[Year 520 C.A ? Thursday Afternoon ? April tenth]


    "My name is Van-Des-Ma, also known as the Witch of the Skies," the woman declared. Her beauty was captivating, with hair as pure white as snow and eyes of silvery-grey, set against the pitch-black robes that clung to her form in a priest-like manner. Around her wrists were many colored potions, and she held a staff topped with an orb that resembled a living eye.


    I found myself inexplicably drawn to her, as though bewitched by her presence. I was unable to move, my senses overwhelmed. She noticed my state and quickly moved to conceal her feet, the effects of her presence beginning to wane. "My apologies," she said, her voice melodic and calming. "I have many items on my body for protection. Allow me a moment to remove their effects."


    In a blink, she disappeared and reappeared beside me, her graceful hand opening my mouth as she poured a yellowish-purple liquid down my throat. My heart began to race, and I fell to my knees, gasping. She walked to a nearby tree, leaning against it with a distant gaze.


    "What do you want from me?" I managed to ask, still feeling the remnants of her spell coursing through me.


    She smiled, a mysterious and knowing smile. "Finally, you can speak for your own consciousness. That''s a record. Normally, it takes hours before victims can say anything." Her words sent a chill down my spine. I wanted to flee, but something told me it would be futile. She was here for a reason, and it wasn''t to harm me, at least not yet.


    "You guessed correctly. Vallen, right?" she asked, and I nodded, acknowledging that nothing could surprise me now. She had already revealed her identity and demonstrated abilities far superior to mine.


    As my wisp emerged from my body, she gestured as a magical circle formed instantaneously around me, and it retracted forcefully, causing a painful burn in my chest. Clutching my chest, I watched her giggle softly as my wisp had sinked back into my body. "No, you''re not at my level," she said playfully. "There are only three people who know me: one prankster and two world leaders. You''re not invited to that private privilege."


    I managed a shaky apology, trying to gather my thoughts. "So, what would you have me do?" I asked, sitting down on the ground, ready to listen.


    "I want you to be a judge, my friend," she replied, her smile widening. "I''ll come to you when it''s time for you to decide whether the chosen is benevolent or malevolent. When that time comes, I''ll ask for your answer. Worry no longer, for the Gods have given you their divine grace of protection."


    Her words left me flabbergasted, my eyes widening in disbelief. This revelation felt like a weight and a blessing, an ominous promise of what was to come.


    As she began to leave, her form shimmering in the fading light, I found my voice. "Wait! Why me?"


    She paused, looking back with a angry glint in her silvery eyes. "...because you have something everyone, everywhere, including me lack, Vallen—a mind untainted by power, a heart open to possibilities. Tsk. Until we meet again."


    With that, she vanished into the evening mist, leaving me alone with the weight of her words and the knowledge of my new role. As the night descended, I knew my life had irrevocably changed.


    **


    [Year 521 C.A ? Thursday Morning ? April tenth]


    "Congratulations on your achievement as the new Layemount Council Chair. The chief is proud of your initiative in allowing the Adventurers Guild to participate in the community service security system," my wife said, her voice filled with warmth and pride. She was the most important person to me, having supported me from my days as a welder''s assistant through my apprenticeship to becoming a master of the land in parchment inking—akin to a local government administrative admissions office.


    "Honey, my work is far from over. I want this village to grow even more. I want you to return to your noble house and raise your banners again," I said, hoping to ignite the ambition she once had.


    She shook her head gently, her eyes filled with love and resolve. "That''s a dream I''m not planning on pursuing. We have a baby on the way, hon. I love you, and I''m happy settling for the life we have now. We have more than I ever needed." She smiled, and I looked around at the people of the village, feeling the warmth of community.


    "You once said you''d like to see everyone live like nobles do, maybe even better. Are you giving up on that dream?" I asked, curious if her priorities had shifted.


    She shook her head again, holding me tightly as her pregnant belly nudged me, causing me to laugh. She kissed my cheek softly. "I''m not giving up; I just want to focus on us for the moment. When our baby is here and strong enough to stand, then we can continue to try. There''s so much evil underneath our feet that we can''t handle it all together without risking harm to our future." She snickered, and I kissed her, knowing she was looking out for our child.


    That''s when I remembered the significance of today. "Honey, today..."


    "Hmm? Ohhh! Yes, the witch. Well, let''s see if her revelation comes around this year. If not, we go with the plan," she said, waving me off with a laugh. I sometimes wondered if she truly believed my story about the witch, but it didn''t matter because I knew she trusted my words.


    The year unfolded as usual, with taxes increasing slightly again due to some distant war that few knew about. The noble lord of the land was ever more extravagant in his spending, and the stress of my new position was greater than I had anticipated. I spent more time in my office than at home.


    The chief was always out mingling with factions, which I had refused outright. My position wasn''t solid due to the political complexities of not siding with any faction in the village, as well as my wealth, which drew both admiration and envy.


    My wife''s brother, who hailed from the land over, was our backer time and again, and I often wondered how I''d have survived without my wife''s support. She had given up her nobility for me, out of love. I had tried not to fall in love and ruin her destiny, but she convinced me otherwise. I was happy with our newborn daughter, Dinceria, but I wanted to do more for everyone and keep my promise to my wife for everything she''d given me.


    As the sun set on another day in Layemount, I knew that my responsibilities were only beginning.


    **


    [Year 521 C.A ? Thursday Morning ? April tenth]


    "Daddy, where you go?" my little daughter asked as I kissed her forehead. My wife was pregnant again after saying that two was better than one, even though she knew our financial situation. She was always positive about the outcomes, and I loved her for that.


    "Honey, please take Dinceria to bed. I''ll be back home in a few months. You know," I said, smiling as I wore knight armor borrowed from her brother.


    She had asked for it, and as always, her twin brother simply allowed her to have her way without questions. I never understood twins; they always had that special kinship even magic couldn''t explain.


    She knew I wasn''t a fighter, but recently the forest had once again, like every three years, acted out. Hordes of magical beasts and monsters alike emerged from it, trying to savage anything in the area before fighting themselves to death. We didn''t understand why, but it was known that the ruling class monster in the forest did this to cull its own creatures'' population.


    Each ruling class monster had a domain in the areas and never attacked each other, but they had distinct personalities in managing their numbers. Some ate their overpopulating beasts; others, like the one in the forest, sent hordes to be killed off, then returned with the champion of the horde to kill it.


    Many had abandoned their homes and taken their possessions onto boats as I sent my family along with the rest who couldn''t fight. If everyone left the village, the monsters wouldn''t leave either, and as noted in historical records, they would claim the space as their domain.


    So we fought and called noble houses to aid us. In times of need, they would always arrive late, so we had to fight. My wife knew I had the God''s blessing, but being ignorantly brave into battle with it led many to die thinking the Gods favored them more than the beasts.


    As long as I acted without it, I had better chances than most people standing at the frontlines.


    Later that night, after surviving the first raid of the hordes, I was in a tent.


    "Master Vallen, please. If I don''t return, take care of my family for me," the young adventurer, who had recently settled in the village and started his own roots here, now begged me.


    Soon many more would say the same thing, and I''d bow and vow to them to do so to the best of my ability and ask them to do the same for my family.


    Two months after the skirmish of protecting our village, we survived as the hordes were no more. The single royal knight sent from the kingdom''s captain arrived late, but his presence alone had tilted the assaults greatly, shifting our odds to victory.


    We lost many, but we won. I had to keep my vows, and the chief''s might was again shown. He was magnificent in commanding and leading us to victory. Without him, we were lost. My unique tactical skills held us and gave us perseverance we hadn''t known we had.


    "Master Vallen, once again, you''re a blessing to have. Your keen intellect is unmatched." Lord Elyas, a fallen nobleman who had risen in power due to his connections and links to the underground, was the esteemed chief''s best friend and confidant.


    I knew better. I had no evidence to prove my theories, but I knew he worked for the vermin cult that ran many underground organizations. He and I hoped one of us could die during this raid, but the Gods seemed to favor him as much as me.


    "Glad to be of assistance, Lord Elyas," I said, bowing, trying to ease away my exit.


    "Oh, do say, I''ve heard many rogue elements happen to be in the sea, sometimes among us. What would you propose as parchment changes to prevent them?" he asked as I turned around to see the chief walking toward us, soaked in many colors of beast blood with the royal young teen knight who saved us.


    Controlling my emotions and calming myself, I smiled, "I''ll look forward to that challenge, thank you, sir!"


    I ran in panic as many salutes were thrown, but I wasn''t aware, as I knew my worst fear had come true—a seed of his words had been planted, and I hoped it wouldn''t grow.


    Reaching the sea, I saw no ships. When I asked around, I learned they''d sailed to a nearby island they often used as a last-resort refuge camp. I got on a boat and sailed toward it.


    A day later, I arrived at the island, seeing clear signs of a great fight. We had planted some adventurers who could act as guardsmen, sailors, and warriors against pirates, but they were greenhorns. Our main power was back at the village.


    Reports were given to me, but I hadn''t received or heard any messenger birds. It was clear the assault was organized by an internal source. I saw their ships in ruin as I sought my wife, who I was told had survived, but my daughter hadn''t.


    I fell to my knees in anger at her tent, yelling to be left alone with her. They mentioned that it was a miracle our baby boy was born healthy; she was strong enough to recover, but her mind seemed shattered by the tragedy. She held on to see me.


    "There you are. I''m sorry for our little... but I''m going to see... her soon." Tears streamed down my face as I repeatedly told her not to talk. I begged the healers to return and prayed alongside her.


    "You have to protect him. I couldn''t. I''m sorry for leaving first. I did the best I could for everyone," she said as I was left alone with my new unnamed baby boy.


    Internally, I asked the Gods for an answer: Why had the witch chosen me? How was I supposed to be of mind and heart now? How was I to do this alone? What was I to do?


    A young adventurer woman entered, visibly crying longer than I had. "Many want to say their prayers and appreciation for your sacrifice. Your wife saved most of us, even us failed adventurers."


    I stood with the baby in my hands and walked out of the massive tent. Thousands were alive, many injured, and few were lost, but her wish held on. Many words of encouragement, appreciation, gratitude, love, blessing, and promises were said on that small island.


    "She didn''t fail. I won''t either, for her," I said, holding the sleeping, soundly unnamed baby boy.


    "Savevity," one said, hearing that word, id take it as his name. The crowd of people heard the name, kneeling as I walked to the boat. "I''ll return home and tell them of this. I''m sorry we failed here, but we successfully saved the village. The next raid of hordes won''t be here for another three years. I vow to see it never happen again!"


    Cheers and tears filled the night as I sailed back to the village. I knew then I had to be the chosen one, for the village wouldn''t survive without it. The evil inside was too grand to be left alone. Elyas had set a blaze inside me that I never knew I had.


    **


    [Year 522 C.A ? Thursday Evening ? April tenth]


    Working from my new home, I had lost touch with my wife''s brother. Yet, no matter the circumstances, I wrote to him. He never replied, but I learned from many envoys that he was still alive. He merely wanted no further contact with me, yet approved receiving my letters. So I did so, for my wife''s will.


    Without his financial support, I had managed somehow. My position was secure thanks to the people, and I had my own faction within the community now.


    My boy was walking now. He didn''t talk as quickly as my daughter had, but he was special just the same. Elyas seemed more relaxed and less superior in the village after the incident, which unnerved me. I wasn''t ready to hang his influence in the ditch just yet.


    The church was seeking my attention more recently due to the noble saying he wanted new parchments that cut their offerings to him in half. While I had no intention of creating it, the church insisted on allowing it, raising internal concerns. Just how rotten was the village?


    Thoran was getting older, and he asked me who I would nominate, but I kindly suggested he act on his own advice, which he laughed about.


    "Vallen, you''re one of the few individuals here I know is right for the position, only if you had the power and might to stand against the factions," he said, sighing. It was true. My power only went so far, but strength in numbers and legalization made me quite well-positioned to order many.


    It didn''t surpass Elyas, who was stronger naturally and could simply suggest his methods due to the sheer might of his aura. The strong ruled, and the nobleman was tamed by the chief, but that wouldn''t last forever.


    Elyas had recently started gaining favor with the nobleman, smoothing the path for the next ruler through the chief.


    I was surprised that, even though I planted seeds into Thoran, they never blossomed. Many people I sent to trail Elyas and others I planted in the underground all seemed to fade into obscurity.


    I had no power in the village beyond the parchments, like a tool that did as the council commanded. I owned only a few properties and a single patch of land. My wife''s backing had held some weight, but now I knew that in the coming years, my position was next, and Elyas knew it. He couldn''t act yet, as my immediate immunity came from the tragedy, and the image of a single father of a saint wife was still fresh in the public''s imagination.


    "Dadda!" Savevity spoke as I rubbed my forehead in stress over my future plans. Realizing my son spoke for the first time, I jumped and grabbed him in joy.


    "Yes! It''s Dadda!" he cried as I called the caretaker to calm him while I leapt for joy, soon hearing him giggle as I calmed down. I spent my day off with him, deciding he mattered more than the hearings scheduled for that day.


    **


    [Year 524 C.A ? Thursday Morning ? April tenth]


    The prince was to arrive in a matter of months now, and the village was abuzz with the news of his departure. At any moment, he''d be upon us, bringing his noble presence and gifts of encouragement, speaking about joint efforts needed for the war against some other country or element of their own schemes.


    I sighed as I sat down to do my daily duties. My archenemy had already made his move, using another person to run for my position, a mere tool of his, and by the end of the year, no matter what I did, I would need to find another job.


    As the months of the year slipped by, the rhythm of the village remained steady, save for one notable disruption. In September, a stranger emerged from the forest, sending ripples through the village. Despite the whispers and sightings, I dismissed the stranger''s presence as inconsequential. It wasn''t a beast, so it fell outside my immediate concerns.


    I continued my duties with a sense of determined efficiency, sorting through the myriad scrolls, parchments, and psychic data transfer orbs that occupied my days. My thoughts occasionally drifted to my wife, to whom I mentally spoke, ''Honey, I tried my best. I guess without power, you can only go so far.''


    The village''s calm fa?ade masked a growing political tension, and the stranger''s appearance was a reminder that change was always lurking just beyond the familiar patterns. As I worked through the day, I maintained a steady focus, knowing that the balance I worked so hard to preserve what was delicate and that every new element, even one as seemingly trivial as an outsider, couldn''t have unforeseen ripples. So I thought.


    **


    "NobieZomAngle24." I read the written report from the village registry mercenary log parchment while using the data orb of registration to approve incoming registrations and other miscellaneous information. I was methodical and deliberate in my work while the caretaker played with my son, Savevity, in the far corner of the room.


    The words seemed like nonsense, trolling us. I was about to reject it and move on when I felt a burning sensation from my wisp as I said the name quietly. My first instinct was to glance at my boy to see if any danger was nearby. I had recently acquired an A-ranker adventurer on standby as a last resort if my office term ended this year. Looking at my boy now, I smiled.


    He was a blessing, a loud chaos of energy, that I hoped I could have him out of my sight, but I knew better than to ever let that happen. The pause in my fast telepathic data space of the orbs and writing of changes was interrupted by my wisp now instantly emerging from my body in terror.


    "Now, that''s news to me. Care to speak?" It gave no indication of noticing me until I forced my will, which it ignored as a first impression of this name being beyond normal comprehension.


    "Do you remember the witch, Vallen? Van-Des-Ma? The evil is here!" it said, and I burst out laughing, vexing it further.


    "I know! You won''t listen or believe. I''ll do anything, just aid me and make this person disappear," it pleaded. After all, each wisp was like its host in a strange way. To bond, each wisp had to find a resemblance synchronicity synonymous vessel that matched its own.


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Oh?" I smirked as it tried to fade back into my body, but I refused it.


    "Tell me." It smiled, appearing nonchalant now as I was curious. It felt my intentions but could never read my mind after the initial bonding.


    "Well then, since you have slipped up, this is worth approving and watching to see. So that''s the chosen one? Well then, let''s see what he brings us," I said, letting the wisp fade into my body.


    "I better let the chief check him out first. I''ll simply say he''s suspicious on many levels but isn''t a threat." I spoke as I wrote into my instant message scroll. The ink disappeared upon injecting mana into it, signaling the message was sent to the other scroll.


    I leaned back in my chair, daydreaming for a moment of clarity. ''The one I need to judge, huh? Hm, why are you so special to the Gods? Well then, let''s see.'' I thought to myself as I stood to join my boy and his caretaker.


    Later that very morning, my scroll lit up. I opened it to see imminent commands from the chief. Glancing at the flashing orbs and other scrolls lighting up, I knew the immediate effect of the ''chosen'' one was no joke.


    In mere minutes, he had begun a revolting chain of impact. I approved everything as the chief commanded and acknowledged his transfer of authority, reserving a nobility pass restriction upon the golden ring for the rogue element that had impacted our village.


    He registered at the adventurer guild, which I spied on via the information updates, and left the village, taking on a quest of extraordinary difficulty.


    "Buro! Come!" I shouted to my adventurer. He appeared instantly, ready for battle. "No, no, put that away. Take a few trusted allies to trail this man. Here is the scroll with information on him and his appearance. Protect him if he''s in danger; kill him if he''s suspicious. However, value your own life over any threat, so if you cannot afford it, don''t engage. Report back to me on what you think of him! Go! Go! Go! Now!" I shouted in panic, as time was of the essence.


    Later that evening, as I ate with my caretaker and my son, I noticed the familiar warmth in my caretaker''s smile. She had always wanted my attention, but she knew that my heart was devoted to my deceased wife. Her smile persisted even as I focused on my boy.


    Our talks were short but never boring. Savevity would always regale me with tales of his imaginary battles and heroic adventures, often mentioning his plans to be just like me. I knew he wasn''t suited for the quiet life I led. From the start, I recognized that my boy had the spirit of an adventurer, much like Buro. He was destined for the world beyond our village. The smarts hadn''t passed down to him, but he was like his mother—always following his heart passionately and with a sensitivity and emotional intelligence that shone brightly.


    A knock interrupted our meal, echoing through the dining hall. The guards checked and allowed Buro to enter. He smiled and played along with my son, who beamed with excitement. Secretly, Buro passed me a document parchment, his eyes meeting mine with a seriousness that gave me shivers. He laughed at Savevity''s antics before exiting, and I told the caretaker to take my son to bed.


    Savevity glanced at me, upset at the early bedtime, but I smiled reassuringly and watched them leave. I walked to my office, curiosity piqued, and opened the document. As I read its contents, my jaw nearly dropped.


    ''Our wisps and the one that is to serve him, his own wisp was scared of him, acting submissive and fearful. Our own wisps appeared scared to even come out, pleading not to be revealed. Moreover, we couldn''t even approach the boy. He was learning how to use aura and mana like a firstborn but was immediately mastering them. It''s as if he lost his memories, and the power he showed seemed to be a mere glimpse. His armor was beyond anything I had ever imagined, akin to a Royal Paladin''s armor, from shoulder to toe. My tamed beast fainted the moment it neared him, returning back to mana within my summoning skill. He is a level 99, if not more! A legendary race-type class, definitely nobility of the Royal capital! He is the queen''s prince we have been preparing for to come here! I''m sorry, sir. I''ll pray I don''t have to protect you against him. Because I won''t.''


    I laughed aloud, disbelief mingling with intrigue. This "chosen one" was far more than I had anticipated. If he was indeed the queen''s prince, then we were in for interesting times. However, I knew better. The thought of the chosen one living among us, wrapped in secrecy and power, was both exhilarating and daunting. It meant that the balance of power within the village and beyond was about to shift dramatically.


    The implications were vast. A chosen, hidden in plain sight, with power that surpassed even the most seasoned adventurers—this was a game-changer. I realized then that my position and influence, which I thought would be lost by the year''s end, might find new significance. Aligning myself with this force of nature could be the key to securing not just my future but the future of the village.


    I leaned back in my chair, contemplating the path ahead. The prince''s arrival was no longer just a formality but a turning point. I had to tread carefully, ensuring that my actions were in harmony with the unfolding meteor that this chosen represented.


    I hoped to see him be benevolent rather, that way whatever challenges lay ahead, one thing was clear: my son''s generation would grow up in a world vastly different from the one I had known. And for that, I was strangely grateful.


    **


    The boy named Xela had stirred up the village with his mysterious presence. He gave only a single name, which was odd, as it was typically a slave custom to forgo a second name. His lack of additional identifiers left us puzzled as we scoured kingdom data leaks, finding no trace of his identity or origins.


    After being absent for three days, he left behind a whirlwind of rumors and speculation. The village buzzed with stories about who he might be, with many convinced he was a prince from Azrael, the Queen of Caliphia. However, those theories were quickly dismissed, as his profile did not match any known princes, nor did palace records reveal any connection.


    Chief Thorin issued a scroll memo to everyone in power within the village government, including the nobleman of the land:


    "Hear all, a young boy of unrestricted authority to leave and enter the village is under my backing to aid us in the matters of the village. He is a prosperous adventurer. Make no ill-intents against him. Should our village not face unharmed circumstances thereby, please adhere to this principle."


    I pondered this message as my son tried to learn how to read. He climbed onto my lap, giggling as he attempted to decipher the complex words. After a playful exchange, he scampered off to eat with the caretaker, leaving me to my work.


    It had been a while since I checked the adventurer''s guild report. They noted that Xela was still in the area, likely within the forest for three days, as he hadn''t returned to the village after his quest. Reports of unknown miracles began circulating among the adventurers. The beasts had dwindled in number, and many adventurers had survived attacks by unknown means, with some roaming for hours without encountering monsters, only finding mana cores.


    Just as I was about to dismiss these tales as mere fantasy, a tremor shook the village. The villagers rushed outside in panic, gathering to see what had happened. Adventurers gathered instantly at the forest''s edge, and the distant echoes of a powerful clash reverberated through the air. It was clear that a king-class beast was battling another of its kind.


    The thought struck me: "Could it be Xela, the chosen? Is he challenging the impossible? It can''t be."


    Seconds turned into minutes as the village continued to tremble from the distant conflict. The battle seemed to last an hour, with the shaking and gusts of wind finally subsiding, leaving an uneasy silence in its wake. Adventurers gathered at the forest''s edge, ready to enter and investigate, but the uncertainty loomed as no clear outcome was visible.


    Many adventurers hesitated to venture too deeply into the forest and chose to wait through the night. As the days passed, a strange calm settled over the village, but the forest seemed quieter than usual. Reports came in that the number of monsters and magical creatures had decreased by a staggering eight percent.


    On the fourth day, a body was found, and news spread quickly that the boy''s wisp had evolved to a tier five. My wisp, having been stuck at tier four for many years, made this feat even more astonishing. Xela had arrived just days before with a tier-one wisp, and now he had reached tier five.


    Rumors spread like wildfire, suggesting that the village had a prodigy in its midst, possibly an SS-ranker with a mythical race type class. The world''s population demographics for rare classes were well-known: Legendary (0.1%), Mythical (0.9%), Epic (2.7%), Rare (8%), Uncommon (24%), and Common (64.3%). The boy had refused to register his race type class upon signing up for the adventurer guild, but now, to receive his rewards, he would need to reveal it.


    Little did Xela know, many eyes were on him. The village''s political schemes were temporarily set aside as everyone awaited the consequences and influence of this new adventurer. As he turned in his rewards, he placed his blood on the orb and channeled his mana into it, allowing the guild to analyze the items he had brought back. This was standard procedure to ensure the items belonged to him, though it wouldn''t be an issue if they didn''t. If someone else claimed them and their aura and mana imprint matched, they would receive the remaining ninety percent of the wealth.


    This system was designed to discourage rogue elements, but there was a catch: a year-long waiting period for anyone who couldn''t verify their kill. Learning this, Xela agreed to the process.


    Everyone in the governmental system eagerly awaited the report, which soon reached my desk. As I read it, I felt the ground drop beneath me. Xela was a Z-tier, a rank akin to sovereignty itself, and seemed unaware of his own abilities. Yet here he was, enjoying the role of an adventurer. His armor alone was more valuable than our village''s entire capital budget and equal to the wealth of two kingdoms combined!


    The news was overwhelming, and the implications were staggering. Xela''s presence in the village had shifted the balance of power and influence. He was an enigma, a boy of unimaginable potential, and the village watched with bated breath to see what he would do next.


    ?Name: Xela ? Storia''s Traveler ?


    ?Race: Human ? Sepherim ?


    ? Class: Demise Rogue ? Superior ?


    ? HP: 50,000/50,000 ?


    ? MP: 900,500/ 1.5 M ?


    ? SP: Eternal ?? AE: X Class ?


    ?Archetype: Celestial ?? Class: Lvl?72?


    ? Age: Eternal ?? Wisp: Nex ? T5?


    ? Skills: 36/36 ?? Passive: 10/10 ?


    ? Armor: Headgear ? N/a?


    ? Armor: Chest ? R99?


    ? Armor: Left Arm ? R99?


    ? Armor: Right Arm ? R99?


    ? Armor: Right Leg ? R99?


    ? Armor: Left Leg ? R99?


    As I asked my wisp, Vulki, about what "Sepherim" was categorized as, it seemed reluctant to answer, still holding a grudge against the boy.


    "He''s a Legendary type class race. There. I''m sorry for before. It was my fault for jumping the gun without the information; our whole village could have disappeared in the blink of an eye. So, planning to get him on our side is much more important than trying to go against a nightmare scenario," Vulki said, sounding defeated.


    I froze in the moment, trying to process the gravity of the situation. Vulki continued, "Just so you know, the stronger the foes surrounding him or the ones he goes against, the better he becomes. The best way to fight a Sepherim is to have many weaker allies and a few stronger ones engaged in combat with it. Their innate abilities weaken drastically, but given his armor and unknown items in his possession, I have no doubt that no one—unless it''s two sovereignty leaders coming together and fighting against him, with a few weaker levels surrounding the area—can have a chance."


    A cold shiver ran down my spine as I felt sick and afraid. The chosen had to be good, a blessing, I internally prayed, for if he wasn''t and the witch came late, there''d be nothing left around me.


    The following day, the boy carried on without a hitch. He was approached by many, and even I found myself at the inn where he stayed, eager to learn who he was, but one thing was certain.


    From adventurers to merchants and even those with nefarious intentions, he wasn''t afraid or inclined to anything or anyone. Money, status, connections, prospects, even beauty—he seemed immune as if he was above everyone in the village.


    He was strictly straightforward in his approach, and his mannerisms were direct. Many attempts at conflict were either stopped by others or simply failed to impact him. His understanding of many slangs and insults appeared indifferent.


    Xela made daily appearances at the adventurer guild, taking on quests and making income effortlessly. He wasn''t bothered by the dangers and seemed to be "playing," for lack of a better word. As a Z-rank, he was above the common world, yet he merely pretended to be normal.


    His presence was a mystery and a source of both hope and fear. The village watched him closely, uncertain of what he might do next or what impact he might have on their lives.


    A few days later, I got word that rogue elements within our village had been spreading rumors and plotting against Xela. Despite my efforts to discreetly inform him, Xela seemed to pay no mind, as if he didn''t care about the schemes brewing around him.


    The rumors eventually reached the Prince, who had just arrived in the village. Although many had initially gathered to see him, their attention was soon drawn away by Xela. The nobleman of the land, upon learning of the situation, attempted to take control by issuing commands, but the chief intervened to ease the tensions.


    This incensed the Prince, who was frustrated by our reluctance to take decisive action. He resolved to handle the matter himself, determined to remind the people who ruled these lands and ensure the local government was aligned with the capital''s authority.


    Various suggestions were made for dealing with Xela, but the Prince dismissed them, insisting on a more direct approach. I watched the escalating tensions with a certain amusement, as it seemed everyone wanted to either see Xela manipulated into their political schemes or removed altogether.


    The chief appeared to prefer avoiding confrontation and hoped to simply send Xela back to wherever he had come from. Seizing the moment, I chimed in, "Our Prince has made up his mind; if he wills it so, then it must be."


    I said this nonchalantly, knowing full well that my words would draw sharp glares. Many knew my time in the village government was nearing its end, and they suspected I had some hidden agenda. In truth, I had no plans but was merely betting on the unfolding drama.


    When the council voted on the issue, I chose to remain neutral. Why? Because my position here was soon to be irrelevant, so taking a side was pointless. As I explained this, they nodded in acknowledgment. The chief added, "If things go wrong, we''ll have trouble getting more support from the capital, and we might need to reevaluate our positions. But if things work out, we''ll have the routine years and my retirement plan secured."


    The room fell silent, everyone weighing the potential outcomes. The stakes were high, and the Prince''s decision would either stabilize the village or plunge it into deeper turmoil. Meanwhile, Xela continued about his business, seemingly oblivious to the political storm brewing around him.


    Many in the room laughed and nodded, aware of the underlying power struggle. I glanced at my archenemy, his glare meeting my smile. His eyes widened as he realized the game I had set in motion. A reform was coming, and whoever managed to get Xela into a position of influence within the council would emerge victorious.


    The next day marked the beginning of a series of events that would lead Xela into a position of power, despite his apparent disinterest in politics. It was up to me to guide him into that role, playing my part to ensure he found his way there, whether he wanted to or not. The chief, unbeknownst to himself, was just a pawn in a game controlled by the true rulers: the conquering council members.


    That afternoon, as I sat in my office in my mansion, I laid out plans to transfer my estate to Xela. Knowing the boy, he would likely refuse it, so I devised a plan to make it an official place of work, thereby easing him into a position of influence. My goal was to step back and let him take charge while subtly guiding him to defeat our enemies and reform the village''s outdated processes.


    Lord Elyas approached my estate, entering my office with his guards and my hired adventurer standing by. "You''ve played hard, but know we aren''t going anywhere," he said, clearly upset.


    I smiled, knowing he was aware of our wager on the outcome. As we sat down, a bright light shone from a distance in the village—a grand summoning. The weight in our chests increased as we recognized it as a Holy Knight being summoned.


    Lord Elyas smirked, "Well, things are going well?"


    "We can only wait to hear the results," I replied, sipping my wine as he drank his nonchalantly.


    "The church has been making quite a bit of noise about the situation. Have you heard of the prophecy? A demon appearing as a human, trying to influence the world?" he asked.


    I nodded, glancing out the window. "What do you think?"


    He smirked, then shrugged as if he weren''t implying anything.


    After hours of conversation, he stood to leave, but his scroll suddenly lit up. Reading it, he appeared off-balance as he made his way out. My own scroll lit up shortly after. I looked out the window, contemplating the possibility of defeat. A Holy Knight was a Mythic race class rank, and it seemed likely that it could be the end for the boy. However, if Xela survived, our political landscape was about to shift dramatically.


    Tomorrow would reveal whether we were entering a new era of influence and power, with Xela at the center of it all.


    The next morning, a news conference was called, and I quickly scanned the scroll while hugging my son goodbye. Leaving him with Buro and the caretaker, I rushed to my carriage as my clerk briefed me on the previous day''s events.


    I was surprised, relieved, and flattered to learn about the legendary boy among us. Xeya Reyes, a boy at level 72, had defeated a level 90 Mythic Holy Knight and several other high-ranking experts. He renewed his equipment with scrolls and wielded a scythe, clearly a high-tier item even if it wasn''t legendary. Reports noted his unlimited personal dimensional storage, from which he effortlessly drew items, and his enormous mana reserves, greater even than the King''s mage.


    This boy was beyond the realm of mortals, standing alongside the gods.


    Upon arriving at the vantage point and entering the chief''s office, I took a roundabout path to the inner sealed private residence where he allowed us inside for this emergency.


    The meeting was attended by twenty to thirty people from various political backgrounds. The chief addressed us, "I called everyone here to announce that the nobleman in charge of the land has been removed by the crown. The capital will send informants to survey the new noble candidate. In due time, they''ll issue a decree for him to go to the capital for further investigation and nobility studies. In the meantime, Xeya Reyes is in charge, as the Pope''s office has declared the recent improper claims false, attributed to an uncharted proclamation by a doctrined priest on prophecy reading."


    The impact of the news was clear: the political landscape had flipped. We were gathered to discuss the ongoing issues and our path forward. Lord Elyas remained silent and emotionally restrained, showing no signs of being affected by the news.


    The chief made several remarks and reenactments, emphasizing that the land was already, on paper, granted to Lord Reyes, although he was unaware of it. We were to test and guide him, and anyone who took the oath today would vow not to reveal these details until he asked us as a Duke.


    The gravity of our task loomed large. We were to guide a figure of immense power and potential, ensuring he was prepared for the responsibilities ahead. The path we took would shape the future of our village and perhaps beyond, as Xeya Reyes stepped into a role of unprecedented influence.


    The binding contract from the Royal capital required each of us to sign it with our blood, after which it vanished in white flames. Instantly, we experienced its effect: anyone who thought about revealing the truth to Lord Reyes would find their mind going blank. I was immune to this effect, which puzzled me until I realized it might be a blessing from the Gods. This immunity meant I could inform the witch if necessary.


    In the following days, the boy, Xeya Reyes, continued as if nothing had happened. He maintained his routine of ''playing'' and returning home, drawing attention yet remaining aloof and refusing responsibility or involvement in others'' affairs.


    His actions eventually put many at ease, and they began to ignore his fame. While he blended in with the common folk, he remained distant. When I tried to engage him, our interactions were brief, and my attempts to test him almost resulted in grave mistakes. He was keen, intelligent, aloof, and fiercely independent.


    One report noted that once he proved his capabilities to someone who doubted him, that Lord Reyes would never be friendly or neutral towards that person again. The chief got along well with him, treating him as if he were a prince, which was a strategy he used, I considered adopting to get closer to this influential figure.


    During an invite to my second house, I introduced him to my son, hoping to establish a connection. However, Reyes seemed indifferent to my son, which irritated me. Yet, my son''s questions revealed his unexpected talent for dancing, singing, and strategic games, in which he remained undefeated after a few tries.


    Thanks to my son, other nobles began to gather around Reyes. Lord Elyas also sought his attention, leading to invitations for daring flirtations and dates. It was then we discovered that Reyes had no interest in romantic relationships of females, regardless of status. My son seemed to have a rapport with Reyes, but even so, Reyes showed no desire to get to know either of us better.


    Lord Elyas and many others failed to engage him meaningfully. Reyes was like a bird on a carriage—he might be influenced by our social maneuvers but never rode with us. He simply enjoyed the journey before flying off in his own direction.


    A few days later, at another invitation ball, Reyes became more involved with a local family, which stirred envy in Lord Elyas. In a moment of poor judgment, Elyas made a disparaging remark about peasants, which caught Reyes''s attention.


    As Reyes took a step toward Elyas, I intercepted him and called my son, Savevity, to help diffuse the situation. In those tense moments, everyone present felt the overwhelming power emanating from Reyes—a brief but intense aura that left us all shaken as he exited the scene.


    Lord Elyas, visibly shaken, turned to me. I warned him, "You''re on your last legs now. If he moves against you, not even the Royal Family or your closest allies will come to your aid."


    Elyas laughed nervously as he left, muttering to himself. The rest of the high society realized that Reyes was now in control, not Elyas. Neither Elyas nor the Chief could manipulate Reyes.


    "Reyes, can you come again?" my son asked. Reyes, as usual, looked at him with an indifferent gaze, aloof and calculating but with a hint of humanity in his actions.


    "It''s expected," he replied simply, leaving us to wonder if he understood the political undercurrents or simply didn''t care. It was clear he saw us as just another party to be managed, drifting along as we continued to try to engage him.


    I advised my son, "Get very talented in whatever you wish to do, and you''ll get him to see you. Don''t let his words hurt you."


    "Yes, father," Savevity replied, his determination evident as he wiped away tears.


    Months later, another world-shattering event unfolded. My wisp was in a frenzy, frightened and confused about Reyes''s significance beyond the usual statements. As I questioned my wisp, my scroll lit up with an emergency meeting call. Relieved to be interrupted, my wisp settled down, and I turned my attention to the meeting.


    The urgency of the summons suggested significant developments, likely involving Reyes once again. His presence continued to shift the political landscape, and it seemed the ramifications were only beginning to unfold.


    Learning of the recent events, I was as flabbergasted as everyone else. Reyes had created a Wisp and bonded it to another being, even changing the previous one''s race classification through that action! The implications were staggering. If he wanted to start a cult, this was certainly the way to do it. The minds of many were working overtime, trying to comprehend what had just happened.


    Despite this, he remained frustratingly distant. Many had tried to draw him in, even those who attempted to elevate him to a religious figure, but he always kept himself aloof. It was as if he was intentionally keeping everyone at arm''s length, which only added to his mystique.


    Another important factor was his recent deposit of wealth into the world bank. He was now the fourth richest person in the global market! Lord Reyes, seemingly from nowhere, had left the conference room in silence. We were all struck dumb, unable to fully grasp the reality of what we were dealing with. If he wasn''t a god, then what was he?


    In that moment, a memory from the witch came to me—something about "the chosen." I shivered slightly as I recalled the tale, a folklore myth we all knew but never truly believed. Could Reyes be this mythical figure? The chief glanced at me quizzically, and I shrugged, feigning indifference as he looked away. But inside, I was buzzing with excitement. I understood who Reyes was, or at least what he represented, and I could use this knowledge to navigate the shifting landscape of power.


    As I left the meeting, an idea struck me. I started a rumor in favor of Lord Reyes, dubbing him the "Guardian of the Village." The story spread like wildfire, just in time for the announcement of the chief''s next plans. The timing was perfect, and it had the added bonus of upsetting my archenemies. In the few months since his arrival, many new proposals had come across my desk for approval. Our village, once in financial despair, had rapidly ascended to a status of prosperity.


    Having one of the world''s richest people in our midst was already causing ripples, and whoever could get Lord Reyes on their side would undoubtedly secure a permanent position of influence. Recently, I heard that the underground factions had run into him. Reports said he had defeated them effortlessly, seemingly unaware of the chaos he caused as he absentmindedly wandered into their territory. He seemed lost in his own thoughts, yet he dispatched the slum''s gangsters with ease.


    A few days later, we learned about the boy he favored, Jareth Kulde, a former farmer in the village. Now, his family no longer worked, thanks to Reyes''s generosity, which provided them with enough wealth to never toil again. It seemed that Reyes had taken these actions to ensure that Jareth could grow stronger. But what did he see in this boy? And why was he so important to Reyes?


    I pondered these questions as I watched the village transform around me, knowing that with Reyes''s influence, our world was changing in ways we had never imagined.


    Why? I wondered as I delved into historical records. I discovered that the boy, Jareth, was first seen with Reyes in the forest, and he had stood up to the injustice of the Royal Knight and the church. Recently, however, he had been using Reyes''s name to get his way against any high governmental authority. This behavior puzzled me, and I was determined to understand what made this boy so important to Reyes.


    The day of the local court meeting had arrived, and most of the villagers were eagerly anticipating the appearance of one particular individual—Xela Reyes, who had become something of a celebrity. He walked into the meeting with his apprentice, who was becoming known as Jareth, the Guardian''s student.


    As they entered the chapel, which served as the meeting grounds, I noticed the atmosphere shift. The villagers were aware of the importance of this gathering, and Reyes seemed at ease, trusting Chief Thoran implicitly. He took his place beside the chief, ready to discuss the reformation of the council and the village''s future direction.


    The chief introduced Xela Reyes, announcing, "Today, we welcome Lord Reyes, who has graciously decided to participate in our village matters." This statement was shocking to many, and I felt the weight of numerous glances directed at me and the chief, as our factions were closely aligned with Reyes rather than the other village leaders.


    The meeting proceeded with various topics being discussed. Reyes answered questions and became accustomed to his new title as a lord. Publicly, he joined the council, but those of us in the know were already aware that he had been acknowledged by the Royal capital as the noble leader of the village. However, we couldn''t disclose this information, as we knew he was being tested and observed by powerful entities far beyond our influence.


    I admired his courage and willingness to listen. He refused to let anyone push matters that I had previously tried to address but were ignored. His ideals, though revolutionary, were presented with a stern voice of conviction that suggested they were viable solutions.


    As the meeting continued, it became clear that Reyes intended to expand the discussions. He announced, "We will extend our meetings over the coming days. I am committed to hearing from everyone, regardless of class. Your voices matter." His message was clear, and despite initial skepticism, I supported his idea along with the chief. This commitment showed his influence and genuine dedication to the village''s future.


    However, a significant weakness was revealed. Reyes seemed to want to please everyone, which highlighted his nature. We were learning more about him—he avoided everyone''s inner circles of influence because he cared deeply and invested himself fully in any role he took on. It was clear that for him, leadership was not just about power but about responsibility and the necessity of fulfilling his commitments.


    As the meeting drew to a close, I realized that Reyes was not just changing the village; he was challenging us to rethink our values and priorities. His presence was a catalyst for transformation, and I was eager to see where his leadership would take us.


    **


    Many months later, Reyes was not what we had expected. He led the changes personally and willfully, pushing forward regardless of any limitations in personnel or other obstacles. My son had changed as well, attending the new school Reyes had established. The new pay system, infrastructure developments, and even the healthcare system were all part of his sweeping reforms.


    It was incredible, but I felt the shift was happening at an alarming rate. It was as if Reyes was dragging us into a new world, full of innovative technology and ideas we had yet to fully understand. The village was growing rapidly, and his influence was becoming increasingly evident. I had gradually become part of his inner circle as he took notice of my son and me.


    Many of my fellow council colleagues had either fallen out of favor or left the village altogether. The underground factions remained silent, wary of the force that Reyes represented. He had a way of turning any situation to his advantage. If he sensed even a slight hiccup in his plans, he was there in person to address it, which only strengthened the impact of his actions.


    One evening, Madam Diosa approached me. "We were never really enemies nor allies, Lord Vollen," she said, her voice tinged with a mix of respect and intrigue. "But I want to be included in your plans."


    I missed the days when I could ignore her, but Reyes had changed many things, including this dynamic. Diosa used to drink and remain inactive in the old council. Now, she was proactive, and things were running smoothly under her watchful eye. She had a keen sense for the village''s interests and knew more than most about the shifting political landscape. She was aware that a messenger was on the way to take Lord Reyes away.


    "Worry not, Madam," I replied confidently. "I am going to need you. We are Lord Reyes''s hands and feet. We''re in this together. This village—no, this city, as Lord Reyes said, will one day become a metropolitan area, a nation''s most powerful place."


    Her eyes widened in surprise. It seemed Reyes hadn''t shared this vision with her yet. She smiled as she turned to leave.


    "If he said that, then it will happen. I''m not as young as I once was, but if I were, I would have done anything to be wed to him," she said with a laugh. "Maybe you should offer your son to him."


    As she laughed and walked away, I frowned. I knew Reyes could be exploited in such a manner, and it concerned me.


    Despite the rapid changes, there was no denying that Reyes''s leadership had transformed the village. His vision was clear, and even though it felt like we were hurtling into an unknown future, his presence instilled confidence that we were on the right path. I resolved to support him, knowing that together, we were building something remarkable.


    The months passed, and a new guild was established by Jareth, who was no longer the boy we once knew. Gabe, another child who had been given a Wisp, had also changed. He had reclassified and was growing in strength faster than anyone expected. I watched their progress with a smile, feeling as though my world had frozen in time, a witness had came.


    As I sat in my office, deep in thought, a presence caught my attention. The Witch I had almost forgotten stood before me, her white hair contrasting sharply with her black priestly robes. She sat down gracefully, her staff remaining upright as if it had a will of its own.


    "Well," she began, her voice calm and measured, "...it seems he has come along just fine. I''m not here to remind you to pass judgment. I''m merely here to ask, ''Will you side with the Wisps or Reyes?'' It''s a question for myself, not for you. I''ve been tasked to get your random choice in the matter."


    Her words left me speechless for a moment. I had only two choices. After a pause, I finally replied, "The Wisps."


    "Hmph. Not as expected. That''s interesting," she said, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Okay. Let''s see how much of a threat Reyes is to me. Unfortunate, I was hoping you''d be more predictable. I''ll see you again."


    With that, she grabbed her staff and disappeared in an instant. The world around me resumed its normal pace, and the caretaker walked in, oblivious to the moment of instability I had just experienced.


    On the day of Lord Reyes''s departure, I organized a parade in his honor, ensuring that many attended to show their support as he left for the Royal capital. His absence left us feeling vulnerable, but I knew his influence and presence still lingered in our hearts and minds.


    As the procession moved through the streets, I felt a mixture of pride and apprehension. Reyes had transformed our village in ways we had never imagined, and while his departure was a significant loss, I was confident that the changes he had set in motion would guide us as we navigated this new era of growth and opportunity.


    "I hope you can defeat that witch, Lord Reyes. If you can''t, I''ll carry on in your place," I murmured to myself, aware that I had taken a gamble on matters I didn''t fully understand. Despite my uncertainty, I felt a sense of duty to uphold his vision and ensure that the village continued to thrive in his absence.