ0NDc5M2ZiZmZlMDg1YmRhZTA1">“And I became a doctor by drinking piss,” He answered, “I need you to report the name, or else this could happen again, to someone else. He will know justice.”</p>
<p class="cnM4Yjk2MjNjYzU5OTQ0OGZiYzU2ZWIzNTU1NTVlMTBm">For a moment, I believed him. For a moment, I almost let <em>Nean</em> slip out of my mouth, and put the matter in his hands. But then he spoke again.</p>
<p class="cnM3YzBmNTQ4ZWYwOTQ1MDk5YTNhN2ZhOTY1ZTE1ZDFm">“Trust me, son, an act like this deserves at least a year of being a porter.”</p>
<p class="cnNkMDExYjc1M2E4YjQyNmY5MmY1YWM2MDUyYjBkZjQx">And the thought of spending every day with Nean for the next year was so unbearable, I was only able to say two more words: “I fell.”</p>
<p class="cnNhOWU5MDg2YzM4MjQwMTFhOGI5NTM5ZTg0NzkyYzJm">But that was a month ago, and in the space of that month, I’d had my lessons with Pliny to take my mind off my injuries. He’d started with an interrogation, demanding to know how my father had taught me to spell, or where I had picked up the art. And he had laughed when I sheepishly told him the answer, his eyes smiling, and asking if I could return each day at eight. I nodded, and he spoke again.</p>
<p class="cnMwN2I2YTk4ZGZkNDRkMTQ4MzI3OGNkNzAzYzI3Y2Fj">“There’s work ahead of you, Horatius, and you’re still behind Segni in many areas. But I’d rather have an eager student that a more experienced one. For now though, let’s keep this between us. I will teach you only for the sake of you learning- what you do with the knowledge is your decision. I cannot guarantee that you will become a historian in name. However, I can make you one at heart, and better yet, mind.”</p>
<p class="cnNiNWZhMDU1NWZkODRiMTBiM2I3ODgzYzJjOTc1N2Y0">So I learned the letters that I had become so familiar with, understanding how to pick them off the paper and transform them into the auditory format that I was so accustomed with using. And soon, Pliny lent me a small book, one that I was to read every night before bed in my quarters.</p><p class="cjVjMjljOGRhNWExMzQ1NmFhYjA3MWQyZWIwODE3ODFl">This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.</p>
<p class="cnM0OTJlYmI1NjExOTRlZDM5MjJjMmQxNzBmOGYzYTI0">“It’s for learning,” He said, handing it to me, “It won’t always make sense, but it will help you adjust to sight reading. Go on, read me the title, get started.”</p>
<p class="cnM4ZGRiOTE5ZTg0MDQyOGE5NjNiOWE2ZDJiYmJlZmJi">“One Fish, Two Fish. What exactly is a <em>fish</em>?” I asked.</p>
<p class="cnNjZDQ4NTVjMjY0ZDQ3NWNiZGQzZjRiMTMwYzAwMjJk"><br>“We have some idea, but believe that they must have existed in the past, before the hand of God. Most the books, especially this one,” He thumped a larger one, one I later would know as the bible, “Seem to mention them. Apparently they are for catching, so pay attention, Horatius. For many of the greatest learners were fishermen, and I will teach you to fish.”</p>
<p class="cnNlZWU0MTE2YTc0YTQwZTg4MGY4NmI4MmRkZjQ1YjE4">So I rehearsed <em>One Fish, Two Fish</em>. And soon I moved on to other books, books slightly more complex, with more words that I couldn’t understand. Sometimes it took my entire concentration to follow the storyline, so when we moved on to other books, books that Pliny called <em>manuals</em>, I was far more interested.</p>
<p class="cnMwYWQyZjFjMGEyNjRlM2U5NDAxNDkwZGM4NGExM2Fi">“This,” He said, after two years of lessons, “This is the <em>Guide to Gardening</em>, which lists many of the techniques we employ today to ensure that we are able to feed the ship. Perhaps it could use a good read through from someone like yourself who knows more on the subject, and could see if there is anything else we have missed.”</p>
<p class="cnMxY2E1ZGJhYzE4NTQ1NDhiNzdjY2VlZWM2MzgxZjA5">So I read, and I learned. I found out that it was light that made plants bear fruit, not just water and soil, which explained why some students had better success than others in different areas of the gardening fields closer to the lights. And I learned other things, descriptions of how to rub plants together in ways to make bigger yields, that planting the seeds from bigger vegetables instead of eating them would lead to better yields.</p>
<p class="cnMxYzU3OTFiYzM5MTQzOTliNDI1Yjc4MzVmMDM1MDZh">And as I studied under Horatius, my body began to change. From my year as a porter, my muscles had grown tighter, able to lift more than before. And with more food, I’d grown, just as plants grew more with more light. When I returned to gardening, they’d treated me as an outcast, giving me grunt labor for the first three years, essentially working as a porter again in the fields. So by fourteen years of age, Nean no longer made comments when I walked past, my shoulders broader than his. And by fifteen, Skip decided to give me ownership over a small portion of the garden.</p>
<p class="cnMxZDc1YTdhM2M5MzRiZTViNzJlNWJmYmVlNzc4N2My">“Horatius, it’s been years since you’ve been in my class,” He said, calling me to the side of the fields where he monitored activity, “And I am a forgiving man. I believe in second chances, and now I am offering you one. A chance to own your own piece of land. A chance to be a respectable gardener. Are you ready to take this responsibility?”</p>
<p class="cnMwZjdmYWFlOGMzMzQ3NTZiNmIyZjRkZmM3OGRiOThj">“Why are you doing this, Skip?” I asked, my voice considerably deeper than the last time we had talked at length, and his face turned red.</p>
<p class="cnM3ZjdjMGZkZmZkYTRlN2NhMTI3ZWMyMDBlOTJkNTQw">“Are you not exited for the opportunity, Horatius ? I believe that you’ve had time to reflect on your past transgressions and poor marks, and-”</p>
<p class="cnNlZGZiYjNlMDA0ODQ3NDc4OWQzYWM3YzVkNDY5YTY5">“Cut it, Skip,” I answered, “I know you’re not doing this because you want to. Why are you doing this?”</p>
<p class="cnMzN2FhNDI5ZWExMzQzZTc4YmU4MWEzMmU5MDRjYWM5">Skip sighed, “Look, Ann is getting old. She works in the center of the garden and complains that the bright lights hurt her eyes there, and she’s never able to carry enough water there to properly water the plants. No one else wants the spot.”</p>
<p class="cnMwZDg2NjVjMmY4ZjQwNTI4MmE3YTkzNGI3MDEyNTE5">“I’ll accept under one condition, then, Skip.”</p>
<p class="cnNlZWViNWExNGE5MTQzOWViZGUzYTE2ZmVmYTI3OTRj">“You’ll <em>what</em>? Accept? I’m giving you the chance to turn your life around. You should take it gladly!”</p>
<p class="cnM2MzExOWNkODM5MTRkMzg4N2YyOTgxYzlmZGIyMzg0">“No, I’ll take it under one circumstance. That I manage my garden on my own, with none of your supervision, and none of your intervention.”</p>
<p class="cnMyY2E2MjgyMjU1NDRiNTA5Y2I1ZWE0NzhkZDk3OTNk">“Ridiculous! I won’t have you ruining a perfect square of soil because you can’t garden. I won’t leave you unatended, Horatius, I absolutely <em>won’t</em>.”</p>
<p class="cnNhNDM4MjVkM2U1ZDQ3ODU5NjRiNjc1NTM4NjI4MTNm">“Fine, then I don’t want it.”</p>
<p class="cnM3ZWViODUwMmIxMDQ5M2ViMjUwZTRkYjVhNjlmOTk0">“You <em>have</em> to take it, no one else will.”</p>
<p class="cnM5ODJiN2E1NjRkZDQzMzQ5ZmExYjgxOWY2MGJkNjg1">“Then agree to my conditions. I’ll even make you a bet, Skip. If my plot of land produces three times as much as when Ann worked it, then for a full month you can have half of my rations. <em>Half</em>, and you choose first.”</p>
<p class="cnMzYWI4NWZhNDY4MjQ4ZThiYWJmNDViNTMzOGVlMmFl">Skip looked at me, his eyes narrowed, chewing on his lip.</p>
<p class="cnM5MGQ3NzNjNzg1ZDQyNjk4Njk0YzVmNDcxMzg2Nzhj">“Fine,” He spat, “Fine, be difficult. But when you fail, I’ll be taking those rations. And you’ll be doing <em>exactly</em> as I say from then on, Horatius. You hear me? You-”</p>
<p class="cnNiYzFmYzMwYTY3MDQ4M2ZiNDgzYjNkMDA1NzExMzA3">But I was already walking away, reviewing the <em>Guide To Gardening</em> in my mind. For twenty years, Ann had worked that spot, and for twenty years it had likely been neglected. I’d seen her work, not taking care that every drop of water found its home, spacing her plants too far apart, walking slow from a combination of old bones and general apathy.</p>
<p class="cnMzYzQzMGMyNGQ2ODQ2NzY4ZTViYTIwN2Q1OGE1YTVh">Which meant for twenty years, the spot with the brightest lights in the room had been mismanaged.</p>
<p class="cnM0YzMyOGM5MjhiODRlZjM4YWEwZjQ3MTYxODRiZGE1">And now it was mine.</p>
<p class="cnNjNWQ4ZWEzNmZhMzQxZDk5ZjAyNzI4YTQxM2EwZTZl"> </p>
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<i class="fa fa-info-circle"></i> <strong>Bio:</strong>
Hi! Enjoying my books? While I'm posting the chapters here, you can get the fully edited versions all at once for kindle, audible, or google play.<br/><br/>Audible Books here:<br/>https://www.audible.com/pd/B077H1FFBM/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-100988&amp;ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_100988_rh_us<br/><br/>Forgotten Pages: Star Child Prequel<br/>https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PQB7N5Q<br/><br/>Star Child, Places of Power Book 1<br/>https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076PGG2XK<br/><br/>Negative Film, Places of Power Book 2<br/>https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MGF2CCC<br/><br/>Titansong, Places of Power Book 3 (coming Fall)<br/><br/><br/><br/>The Bridge, A Science Fiction Survival Story, 1 of 3<br/>https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0711C45FC<br/><br/><br/>https://www.leonardpetracci.com </p>
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<p class="cnNiOWNmYmY1YjJjNjQ0NDQ5YmJlZDQyN2Y3MDBkZTMw">“Maaaaartin. Maaaaartin. Maaaaartin. Maaaaartin. Maa—”</p>
<p class="cnM1YjAyZmExN2ZjNDQ2ZmZiMTE5OTJjNDM0OTFkMDRi">Thunk!</p>
<p class="cnM1NTViMDgzN2M0MzRhOTg4MGMwZDE5ZGM3OWVmOGVi">“Shut up. I am trying to focus.” Metal stylus and compass in hand, the young man with blue eyes carefully marked up a stone slab. To his right, innumerable sheets of paper were splayed out, covered in various geometric figures. To his left, there had been a reference book, which now found itself at the feet of Marten, who fell back onto his bed, cradling his head.</p>
<p class="cnM2YzNiY2QyNWE4OTQ5YjJiMzM1N2YwYWRmZTkxM2Qx">“Owww, don't be such a dick.” Gingerly touching the roots of his blue hair, he winced slightly. “You two need to chill out, I swear, this week’s been hell. Marton’s got his grant to worry about, and you guys are getting waaay too into this bet. We don’t we head out for drinks—”</p>
<p class="cnNiNWZkMjg3YTA3MjQ0MTBhZmZjNDQ5Zjk4OTE1NjM4">A nearby stick of chalk flew past Marten, breaking against the stone wall. The white dust settled into his bed as Martin kept looking at his work. Without turning, he spoke.</p>
<p class="cnNmNGYxOWE5OGI0ODQyZGFhNzJmMmNiMGEzNTU3OWZh">“Nessa doesn’t work at the bar anymore. She made enough to go to Jegel, so you can give it up. She's probably on her way there already.”</p>
<p class="cnNiYTg1N2M1MmQ0OTRhZjQ4N2VhMGE1YTYzNWZkZDQx">“Whaaa—aaat?” Marten’s jaw dropped to the floor, springing from his bed, stirring the chalk into a new cloud. “Why didn't you tell me sooner? Oh man Martin, you are the shittiest friend I have! Alright, put down the crap, let’s go find her before she leaves! Aw Nessy, why you gotta go to Jegel?” Panicking, and starting to mutter to himself, he dashed to the bathroom and slipped an energy token into his Aquifer. Washing his hair and face, he looked back to Martin, who continued poring over the tablet he planned to inscribe. “Come on!”</p>
<p class="cnM1Zjg4OWQwYjg1MzRlN2FiYThjYWQ3MDU4MzVlMjUy">“I didn't tell you earlier, because I knew you'd interrupt me. Besides, if you actually liked her, you would have said something by now.”</p>
<p class="cnMzN2Y4YTE0ZmU4NTQ3ODNiNzVjZmY1M2M1NzQzMmFh">“Love is the blossoming of a nine-petal lily! It cannot be forced, it cannot be replicated, it cannot be stopped! The most beautiful thing in the world, and just because another holds it, you would let it wither away? Come, let me taste the sublime dawn of love—”</p>
<p class="cnMyZTRhZDdkMjM3OTRjYjQ5MzI5ZjNkNTI1ZTZhOWJm">“You tasted the sublime dawn of Kirsten, Dorothy, and Ellen’s love in the past two weeks. Are you so bad they won't have you back in bed?”</p>
<p class="cnNjMGNjZmMyMjRlZjQ1NzNiMzRiMGYzOTRkN2I0NTNm">“Screw you, asshole, I’ll go find her myself.” Fixing his blue hair and making sure he was clean shaven, Marten headed out the door. “And on my way back, I'll tell Martin how to inscribe a Dual Octagram!”</p>
<p class="cnNlMmNmOWM1OTVhNTQ2NWZiZGNjMDVjZThhOWMzNGVh">“Wait, NO!” The door to their dorm room slammed shut, as Martin looked forlornly at his blank tablet. Then he hurriedly set to work, even if Marten did teach Martin how to do that, a quaternary diamond arrangement would work faster, hopefully enough to beat out any inefficiencies.</p>
<p class="cnNkYTAxZjg2N2U1NTQyMGI4YTdlNWQyMjQ3Y2JlY2Nj">Out in the hallways, Marten zipped along, patting himself down, checking how he was arranged. Bandolier-satchel combo:Filled with tablets, inscribed and blank, styli and compasses attached. Cargo Pants: Plenty of energy tokens, chalk, ink, and vials of conduits. Tool Belt: Hammer, chisels, other etching implements. Holster: Fire gun.</p>
<p class="cnM5ZjAxNzYyMjI3ZDQ3MjZhNzY2ZTI4ZjQ4MjE3ZDAy">A moving workshop, he might not have needed all his gadgetry to see Vanessa, but that’s who he was. Runic Genius Marten Omaiha. Other than The Marts and the girls who got him out of the rest of his clothes as well, he was never seen without his gear. You could never know when inspiration might strike.</p>
<p class="cnNjMmU1ZjUxMTQ2NjQ2MTI5ZGVjMTVmYmZiYTk0ZmU3">A bit on the eccentric side, as he rushed through the hallways, looks of admiration were thrown his way. Still a resident of the Second Floor of Lockheed Academy, he managed to garner a bit of fame, even with those on the First Floor. His face turning red as he passed Ellen, he ran for the stairs, flying down them and needing to use his hands to stick the landing.</p>
<p class="cnMzMTY0NzI0NGRkODQzMmM5YWRhNzA0NWNiNzkyMjg2">Not wanting to draw any more attention, he tore out of the front hall. In a spindly sprint, electric blue hair whipped back, quickly drying in the wind. He didn't know why so many people looked at him with such reverence, everything he invented had already been done before. At least the academy paid him well not to talk about much of it, though they did allow him to keep his fire gun. The other students really only admired him because they didn't know he was just dredging up the past.</p>
<p class="cnMzM2IxNjkzMTMzNzQ2NzdhNTg2MTkxMzhmNjM3ODUz">Marten had one bittersweet invention, both novel for good and for ill. The photolith, or photograph from the improved versions, was the only creation totally his own. Only an explored fluke, there wasn't much pride to be taken, it was just a slightly intriguing discovery. At least the Old Magi paid a good deal to have their perfect likeness formed in an instant instead of over the course of hours.</p>
<p class="cnNiYWNlYmJiYzBkZDRjYjM4ZjRlYzQwYjg1MDk2MGMw">His achievements were shallower than those vain nobles. The little pride that kept Marten afloat came from the fact that at the very least the way he did things led to where other masters had already tread. Compared to the overbearing title of ‘Runic Genius’, he was just casting a shadow far larger than himself.</p>
<p class="cnNkZTY1NDhiMmQ1OTRkZGE5MjUzOTUxMDhlODhlNTZk">Living to innovate, yet never forging new paths. There were only so many things a young person could learn, and only so many ways that knowledge could be applied. Naturally after long periods of progress young geniuses became more difficult to find. The lack of new things to explore left him feeling depressed.</p>
<p class="cnM5Mzc4NzM3MjVjNjQ5N2RhNzY2ODMwOWFiNjNjNzdi">Things weren’t all bad for Marten; after all, he did attend Lockheed Academy, which was one of the grand Outer Academies. The Inner Academies were a mythical existence in themselves, so they hardly counted. Even the headmaster, Lawrence Lockheed the XII had never had any contact with the alleged Inner Academies. In light of this it made sense to simply call it one of the grandest academies available for runemasters.</p>
<p class="cnMyMGU4NjQwNjk0NTQzOGQ4YmQ4NWJjZDgxYmNkYzZm">With his skill, even if he couldn’t invent new runes as he desired, Marten excelled as easily as turning over his palm. So he had plenty of time to spend with his classmates, and otherwise enjoy himself while waiting for a moment of inspiration. Somehow he’d been rolled into The Marts by the bombastic and sky-shaking Martin Woodrow. Along with the sarcastic, blue-eyed Martin Varris, and the prodigy with a darker side, Marton, they became one of the more famous groups in the academy.</p><p class="cjNkNjVhYjA4ZjE5YzQ1M2RiZTk3NThmYjczN2JjOWI1">This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.</p>
<p class="cnNiNDIxMzQ5NDAxMjRiNzk4M2RhM2Q4NmE3NDNkMjFm">Marten zig-zagged out the gates at the boundary of academy grounds and into the bustling streets of Corinth. Despite the gibberish name, it boasted of wealth only exceeded by five others in the Western Array, one of those being the megapolis itself. Teetering as he ran between carts and people, his hands danced over himself with slapping and patting noises to make sure he wasn’t losing anything.</p>
<p class="cnNlODAyMmQ3MGNlOTQ1ZWQ5MWYxNDcyMDVlZWNjY2Mz">So familiar with the path he could walk it with his eyes closed, Marten skidded across the pavement, coming to a stop in front of Poet’s Ruin. A cross between a window cafe and a bawdy bar, it was a favorite spot for The Marts to hang out. Coffee before exams, alcohol after, and tea when they wanted to relax. Except for Marton, he ordered using some code to get items off the secret menu.</p>
<p class="cnM4MWZjYzc4NmU2ZDRlYzM4ZjBlMjE5OThiMDMzNDhl">Only around noon, there weren’t many drinking heavily yet. Instead, the wood finished room smelled like exotic spices, as novice writers scratched away at their paper. As the name suggested, the place was famous for up-and-coming bards and writers to present their works. It was slightly more famous for getting sloshed orators out on the street and then in the pillory for various forms of public nuisances. The town guard didn’t mind much, especially since these folks were likely to pick up their lives and make something of it.</p>
<p class="cnM5NzMxYzIyZjAzZjQ2N2Y4NzkzZDk3Yzk0ZTIwODg3">On the U shaped counter sat an attractive woman, speaking to one of her fellow baristas. It was a bit slow—the establishment being meant more for snacks and an evening meal than lunch—and she idly tossed her silky black hair over her shoulder. In doing so, she caught sight of the worried-looking Marten approaching.</p>
<p class="cnMxNmUxOGZjMzNjMzRiY2Y5YTE2MDVjMjZmYzJjNTcy">“Good day there, Mart E~ What’s the matter, is something wrong?”</p>
<p class="cnNhZWI4NWJlYmNmOTQyYWRhOTIzOWNiNGZjZTEyZWYw">“Hey, where’s Nessy? Is she really gone? Did she leave already?”</p>
<p class="cnM0MDRiMGExOTYzMjQ5ZTI4MTk5YzM0NzViNmFjYWEz">“Oh darling, no one told you?” Unona leaned back, her dark hands contrasting against the smooth countertop as she traced circles with one finger. “One of her old friends met with her on the streets. She was a student at Jegel, and a well off one at that. Decided to pay for all of Nessa’s tuition. Acted a bit frigid, but she wasn’t some cold-hearted bitch. What was her name again? Ah, Karen TeYuvoin, very odd, but hard to forget something as odd as that.”</p>
<p class="cnM4NDgwZDJiNjEzZDQ1NWJiM2IyMDkxOGQ2ZGVhNTRh">Putting his hands on the counter, Marten’s head sunk in grief.</p>
<p class="cnM2Nzg2MzIwZmQ3YjQ4ZGY5YjQ0MjYzNWJkMWI5NTJh">“Ahhh, I’m too late! What a cursed life I lead, dreams forever out of reach. Whether I pursue them or try and let them come, none of it works in the end! O Gods, what drives you to torment man to such extent? For what reason do you tweak our fates into tales of pain?”</p>
<p class="cnNjZmFhMmU0YWFhZDQxMDlhZTliNGJhY2FhMGY4MTYw">“Is he always like this?” The younger barista asked, slightly backing up. Unona laughed and slapped Marten on the back, making him fumble for the calliper that detached from him.</p>
<p class="cnNmYTA1ZDUzYmU3MzQ4ZGNiOTI4MzcyYzU1MDk4ODRj">“Easy on the melodrama, you’re scaring the newbie. By the way, this is Hannah, she’s Nessa’s replacement. You can always fall for her instead.”</p>
<p class="cnNhNTFmODc0ODIyYjQ0NzY5ZTViNDRhYzkzN2VlZWVi">“H-hey…” Hannah stuttered, turning the other way.</p>
<p class="cnMzOTk1ZGQ3YTE5NTRmNDU4ZDZhODgwMTI3NzdmYzlm">“Hoh~, you look shy. Don’t worry, he may bluster around, but he’s way too soft. Well, he’s hard in the right spots. If you treat him well for a few days, I’m sure you’ll be treated in kind.”</p>
<p class="cnMyZmViMDE0NDgyYjQ5NTU4M2VmYWQ1MjY0ODM1ODJk">“My love has vanished to forbidden grounds, yet you make your lewd intimations!” Unona’s salacious teasing caused both the new barista and runemaster to blush. “There must at least be some closure to this. Unona! I shall rally my true brothers to journey forth to the land forsaken to me! Will you join us?”</p>
<p class="cnNhODk2M2I3ODlmODQ0MjJiYzJjYWY3M2UzZTgzOGJj">“Dear, I do have work to do.” She giggled, putting her hand over her mouth, rolling her eyes to look at the sky. “Then again, this doesn’t sound like something I want to miss. So long as you don’t leave today, I’ll tag along.”</p>
<p class="cnMyMzEwZGQxOTc4ZDQ3NDFiZDMyMTcwMmRmZWI1MTEw">“Then we shall leave a stroke past midnight!” Grasping his fists at chest height, mildly shaking them, Marten spoke with great force. Unona tittered as he stormed out of the building to find the other Marts and tell them the news. She hopped off the edge of the counter and headed to the back room of the store.</p>
<p class="cnM5NjdlMjU2Y2RlMzQ3OWM4YjEzMzFiYzYyOTNlNWFk">“Don’t worry Hannah dear, you’ll do fine. Though depending on how things go, you might not have a shot with him. Chances are you will. Have fun watching the shop, I’ll tell Faye to hop on by to help you out.”</p>
<p class="cnNmOWVkMWUyM2FjMzQ3ZDFiNjg5YjJmZGVmYmZlZjkx">Marten was no longer running, totally out of breath. A runemaster through and through, he didn’t practice any other arts and possessed a mortal physique. Despite making the same noise as a broken pressurised pipe, he stumbled along. The city was too damn big to jog across the whole thing, even for those with better constitutions.</p>
<p class="cnNjOTE4NDI2YWQ3YzQ3YzA5YjU3YjQyZWU0YWEzNDE0">Finally, he stumbled into an expensive toy store, each item artisanally crafted and powered by several runic formations. A wizened old tinkerer slowly sat down his hammer and chisel, moving away from his work.</p>
<p class="cnNkNDBhYjhhMjJlZDRlMjg5MDVkZmVlOTAyY2YwMThh">“Master Omaiha, you look quite exhausted. Here, sit down, let me fetch you some water.” An old man helping a younger to walk to a chair was a strange sight to see. Yet the familiarity of the actions seemed appropriate, as though he were a top-class butler helping his young master at the end of a long day of work.</p>
<p class="cnM4YmFkZDlkMTEyZjRiMDY5NWNiYjRiMjZhNTU3ODg4">“No,” Marten wheezed out. “Get Marton here first. He’s...he’s here right?”</p>
<p class="cnM4Y2E1NjJjZDdkYzRlYmFiNjlkYWJhNTFjYTJlMDA2">“Yes, that’s no problem. Please take a few deep breaths, and I will inform him as soon as possible, Master Omaiha.”</p>
<p class="cnM1YjU3Zjc1NDJlNzRjYjQ4ODhiYTE4ZWI3YTUzNmE0">Marten collapsed over the wooden chair, lamenting his poor stamina. He watched as some of the various trinkets in the shop displayed their functions. A toy castle periodically caught fire, as a wall collapsed, resetting itself every few minutes. Blocks floated around over a disk inscribed with several complicated runes, a common type of puzzle, save for the fact there were over 100 pieces floating above it. Everything had the same base as a typical toy shop, but vastly exceeded that level of quality. One might even be forgiven for not thinking it was only a front.</p>
<p class="cnNkNWZlNDE0MmU2YTQ0YjQ4YjI0N2NiOGE2MmYyMzUz">“What’s going on Marten?” Speaking in a deep voice, a tall, dark, and handsome man with angular features emerged from the back. With the silky cloth in his hands, he wiped away the blood. Folding it up, he handed it to the old man, who bowed and left the room.</p>
<p class="cnMzZjc3MjYxNjdhZDQyYWViNDFlODViNTY4NTY2OGQx">“Nessy has departed for Jegel, I can stand by no longer, I must go after her! We’ll set out at midnight, make your preparations my brother.”</p>
<p class="cnMxNDAwOWUzYjY0ZjQ4NTQ5ZDE2MTYxNGM2NjYxZjA2">“Jegel?” Marton tapped his chin, holding his elbow with his other arm. “That won’t be too difficult. I did have some business, but nothing that can’t be put off a few days. If it’s for Vanessa, time can be made. Shall I ready a transport?”</p>
<p class="cnM3NzdhMWIxNGY4MzQ1OWZiOTI2YzIzNWYyNWI5MGRj">“Add an additional seat for Unona as well, the feminine presence should aid us in our task.”</p>
<p class="cnNhMzM2ZjRjY2I0NTRkMmU4MDNkZGI5NzkyMjU1YjM2">“Alright. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I want to get a few more jobs done before we have to leave.”</p>
<p class="cnMyZDEzNDA0YzhlODQyMTNiMmE5ZDYyNjVjZDdhZTA5">“You’re the best.” Marten broke into a smile at his subdued friend’s promise to help. Of The Marts, he was the one with the most obligations, and those of the highest severity. With his attendance, they would reach the countryside quickly, with few to no obstacles in their way.</p>
<p class="cnM2ZDdlMDQ5NGMyMDRlOGY5OTc0ZTc0MTM4MjU5N2Nl">Marton gently clapped his hand on Marten’s shoulder a few times, and handed him some money before turning and returning to his business. Curt, the ‘Ambidextrous Automata’ did little outside of what was necessary for his own goals, even among The Marts he was distant. However he had great piety for friendships made, and as demonstrated, would be there in times of trouble.</p>
<p class="cnMzZjY5Yjc3N2YzMzQ1MzE5Mjg2NGE0N2JjM2E4NTEx">Heading back to the streets, Marten hailed a rickshaw driver over. Hopping aboard, the vehicle bounced up and down slightly at the addition of weight, settling a few inches closer to the ground than usual. Paying with the money just given to him, it was exactly the amount needed, Marton worked with accuracy in even the most minor of things. Not that he was stingy, the particular rickshaw was on the expensive side, consuming energy crystals to levitate off the ground. Marton would never pay for frivolities like traveling in comfort, but the additional speed and reduced strain to the driver were worth the cost.</p>
<p class="cnNjZDkwMTE4OWQwZjRiYzU5NDIwZTk4NDRiYzY2ODYy">Given time to rest, Marten caught his breath, thanking the driver before rushing back through the ostentatious gates of the academy.</p>
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<h1 style="margin-top: 10px" class="font-white break-word">Interlude 4 – Specter</h1>
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<p class="cnM2ZmUwMGVkZWE1OTQ5ZTBiM2ExMmZmYjQ0NGE4ZDQ3" align="justify">Four fighters, two Rattlers and two Vipers, drifted over the gate. Their position suggested they lay in ambush for something, but their numbers matched that of an advance sentry. One of the pilots sang over their shared comms channel, but the group was otherwise mute. The video paused.</p>
<p class="cnMxYTUxNjI5MTY4ZDRhMDliM2YyYzFlY2UwY2MxNDI3">“Are you sure this is the right vid for your Specter battle?” Bill turned to his twin sister, who reclined on the couch beside him with her phone in hand. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you wanted to torture me with Ecks’ terrible voice.”</p>
<p class="cnNjY2RlYWFlN2EwMjQ0ZjQ4MWFlYWNhNDUwNTMyNWM0">Rather than say anything, Sonnet looked back with her head tilted and eyebrow raised as if to ask, ‘Really?’</p>
<p class="cnM0MjE4NTVkOTM1ZTRkNDY5ZjJhYjkzNDIwZjVhMDVh">“Right, it’s uncut, just like I always ask for.” He sped up the video, looking for the Suns’ entrance.</p>
<p class="cnNjNTU2MTFhNDAxMTQ0MmNhMmY4OGZhYWFhZWExODAw">Ever since the formation of the Temple Wraiths, he always looked forward to reviewing her gameplay recordings. At a minimum, Sonnet’s skills as a pilot brushed against the pinnacle of Parallax aces. But lately, the org’s battles, or perhaps their antics, reflected the epitome of gameplay for competitive players.</p>
<p class="cnM5MjI5NWY0ZDcxMzQ4NTQ4NTU0YTk0NTI4MTMyNDNh">Beyond their entertainment factor, Bill also needed to scrape ideas from every source within reach as his org’s chief strategist. Thus, Sonnet’s record of the dominion war at Specter became of particular interest. Not only did the Temple Wraiths match the Crimson Suns despite being outnumbered, but the killboard data told him several unusual twists occurred over the battle’s course.</p>
<p class="cnNmMmZkNTY3MjE1OTRjYjJhYWIxNWM4ZjM1YjEzMTQ3">“The Suns arrive soon,” his sister said.</p>
<p class="cnMxYTg2MmNkZmY5OTQwZjRhNzBkNzUxOTBmYTRiNmRi">“So you guys were expecting them? Then where’s the rest of your fleet?”</p>
<p class="cnNiNTFkYTIyN2E0NzRjY2I4ZWRmZDEwYWM3MGVhYTYz">His sister nodded. “Waiting on the other side.”</p>
<p class="cnMyZDE3NjA0MjYxNTQ0NWFhZmE2YWJhYTM5ZTA3OTA3"><em>Other side?</em> <em>Could it be? </em></p>
<p class="cnM0MWJjNDdhYWQ5ODRmY2FhMTMxNmRlZTc3ZjdmNjE3">As promised, the Crimson Suns arrived in the system and approached the small flight of fighters. Bill reset the video to normal speed. While the fleet approached, Sonnet’s flight members dove into the gate one by one until only her Viper remained behind.</p>
<p class="cnNkYWViYjJmZTAyYzQ0YTc4MmRkYjJiY2I3MmU0NDZj">“Your guys learned about emergence prediction.” Bill didn’t need to ask; the flight’s actions perfectly mirrored a tactic used several times against him. “This is what BHL always did back when our dominions weren’t neighbors.”</p>
<p class="cnNlOTUxNTExNjY2NjRjYzI5ZmIzN2ZmYjUxNTFkNjkz">Tapping at her phone’s screen, Sonnet nodded.</p>
<p class="cnNmMDdjZTY5OWZiODRmZmM4ZDI3OTI1OGQyMmUxOGYz">A wall of Duvi’s advanced against her ship. Rather than dive immediately, the Viper engaged its foes while dodging a maelstrom of plasma. Its shields glowed as waves of light painted her fighter. Finally, after avoiding two missiles with a spray of decoy, the lone Viper dove into the gate canopy first.</p>
<p class="cnMwZWU5YTMzOGU0MTQ3YWNhYmJiMDI5MTQzNzJjYWI1">“Oh man, you stalled against a whole fleet solo?” Wide-eyed, Bill turned away from the ship’s dizzying movements. “How did you stay alive through all that?”</p>
<p class="cnNiMGRiMjMxYWRjZjQzNjU4NGVlZjU3NTc5YzE2N2I1">“Overclocked generator pod.”</p>
<p class="cnM1OWJmNDRkNTRlZjQ2ZWM4ODA3OWNmMDNlNjg3ZmRk">“Ah.” Bill filled in the other details. If one substituted a generator module for the standard missile bay on a Viper they could effectively double the ship’s durability. Granted, the ship couldn’t carry missiles when doing so. “Aero might have made a mistake though,” he said. “If all you needed was emergence prediction, why risk the best pilot?”</p>
<p class="cnM0ODIxNjg5ZTg0ZTQ1NGE4ZGRjN2IwOGY4MzM5ZTkw">She pointed to the screen, indicating he should keep watching. His answer would arrive within moments it seemed.</p>
<p class="cnM5YTBhYjUwZTRjZTRiMjE4MjdjYzkxZDYwOTJmODU2">Sonnet’s Viper plunged into the white light at the gate’s end, and a few dozen friendly markers appeared on her map. Then, on its way to rejoin the Temple Wraiths’ fleet, the fighter skimmed by an asteroid and flew through the ion trail in its wake.</p>
<p class="cnMzNTc2N2MwYWQyMzQ0YmU4MTE1NzQ1ZWIyZGU5NmFi"><em>Huh? An ion trail?</em> He checked again. Indeed, a faint blue glow spread behind the asteroid. <em>Doesn’t that mean…</em></p>
<p class="cnM1MmM4Y2Y1OWJhMTRlMDFhM2YyYzk2NjgzZDY2YjM3">Then, his mind made the connection. The killboards reported that an unusual number of Suns had crashed in Specter instead of being destroyed by enemy attacks. Such a result was typical of large battles in asteroid fields. As half the crashes occurred before the Suns’ first kill, Bill had assumed the Suns were led on a chase through an asteroid field. The ion trail presented a different narrative.</p>
<p class="cnM5ZWYwMjY4Y2JkMDQ5ZGQ4YjUzN2IzODdmZTRmZDFk">Then, the Viper on screen slipped by a second asteroid, revealing the thrusters on its surface.</p>
<p class="cnMxMjU5NjZjOTc4NTRiNjFiNTg3YTRkZDA3NjZkZjc0">“Oh man. Really?” He couldn’t help but grin. “Like, you guys really ‘roid dropped the Suns? Twice?”</p>
<p class="cnMxY2JkMzJiMWQzYzRhNGQ4ZjdlZjliMjQ2MGJkNGEy">“Mmm...”</p>
<p class="cnNhNTBkZWM3MmMxNTRjMzdiZmU5MjU3MGU1NTA4NjZl">The result exceeded Bill’s wildest imagination. The Crimson Suns pushed their fleet through in the tightest formation possible with perfect timing. Their stream of ships flew straight into the rock, reinforcing in his mind the necessity of staying unpredictable. Bill also lamented the fact that this tactic would never again be as effective the video suggested. The Crimson Suns failed at operational secrecy, and within a week, anyone who cared would know of the events which transpired at Specter. As a brief delay in traversal would sidestep such a trap altogether, dropping an asteroid on emerging ships was unlikely to work so well ever again.</p>
<p class="cnNjM2Y3MDgwZjkwZjRhNmZiOTY5YWQ1NjViM2IxN2Y3">After the second asteroid fell into the gate, the remaining Suns fleet entered the Specter system. Unable to hold their defenses, Aero ordered a chaff strike as cover for a tactical retreat.</p>
<p class="cnMxMjUwZTAzZTQxNjQ2OGQ5YTUxMmFmMGFkMzI5NmVm"><em>The Suns still outnumber the Wraiths, so their goal is to destroy the Wraiths fleet before advancing on the station. The Wraiths need to draw the Suns toward the station while sapping away their fleet strength. </em>With both sides regrouping, Bill mulled over their potential actions of both sides. He contemplated what course of action he would take in each fleet commander’s position as well. The Suns’ course of action was obvious, but Bill couldn’t see a path to victory for the Wraiths. <em>Did the Wraith’s fight knowing they’d lose?</em></p>
<p class="cnMxOWM3YWE1ZWIxMDQyMjM4ZmUxYjE1YzU5ZGZhNGVj" align="left">The action on screen continued. Twice, Sonnet and her org ambushed the Suns from behind the chaff clouds, and twice, the Suns pushed them back with brute force, cutting down the Wraiths’ overall strength. Then, Aero snuck in a torpedo strike before their battle reached the space outside the defense station.</p>
<p class="cnM0OTFlMzEwYzM0NjRiNDU5NjNjNWQ0NmU5NDgxNGVm">“I see.” Bill paused the recording as the battle reached what should be the final stage. “Because the Suns’ strengths lie in their perfect formations, they aren’t as effective or flexible at close range. By covering your ships with chaff, aside from the destroyer, Aero was able to counter– Wait, why are you looking at me like I’m crazy?”</p>
<p class="cnM1ZWQ2NjM1Njc5NjQ4NmRhMDRmMDViY2YxY2I5ZTc1">“You’re overthinking again,” Sonnet said.</p>
<p class="cnM4ZGE4MTg4Yjc3OTQzMDZhOTQ4NmU0ZjYzMmQ1Y2U5">“It’s my job.” Bill shrugged. “But if that’s overthinking, what did Aero intend?”</p>
<p class="cnNhNzc0NTlkYzdlMjQ4MTc5ODkyN2FmMGRhNTc3NGQ0">“Um…” she looked toward the ceiling. “The Suns react slow, so keep surprising them… I guess?”</p>
<p class="cnMwZDYzZTNlZDczNTQxNDVhOWM1MDQ4MzkwOWMzMDEy"><em>Could Aero be the instinctive type of FC? </em>Bill considered her response. <em>No, all those other recordings say otherwise. Sonnet is oversimplifying her explanation as usual.</em></p>
<p class="cnNhOWZhZmE4YjhmNDRhNDNiMWRlNWFkZjg5ZmUzZTdk">More Wraiths made it to the station’s cover than what Bill had expected. However, the Suns fleet still had the strength to achieve victory through brute force alone. With the combat ongoing, Bill reevaluated the battle. While the station had stronger weapons and defenses than he first thought, the battle’s status still didn’t match its final results. Too many Suns ships pressed against the Wraiths. Though the Wraiths maneuvered around the station to maximize their advantages, and though each individual Wraith ship far outperformed its Suns counterpart, their fate appeared sealed. In order to end the battle as it did, Aero needed to land a decisive strike, which was improbable without having an obvious flagship to destroy. Bill crept to the edge of his seat. <em>Show me, Aero. How </em><em>will</em><em> you flip the tables?</em></p><p class="cjZhNDQyMmMzZDUzNzRkZmQ4ZDQ0YTNiOTk4M2QzN2Jj">The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.</p>
<p class="cnM3NDQyNWFmYTJkYTQxNjM5MDg3MjMwZjgzOTA3ODll">Then, the broadcast came, not from Aero, but from the org leader Sinn. <It's time to pull out of Specter. Save as many ships as you can.></p>
<p class="cnNlMTJhYjdjNDdiNjQzM2I5NjY1NjE5NjQzMDZlYzM2"><em>Now is the time? </em>Bill questioned the Wraith’s judgment. <em>How was that even possible at this point?</em></p>
<p class="cnM1M2JkOGE0ZWU1NjQ1ZDliOTAyYmE3ZjQ1YmZmYThm">Given the respective fleet strengths at this stage of the battle, only a terrible mistake on Rico and the Crimson Suns’ side would allow the Temple Wraiths to escape. However, Bill knew that something akin to a natural disaster struck the Crimson Suns, as the kill logs indicated a majority of their players lost their ships in the last minutes of battle. So he watched.</p>
<p class="cnNjNDRhY2Q0NzBmMjQwYzJhODRmMzZkODVhNGUwYTkx">He watched as the Temple Wraiths took cover under their station’s shields. The station started falling toward the gate, inching their forces toward safety.</p>
<p class="cnM1MTk5Yzc1ZTRiOTQ4YTdiNTBmMWIwYzQyZTFjMjMy">He watched as the station’s shield radius shrank, exposing its outer modules. Weapons on those modules went silent. It was desperate attempt to conserve generator capacity. The Suns closed in for the kill.</p>
<p class="cnM3ZDM2M2M1MDAwZTQyYmU4ZDM3NGJmYTE1MjVhMDg1"><em>How!? How do you turn this around!? </em>Bill grasped at any hint on Aero’s thoughts. Every sign pointed toward the Wraiths’ annihilation, but Bill knew the battle’s result. Yet it seemed that not even the Wraiths had any idea on what Aero had planned, only that they believed he could pull things through. <em>What did you do Aero?</em></p>
<p class="cnMwZjI2Y2FjYzQ2MjRiYzc4YTNkNWZjNTgxZDBmNzA5">The unshielded station modules returned to life, harassing the nearby Suns.</p>
<p class="cnMyZjIxZWI3NjZjNjQ4Yjc4OGYxYzk2OWI1ZTIzOTAz">The Suns struck back, silencing the guns for good.</p>
<p class="cnNhMjg4MzVlZjhjYjQxM2ZiNWE2YzY0MjZlMjk4NjZl">The station modules exploded.</p>
<p class="cnNkNTY0Y2ZkMjk0NjQxMzliYWY3M2UyZjk0NGJkZmIz">Then, a glowing spray flooded the station’s space, decimating the Suns’ fighters and stripping shields off their frigates. At that moment, the Wraiths’ destroyer set off its last torpedoes, splitting the Suns’ fleet and opening an escape route. With the Crimson Suns in disarray, the Temple Wraiths broke for the gate. Once Sonnet followed the destroyer into the gate, the recording ended.</p>
<p class="cnNhZTdkODQ2NTVkODRmOGZhZTcxNTE3MGVhMWNjOWM2"><em>What just happened? </em>Bill stared at the blank screen in shock. <em>No. How did Aero do that with a defense station?</em></p>
<p class="cnNhZjBhMDA1ZDNmMzQ4ZDE5MWNjNDA1Njk5ZjhhN2Ez">He knew the key to this battle was in the odd station design, but nothing indicated how such destruction was possible. He looked to his sister for answers. “Hey, Sonnet? Was your station constructed with that in mind?”</p>
<p class="cnNhMTA4NTQ1OTdkNjRmNDU4NGJjMTZmM2NiMDk1NTAz">“Mmm…” His sister tilted her head in thought. “I’d have to ask Aero or Sinn. They designed it.”</p>
<p class="cnNjNjQ1YmUwYzFkYzRjMWI5OWYyNDkxNWNlMjZjMTI3">“Then, what was inside those smaller modules?” Bill asked. “With the volume of liquid that sprayed out of them, there couldn’t have been much habitable space in them.”</p>
<p class="cnMwZjhjOGJlMWQ1MzQzZDg4N2I1Njc3NjE4NDEwNWUx">“Mmm… ask them.”</p>
<p class="cnM2NTE5ZTNkNTE2MDQwYWJiZjljNTNiYTI4YTUxMDhj">She knew, but she didn’t say. Naturally, something more destructive than an asteroid drop couldn’t be shared easily, but Bill suspected the secret was simpler than it appeared.</p>
<p class="cnMxNzg3NDQ2YWI0YTRlMTA4YmIzMWIyZmY4MmEwMDc2">“Right.” On his tablet, Bill began summarizing his thoughts on the battle. Whatever the phenomenon Aero exploited was, Bill needed to know; it could change the face of Parallax dominion wars forever. Considering the glow, he expected there to be obvious readings on thermal scans, but even that could force invaders to move as he desired. “Thanks for showing me the recording,” he said. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”</p>
<p class="cnM2M2M0ZDRjMWRkMDQ3ODI5ODQyNmMxZTVkNWYzMjM2">“Don’t forget your promise,” his sister replied.</p>
<p class="cnNkZjAwZTg0YzlkMTQzNDJhNDE3ZmRhZjRhNDhjMmU3">“No problem, I’ll meet with your org leaders.” With the rise of Sonnet’s org, Bill had expected that they would reach out to him soon. Now, watching the battle’s record gave him further reason to meet them. Though the twins had somewhat diverged in their interests, their relationship had always been cooperative rather than competitive, and Bill had no intention of altering that. “By the way, is it okay if I shared this on <em>Orbital Chess</em>?”</p>
<p class="cnM3OGQ4NmNmMjU0YzRkYjI4ZmUwMjI5MWQzOWI0MWVj">“Um… If you accept their request. I guess?”</p>
<p class="cnNlOWIzMDA4ZDhkZDQ1ZjI4YmViMjk2MzhkZjU1MjE2">“We’ll think about it,” Bill said. “I don’t get it though. If the Wraiths knew the Suns were attacking, wouldn’t it have been smarter to abandon the system? Why defend the system knowing you’d probably lose?”</p>
<p class="cnNkNjUxYWYwYjM0NzRmMWM5Y2EzYmUzNzdlYTJkMzEx">She stood up and turned to the door. “Not telling.”</p>
<hr>
<p class="cnMzODQzNWY1NWEzYTQzMTE4MTM0ZmJhYTg4ZmZlMWM5" align="justify">Ten sparks floated around a translucent table amid a backdrop of stars. This group, the Stars and Bars leadership council, convened twice a week in a private digital space to report status and intelligence and to plan upcoming actions of Parallax Gate's most prominent org. As their chief strategist and highest ranking fleet commander, Jazz Anders drifted to the left of Wright, their org leader, while he listened to Polo, their chief intelligence officer, reported on the movements of competing orgs.</p>
<p class="cnM4Y2RhMjM4ZjBlMDQ1MGM5ZDM4NDQ5YTQwM2VhZDM4">“There’s no change since with the Innocent Bystanders last week,” Polo’s blue spark bobbed up and down. “Our agents confirmed that they'll finish consolidating their dominion assets within a week and return to their conquests around that time.”</p>
<p class="cnMyNTBlNWMxZDIyYjQ2MDE5MmRjZWQyYmNkOTkzYmE2">Like any large org in Parallax, Stars and Bars dedicated many players toward gathering information of competing orgs, and using this network of informants and spies, the leadership council was able to foresee upcoming challenges and ward off any looming threats.</p>
<p class="cnM4YTk4OWQxNjhiNzRiMzY4OWUyNjQwOTg2ZDIxMjM0">“I'm ninety percent certain it is Divide by Zero,” Jazz said, “but did your guys inside confirm their next target?”</p>
<p class="cnM0MjgwMWVlOWMxNTQ4ZjlhN2MwOTJlMmZjZmY2YWJm">“Yes, it’s DBZ.”</p>
<p class="cnNmOTFlODdlZWI3YzRjYzliYTg5ZWRlNmZkMDNjNjk5">“What do we know about their new ship?” Wright asked, referring to the Bystander's first large ship.</p>
<p class="cnMyNThhNTc4YWEwYjRhMWNhZTU1MzYzYTliM2Y3MTBh">“Won't be pretty for us.” Polo’s spark shook. “They're calling it a dreadnought, and construction will be completed in a few days.”</p>
<p class="cnNkYWNjYzcwYzRmYjQzNDNiZGY2ZjhlMzE4YmRlNzcz">“What's so special about it?” Cogs, Jazz's lieutenant, asked. “One ship alone won’t overthrow a large dominion like ours or BHL.”</p>
<p class="cnNjNmNlYjJhZTE2OTQ0MDFhNDAwZDJjMjhhMGUxYjk0">“From what we can tell, it would win one on one against any of our battleships,” Polo reported. “But the big problem is… they only took two weeks to build it.”</p>
<p class="cnNjOGRiYzg4MzlhMjQxNDA5ZDVjYTNiZTk4NWQyNmMw">Silence overtook their meeting space. Everyone in Parallax knew large ships normally required three weeks of build time. If their surging rivals could streamline their ship manufacturing process to such a degree, then the downfall of Stars and Bars was but a matter of time.</p>
<p class="cnM3MjllNjVkZDkyZjQwMmFhNGI3YzcyMDQ0NmViYzM3">“That Sid’s kicked common sense to the curb again.” Wright’s spark rolled in place. “Heavy, meet with Polo. Figure out how they do it.”</p>
<p class="cnNlNzc4Y2RlNWRmODRlYjhhMzJkMzU2M2MwZWI5YjNj">“Okay,” the dominion manager responded.</p>
<p class="cnM1Y2RjOWEzYWNkODRlODliNTM3ZTljYTQ3MWQ2ZWZh">While their respective dominions had at seven gates between their borders, the Bystander's rapid rise to prominence weighed on the minds of each council member. Given their current trajectory, the org would soon overtake Black Hole Legion as the primary rival and threat to Stars and Bars, and each executive racked their minds for ways to counter their advance.</p>
<p class="cnNiZWYyZmU2ZWRjNDRjYTk5YmYzZTljMTJhOGQzZjlk">“Speaking of the Innocent Bystanders,” Wright mused, “their subordinate org embarrassed the Crimson Suns again.”</p>
<p class="cnMzZDQ1Y2JkMWMyNDQxN2FhYzI3NjYxNGZhM2FkM2Y4"><em>Subordinate?</em> Jazz snorted, and his spark burst with light. <em>With that leader, t</em><em>hey’d be the most insubordinate group of players ever.</em></p>
<p class="cnMxYzVjODUyOGI1NDRhNzFiN2IxZmM0N2JmZDhhZmU0">“What's so funny?” Wright asked.</p>
<p class="cnM2NWU1NzdjZjM2OTRmNDRiMjNiZTgxODVjZGU2NDQ1">“Sorry,” Jazz said, “The Temple Wraiths, right? Subordinate org isn't quite right.”</p>
<p class="cnMxYjJmNmU4MzcwYzQxYjI4NWM3Y2IwMGMyZmFlOTll">“Right,”Polo said. “My men are having some trouble cracking that nut. Not a single one of our applicants even got an interview, so Jazz is our only source of intel aside from public data.”</p>
<p class="cnM4NmEwYTQ4ZWEyODQyZjM4OWRhOWY2NjdlN2Q5MGUz">“Don’t worry about it,” Jazz said. “The Wraiths have only recruited a single new member since that first battle with the Suns.”</p>
<p class="cnMyNTg2ODQxOGYwYTRlYzliNTgzYjg2NzQ1MTY5MWZm">“Explain to me Jazz,” Wright said. “Rico was commanding. He’s good, we’ve faced him before. How’d the Suns do so badly?”</p>
<p class="cnNiMzliOGM5YzgzMTRjMjM4ZTc1ZDI3ZjhhZjc5ZDJi">“I watched the vid on Specter.” Jazz shuddered at the thought. “The short answer? Emergence prediction combined with double ‘roid drop. Thanks to that, all of Parallax will learn about emergence prediction within a week. But the big reason is that Aero– oh, that’s their FC, he sacrificed his defense station and wiped out half the Suns that way.”</p>
<p class="cnNmOWExMTlkMWNiNzQ4MGJiODIxMGEzYjI4ODViZDhm">“How?” Wright asked.</p>
<p class="cnM3ZDA5NmM3MDI0ZDQ1OGM4ODRhOTQ5ODIzMmQwZDFm">“Hard to describe, and I haven’t figured out the details” Jazz sighed. “I’m sure it’s simple, but I need more data.”</p>
<p class="cnNjNjhmNzRiYWViMTQ3MmNiOWQ2ZGRiMzIxMTk3ZjBk">“So what will they do next?” Polo asked.</p>
<p class="cnNlNzVlNThjOTY0NDRkYjhiNmY1N2M1M2NhZDA2YTlk">“I did hear more on their plans, but it’d be better if we talk Black Holes first.”</p>
<p class="cnM1MGMwOTFmYzVmMDQzZTBiNmU3OGYxMWVlMThlYmEz">“’kay,” Wright’s spark wobbled and spun. “Heavy, is everything is on schedule?”</p>
<p class="cnNmZDQ1OWYxNzdmZjQ4ZmI5YzUxZjE5NWNjODExZmM0">“It is,” the dominion manager replied. “Everything smaller than a destroyer has already reached its pilot or crew. We’ll have another two space priests ready by tomorrow and Polo’s new cruiser before our dive.”</p>
<p class="cnNhN2YyYzIwNjM3ZTRlNmM4OTQ0ZDgzMThiYTE3YWIz">“Great. Polo? What are those B-holes up to?”</p>
<p class="cnM2MWFhMTk2NjY0ZDRkNzRhMGMzMGI0YjkyMDZmODIw">“The usual recruiting and commissions,” Polo said. “Rumor has it they’ll strike at the Glaive system, but I don’t trust that.”</p>
<p class="cnM0MzMzZDVjMDdiYzQ2ODk5ODVjNmNhNTdhZTM3Njg1">In order to overcome the difference in respective org power, Black Hole Legion often hired mercenary orgs. While such mercenary forces enabled them to match or exceed the strength of S&B in battle, it also offered Stars & Bars clear forewarning of any major incursions into their dominion. To counteract this, BHL leaders would spread false rumors and misinformation in an attempt to direct their rivals away from their true objectives.</p>
<p class="cnMxMWNjNTA2YmMyMzRhNzZhYWRlMTdkYzAxZWU0YjRi">Jazz mentally nodded. His spark waxed and waned. “So what <em>do</em> we know?”</p>
<p class="cnNmNDNjZGU2YzJjYzQwYzg5YTRkNTQyMTI5YjU0YmVj">“Sunday.” The spark before him brightened. “They’ll invade as early as noon.”</p>
<p class="cnM3MDkwZGIyMzg2YzQ4OWVhZDVhNzdkZmFjYTMyYmU2">“Great,” Wright said. “Jazz, make sure we’re ready.”</p>
<p class="cnMwYjlkNGYzMTJkOTRlNjJhMGM4NDhkNzY0OTNiZTZj">“I’m already on it.”</p>
<p class="cnNjM2U3ZGM4Njk1YjRmNjRiMTA4OTlmYzBhZGI2MTI5">“Now can you tell me what the Temple Wraiths’ll do next?”</p>
<p class="cnNiODIzNTNmZWQzZDRiYzNiNGY1ODNiODllNTJjNjg0"><em>Did they just jump onto your threat list</em><em>?</em> Jazz wondered. As far as he knew, Wright was only interested in orgs which he considered to be rivals or threats. With Sonnet’s membership in the org, Jazz never entertained that thought. “They’ll want to retake Specter,” Jazz stated, “and I’m sure they want to join our next action. Oh, I already agreed to a meeting with their leaders.”</p>
<p class="cnM1MTFhOWQyYjNkMDQ1ZjA5NTRhOTQ0YmY4OTg4MzA2">“Meeting?” Wright asked. “Do you think we need ‘em on Sunday?”</p>
<p class="cnNmMDhhODlkYWY1ZTQzZmVhMzFmZDliNzYxOWUwNDE4">“Need their help?” Jazz laughed. “Please.”</p>
<p class="cnM1OTM2ZDVjM2UyMjQ1ZThiMTRhZDU3ODdkYTY1NTUz">“Then why’re you meeting with them?"</p>
<p class="cnMxYzJkNDQ1ZTJhNDQ2YjVhMGYyYTA1MGViMzMxOGU4">“Because, their presence in the battle just might trigger the downfall of Black Hole Legion.”</p>
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<div class="portlet-body author-note"><p>Hi everyone. Thanks for reading. This chapter took me a month to write again, but its about 40 percent longer, so I guess that counts as progress?</p>
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<i class="fa fa-calendar" title="Published"></i> <time unixtime="1476329879" datetime="2016-10-13T03:37:59.0000000Z" format="U" >Thursday, October 13, 2016 3:37:59 AM</time>
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A research assistant moonlighting as an amateur sci-fi author, ResonantIce spends too much time reading rather than working on either of these aforementioned tasks.<br/><br/>Poking this author with comments may accelerate a fiction's release schedule. </p>
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