《Usurper》


 ? Prologue ?

    Luke Stain, a senior admin, sat in his cluttered office, the soft glow of the computer screen reflecting in his tired eyes. His phone buzzed with a message from Reyes, one of the game''s most dedicated players. Grabbing it to text back;


    Reyes: "Luke, you online?"


    Luke: "Yeah, Reyes. What''s up?"


    Reyes: "I heard the game''s shutting down... Is it true? (??)"


    Luke: sighed, running a hand through his hair. "(??) Yeah, it''s true. The higher-ups decided it''s time."


    Reyes: "Man, this game means a lot to me. It''s more than just a game, you know? (??)"


    Luke: "I know, Reyes. You''ve been with us since the beginning.(??)"


    Reyes: "I just wish there was something more, some final twist or lore addition to give it a proper send-off. (??)"


    Luke paused, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face. He remembered the recent rejection, how Reyes had declined his invitation to the coffee restaurant. An idea began to form, dark and twisted. "Maybe there is something I can do," he said, his voice neutral.


    Reyes: "Hello? You there!"


    Luke: "Yeah, sure. Leave it to me.(??)"


    As soon as the message chat ended, Luke''s demeanor shifted. He opened the game''s code and began to work on a secret addition, a last bit of lore that would change everything.


    "Wisps," he muttered to himself. "Created from the remnants of players who left the game. And their goal..."


    He typed furiously, a twisted smile forming as he crafted the new lore. Wisps, born from the memories and data of departed players, had a mission, the universe of the game, and other planets with different races.


    "Let''s see how you like this, Reyes," Luke whispered.


    His fingers flew over the keyboard, integrating the new content into the final update. He imagined the lore''s joke it would make on Reyes face, a small act of revenge against someone who had rejected him.


    **


    The fire crackled softly in the hearth as the night settled around Azrael''s family home. Azrael, still a young girl, snuggled close to her mother, Selene, while her father, Ethan, tended to their modest dinner. The shadows danced on the walls, creating an almost magical ambiance that seemed to bring Selene''s stories to life. Tonight, as every night, Azrael eagerly awaited her mother''s tale.


    "Tell me about the Chosen again, Mama," Azrael whispered, her eyes wide with anticipation.


    Selene smiled gently, brushing a strand of hair from Azrael''s face. "Alright, my love. Let me tell you about the time when the Chosen still roamed our world."


    She glanced at Ethan, who gave her an encouraging nod. Selene''s voice took on a melodic quality, weaving the past into the present.


    "Long ago, our world was filled with chosen¡ªbeings of immense power and skill. They could do things we could only dream of, like wielding magic with a flick of their wrists, summoning creatures, and bending reality to their will. They were our heroes, our protectors, and our guides."


    Ethan chimed in, his deep voice adding weight to the tale. "I remember seeing a young chosen once, when I was just a boy just like him, same height and age. He healed a whole village with a single spell. It was like witnessing a miracle."


    Azrael''s eyes sparkled with wonder. "What happened to them, Mama?"


    Selene''s smile faded slightly. "One day, without warning, chosen began to disappear. It started slowly, with a group or two vanishing without a trace. Then, many more followed. Entire guilds and clans simply ceased to exist. People were scared, confused. The world seemed to grow darker, more dangerous without them."


    Azrael frowned, a small line creasing her forehead. "Why did they disappear?"


    Selene sighed softly, pulling her daughter closer. "No one knows for sure. Some say they were called away to a higher purpose, others believe they fell victim to a terrible curse. But what we do know is that their disappearance left a void¡ªa gap in the fabric of our world that we couldn''t fill."


    Ethan added, "We tried to carry on, to be as strong and brave as the chosen had been. But we were just ordinary people, without their gifts or powers. We had to learn to protect ourselves, to live with the constant threat of danger from beasts."


    Selene continued, "And then, the Wisps appeared. At first, they were just fleeting lights, barely noticeable. But over time, they grew more substantial, more powerful. They were the remnants of the chosen who had left, fragments of their essence and memories. But they weren''t just echoes; they had a purpose."


    Azrael''s curiosity deepened. "What purpose?"


    Selene''s eyes took on a distant look, as if she were seeing those early days unfold before her. "Wisps sought to fulfill the unfinished dreams and missions of the chosen through us. They carried their powers, but also their unresolved desires and fears."


    Ethan''s voice turned somber. "Those with wisps were powerful, more than anything we had, they were the new chosen. They brought destruction and chaos, and we struggled to defend ourselves."


    Selene nodded. "But the Wisps also brought hope. With their power, they enabled some of us to wield magic, to become something more than ordinary. We learned to bond with Wisps, to use their abilities for good against those who abused them. Many old things changed. We adapted, grew stronger, but also more wary of each another''s wisps. Trust became a precious commodity."


    Azrael listened intently, absorbing every word. "Is that why we''re so careful now? Why we have to learn to gain a good wisp and defend ourselves?"


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    Selene smiled sadly. "Yes, my love. We learned that we must be prepared for anything. The world is different now, and we must be different too. But it''s not all fear and danger. There is still beauty, still love."


    Ethan reached over, taking Selene''s hand in his. "We''ve built a life here, a family, and a community. We now have each a wisp, but above all we have each other, and that''s what matters most."


    Azrael looked between her parents, feeling the warmth of their love. "I want to be brave like the chosen were. And strong, like you and Papa."


    Selene''s heart swelled with pride. "You already are, Azrael. You have the strength and courage of both the chosen and are our daughter. And one day, you''ll find your own Wisp, and you''ll make this world a better place."


    Azrael''s eyes shone with determination. "I promise I will, Mama."


    **


    As the fire burned low, Azrael drifted off to sleep, her head resting on her mother''s old lap. Selene stroked her hair, feeling a deep sense of peace. The world had changed in unimaginable ways, but in this moment, her and her mother enjoyed the peace of quiet. Her mother was now too old and her father had long passed away.


    She whispered a silent vow to her daughter, to the future. "Azrael. You will find a way, no matter what."


    Azrael looking to her old mother now, her voice weaving a tapestry of ancient wisdom. As a child, she had always been captivated by these stories. Her mother spoke of a time when Chosen were a blessing, like mythical heroes, who roamed the world freely. They were beings of immense power, shaping reality with their will.


    "Let me tell you why I no longer have my wisp. From chosen remnants," her mother continued, "Wisps were born. These ethereal beings, fragments of lost chosen, wandered the world, seeking to fulfill their creators'' forgotten dreams. The Wisps carried the memories and powers of those who disappeared, but also an insidious purpose. Be careful. Don''t tell anyone. For if you do, you''ll have the wisps target you. Your wisp is sealed, correct?"


    "Yes mother. I sealed it before entering." She''d reply knowing the letters her mother had sent her to follow to the T. She now knew the wisp she had wouldn''t know what she knew. They only knew everything upon bonding, but never more afterwards. They couldn''t read the minds of their host afterwards. Her mother had told her that wisp were linked as a hive-mind of sorts.


    **


    As Azrael grew older, she delved deeper into the mysteries of the Wisps. She discovered that when a Wisp devoured another, it some mysterious catastrophic event was caused by this particular incident, and with now the portals. She knew the truth held somewhere between wisps and portals, but kept her thoughts to herself. For the fear of the wisps hive-mind targeting her.


    Now, as Azrael, the World Ender, she stood as the last line of defense against the chaos spawned by these spectral remnants, forever haunted by the tales of her mother''s lore.


    ?Name: Azrael ? The World Ender ?


    ?Race: Human ? Spector ?


    ? Class: Rune ? Caster?


    ? HP: 79,000/80,000 ?


    ? MP: 59,096/ 981,075 ?


    ? SP: Eternal ?? AE: VII Class ?


    ?Archetype: Demi-Divine ?? Class: Lvl?99?


    ? Age: Eternal ?? Wisp: Omega ? T7?


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


    ? Armor: Headgear ? R70?


    ? Armor: Chest ? R86?


    ? Armor: Left Arm ? R75?


    ? Armor: Right Arm ? R67?


    ? Armor: Right Leg ? R92?


    ? Armor: Left Leg ? R90 ?


    **


    Azrael aka the World Ender stood alone on the edge of a cliff, staring into the roiling ocean. Omega, his Wisp, floated beside her, a small, glowing orb of light. It was always quiet, they had long stopped small banter communicating, and it didn''t know why.


    She was distant with it and everyone for all that matter, as it had long since given up on trying to amend that burnt bridge. They only communicated in matters of business and nothing more.


    "Azrael, they''re coming." Omega would announce as it sensed the other wisps nearing in the open field with no viable indication of arrival. However, she too as stoic as she was, sensed the dimension shift around her. He''d nod, as she tuned to face empty space on the open castle top roof.


    "Let them come. Our differences pale in comparison to the threat we''ve seen." She''d finally say something as Omega watched her carefully to see if it could get a hint in her mental state.


    A rift in the air shimmered before her, and Eternal stepped through, her Bonded Wisp, Oternial, flitting around her like a ghostly butterfly. She regarded Azrael with a mix of contempt and wary respect.


    "I didn''t think you''d actually agree to this ''world leaders'' meeting, Azrael." Lyra spoke with an annoyed voice.


    "The ''vision oracle'' told me she had visited and sent her letters to each of the world leaders. So we shared was clear goal, Lyra. Even I cannot ignore the end of our world." Azrael Replied as she walked to lead them to entrance to downstairs for where the meeting would take place.


    From the sky, a massive shadow descended. Thalrok the Dragon Emperor landed with a crash alongside the far valleys of the castle, yet the earthquake tremors through the lands gave enough of his arrival to the site, his dragon now shifting into form of seamlessly armor, momentarily an armored figure was at the castle''s gates, the guards shaking in fear allowed him inside as he bellowed in laughter. Traconis, his Wisp, glowed a fierce red at his side.


    "Azrael, Lyra. This better not be a trap. I''ve little patience for your schemes." Thalrok, flying to meet them on the rooftop, he''d glance at Lyra sternly as he spoke to Azrael.


    "Rest assured, Thalrok. None of us can afford deception now. I hosted this event, if I cannot handle even the likes of both you. Then why bother, so each of us or rather the rest of you three will behave or I''ll act first and make sure at least the house isn''t cleaned before I step outside to clean the mess in my yard." Azrael waving off Thalrok as a meager insignificant figure was alarming to Lyra who watch the events unfold as Thalrok took the compliment quietly before laughing as he now stood alongside them on the roof.


    The air grew cold, and from a swirling vortex of darkness, Elandra the Voidwalker emerged, her eyes glowing with the void''s endless depths. Satyria, her Wisp, flickered like a shadow beside her.


    "We are all here. Now speak, Azrael. What have you seen on the frontlines?" Trying to act superior as she spoke to Azrael, Elandra had always displayed clear disdain for Azrael as like oil and water. The two never much could get along together.


    Azrael''s eyes blazed with a light that seemed to cut through the very fabric of reality. She raised a hand, and a projection of their shared vision appeared in the air: strange humanoid monstrous creatures pouring through portals, with ghostly faces and armor unquestionably chosen alike, devouring everything in their path.


    "This is our adversaries, if we do nothing. These creatures are beyond anything we have ever faced. They are not from our world. While also, they range from levels 50 as the lowest to 90 as the highest." She pointed to a few that were more specific to her.


    "I have yet to see their commanders, so who knows if there''s a level 100. Don''t forget they got armor ranging from R40 to R80 too." Azrael spoke to them, sternly as they kept quiet analyzing the video showed to them.


    "I''ve battled many people with high Rated armor and skills but..., these... are different, there''s just too many. They have no fear, no desire other than destruction." Thalrok spoke earnestly about the incoming threat that the others rolled their eyes. Being the only male of the world leaders, he was view as crude to the women.


    "And they are endless. For each ten we destroy, a hundred more take its place." Lyra, a bit nervous about the situation.


    Elandra stepped closer to the projection, her gaze intense.


    "I have walked between plenty planets. They don''t exactly experience the direct conflict with these things. Recently, things have changed, I don''t understand why. These portals are not natural. They appear to have some form of organizational structure to them. Someone¡ªor something¡ªis creating them." Elandra spoke as she was one that never stayed on Storia, she was always away foraging connections for her home world and making pacts with planetary allies. Yet, now she had been forced to act in aggressive fashion to prevent the incoming storm.


    "Which means there is a mind behind this madness. We need to find it and destroy it before it''s too late." Azrael spoke as she stayed emotionally restrained as she seemed carefully with her words as the wisps watched them, innocent as always yet she knew otherwise.


    "We must unite our strengths. Alone, we fall. Together, we stand a chance." Azrael continued as she gestured for the meeting to take place inside doors, as she then lead them downstairs the castle doors.


    **


    "United armies? After centuries of trying to kill each other?" Thalrok spoke out lashing to Azrael, as he glared to Lyra who snickered to his behavior as Azrael sighed.


    "What choice do we have? The world will not survive our petty conflicts if these creatures are not stopped." Azrael would say as she seemed defeated to the extent of the discussion had taken after hours of discussion.


    A silence fell over them as the weight of their situation settled in. These were beings who commanded armies, who reshaped continents with their power, who had been enemies for as long as anyone could remember. And yet, here they stood, bound by a common fate.


    "We will need to combine our strengths. Each of us has a role to play." Lyra would say as she decided she would be support of the armies, while Azrael would shake her head to lay the groundwork on the parchment for them to sign as well as the details.


    "I will stand on the front lines, using my reality-warping abilities to close as many portals as I can. This will be a significant challenge, but in the meantime it will give the world a breathing space for more recruits and training while we continue to strengthen ourselves to confront the threat and prepare to rid of it completely." Azrael spoke a half-truth, as she didn''t fully give the whole plans due to the wisps in question watching them. Unbeknownst her allies as well, she had planned to kill all their wisps in this plan, and rid them from world.


    With that, the meeting ended. Each titan departed to prepare for the coming war, their bond of necessity fragile but resolute. The world had never seen a threat like this, and its fate now rested in the hands of its greatest¡ªand most feared¡ªchampions.


    As they went their separate ways, the vision of the portals and the endless hordes of monsters haunted their thoughts. The future was uncertain, but they had taken the first step. The first step towards a united front, towards hope, towards survival.


    Knowing that, killing the wisps made more portals, she decided if she would somehow kill them all then perhaps no more portals would ever come to be. But at the greater cost of weakening their world against other worlds. She was lost without an answer that wasn''t without this possibility. She decided it so, and planned for the future to come. ''Mother, this is what I can do. If only you were here to help me know another way.'' She''d think to herself in her empty throne as the events were to begin.


    [Era of Tyranny - 9,046 AC]

 Chapter One ? Im logged in?

    On the final day before the shutdown of his favorite game''s server, Reyes chose to witness its last moments within the virtual reality world. He logged in as his main character avatar and closed his eyes, hoping to savor the bittersweet end.


    Never having maxed out his character yet, Reyes was one of the few players who had selected the game''s almost impossible race, made up of many different character races. Even among players of the same character race, he managed to reach the upper levels of beginning to max out his character set and still ranked in the lower top high-level charts. He was famous for this achievement. He was the weakest of the high-level global players, yet now it amounted to nothing. However, a sudden heart attack struck him in his pod, and he collapsed, lifeless.


    A ghostly white ball engulfed in light, a transcendent-like fluffy, jolly, cute little thing smiled at him. It seemed confused yet happy.


    "Last week of Grand Stori Online, they say," Reyes mused, surveying the ruins of an old building site. "Servers shutting down on Monday at midnight. Players won''t be able to access online shops this week or log online. No character updates or changes will be added; all things will be permanent. Yet, I''m playing right now, and I''m seeing all these new things..."


    The white glowing ball of light smiled. "You''re strange one. Well, then, will you accept me? I am a Wisp of the Travelers. I am sure you''ve heard of us."


    "Huh?" Reyes said, puzzled. The Wisp floated closer, its glow intensifying. He tried accessing his system menu, hoping to find answers. To his surprise, everything seemed functional. His inventory, skills, and stats were intact. Yet, the world chat was eerily silent, except for the persistent icon in green, "(1) Player Online".


    Reyes squinted at the Wisp. "So you''re some advanced reactive AI? Very interesting, how realistic? This isn''t just some weird update, beta stuff, or mod?"


    The Wisp bobbed up and down. "Uh, okay. I am Nex, a Wisp created by the embers of Travelers, eons ago. And yes, this is as real as it gets. You''ve been chosen, Xela."


    "My Userna-wait, Chosen for what?" Reyes asked, struggling to his feet. "And why do you keep calling me Xela? My name is Reyes."


    Nex giggled, a soft musical sound. "Names have power here. You cannot lie to me. I know it as I do your whole past history, and your brother''s scarcity offering to the gods to make you a Sepherim."


    "As for what you''ve been chosen for, you are now the Chosen, tasked with wielding the mantle of the Travelers before you. It''s a great honorary achievement. You''re a lucky one. We Wisps don''t find gems worthy to bound ourselves to. Be glad and be proud to have this opportunity." Nex replied as she seemed worried for about him for some reason. Having no arms or feet, but simply simple line-art eyes and mouth, some emotional expressions still crossed over enough to be deciphered.


    Reyes frowned, trying to process everything. While during her ranting of the introduction, the little wisp that could fit in his palms, he was still checking and trying to access further settings in his system. Which it couldn''t see, and had learned that now he couldn''t log out! "So, I''m stuck here? In this... game world? And what''s this mantle of the Travelers you keep talking about?"


    Nex floated to his left shoulder, her light illuminating Reyes''s face. "The mantle of the Traveler is a grand power, and a great responsibility. The Travelers once protected and guided this world. Now, that duty falls to you. But first, we need to get you oriented. Make a bonding pact with me to initiate our relationship and endeavors to come (sigh)."


    "This is crazy. Screw it. So, where do we...start?" Reyes asked, with determination or rather curiosity creeping into his voice.


    "First, you need repeat after me, ''I, Nex and Xela make this pact to become a singular vessel, with the authority charged upon us by the essence of the Travelers''s Void to make forthright choices for Storia.''" Nex replied.


    In unison as they both said those phrases, suddenly, the Wisp disappeared, and he felt dizzy, collapsing to the ground. As reality started to close in, he remembered he had just had a heart attack. Flashes of his previous life flickered in his mind, and he began to understand¡ªthis was another life! One that felt like a game, but it was not!


    **


    When Reyes, now Xela my in this strange world, opened his eyes again, he found himself lying on the ground. The skies were like those he knew back in his favorite VR game. He sniffed and touched the ground, it was at settings he had never played on.


    The cold stone beneath him was unmistakably too real, unlike anything he''d ever experienced in the game. The sun was rising, casting long shadows over the ruins of the old building site he had landed in.


    He slowly sat up, rubbing his head. "What the hell just happened?" he muttered to himself.


    The white glowing ball, the Wisp, hovered in front of him, pulsating gently with a warm light.


    "You''re awake," the Wisp said in a cheerful tone. "Glorious to your new reality, Xela."


    Reyes glanced around, noticing the vibrant life around him. Beyond the forest, he moved to see a small village with activities waking up the day. They seemed rather autonomous as the game was, yet something''s weren''t quite lifeless and preprogrammed as he''d seen a million times over.


    NPCs¡ªno, people¡ªwere going about their business, stating to build structures, tending to the wounded, and patrolling the perimeter. This wasn''t just a game anymore; it was a living, breathing world.


    Reyes, still grappling with the surreal turn of events, took in his surroundings once more in a daze of realization. The encampment below the forest hills buzzed with activity, NPCs performing tasks with a lifelike quality that was unimaginable in the original game. The realization struck him hard¡ªthis was not merely a continuation of the game. It was a new reality where the boundaries between the virtual and the real were blurred.


    He tried accessing his system menu, hoping to find answers. To his surprise, everything seemed functional before was gone. Him waving his gestures and mentally speaking to invoke the system. It never appeared! His inventory, skills, and stats that were intact, now gone!


    "Am I the only one here?" he wondered aloud. His voice echoed back, reinforcing his solitude. The Wisp reappeared, hovering beside him, radiating an aura of warmth and comfort.


    "You are in a unique position, Reyes," the Wisp explained. "This world, though born from the game sense you knew, is now a living, breathing reality. You were chosen by me before, because I sensed you had the soul essence to handle mine."


    This wisp had changed its tone of condescending to one of servitude, it respectively spoke carefully and clearly to Reyes, that he seemed taken back, "Please experience it as before, because of your dedication to your own passion and unique standing. I believe I made the best decision of my entire existence, please make Storia right again. I know how much you love it. Do it again for these people."


    "...But what about my previous life? My friends? My parents, my brothers, my fianc¨¦. How do I get back?" Reyes''s voice trembled with a mix of fear and curiosity.


    Nex kept quiet as it didn''t respond to the questions, it appeared apologetic and saddened to see him that way that it merely stayed motionless.


    Reyes took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the Wisp''s actions he''d thrown upon it. The encampment, once a familiar in-game location, now felt like anew adventure to see. He decided to put his personal emotions away to pursue the new life he had.


    He stood up, brushing the dust off his grey-black armor, and took his first steps into the unknown down the hill.


    **


    "So, the union that happened gave you my memories?" Reyes asked the wisp, watching as it nodded or shook its body in response.


    During the journey down the winding path, Reyes had started to learn the basic principles of this new world. Nex, his wisp, had a vast but ancient understanding of the world. It lacked knowledge of the current historical events or geographical details. Reyes realized that to truly understand this world, he would need to interview its inhabitants. He needed detailed information on the ruling class politics, the geography, the various class types, and ways to make a living.


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    As they exited the grassy fields and approached a small village, Reyes saw two guards standing by the entrance. He approached them but quickly realized there was a language barrier. Just as confusion started to set in, Nex floated closer and imprinted the common language into Reyes''s mind. The sensation was strange, but suddenly, the guards'' words became clear.


    "You can''t just walk into our village," one guard said sternly. "Nomads need permission from the chief."


    Reyes, now understanding, nodded. "How do I get this permission?"


    The guard pointed to a small hut near the entrance. "Visitors without a pass must wait until the chief is available. It could take days, sometimes weeks."


    Reyes sighed but thanked the guard. As he walked towards the hut, Nex whispered in his mind, reminding him of the patience required in this world. Inside the hut, a villager handed him a waiting list. Reyes signed his name down not as "Xela," but another an alias he decided to use in this unfamiliar place.


    The village itself was quaint, with thatched roofs and dirt roads. Children ran around playing, and villagers busily went about their daily chores. Reyes watched them, noting the simplicity yet efficiency of their lives. He found a spot on a bench under a large oak tree and sat down to wait.


    "What''s our next move?" Reyes asked Nex, his mind already racing with plans.


    Nex floated around him, glowing softly. "First, we gather information. Then, we find allies. You can''t navigate this world alone."


    Reyes nodded, appreciating the wisp''s wisdom. As he waited for his turn to meet the chief, Nex looked at him carefully before asking a question.


    "What?" Reyes interrupted the wisp, noticing it quickly turn away.


    "Why NobieZomAngle24? It''s not...your true name. It''s cringy, don''t you want to put a different name, remember I said before names have power in this world, no players as you know since they are all ''offline'', no humans would have any idea," Nex stated logically, staring at him intently.


    "It''s a hope that maybe someone who knows that name may recognize me. I was famous before, so I''ll try to leave as many breadcrumbs for anyone who is a player," Reyes replied mentally.


    "Hmm. It''s a hope for both of us then." Nex replied embarrassingly.


    His high-quality armor, perfect skin, and symmetrical face drew quite a bit of attention. Yet, none dared to approach him due to his ''aura'' of nobility. Even the guards seemed more alert around him.


    "Why are they like this? Everyone seems on edge around me," he questioned his wisp.


    Nex giggled. "To others, you''re very handsome and exude a strength that seems to suffocate those of lower levels. To them, it feels like they have a fire close to their skin, yet they can''t see it. You should learn to suppress your half-released aura."


    "Okay. Tell me or show me, maybe do that thing you did with the guards," Reyes commanded, sounding bored. Nex felt annoyed but obedient to its master.


    "I''ll imprint the memory of how to do it. While you''re working on it, I''ll go to rest," Nex replied.


    "No, I still have one more question. Actually, a lot. So you''ll stay until I no longer rely on you," Reyes said firmly. Nex kept quiet.


    "Understood. What is the question? Do know I also need rest. We wisps recover fast¡ªan hour is good enough for a day," replied Nex.


    "Okay. My first question is, what lore is known to this world about my race? I know this world, or the game, had no other races but human-hybrid types. Is that true?" Reyes inquired, staring at the wisp, which nodded in response.


    He began understanding how to suppress his aura. Unconsciously, he was already doing it, which made Nex fear the talent he displayed even without the system anymore.


    "Ahem, yes. Human-hybrid only. The details you know from the game are very specific. In this world, it''s more folklore," Nex continued to explain.


    "In the ancient annals of the world, many recount legends of a Sepherim, born from the sacred rites of a twin''s selfless sacrifice."


    "It is said that to forge a Sepherim, one''s blood twin kin must offer themselves to all the gods, transforming their own kin into this rare race."


    "Endowed with mysterious magic, neither of light nor dark, a Sepherim walks a path of neutrality. Their power is unmatched the longer they live passively to the world''s flows."


    "Due to all gods participating in the creation process, no blessings or curses fall upon such beings, making them perfect offerings to appease the gods."


    "Sepherim are extraordinarily rare; you''re the third to appear in ten thousand years. None are alive today. You''re also the first to reach such a level or in your case, you reincarnated as one."


    "Do you see, Rey-" Nex was cut off as Reyes glared back. "Call me Xela. I prefer you to keep that name off-limits until I know your true intentions."


    "B-b-but, we are one. Why would-" Nex was interrupted once more as Reyes spoke. "I''ll decide. Go rest. I''ll need you back in an hour to talk about the situation with my system gone." Nodding, the wisp entered his body, leaving him feeling nothing at all.


    Reyes leaned back on the bench, then switched to lie down on it while his aura was now suppressed completely, making him appear as a greenhorn. The villagers around him, sensing the change, began to relax, their curious gazes softening. He closed his eyes, letting the sounds of the village wash over him as he too took a nap.


    **


    As Reyes walked up to an old man who had been staring at him, Nex, his wisp, appeared. The old man''s wisp seemed taken aback by the presence of Nex. Both wisps appeared reluctant to communicate, with Nex nervously sliding back while the other wisp aggressively moved closer.


    "Old man, take your wisp away, or I''ll make both of you disappear," Reyes interrupted the growing tension.


    "Oh? Do you not know who I am?" the old man replied, clearly curious about Reyes''s audacity.


    Before Reyes could respond, the old man''s wisp lunged toward Nex. In that very moment, the old man raised his hand, halting his wisp. He had felt the intense pressure emanating from Reyes. A cold chill ran down his spine as Reyes glared at him, cold and calculated. The old man knew he was outmatched.


    "Do say, could you retract your killing intent for the moment? You''ve disturbed the peace of the area, as you can see," the old man requested, glancing around. Reyes followed his gaze and noticed the crowds of people scared and frightened by the sheer force he had unconsciously projected.


    "First, remove your wisp from my range. Second, answer my questions. Third, disobey or speak without my permission, and I''ll end you and clean this whole area up. I care not for NPCs who think they are players. Consider yourself warned," Reyes stated firmly.


    The old man nodded and returned his wisp to his body. Reyes did not do the same, glancing at Nex, indicating he had questions for it later.


    As the tension in the area eased, Reyes allowed the old man to sit. The man appeared to be of some importance, perhaps the chief or an expert adventurer. Reyes didn''t care. "Who are you? Where are you from? What was your purpose in approaching me? How did you retract your wisp? Why didn''t you attack me outright?"


    Reyes fired off the questions methodically, recalling his civil prosecutor training. The five Ws always provided the answers to the most important aspects of any situation.


    The old man took a deep breath before responding. "I am Thoran, the chief of this village. I approached you because your presence and aura were unusual. I sensed you to be around level 10 at max yet you''re a teenager, with R99 armor!"


    "I retracted my wisp by mentally commanding it with the word, ''Return''. It was because I sensed your true power, and knew I was outmatched. As for not attacking outright, I prefer to avoid unnecessary conflict. (laughs)" Thoran replied with ease as he appeared an easy going person.


    Reyes nodded, processing the information. "Alright, Thoran. Now, tell me about this village and its surroundings. I need to understand more about this...place, and how things work here."


    Thoran glanced around, ensuring the villagers had resumed their activities, albeit cautiously. The guardsmen that had moved to the rear now returning back to their posts, "Our village is small but quite significant in this region. We are situated near ancient ruins that many adventurers and scholars seek. The village has changed much over the years, due to the recruitment of the sovereignties, and the balance of power is delicate."


    Reyes listened intently, his mind already formulating plans. Responding in a manner of superiority, "Good. We will continue this conversation. But for now, know that I am not here to cause harm unless provoked. Give me access to enter the village without any restrictions or permissions. "


    Thoran nodded, clearly relieved. "I understand. We will cooperate as long as you respect our village."


    Reyes leaned back, his aura now completely suppressed, blending in with the common folk. He stood and played a bit with summoning and sending his wisp inside him, asking general questions that it should know. Nex responded a bit nervously.


    "You no longer need to worry about the system. I can handle it for you. It''s your mental intent that determines whether you summon me or not," Nex replied, her voice tinged with fear.


    "Why do you fear me? Or rather, what are you scared of?" Reyes inquired as they approached the guards, whose wisps acted similarly.


    "It''s due to many aspects. One is that I am a Tier One wisp, so I''m like a baby or rather a snack for most other wisps. Two, remember what I said: most people reveal their wisps at Tier Four. You don''t need me summoned to conjure your system out, but only to see other people''s wisps. Know that if you summon your system out, others can see it. However, if I do it, others cannot. Understood?" Nex replied rapidly before disappearing once more.


    Reyes had learned something else too: that Nex couldn''t read his mind but could feel his intent for summoning her. The guards saw a lady running towards them. She whispered to them, and only then did they salute. The crowd, now curious, wondered who he was. He had drawn too much attention to remain undercover. The lady handed him a golden pass ring, which he attempted to scan with his wisp, but to no avail.


    He realized that while he still had system functions via his wisp, the ability to log offline was beyond its capabilities. Certain features were locked away because Nex was a low-tier wisp. He knew what he had to do. ''I guess I gotta do adventuring tasks and level my wisp up to regain the general features of my system,'' he thought as he entered the village.


    "Nex, what happens if you''re dead?" Reyes asked as she giggled.


    "We can''t die per se. We simply get our essence transferred. However, if I am devoured, you''ll regress to level one and be unable to use the system," she replied coyly, staying close to him, scared as other wisps seemed to eye her down.


    "Only those with wisps can see me. Do note that the world has reached 50% of the population having wisps, so be careful. Just because you''re strong doesn''t mean I am," she said, asking to be returned as many people with wisps tried to get close to him. He returned her within him as they sucked their teeth, missing the opportunity. ''Okay. I better avoid taking my wisp out from now on. Even if I can destroy everything, if my wisp is weak, so am I.''


    "I have a Tier One wisp. So I have lots of work to do before we get to the point of revealing Nex to converse and aid me. Most people are Tier Three, and those at my challenge level are Tier Six. (Sigh)," he muttered as he approached the adventurer''s guild. Thanks to Nex imprinting his memories of the world''s language, he wasn''t hopelessly unaware of his navigation.


    The guild was an inn and bar-restaurant fusion, with an elvish style. It had three stories, a large basement, and a backyard that seemed like a mansion space. The guards allowed him entry due to his gold pass ring. He was unsure what it could possibly do just yet.


    Approaching the clerk, he noticed the lady seemed nervous, indicating she recognized him. It seemed that those who avoided him were of importance, while those who didn''t were youngsters or on the lower ends of the social class.


    "Name, Xela. No last name. I''m a rogue, and my level..." he trailed off as everyone seemed curious to know what level he was. Without his identifier skill and with his aura hidden, both the crowd and he were at a standstill, eavesdropping on each other.


    "Level 20," Reyes finally said. The clerk glared at him with clear doubt but, seeing his golden ring, complied with the information. She asked for a drop of blood to confirm his registration.


    After examining the details and explaining the process of ranking up at the guild and the costs involved, she reminded herself that he was a VIP and that the fee was waived for him. Once she was done, she bowed and welcomed him as an adventurer.


    As Reyes stood up, he noticed others watching him intently. He walked over to the quest board and selected the most expensive quest. Although his default rank was G, he was elevated to A-rank due to his VIP status. He felt hidden glares on him but ignored them as he stepped out with the quest in hand.


    Leaving the village and entering the forest, Reyes felt many eyes on him. He sighed, standing still and waiting to see if he would be besieged. When no action occurred, he muttered to himself, "Well, I was hoping I could get jumped, but it seems that won''t be happening. Great. Now I can''t even learn much unless I get involved in the political landscape of this village."


    "Nex, come out. If they dare to approach you, return to my body. Now, about my abilities¡ªhow do I use them?" Reyes asked, as Nex giggled happily.


    "To understand your abilities," Nex replied, momentarily thinking, "since you''re used to the system of simply thinking of a skill and instantly utilizing it, here, we manipulate the energy within and draw the process through a series of actions or mixing the mind and spiritual energy together to make soul energy into our desired techniques based on our race and class." Reyes could sense others hidden, appearing bewildered that he didn''t know this basic concept.


    "Okay, how do I start?" Reyes asked. Nex zipped around him in excitement.


    "You''ve already done it with your body, so it''s simply reversed for you. We need to get you back to your prime. Let''s start with your senses," Nex said, beginning the conversation.


    [Chapter 1 ? End]

 Chapter Two ? Sovereigntys News

    As they delved into the nuances of energy manipulation, Reyes felt a shift in his perception. He could sense the subtle flow of energy within him, the same energy he had previously harnessed instinctively. Now, he had to consciously guide it.


    "Focus on your breath," Nex instructed. "Feel the energy with each inhale and exhale. Let it circulate through your body."


    Reyes closed his eyes, following her guidance. He visualized the energy moving within him, intertwining with his breath. The sensation was faint at first, but as he concentrated, it grew stronger. He could feel the energy pulsing through his veins, a tangible force ready to be molded.


    "Good," Nex said, her voice a calming presence. "Now, direct that energy to your senses. Enhance your sight, hearing, and touch."


    Reyes focused, channeling the energy to his eyes. He opened them, and the forest around him seemed more vivid. He could see the minute details of leaves, the slight movements of distant animals. His hearing sharpened, catching the faintest rustle of wind through the trees. His skin tingled with heightened sensitivity, aware of every brush of air.


    "You''re doing well," Nex encouraged. "This is just the beginning. With practice, you''ll be able to manipulate the energy for more complex abilities."


    Reyes nodded, feeling a surge of power as he harnessed the environment''s aura around him. Nex watched him in awe; he was progressing rapidly, perhaps too fast. Reyes could sense the auras of others now. Furthermore, his own aura, in comparison others hiding around in the background, his was enormous, akin to moons of the others as if they orbited him, around the Jupiter he was.


    Remembering his skill from the game, he felt his magical energies mix as he lifted his right hand as if he were holding a sword. Suddenly, the energy manifested into his hand, forming a glowing, ethereal blade.


    "Impressive," Nex murmured, her voice filled with wonder. "Your ability to harness and shape the energy is...far beyond exceptional, even without the system''s direct assistance."


    Reyes swung the energy blade experimentally, feeling its weight and balance. It felt real, solid, as if it had been forged from the finest materials. He marveled at the sensation, the tangible connection between his will and the energy he commanded.


    "This is just the beginning," he said, his voice resolute. "If I can harness this much power now, imagine what I can achieve with more practice, and the other skills I could use before."


    Nex nodded in agreement of a slight discomfort, her tiny form bobbing in frightened silence. "You have monstrous potential, Reyes. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Use it wisely please."


    Scoffing at her, he''d heard of that cliche line as he went on to practice its limits, Reyes noticed a change in the forest around him. The animals had grown silent, sensing the powerful presence in their midst. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath, as if nature itself acknowledged his growing strength.


    He dispelled the energy blade, letting the magical energies dissipate into the air. "Nex, I need to learn more about the people here. Their customs, their politics. I can''t rely on raw power alone. I''m not an oppressor, nor plan on being one. There''s nothing more displeasing to me to act upon such means of my new self as some king. I wanna see a world of possibilities that isn''t made through oppression. That''s why I want information to help NPCs...I meant,...people."


    Nex nodded again, she could tell he still didn''t view the lives of those living in this life as people just yet. "You''re right. Power without knowledge is a dangerous thing. Let''s start by learning about the village and its people. The more you understand, the better you can navigate this world."


    ¦æ


    [Void Strike ? Level 1 (3) ] A swift, radiant light attribute melee conjuring of a single manipulation of their energy into physical form for attack dealing pure transparent energy for a single burst of damage action.


    ¦ç


    With the view to others as a ''Sword of Dimensional Disparity'' in his hand, those watching, it appeared as a frightening ghostly shape of doom, but he saw it as pure white energy, akin to a glass¡ªsee-through lightsaber yet pulsing with immense star-like power. Nex was shocked at his rapid mastery, her tiny form floating in stunned silence.


    Reyes swung the sword, again and it vanished, only to be conjured again with ease. He continued to experiment, shaping the energy into different forms. "So once I make an action with it, it fades away. But I can reshape it however I want. The skill used to be a simple blade that I could move around forever until cooldown duration, but now it feels like I can shape it freely, and it costs nearly nothing less to summon."


    He reflected on his past gaming experiences. "I played with the settings on extreme high sensitivity for magical feel only, so I guess I made the right choice. No wonder it feels familiar. You didn''t seem to know that, Nex, meaning you only watched my memories but didn''t get to experience them. This is the big difference between seeing and experiencing something. Now, stop looking down on me as some inferior, ignorant idiot. Understood?" He pointed the blade at Nex, who bowed immediately in the air, her tiny form trembling in fear.


    To the hidden onlookers, the sight of a wisp acting submissive and fearful was unprecedented. Their own wisps appeared intimidated too, further amplifying their confusion and awe. Something special was with this teenager; they felt it deeply but couldn''t place him. Given the golden ring reserved for nobility that he wore, they reached a collective conclusion: "He is the new prince of Azrael! The Queen of the Kingdom!" They nodded amongst themselves, slowly retreating from the scene, except for one little boy who watched in awe.


    Reyes noticed the boy and walked over from the distance, his aura now completely under control, exuding an approachable demeanor. "Hey there," he said gently, kneeling to the boy''s level. "What''s your name?"


    The boy, wide-eyed with admiration, stammered, "J-Jareth, sir."


    "Nice to meet you, Jareth," Reyes smiled, extending a hand. "Do you like magic?"


    Jareth nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, sir! That thing you made was amazing!"


    Reyes chuckled. "Thank you. It''s a special skill I have. Maybe one day you''ll learn to do something even cooler."


    Jareth''s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Really?"


    "Absolutely," Reyes assured him. "But for now, you should get home. It''s getting late."


    Jareth nodded, still grinning from ear to ear. "Thank you, sir!" He scampered off, waving as he went.


    Reyes stood up, watching the boy disappear into the village. "Nex, let''s head to the hunting grounds for this pest."


    Nex emerged cautiously, still wary of Reyes''s earlier display of power. "Understood, Reyes."


    As they made their way back deep into the forest without any apparent scouts or spying on him, Reyes felt a at ease as Nex stayed with him giving him common knowledge he could learn.


    He was still just a stranger in a new world; but he was a force to be reckoned with if any dared their luck, and he would use his abilities to carve out a place for himself, all while learning the intricacies of this world and its people.


    **


    [Year 524 C.A ? Monday morning ? September fourth]


    Reyes, now known as Xela, had been absent from the village for three days, leaving behind a whirlwind of rumors and speculation. The village buzzed with stories of his identity, many convinced he was a prince of Azrael, the Queen of Caliphia, come to scout or even replace the village chief due to the village''s lack of support for the frontline.


    In the chief''s quarters, the atmosphere was tense but filled with anticipation. Chief Thorin, a level 57 warrior class, received the news from his clerk with a contemplative smile. "So, the prince is indeed coming next week. Interesting." He stroked his white beard thoughtfully.


    "Well, it seems we guessed wrong. Way to make things interesting. Has that young man come back to the village?" he asked his clerk.


    She shook her head. "Should we take the ring back?" she asked nervously. She had tried to spy on Xela but found him impenetrable, her instincts as a level 45 assassin class screaming at her not to engage.


    Chief Thorin nodded, understanding her caution. "He won''t run off. He seemed clueless, but capable. The adventurers who followed him were unmotivated to try anything against him. His armor is of sovereignty class, and he has no notable name. Very mysterious indeed."


    The chief reviewed his notes, reflecting on the strange calm that had settled over the forest since Xela had ventured into it. "Strangely, ever since he left for the quest into the woods, there have been no rogue goblins, direwolves, or forest creatures running wild. It''s like the infamous plagued monster feast forest is quiet. Even the evil mushroom swarms have become nonexistent."


    The clerk flipped through her notebook tablet. "Xela, the unsung hero. Is the prince him, or have we found ourselves a new hero to set the rebellion into motion?"


    Chief Thorin nodded, staring out the window. "Let''s see the coming weeks. We need to decide if we can convince him to join our faction. Make sure your sources know not to make any ill-intents against him."


    The clerk vanished, leaving Chief Thorin alone with his thoughts. "A new era is upon us," he murmured. "I can feel it."


    **


    In the dense forest, Reyes was deep in meditation after refining his technique and exploring his new passive abilities. He had been hunting and slaying monsters left and right, fulfilling his quest to return with as many monster cores as possible, with a minimum requirement of three C-rank cores.


    Nex hovered nearby, observing his progress with a mix of awe and concern. He had already mastered the art of energy manipulation, creating and controlling the skill Void Strike with ease and mastery beyond its limitations.


    "Nex, so Rating levels equal the potency of an entire individual entity''s ability. If that entity had intelligence or not, is that factor included?" Reyes asked as he sat on a blood-stained boulder surrounded by a mess of dead monster bodies.


    Nex had evolved from Tier one to Tier three at an unprecedented rate, enjoying not feeling weak anymore. However, the cores from the beasts had been used for this evolution, and if Reyes had decided to turn them in, he''d probably be sitting on a wealth of rewards and a new promotion rank.


    She replied, "Correct, Reyes." She had tested saying his true name multiple times, and his reaction had lessened from aggressive to docile ignorance. "The system knows the limits and possibilities, thus making its rating accordingly."


    "Z Rank > SS Rank > S Rank > A Rank > B Rank > C Rank > D Rank > E Rank > F Rank > G Rank > H Rank > I Rank > J Rank. Where do I fall into?" Reyes asked coyly, glaring at Nex who appeared annoyed.


    "If I had to guess, I''d say around SS Rank to S Rank. You''re not a threat to the whole world if you have no army to do your bidding or one loyal to you," she replied.


    "Level equals advancement, performance, and complexity. So you''re one of the few in this world with armor that even dragons cannot damage. Anyway, do you want to see your system?" she asked, admitting she couldn''t see it.


    "No," he smirked at her as she approached him, wanting to go back inside him. He laughed as he stood up to allow her. He had learned her limits once more. "Well then, I sensed something far inside the forest that might be a challenge. I was holding off addressing it because of you, Nex, but since you got strong enough, it''s time to get myself a challenging exercise." Reyes smiled as he bolted through the forest.


    These past days, he had learned to control his senses and attune them to meet his needs for reactionary levels fitting each situation. He could match the speeds of his opponents or surpass them if necessary.


    "Reyes, your progress is... astounding," Nex said, a mixture of annoyance and fear in her voice. She had a habit of summoning herself whenever he felt alone during activities. "But you must be cautious. Many will fear your power and seek to challenge you. You''re one, and many weak ones can eventually bring you down. Like a dragon, one cannot overcome it alone. However, an army can."


    Reyes opened his eyes, having run relying on his senses alone. The white energy of his sword faded away. Along the way, he had slain monsters and assisted struggling adventurers in the woods, like the wind. They didn''t see who or what had aided them in dire moments of conflict. "I know, Nex. But I need to understand this world and my place in it. If I''m to navigate the political landscape and the dangers that come with it, I must be prepared."


    Nex nodded. "Then let''s continue. We need to ensure you''re ready for whatever comes next. The beast we are approaching is surely S-rank, it must be the ruler class of this forest."


    As Reyes and Nex approached the deepest center of the forest, the atmosphere grew tense. The trees were tall and ancient, their twisted branches casting eerie shadows on the forest floor. Reyes''s senses were on high alert, every rustle and creak putting him on edge.


    "It''s been a while since I have met a level low max. I know the sensation now, so this is a possible level 70 to 80 beast," he said to himself as Nex appeared extremely distressed.


    "Please let it sleep. Let''s not try it. I know you''re strong but, this... is a ruling class! One of a high level too. It''s protecting the ''Nest Core,'' it clearly isn''t worth it. If this was a dungeon, we could at least know killing the core would kill it, but a ''Nest Core'' destroyed doesn''t mean it would die too," she frantically said to him as she buzzed around him. He giggled.


    "Hmph. Players have an advantage. Since you''re now able to scan things, mind telling me its type?" Reyes said as he walked towards it.


    "If I scan it, the beast will awake! I know you think this is a game, but players are not a thing anymore. If they were, then the people who have us Wisps are already players too!" she worried as he smirked.


    "Oh? Try me then. Let me show you the difference. What tier evolution do you need to access dimensional storage?" he asked her as she appeared defeated, ready to become a Wisp ghost as she was once.


    "As you command, tier five. This beast would be able to possibly allow me to reach that level. It''s not certain, however, so you still need me to scan it?" she robotically responded, emotionally defeated.


    "Nah, let''s see what happens. I like the experience of this unknown surprise. It''s a warmth I need to stay sharp anyway," he replied as she appeared completely shattered by the frantic lunatic she had just met a few days ago, now going to his death.


    "It''s been an amazing short time, Reyes. Thank you," she replied, which made him stop at a standstill, only to glance at the ground. A moment of no words but pure silence as Reyes appeared disappointed by her words. She looked ahead, accepting the fate she could already see.


    Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    "Stay close," Reyes advised, her light dimming to latch onto him. She knew he wanted her close because of the possibility of a suddenly unknown adversary who could still devour her while in battle. "If you sense any danger, return into my body. In the meantime, enjoy the show," he said as he continued to leave the trees into the open field where the giant cat-wolf-dragon beast lay.


    Nex nodded, watching his hand rest on the hilt of his sword. "What kind of creature am I dealing with here?"


    The beast, still lying there calmly, smelled him and lifted its paw, showing a single claw as a swipe came down in a downward motion.


    "Here we go," he muttered, bracing himself.


    The swipe, a crest slash in a moon shape, came fast but not enough to surprise or catch him off guard. Instantly his passive was triggered as he unconsciously used ''Divine Agility,'' which increased his evasion by the equivalent reactionary time to his opponent''s action. Furthermore, once triggered, his ability to react quickly was increased by five percent until the confrontation was over.


    Blitzing over to the beast, a swipe from his Void Strike didn''t even leave a dent on it. However, it was now awake and annoyed. The forest shook as birds and animals escaped the terrain for a battle of two powerhouses was commencing.


    **


    After a series of explosions and testing the waters, the two began to move seriously and quickly, too fast for the naked eye to track. No lesser level of 40 or below could manage to follow their performance or exchanges.


    A massive cat-wolf-like dragon creature emerged from the shadows of the trees, its eyes glowing with malevolent intelligence. Nex''s wisp flashed red as a warning, indicating the creature''s high level. Changing colors in distress was a rare feat for wisps, and somehow, Nex had unconsciously achieved this in the moment. She was beyond scared.


    "That''s a Dire Feline Shadow Draco," Nex said urgently after scanning it. "Be careful, Reyes!"


    The beast lunged forward, swinging its head with precision. Reyes was faster, but his attacks were ineffective, leaving only tiny scratches on the beast. He had yet to master any of his other skills, relying primarily on his passive abilities to carry him through the fight.


    His passives were mostly defensive and agility-based, and thankfully, he knew how to use them instinctively by flowing his mana through his mind and body.


    The wolf dodged, causing Reyes''s critical attack to fail. Now he was in a dire position, its movements almost too quick to follow. It countered with a swipe of its massive paw, knocking Reyes back through the air into a grove of trees.


    "You''re stronger than this! Please get up!" Nex encouraged. "Use your abilities!"


    Coughing blood, Reyes smiled. "Oh, if only it were that easy. The damned wolf won''t give me a chance to catch my breath."


    In those circumstances, the beast appeared back on the scene, going in for another attack. Reyes evaded it, and the beast grew more annoyed by his elusive speed.


    "Ugh, pesky ant. Fine. I''ll have to corner you." It spoke telepathically, then purred and howled, summoning shadows around the forest in a circular manner, besieging Reyes.


    Nex almost fainted, or if she could, she was shaking. Reyes smiled. "Nex. Guess what?"


    "Huh!" She stared at him, dumbfounded. He was smiling. "It''s so screwed."


    She watched, confused, as the beast moved around to attack him, almost endlessly, while the beast sunk into the shadows to aim for a surprise attack.


    During the onslaught, Reyes was gathering essence for Nex, who started to understand what was happening. The only problem was that for Nex to evolve, Reyes couldn''t use his abilities for a few minutes. In such a fight, she was beyond doubt this still didn''t solve their problems.


    However, suddenly she noticed he moved too fast, avoiding an attack that was surely his end. She wanted to say something, but he gestured for her to stay quiet.


    Magical beasts had the natural ability to see wisps, but they couldn''t hurt them. Using his Void Strike repeatedly, Reyes slew all the shadow beasts, allowing Nex to evolve to Tier four. However, the ruling beast was still without a hint of harm or fatigue.


    "You know I can summon those shadow beasts again. Can you keep up?" it asked telepathically to Reyes, who visibly couldn''t possibly continue if the horde came again.


    "No, I wouldn''t. That''s why I am ending this dance. Thank you for sharing your time helping me recall my innate love for this game. Or rather should I say, passion for the hard times that do come to fruition after a long journey," he said, as both Nex and the beast appeared visibly confused.


    The Dire Shadow Wolf howled in pain, retreating momentarily. Reyes didn''t let up, pressing his advantage. With a final, powerful strike in the darkness and into the open field, the beast fell, its body dissipating into a dark mist. Left behind was a core of an A rank.


    "That''s for you, Nex. Take it and evolve to Tier five, so I can get my potions," Reyes said.


    "How!" Nex yelled, her light brightening.


    "Ethereal Step," he gasped for breath, "I moved into its body and attacked from within. Twice, one to the chest, and another to the head." He fell to the ground, exhausted, as he glared at the flabbergasted wisp.


    ¦æ


    [Ethereal Step ? Level 12 (14) ] Teleports you a short distance within range, visible. Moving locations are not susceptible options. Upon relocating, if no space is available, user will be ejected out of location to return to previous location. WARNING ? High risk of permanent mana internal disability at 10% chance per use.


    ¦ç


    Reyes panted, adrenaline coursing through him. "That was intense. The hard part was getting out. The idea came to me when the cat-dog beast momentarily froze when sinking into the shadows and also when I noticed I moved so fast that it felt like time froze due to my reaction being extremely beyond it."


    "You were lucky," Nex said. "That skill is deadly; its use can permanently make you unable to use mana. You used it twice too. You''re lucky."


    "Nah. I''d win. Never played the chance when I knew my passives were in play. From the start, the odds were stacked against it. Magical beasts don''t have as many skills as pla¡ª" he caught himself, "as people. They have the strongest abilities of damage and destruction but rarely as many as peop¡ª" he corrected again. "Well, you know."


    Nex seemed to accept it, after all, she was a walking library of knowledge. She floated to where the wolf had fallen, the dark mist coalescing into a glowing orb. "Yes, this is it. Essence of a Dire Shadow Wolf. It will do perfectly. For sure, I''ll be a Tier five with this. The next tier is almost impossible. You''d have to kill twenty of these to make that possible."


    Reyes sheathed his sword, feeling a surge of fatigue. "Alright, let''s go home. I''m beat. That was a good workout."


    As they started back, the forest, once teeming with danger, now felt eerily quiet. Nex hovered closer to Reyes, her glow steady. "Thank you, Reyes. For believing in me and trusting me."


    Reyes smirked, wiping some blood off his face. "You''re my partner, Nex. We''re in this together. Besides, you''ve saved my hide more times than I can count."


    Nex glowed a bit brighter at the compliment. "Well, let''s get you patched up. I can sense you''re running low on energy."


    Reyes nodded. "Yeah, I need to recover. And after you evolve, we''ll have even more advantages. But let''s keep it low-key. I don''t want anyone knowing how strong we''re getting just yet."


    "Agreed," Nex replied. "Let''s stay under the radar. For now, we focus on getting stronger and learning more about this world."


    As they reached the village outskirts, the setting sun cast long shadows, giving everything a serene glow. Reyes felt a sense of accomplishment but knew this was just the beginning. With Nex by his side, he felt ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.


    **


    Returning after four days in the woods, Reyes left the Nest Core intact, understanding from Nex that removing it could disrupt the village''s economy. As long as adventurers managed the monster population, the village would thrive, and a new ruling class monster wouldn''t emerge for another century.


    With Nex now at Tier five, she was more active and visible, but other wisps seemed to avoid her.


    "Reyes, I have to tell you the truth," Nex began one evening at the inn''s estate. "You placed me in a position I didn''t want you to know about. However, given the current circumstances, I need to tell you. You can decide to join us or not, but I''m on your side, not theirs."


    "Keep that to yourself. If it''s important, it will come to me. Now, you said something about devouring other wisps. Can you do that now?" Reyes dismissed her revelation, focusing on the practical aspects of her abilities.


    Nex felt frustrated by his lack of interest. She tried to explain again, "LOOK! If it''s some world quest or whatever, I don''t care. I will deal with whatever comes to my doorstep. Don''t try to push me into some path. I''m no hero!" Upset, he forced her back into his body, unwilling to engage in any grand schemes.


    The silence that followed was thick with unspoken words and unresolved tension. Reyes sat back, taking a deep breath to calm himself. The weight of Nex''s revelation lingered, but he chose to push it aside, focusing on his immediate goals.


    After a few minutes of silence, Reyes muttered, "I need a break." He stood up and walked to the window, staring out into the night. The village was peaceful, a stark contrast to the chaos and uncertainty that seemed to follow him everywhere.


    Nex, from within, tried to soothe him. "I''m sorry, Reyes. I didn''t mean to upset you. I just thought it was important for you to know."


    Reyes sighed, "I know you mean well, Nex. It''s just... I need to take things one step at a time. Let''s focus on what we can control for now."


    "Agreed," Nex replied, her voice soft. "We''ll face whatever comes together."


    **


    A few days passed peacefully until a late afternoon, when the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the inn. People swarmed towards the exit, their faces painted with a mix of fear and curiosity. Nex, ever vigilant, floated nearby, her small form glowing with anxious energy. She could sense the excitement from the other wisps, who seemed almost gleeful at the unfolding situation.


    Downstairs, a booming voice reverberated through the building. "Mercenary Xela! You demon avatar! You''re accused of impersonating the prince! The Church of Holy Wispy Faiths is here to bring you to judgment! Come downstairs unarmed, or we will kill you on sight!" The synchronized shouting of guards and holy priests filled the air, causing a rush of patrons to flee while others remained, eager to witness the drama.


    Nex darted around Reyes, clearly distressed. "Reyes, this has the other wisps'' fingerprints all over it. They must have orchestrated this," she said, her voice tinged with worry. But when she looked at Reyes, he was calmly surveying the room, a smirk playing on his lips.


    "Is there something I''m missing? I count thirty, maybe fifty people, all ranging from levels 50 to 90!" she exclaimed, her worry evident.


    Reyes chuckled softly. "What are levels again?" he asked, his tone teasing.


    Nex huffed, annoyed by his casual demeanor. "Level equals advancement, performance, and complexity. What are you implying?" she demanded, watching nervously as the guards outside began setting up a large hourglass, the sand slowly trickling down.


    Reyes leaned against the wall, still smiling. "Hmph, fine. Here''s a hint: Complexity," he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief.


    Nex frowned, trying to piece together his cryptic clue. She had access to his memories, but without experiencing them firsthand, some subtleties eluded her. "What do you mean by that? Complexity?" she repeated, frustration creeping into her voice.


    Reyes straightened up, his expression turning serious. "There are only two races I should ever be worried about. One is my own. The other is the ''Fallen.'' After all, my race is also known as ''Godslayer.'' It''s the hardest race to level up due to its passive play style and the necessity for no actual action, just relying on others to carry the load."


    Nex''s eyes widened as the realization dawned on her. "So, you''re saying their levels and numbers don''t matter because...?"


    "Because they''re not prepared for the complexity of a Godslayer," Reyes finished, his voice low and confident.


    Outside, the hourglass continued its countdown, the tension in the inn palpable. The guards and priests, unaware of the true nature of the foe they were about to face, stood ready, weapons drawn. Reyes took a deep breath, feeling the familiar rush of adrenaline. He knew the battle ahead would be challenging, but he relished the opportunity to prove his might.


    Nex hovered close, her worry slowly transforming into resolve. She knew that as long as she stood by Reyes, they could face whatever came their way. The clock was ticking, and the showdown with the Church of Holy Wispy Faiths was imminent.


    With a final glance at Nex, Reyes tightened his grip on his robe, and armor. "Let''s give them a show they''ll never forget," he said, stepping forward to his room''s door to meet his challengers head-on.


    "Useful only at level 59 when you gain all skills up to that level," Reyes explained, his voice steady as he descended the stairs. "Then it repeats until level 70, at which point the player account becomes truly playable. Do you know how long I had my account? Probably."


    Nex hovered beside him, absorbing his words with growing realization.


    "Ten years of nothing but ridicule," Reyes continued, a hint of bitterness in his tone, "until one day, I unlocked level 70. From then on, I defeated every other race as easily as fighting a noob. For lack of a better term, I was a level 70 crushing races capped at level 99 as if I were broken."


    He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "Long story short, none of these people have any idea what they''re walking into. Even if they scanned me, they remain blissfully ignorant. They have no clue how broken I am."


    "And now that I can access my inventory via you," Reyes said, glancing at Nex, "I''d like to show you why I say ''NPCs'' aren''t players."


    As he spoke, Reyes walked calmly down the stairs, his demeanor unruffled. The inn''s patrons, sensing the impending confrontation, watched with bated breath. At the foot of the stairs, Thoran, the chief, stepped forward, his face etched with concern.


    "It is our responsibility," Thoran said, his voice urgent. "Please tell the prince to reconsider."


    The archers and knights surrounding the inn were unmoved, their weapons at the ready. The atmosphere was tense, crackling with anticipation.


    "Is this the rumored uprising you all planned?" the prince sneered, stepping forward. "We played ignorant, hoping it wouldn''t come to fruition, but it seems you all need a reminder of where you stand."


    With a flourish, the prince held up a summoning crystal and shattered it, summoning a young knight. The knight was of the holy dragonic class, his mere presence compelling everyone to kneel. The prince laughed, reveling in the display of power, confident that the tide had turned in his favor.


    Reyes, however, remained unfazed. "I don''t know what''s going on, whether I''m framed or not," he said, his voice calm and unwavering. "If you seek a fight with me, meet me outside the village walls. I''d hate to destroy this innocent village. Besides, it''s time for me to move on."


    Nex, usually so vocal, stayed silent, her presence a steadying force at Reyes''s side.


    The crowd parted as Reyes made his way to the door, the tension thick in the air. The prince''s smug expression faltered for a moment as he realized that Reyes was not intimidated. Outside, the village lay quiet, unaware of the impending battle that would soon shatter its peace.


    Reyes stepped into the open air, his eyes scanning the horizon. He knew the fight ahead would be fierce, but he was ready.


    "Oh? You and that demonic wisp of yours, hmph, I guess you don''t want to show your true colors in front of the public eye," one of the priests proclaimed, his voice dripping with contempt. The knights began to follow Reyes out of the village, their armor clinking with each step.


    As they marched, a small figure struggled against the oppressive atmosphere. A child, trembling and bleeding from his eyes and mouth, stumbled forward. "P-p-please, don''t... (gasping) kill him, don''t kill big brother!" he cried out, his voice barely above a whisper.


    The boy''s legs gave way, and he began to fall. The knights looked on indifferently, making no move to help.


    But before the boy could hit the ground, Reyes was there, catching him and laying him down gently. He remembered the young boy who had met him in woods a while back, yet he didn''t remember his name.


    "Don''t worry. I am not going to die. In fact, I am now more than happy to bring massacre," Reyes said softly, his words both a comfort to the child and a chilling promise to his enemies.


    The knights exchanged uneasy glances as one of them sneered, "Oh, just like the holy church said! Demon."


    Reyes ignored the comment, his focus already shifting to the confrontation ahead. He moved past the knights with a determined stride. "Let''s hurry. I need to come back to kill the rest of you knights and then the prince too. I''m done with this storyline nonsense," he said, his voice cold and resolute.


    Nex floated close by, her glow pulsating with a mixture of worry and anticipation.


    The village lay behind them, its inhabitants holding their breath, unaware of the fate that hung in the balance.


    The sky darkened as Reyes and his pursuers exited the village. He stopped at the edge of a wide, open field, turning to face the assembled knights and priests. "This is where it ends," he declared, his eyes blazing with determination.


    The priests began to chant blessing casts and curses, their voices rising in a haunting melody that filled the air. The knights readied their weapons, their expressions grim and focused. Reyes took a deep breath, feeling the familiar rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins. This was what they had trained for? What he had endured years of ridicule for to be put to test? What effort was worth more?


    Nex, sensing the gravity of the moment, whispered in his ear, "Remember, Reyes, you''re not alone. We can do this together."


    With a glare at her, Reyes prepared to unleash the most of the power of his race type''s skills. Unlike before, he''d managed to unlock twenty of thirty six skills. Or rather minus the ten passives skills and the initial skill, he''d unlocked seven more recently.


    The battle ahead would be fierce, but he was ready to see how the NPCs could amount together to equal players.


    For the child who called him brother, for the village that deserved peace, and for himself, to finally put an end to this madness.


    The first strike came swiftly, and the field erupted into chaos. Reyes moved with a speed and precision that left his enemies reeling. Every swing of his blade, every curse and bless spell they cast, failed as it was a testament to his superiority and skill.


    The knights and priests, so confident moments before, now found themselves outmatched. Fear started to slowly creep, until despair came when they saw him summon his ultimate weapon, a scythe. Upon grasping it, one of the priest''s immediate knew the ability it had.


    Reyes fought with a relentless fury, driven by a deep-seated need to prove himself and to avenge. Nex provided no support, her wisp form darting around, devouring the fallen''s wisps. She noticed something strange during this moment. However, decided not to say anything during the intense battle.


    And with each fallen foe, he was thinking what do about that prince, would he make them pay for their arrogance, and the village would finally know peace?


    Nex hovered beside him, her glow softening as the tension eased.


    "It''s...incoming! Rey-," she shouted, her voice filled with relief. He''d countered the sudden appearance of the holy knight, who would arrogantly speak, "Well, isn''t this a surprise."


    **


    With the mercenary gone, the holy knight, who was barely twenty, stood idly, appearing bored. But then, his eyes flickered with interest as he glanced toward the distant horizon of the forest.


    "Chief, who''s that guy?" he asked, breaking his silence for the first time. His voice cut through the lingering arguments like a blade. The prince looked confused, and the bishop seemed concerned. It was rare for the knight to speak unless something truly piqued his interest. His demeanor of excellence was seldom disrupted, as nothing had ever seemed to lack importance to his character.


    The chief shifted uncomfortably before responding. "We don''t know much about him. He appeared here a week ago. He''s strong, but I don''t think he''s at your level. I believe he''s level 70, if I remember correctly."


    The prince, still perplexed, glanced between the chief and the holy knight. "Why does he matter so much?" he asked, trying to gauge the situation.


    The holy knight''s gaze remained fixed on the horizon. "He intrigues me. There''s something different about him. I can sense it," he said, his voice low and contemplative.


    The bishop, sensing the knight''s rare interest, stepped forward. "If he''s only level 70, why do you find him noteworthy?"


    The holy knight turned to face the bishop, his expression unreadable. "Levels don''t always tell the whole story. Sometimes, there''s more to power than just numbers."


    The arguments ceased, replaced by a tense silence. The knight''s words hung heavily in the air, leaving the others to ponder the significance of his rare show of interest.


    Then, as his excitement dried up, turning to sudden despair, the knight''s aura spiked, as if the distant threat he sensed was right in front of him.


    "W-w-what was his race type?" he stammered, a visible sign of impatience. White angelic wings erupted from his back, shimmering in the light. "W-w-we d-d-don''t know!" the chief stuttered, his fear palpable.


    The chief''s fear intensified, expecting the knight to kill him in frustration. But the knight simply vanished, leaving no gust of wind or disturbance¡ªjust pure teleportation. His sudden disappearance left the scene in shock, the realization of a distressed holy knight sending waves of fear through the crowd.


    "Was Xela a demon?" many began to murmur, their eyes turning towards the forest. Some started walking towards the distant lights and trembling ground, the echoes of battle reaching their ears.


    Silence descended as the bishop and a few knights watched with bated breath. The prince felt a surge of dread when he saw the holy knight emerge from the forest, worn out and bleeding, yet victorious.


    The prince''s heart rate slowed, relief washing over him¡ªuntil a shadowy figure appeared behind the knight. Before anyone could react, the figure stabbed the knight through, and a clear wisp emerged from the knight''s body, only to be devoured by the dark presence.


    The figure was Reyes, now a reaper, holding a scythe and wearing a hood. He drank from a red potion, known to be extremely rare and worth a fortune. As he consumed three bottles, his wounds healed instantly.


    Reyes walked down the hillside, summoning another item from his wisp. This time, he drank blue potions, which were well-known mana potions in high society. He gulped down four of them before summoning a scroll, ripping it open to restore his armor to its pristine condition.


    The crowd watched in stunned silence as Reyes made his way towards them, his presence both awe-inspiring and terrifying. He had become a symbol of unstoppable power, and the realization dawned on everyone present that they were witnessing something far beyond their understanding.


    Frozen like the rest, the chief shivered in manic laughter. "Well, my Prince, is this a demon you can defeat? Do you have any more of the summoning crystals?"


    The prince stood paralyzed, eventually fainting as the bishop and the rest of the knights prepared for combat. As Xela reached the village, he walked towards them indifferently. "Chief, are you with them?"


    "No, Xela," he immediately replied. The rest of the knights prepared to attack the supposed traitor, but a single step forward from Xela stopped them in their tracks, fear gripping them as they saw Xela ready to move.


    "We surrender," the bishop said, his voice steady yet filled with desperation. "Unless you''re a demon, you''d allow us that much of a chance. If you''re not, you''ll allow us to leave unharmed."


    Reyes, or Xela, looked at them coldly. "I''ll let you leave." Relief flickered across their faces, but vanished as he continued, "However, your wisps will be devoured. So, what will it be? Do you value your lives more than your wisps, or are you willing to throw it all away without going back to your home to report me and bring an army to overtake me? Not that it would make a difference."


    Nex, through this whole event, had learned one thing. Reyes was cold-hearted, and from her memories, it was as if the avatar had frozen his heart. He didn''t feel the pain of killing another human being; it was a mentality of someone killing a fake, knowing it wasn''t real. He was able to switch his emotions off and on.


    She wondered if one day he lost that connection, and he wasn''t able to, wouldn''t he become the very thing they were calling him now? Not true yet, but possibly in the future.


    Nex had to say something before Reyes started to slowly fade. "Reyes, ... ''He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.''" - Nietzsche.


    The random line in the tension made the bishop wonder what it meant. He noticed Xela''s eyes revert from the dark distant glare to a more subtle, lifelike clarity.


    "(Laughs)," Xela chuckled as he removed his hood and handed his scythe to Nex, who stored it away. She sighed, relieved her words had defused the doom hanging over his aggressors, offering them mercy.


    "Nex...thank you. I forget what''s real and what isn''t at times. Please keep that attitude, guide me to see things more clearly. You nine, leave the village. Take back to your Queen or whomever. Should you keep coming here after me, I''ll keep pushing back as best as I can. Should you go after the innocent... I''m sorry, Nex. Your words would come true. I''ll give up on seeing this world the way you want." He said as the bishop quickly summoned a spell to transport them back to the sovereignty domain.


    The prince glared with revenge as he disappeared, but it didn''t matter to Reyes. The chief placed a hand on Reyes''s shoulder. "Thank you. We hope we can rely on you more in the future."


    "I''m going back to my inn, and then I''ll sleep to see what I will plan on doing tomorrow. I hope that kid is okay. He really set off an awful side of myself I never knew I had. (Laughs)" Reyes said as he left.


    "I''ll make sure he knows, Xela. Sleep well." The chief said as Reyes waved him goodnight.


    "Is his last name Reyes?" a villager asked, their voice filled with curiosity and awe.


    "Yes," the chief replied, watching Reyes disappear into the inn. "His last name is Reyes."


    [Year 524 C.A ? Friday Evening ? September eleventh]

 Chapter Three ? Guardian of the Village

    For a solid month and a half, Xela had seamlessly blended into the community as a ''wannabe normal'' individual. The villagers played along with his efforts to avoid any special treatment or privileges, respecting his desire for an ordinary life.


    Those who had dared to challenge his behavior quickly regretted their actions, learning that taming a dragon¡ªmetaphorically or otherwise¡ªwas impossible. Similarly, those who attempted to make him their servant learned their lesson the hard way. Xela''s demeanor and actions soon made it clear that he was not one to be trifled with.


    Through these encounters, Xela had become well-acquainted with the adventurer lifestyle and found pleasure in its simplicity and the benefits it offered. He discovered that he could refuse to rank up, much to the frustration of the guild. Despite this, the entire village knew he was the strongest person to ever decide to live such a modest lifestyle. The local women learned he wasn''t interested in romantic pursuits, and the men who were interested in him eventually gave up their efforts.


    Xela was a free-spirited guy and independently minded young man, indifferent to societal expectations. His enigmatic presence made him a popular subject of gossip and the object of fantasy, but dating him was seen as an impossible endeavor. He became a fixture at bachelorette parties, though only as a poster boy for unattainable desire.


    Nex, his wisp, was typically silent but on this particular day, she was actively trying to mingle with her fellow kin. The other wisps, however, outright refused to interact with her, adhering to some unknown code.


    "Okay, Nex. Tell me. What is this awkward desperation to have the wisps accept you again?" Reyes asked privately during a party he had been invited to. Nex sighed, explaining that the other wisps shared a mother-hive mind, a sort of collective consciousness or online forum, which she no longer had access to.


    "Why don''t you just make one?" Reyes asked, his tone casual and unconcerned. He had always been popular in his past life and didn''t crave fame or acceptance.


    "Oh! You''re right! We can do just that!" Nex exclaimed. Reyes looked confused as she began to explain, his eyes widening in surprise.


    "So you''re telling me, since you integrated with my system, this is the positive outcome that emerged from the process? That''s good news. I know someone who hasn''t had a wisp that we can ask to help with this experiment," Reyes said. He abruptly left the party, apologizing profusely as he explained he had something important to attend to.


    The guests at the party assumed he was making an excuse to avoid further socializing, leading them to plan another event to try and draw him into favoring a particular political faction within the village.


    Known to the villagers as Xela Reyes, they acknowledged he wasn''t of noble birth but unquestionably possessed the qualities of nobility. He was skilled in dancing, fencing, writing, singing, painting, playing instruments, and even strategy games. His only flaw was his unconventional approach to social interaction; he wasn''t keen on adhering to social hierarchies or ladders. This deviation from the norm was refreshing to many, including the village chief, though it irked the local nobles.


    Meanwhile, the Queen had issued no actions, orders, statements, or apologies regarding the village. It was as if the events that transpired had never occurred. The village was left to fend for itself, without funds from the capital, and tax collectors were nowhere to be seen.


    The village, unbeknownst to most, was becoming a beacon of change, and the capital was making plans regarding Xela Reyes. For now, they had decided to allow the village to continue its own development without any support from the capital, nor did they include it as a property tax collection point.


    **


    "Jareth, is your mother home?" Reyes asked as he saw the little boy sparring with his friends. Jareth stopped, rushing to find his mother. She emerged, tired from cooking but happy to see him.


    "Reyes! What a pleasant surprise," she greeted, her face brightening as she wiped her hands on a towel. "Come inside. I''ve made some stew. You must be hungry."


    Reyes hesitated, clearly eager to begin his experiment, but he couldn''t resist the warmth of her hospitality. He followed her inside, where the aroma of the stew filled the small, cozy kitchen. The walls were adorned with simple, hand-painted decorations, and a wooden table set with mismatched chairs completed the homely atmosphere.


    After a while, as the other villagers went about their business, Reyes noticed their curious glances. It was unusual for him not to be on his usual routine¡ªhe was known for his punctuality and structured free-style approach to life. Any deviation from his schedule meant something significant was happening.


    "So, I want to ask you something. Is it okay if I grant your son a wisp?" Reyes asked directly. The mother looked at him, puzzled. Everyone knew the process of how wisps were distributed; no one had the ability to grant them to others.


    "Sure," she said, though her confusion was evident. "If you want to take him on an expedition, just make sure you bring him home before dinner. If he gets a wisp, let me know so we can go to the church to confirm it." She waved him off, already turning back to the kitchen. Reyes had quickly eaten the meal without commenting on its taste, his focus clearly elsewhere.


    "Thank you!" Reyes said, his excitement palpable. Jareth, already standing by the kitchen door, was eager for the adventure ahead.


    They bantered and caught up as Reyes explained that they would try the experiment in the woods, away from prying eyes.


    The journey to the forest was peaceful, though Reyes was keenly aware of the watchful eyes mentioned by the chief. These eyes were merely keeping tabs on him, as he had been told, so he chose to ignore them as they entered the forest.


    Jareth was apprehensive about the woods but showed bravery around Reyes. This dynamic had become a habit between them. No formal training sessions had been held, as Reyes hadn''t undergone the traditional rituals to gain his abilities; he was, in a sense, a fraudulent existence of sorts. He couldn''t teach others how to do something that is inherited due to his body already knowing how.


    "Alright, here''s a good spot. Let''s get started. Nex," Reyes said, his voice steady. He summoned his wisp, who remained invisible to Jareth, but the boy seemed to sense her presence. Reyes repeated the instructions Nex had given him, confirming Jareth''s understanding before proceeding.


    Reyes concentrated, and the familiar system interface appeared before him. It was reminiscent of a game interface but was more detailed and intricate. He saw his character stats, skills, and an unfamiliar tab labeled "Wisp Abilities."


    "What''s this?" he asked, pointing to the new tab.


    Nex floated over and examined the interface. "So... these... are your... abilities... oh gosh... you''re insane! Why didn''t you say! You''re definitely a Z-rank! You''re on the level of the sovereignty, the world rulers!" She announced with palpable excitement. Reyes, however, was less enthused.


    "Do not tell anyone what you said. Got it?" he said, his tone cold. Nex rolled her eyes and nodded.


    "Ahem, so these abilities you can unlock through our bond. As you grow stronger, so will I, and together we can create new Wisps and infuse them into others."


    "Okay, now create a new Wisp," Reyes replied, intrigued.


    "Well, since we have enough extra essence, we can do it now. In the future, by gathering more essence from powerful sources or devouring other Wisps, we can perform this special ritual," Nex explained.


    "I can''t imagine it will be an easy journey, but with each Wisp we create, we can empower others and build a network of allies... I won''t have to be an outcast anymore," Nex added, her tone tinged with sadness. Reyes, sensing her distress, offered a reassuring smile.


    "Then what are we waiting for? Jareth here is watching us like we''re crazy. Let''s get him on our side." Reyes urged as Jareth nodded encouragingly.


    Reyes stood before Jareth, his eyes closed in deep concentration. He took a deep breath and began the ritual. The system interface popped up for both of them, and Jareth accepted it. Reyes could feel the mana within Jareth as a link began to form between them.


    Opening his eyes, he noted the link as if it were an inner mental GPS. Nex disappeared back into Reyes as he placed his right hand on Jareth''s forehead, focusing his mana. He felt the raw energy coursing through Jareth''s veins.


    Extending his left hand toward Jareth, who instinctively moved his own hand to hover over Reyes''s, both palms facing each other, a soft, blue light began to emanate from their palms. The entire scene started to glisten and shimmer with tiny lights converging between their hands.


    The light grew brighter, swirling around their palms, slowly forming a sphere of pure energy. The sphere hovered between them, pulsating with a life of its own.


    Reyes sensed the system prompting him to name the emerging being. Mentally preparing the name "Jarex," he awaited the system''s confirmation. After cross-checking with the universal names of Wisps, the system accepted it.


    The Wisp directed the surrounding energy into its sphere. The light intensified, and the sphere began to change shape, elongating and twisting into a small, ethereal form. The air crackled with energy as the Wisp took shape¡ªa tiny, glowing creature with a translucent body and luminous eyes.


    In mere seconds, the newly-formed wisp shifted from an innocent state to one of full consciousness, bearing the weight of adult with knowledge about the world''s current state. Its expression was a mix of shock and awe at the situation unfolding before it.


    Reyes extended a hand toward the wisp, his voice now a soft whisper. "You''re now pledged to Jareth, and likewise, he is to you. Let it be acknowledged through the power invested from me to you."


    Jareth, still in a daze, felt the connection between himself and the newly-formed wisp solidify. The wisp''s eyes locked onto its new master, and for a moment, the room was bathed in blinding light. When the light faded, the wisp hovered obediently beside Jareth. However, it soon entered Jareth''s body, causing him to faint. Reyes was quick to catch him.


    ? *Ding!* Significant Achievement Acknowledged [Class Level +1]! ?


    Ignoring the ping from the system as he felt his mana and strength increase in the mere moments, he had to continue to focus on the task as it wasn''t full complete.


    Nex appeared from Reyes with a snap, glowing briefly and showing a worn-out expression. She felt the new power coursing through her veins, as well as the knowledge and abilities she had transferred to the newly-formed wisp, which was now linked to a part of her.


    The bond was complete, but Nex felt her powers diminish as the wisp''s energy became integrated with the new one. She had temporarily lost her Tier Five status and found herself caught off guard as a Tier One.


    "Now we know the consequences. I can also sense you''re fatigued. How much mana did you put into this ritual to avoid erroneous conclusions?" she asked, her tone sharp yet curious. Reyes smirked.


    Reyes had channeled more mana than usual to ensure the ritual''s success. He had gone beyond the usual requirement to keep the success rate progression above 37 to 51%, but rather maintaining it at 100% throughout the entire process.


    Nex smiled as she focused on her essence, feeling its connection to the new wisp. Through the spiritual network, she could sense the presence of other wisps, each linked to their hosts, forming a web of interconnected minds. The hive mind awakened¡ªa collective consciousness binding them together.


    She made contact with the new wisp and realized she had superior willpower over it. Although she couldn''t harm it, she could instruct it on how to interact with her and ensure it expressed gratitude to Reyes when summoned. She relayed this to Reyes, who awaited Jareth''s awakening.


    While waiting, Reyes and Nex discussed their ideas and the future outlook, exploring the power of the hive mind. Through this network, they could communicate with any host, share knowledge, and coordinate their actions.


    Reyes now understood why Nex had been afraid. The hive of current wisps already knew of them, and as outliers, they were on the brink of becoming enemies to nearly 50% of the world. The only reason no action had been taken yet was that Reyes was considered a world leader class. Their first attempt to take him down with the ''Church of Holy Wispy Faith'' had failed, demonstrating that the wisps would need to enlist the help of world leaders rather than minor players.


    As Jareth woke up, Reyes stood, now fully aware of his responsibility. He had to protect Jareth to ensure his survival and manage the curse he had imposed upon him without fully considering the consequences. "Hey, how do you feel?"


    "I feel hungry and dizzy, but I''m fine," Jareth replied, noticing the wisp from Reyes. It was already out, expressing its thanks. Jareth felt a bit embarrassed as the wisp looked at him and huffed.


    As Reyes lifted the child and moved out of the woods back towards the village, the eyes of the onlookers were filled with astonishment. They had witnessed a historical feat: Reyes had not only created a wisp but had also bonded it to another! In that moment, he seemed almost godlike, his gaze commanding and authoritative.


    "None of you are to tell outsiders about this. I don''t care if the village knows, but I won''t tolerate it otherwise," Reyes declared firmly. The watchers, hiding in the woods, were confused, especially Jareth, who repeatedly asked who Reyes was talking to, only to receive a simple smile in response.


    Reyes had discovered that the wisps had a hive mind connection, meaning the wisps he didn''t create had likely already informed their leaders of this new development. This knowledge would cause complications in the future, but for now, neither side could take action without fully understanding the other''s capabilities in a potential full-scale battle.


    As Reyes approached the village gates, the guards awkwardly knelt before him. He was uncertain about the recent changes in their attitude but continued towards Jareth''s home.


    Jareth''s mother welcomed them, taking her son to rest. Her wisp remained silent and frozen under Nex''s intimidating gaze.


    Before leaving, Reyes and Nex warned Jareth''s mother to ensure Jareth never summoned his wisp when Reyes wasn''t around and to avoid summoning it at the church, as the church could detect its presence without revealing it.


    Returning to his inn, Reyes found a letter bearing the seals of the nobles and one from the village chief. He was summoned to a meeting. With a sigh, he removed his armor into his dimensional inventory, managed by Nex. Exhausted, he fell into a deep sleep, bringing an end to the eventful day.


    **


    As I sat in my garden chair, I signed approvals and glanced at the stumped letters. My clerk took the paperwork and left, allowing me a moment to sip my tea. The garden was a peaceful sanctuary, with blooming flowers and the gentle hum of bees.


    I stared at the garden, contemplating the slow but steady growth of our village into a burgeoning city. Rebuilding efforts were underway, and the prospect of constructing a castle loomed on the horizon. The nobles who once dominated the upper grounds had left, but their influence lingered. The air felt different, and I hadn''t received any royal messengers. It was as if we were no longer part of the kingdom. The Queen had withdrawn her resources and remained inactive. Was it all because of Xela? I wondered.


    My thoughts were interrupted by an urgent knock on the backyard door. One of the Watchers, a young lady with rogue and assassin skills, stood there. She was a new generation of servicemen I had recently assembled to be my eyes and ears.


    "Sir, here''s a report that needs your immediate attention. Please open it," she said. This young woman, a B-rank talent at such a young age, was the cornerstone of the organization¡ªand my daughter.


    I moved towards the report and knelt to open it. My eyes widened as I read.


    "Well, now it really makes sense why the Queen made no plans against us. We truly have no idea what he is capable of doing. I thought I knew everything about his extraordinarily rare race, but this is beyond even the wisps'' knowledge," I said, my wisp nodding in agreement.


    It seemed that the other wisps had never heard of such a feat. It was historic, and we had the source material here with us.


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "Maybe this place will no longer be a simple village of old fame, but one of new horizons to come. I''ll have to write to the Queen to see what she thinks of this report," I said, but my wisp advised against it, suggesting it might create more confusion.


    "You''re right," I acknowledged. Wisps were like colleague allies, never acting independently without their masters'' intent. A bad relationship with one''s wisp had consequences¡ªthey wouldn''t alert you to danger or offer advice if the relationship was strained. I had complete trust in my wisp and never saw it betraying me.


    In the following weeks, the mercenary named Xela made no unusual moves. He took quests honestly, couldn''t be bribed, and stayed at an inn despite being offered a house. His love life was nonexistent, focused solely on himself.


    A new rumor spread throughout the village: he was the Guardian of the City Layemount. Merchants and businessmen began flocking to the city, fueling its growth. New inns and restaurants opened, and word of Xela''s wealth spread like wildfire. He deposited gold coins with no magical signature, hinting at a hidden treasure. He invested freely, circulating wealth throughout the village.


    Tomorrow, I was to meet with him and a few upper management members. However, my interest lay more in the new report about the first boy bonded with a wisp. Like my wisp, I read the report from the church, obtained through a hefty bribe. I sat down to open the file packet, eager to uncover its contents.


    ?Name: Jareth Kulde ? Storia''s Child ?


    ?Race: Human ? Demiuidity ?


    ? Class: Knight ? Unique ?


    ? HP: 1,450/1,450 ?


    ? MP: 15,450/ 15,450 ?


    ? SP: 1% ?? AE: II Class ?


    ?Archetype: Heavenly ?? Class: Lvl?15?


    ? Age: 13 ?? Wisp: Jarex? T1?


    ? Skills: 1/36 ?? Passive: 1/10 ?


    ? Armor: Headgear ? N/a?


    ? Armor: Chest ? N/a?


    ? Armor: Left Arm ? N/a?


    ? Armor: Right Arm ? N/a?


    ? Armor: Right Leg ? N/a?


    ? Armor: Left Leg ? N/a?


    My eyes nearly fell out of my skull as I read the report. Another rare race had emerged, something even my wisp had never encountered. It was called ''Demiuidity'', a race so new that only the kid''s wisp knew its true nature. Despite our pressing, the kid refused to summon his wisp. When we pushed harder, he would drop Xela''s name, which was enough to remind us to back down unless we were ready to face such a formidable being.


    We decided to leave it alone and bring up the matter directly with Xela during the upcoming meeting. Many were eager to get close to him, but my main concern was ensuring he remained in the village. He was becoming an integral part of our community, even if he didn''t realize it. The people had grown accustomed to seeing him as the village guardian.


    The day of the meeting arrived, and we gathered in the church, the most spacious venue for such an important assembly. The topic was ''The founding of a new noble council and the future development of the village''. I took my seat among the upper floors of the church''s chairs, overlooking the massive circular round table below. The invited guests of importance, those who had significantly impacted the village, were seated around the pillar beneath the table.


    As the meeting commenced, I scanned the room, noting the anticipation on everyone''s faces. The church''s stained-glass windows cast colorful patterns on the stone floor, and the scent of incense hung in the air. Xela entered the room, his presence commanding immediate attention. Whispers filled the hall, but I focused on the task at hand.


    "Thank you all for coming," I began, my voice echoing slightly in the grand space. "Today''s agenda is crucial for our village''s future. We will discuss the potential establishment of a new noble council and the development plans that will shape our community for generations to come."


    I looked directly at Xela. "Xela, your unique position and abilities have brought about significant changes. We have questions that only you can answer."


    Xela nodded, his expression unreadable. The room fell silent as he prepared to speak. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation, and I knew that this meeting could determine the future path of our village.


    "Yes, I was told to be part of the village''s development. I''d like to see where and how things run here as I think about the roots I may plant one day," Xela said, leaning forward in his seat. His answer was purposefully vague, leaving the rest of us eager to ensure he stayed. After all, as a traveler without firm ties to the village, he could leave at any moment. We all played our part to make sure our insurance against the sovereignty remained intact, given the wealth he brought that was starting to flow through our soon-to-be city.


    Despite initially trying to avoid sitting at the table, Xela was eventually given a seat at the high table due to the insistence of many guests. He was a lone wolf among the various factions present but chose to sit next to me at my request.


    The meeting proceeded with numerous questions raised by the round table members. I, along with a few others, managed the conversation clearly and orderly. Topics ranged from infrastructure and funding to societal issues and security.


    "Is it true that you created a new wisp?" someone asked directly.


    Xela answered confidently, "Yes, I did."


    We discussed everything from rebuilding walls and sewers to funding the castle project, establishing a ruling class, and creating a new societal hierarchy. Other topics included health services, financial support, education, slave rights, weapons, women''s rights, roads, monster hunting, low adventurer wages, adventurer taxes, merchant smuggling, prostitution, drug trafficking, garbage disposal, guardianship, guards, bribery, workers'' rights, social security, loans, social mobility, landlords, opportunities for advancement, and immigration.


    Xela only spoke when the council tried to divert the conversation away from challenging topics they had no clear plans to address. He posed hard questions and gave direct answers, causing the round table to regret having him involved in the final drafting of the parchment.


    His intelligence was evident, and I, as a supporter, admired him. It seemed as if Xela had been a part of my faction from the very start.


    Yet, I knew that wasn''t entirely the case. I was more a fan of Xela''s innovative approach to each issue. He took on challenges and tasks when the council questioned who would handle them. He committed wealth, manpower, improvement, enforceability, and even vowed to make himself more involved when called upon. Xela clearly hated being underestimated, a flaw that made me understand him more and eager to aid him.


    The meeting lasted from morning to evening with breaks in between. At Xela''s suggestion, we extended the period to ensure more people could be heard, despite the council members'' annoyance. I reveled in the change of atmosphere that Xela brought to the village.


    The coined name, ''Guardian of Layemount,'' was solidifying without Xela even realizing it. He was gaining unchallenged power and authority by obliging himself into these circumstances.


    The rest of the week went smoothly as things were ironed out. Many people wanted Xela to do the same for their kids, but he appeared unable to say no outright. So, I seized the opportunity to explain that it was a trial and that everyone would get their chance in the future.


    My wisp wasn''t happy about it, insisting it was against natural means. I also noticed that many people''s wisps were rather quiet when Xela''s wisp spoke or stared at them. Somehow, despite being noted as tier five, Xela''s wisp was now tier two. He explained that it had been tempered by the ritual and that the reduction wasn''t permanent. Until his wisp regained its original tier, he wouldn''t be making a new one.


    This vital information seemed to put my wisp and others at ease, making them more relaxed than one would expect. However, the glare from Xela''s wisp towards the others was distinctly unfriendly. It appeared that creating wisps wasn''t sanctioned by the wisps themselves, as it sparked conflict among them. They preferred to be born naturally from the world''s environment, creating a rift between the new generation and the old.


    When I spoke to Xela about it, he smiled and simply looked at my wisp, saying, "It''s an internal matter for the wisps to deal with. As long as it doesn''t endanger innocent lives, I''ll take no further action."


    His message was clearly aimed at my wisp, suggesting something deeper was at play. When I asked my wisp about it, I received no clear answer, only a vague explanation about natural versus unnatural origins. I decided to leave it at that, as it seemed to make no practical difference¡ªthe boy''s naturally gained wisp and the one created through Xela''s method appeared identical in every meaningful way.


    The tension among the wisps simmered down, and the village continued to adapt to its new reality. The days were filled with activity and anticipation, with Xela''s influence growing ever more significant. The future of our village seemed brighter, even as we navigated these complex dynamics.


    **


    [Year 525 C.A ? Thursday Afternoon ? April tenth]


    The village, now evolving into a city, was thriving under a cloak of relative peace despite the turbulence outside its borders. The recent influx of people had spurred economic growth, with new jobs and opportunities flourishing. The village''s port was a vital asset, facilitating trade and helping sustain the city independently of the sovereignty''s support.


    The church had adopted a passive stance towards the village''s expansion, while the royal capital remained indifferent. Local residents began to see themselves as distinct from the kingdom, with the village''s growing autonomy becoming increasingly apparent. Banditry and piracy outside the city were on the rise, but Xela''s formidable presence acted as a deterrent. His reputation alone was enough to dissuade most threats, and any monster or adversary daring to challenge the city met a swift end.


    Amidst these changes, the city was bustling with activity. The transformation from a village to a city was driven by the necessity to accommodate the growing population. Infrastructure projects were underway, reflecting the city''s ambitious growth. The residents, now accustomed to the vibrant life of their expanding community, worked diligently to support and sustain their evolving home.


    The city''s evolution under Xela Reyes was nothing short of extraordinary. His vision for progress extended from the construction of new roads to the establishment of inns and fortified walls, each contributing to the city''s rapid development. Xela''s groundbreaking innovations elevated him to a near-divine status in the eyes of the public. His contributions ranged from revolutionary methods of paper production to advancements in toiletries and sweeping social reforms.


    The noble class, once secure in their educational advantages, now found their dominance waning. Xela''s introduction of scientific knowledge and advanced mathematics in public education eroded the old hierarchies. His pioneering work with driven carriages became a symbol of innovation, embodying his theory of creative problem-solving and practical application. The carriages, now a common sight on the roads, were a testament to his genius.


    In recognition of his monumental impact, Xela was awarded a grand mansion, a symbol of his indispensable role in shaping the future of the city. The urban districts bore the marks of his innovations, each new development echoing his influence. When faced with challenges, Xela''s solutions surpassed the capabilities of anyone else in the community, reinforcing his reputation as a visionary.


    Xela had embraced the name Reyes, considering its importance for his future family. This decision led him to officially adopt the name Xela Reyes, a choice that seemed to be validated by the system, which adapted to this new identity as if acknowledging its significance.


    Despite his accomplishments and high status, Xela maintained a deliberate distance from romantic entanglements. A past incident at a party¡ªwhere he had woken up naked in a room filled with people, the aftermath of an apparent orgy¡ªleft him wary of social gatherings. This aversion was compounded by his unique condition as an eternal. When he inquired about his status, Nex explained that he could will his body to age if he desired, but otherwise, he remained perpetually youthful.


    Though Xela was technically ageless, his self-perception had not adjusted to his true age. Despite being thirty-one in his previous life, he often felt like a young man. Recently, he had noticed subtle changes¡ªsuch as a growing beard and increased height¡ªthat only enhanced his already remarkable appearance.


    On a bright, sunny day, Xela oversaw his golems as they toiled on an ambitious project. They were hard at work constructing a pipeline system for the sewers and digging a waste pit deep into the forest ground. The golems moved with purpose and efficiency, handling the laborious tasks that were essential to maintaining the city''s infrastructure. The sight of their relentless activity was a reminder of Xela''s unyielding commitment to his vision of progress and innovation.


    "Nex, what is Jareth''s race type?" Reyes asked his wisp, noticing her usual expression of boredom when summoned for seemingly trivial reasons. It was lunchtime, and Reyes was seated under a tree, taking a brief respite from managing the sewerage issue. He was also planning to construct guard posts for the farmlands and had discussed reconstructing the village walls into a larger structure akin to the capital''s fortifications.


    Manpower was in short supply, but Reyes had special gimmicks that astounded the public. As a former pay-to-win player and a dedicated long-time gamer, he had a stash of summoning scrolls at his disposal. This revelation had shocked Nex, who was unfamiliar with such resources.


    Reyes often used golems, giants, fae beasts, and other creatures summoned by these scrolls. The duration of each summon varied, but none were permanent, highlighting the transient nature of his assistance. Nex was beginning to understand his unique perspective on viewing others.


    "Regarding Jareth," Nex began, her voice tinged with curiosity, "he is a Demiuidity. From my understanding, based on his wisp''s knowledge, a Demiuidity is a rare and enigmatic race born from the union of fallen celestial and spiritual mortal bloodlines."


    Reyes nodded, taking a bite of the hamburger he had instructed others to invent. Nex continued, "Often mistaken for demigods, they possess unique abilities that blend mortal resilience with divine influence. Demiuidities are known for their ethereal appearance, marked by glowing eyes and an aura of celestial energy."


    "They inhabit hidden enclaves in remote regions, guarding ancient secrets and relics of immense power. Despite their divine heritage, they struggle with the expectations of both gods and mortals, often serving as intermediaries in conflicts between the two realms."


    Nex concluded, "Their existence is a delicate balance, forever walking the line between divinity and mortality."


    Reyes pondered her words, setting his half-eaten hamburger aside. "If only I knew his passive abilities and skills. Given that he told me he''s a knight, I can assume his class isn''t aligned to be a tanker type. We need to get him strong. I only hope it''s not as hard as my race type," he mused, standing up and gazing at the forest, now significantly reduced.


    "Nex, are you going to take that Nest Core for essence? What tier do you think you''ll be?" he asked, turning to her with a smile.


    Nex returned his smile, her ethereal form shimmering slightly. "I''m hoping for a higher tier this time. With the essence from the Nest Core, I should be able significantly close to evolution. Let''s see what surprises await us," she replied with a twinkle in her eye.


    The day was bright and filled with promise. As Reyes watched his golems toil away, constructing the pipeline system for the sewers and digging a waste pit deep into the forest ground, he felt a renewed sense of purpose.


    "Just to add on, if I don''t evolve still be tier five, and still close to evolving, but I''d have more than enough essence to make two or three more wisps," Nex replied, her voice carrying a hint of frustration but also determination.


    Reyes nodded thoughtfully, taking in her words. "That''s still impressive, Nex. Creating more wisps would be a huge advantage for us," he said, finishing his lunch and standing up.


    Nex floated closer, her ethereal glow casting a soft light on Reyes''s face. "You always see plan ahead to the side of things, Reyes. It''s one of your strengths," she remarked, her tone softening.


    Reyes smiled at her compliment. "Yeah-ha, Nex. We need to use every resource we have if we''re going to rebuild and protect this city."


    "(Giggling) You have to understand, I''m no longer the same type of wisp as those before me. When I integrated with your system, many changes occurred. My evolution could be very different. Technically, I''m a different species of the same species I once was," Nex explained, her tone light but with an undercurrent of seriousness.


    Reyes appeared suspicious, his brow furrowing slightly. "You look like you think I''m not bound to you as my master. So, I don''t understand why the secretive nature of worry," she said, her voice softening as she noticed his skepticism.


    Reyes shrugged in defeat, a smirk tugging at his lips. "It''s not that, Nex. It''s just... things are changing so fast. It''s hard to keep up sometimes."


    Nex floated closer, her presence calming. "I understand, Reyes. But remember, we''re in this together. Your success is my success."


    Reyes glanced at his schedule, feeling a mix of frustration and satisfaction. He was still behind, but progress was being made. The council had assumed he''d given up, but they had underestimated him. His past life''s game¡ªnow real-life items¡ªwere having more impact than he had expected, turning the tables against his naysayers.


    "Let them underestimate us," Nex said, her voice filled with determination. "We''re proving them wrong, step by step."


    Nex nodded in agreement. "Exactly. And with the changes we''re making, we''ll show them the true potential of combining magic and modern thinking."


    As he watched the golems diligently continue their work, Reyes''s mind wandered to the many projects he had initiated. The city was transforming rapidly, and each new development brought them closer to his vision of a thriving, innovative community.


    The scene around them was bustling with activity. Golems, giants, and various summoned creatures moved purposefully, their heavy footsteps echoing through the clearing. The construction of the pipeline system for the sewers and the excavation of the waste pit were progressing steadily, thanks to the tireless efforts of Reyes''s summoned beings.


    The air was filled with the sounds of construction: the clinking of metal tools, the rumbling of stone being moved, and the occasional directive shouted by one of Reyes''s foremen. The forest, though significantly reduced, provided a serene backdrop to the industrious scene.


    Reyes turned his attention back to Nex. "Speaking of resources, we are getting new information about other cities reaching out, and have you had any thoughts on how to improve our defenses?" he asked, his eyes scanning the horizon where the new guard posts were being erected.


    Nex pondered for a moment before responding. "We could enhance the guard posts with ore magical cycle barriers. It would require a significant amount of mana, but with the essence from the Nest Core, it might be feasible," she suggested.


    He''d stare out in a distance as he recalled his recent experience...


    *


    Reyes had recently delved into the magical studies of their world, at the library study halls, finding their magical technology astonishing yet puzzling. Despite their incredible advancements in magic, society remained stuck in the medieval era. This contradiction baffled him, especially since they lacked awareness of certain commodities and conveniences he had taken for granted in his past life.


    One evening, Reyes sat in his study, poring over ancient texts and newly acquired manuscripts on magical theory. The room was filled with the warm glow of candlelight, casting flickering shadows on the walls lined with bookshelves. He marveled at the complexity and elegance of their magical constructs but couldn''t help feeling frustrated at their technological stagnation.


    Nex floated nearby, observing his intense focus. "You seem troubled, Reyes," she remarked, her voice gentle.


    Reyes looked up from the pages, rubbing his temples. "It''s just... their magical technology is so advanced, yet they haven''t applied it to improve everyday life in ways that seem obvious to me. They''re still using medieval ways and methods."


    Nex tilted her head, curiosity piqued. "Like what, for example?"


    Reyes leaned back in his chair, thinking. "Take sanitation, for instance. They have the magical capability to purify water and manage waste efficiently, yet they still rely on primitive methods. Or communication¡ªthey could use magical means to create instant messaging systems, but they don''t. It''s like they''re stuck in a certain mindset."


    Nex nodded thoughtfully. "Perhaps, but it''s a matter of supply and demand coupled with traditional ways. Not enough people have such capacities."


    She''d continue as she floated around him, "Change can be difficult, especially when the existing methods are deeply ingrained. You have to understand also, not many people reach high levels, and those that do aren''t rare classes. Then there the situation of wealth and greed."


    Reyes sighed, closing the book in front of him. "You''re right, but I believe am going to be...no I can bridge that gap. We can combine their magical expertise with modern principles from my past life to create a better future."


    *


    Reyes''s eyes lit up at the idea. "That''s brilliant, Nex! Let''s start planning that out. We''ll need to gather more ore resources and perhaps find a way to sustain the mana flow for the barriers, but it''s definitely worth pursuing."


    Nex nodded in agreement. "I''ll begin analyzing the mana requirements and see what we can do. In the meantime, you should check in with Jareth. Understanding his abilities and how he can contribute will be crucial. Given that he is race class that is equal to you."


    Reyes agreed and began walking towards the edge of the construction site, where Jareth was training with a group of knights. The sight of the Demiuidity, with his glowing eyes and aura of celestial energy, was striking. He moved with a grace and power that marked him as something beyond ordinary.


    "Jareth," Reyes called out as he approached. The knight turned, his ethereal eyes meeting Reyes''s. Retuning his eyes to normal as he seal away his aura.


    "Yes, Lord Reyes?" Jareth responded, his voice calm and composed.


    "I wanted to talk to you about your abilities and how we can best utilize them for the city''s defense and development," Reyes said, gesturing for Jareth to walk with him.


    As they strolled through the bustling construction site, Jareth began to explain his unique skills and heritage. "As you already know, as a Demiuidity, I possess abilities that combine mortal resilience with divine influence. I can manipulate celestial energy to create powerful defensive and offensive spells, but my aura provides limited protection to those within its range."


    Reyes listened intently, absorbing every detail. "That''s incredible, Jareth. You''re now, level 20 right? We need to find a way to integrate your abilities into our defense strategies. Maybe you can work with Nex on enhancing the guard posts with magical ore that seal one''s aura. We can have you keep supplying them with it."


    Jareth nodded. "I''d be honored to contribute. Together, I can ensure the city''s safety and continue to build a future where everyone thrives. All thanks to you master."


    Reyes felt a surge of eek. While Jareth laughed at the reaction he was Reyes displayed. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the bustling construction site, he knew they were on the right path.


    However, his mood shifted as he caught sight of Thoran walking with several council members, their expressions sour as they strolled through the place. He recognized the signs of impending political turmoil.


    The months of relative peace, free from disagreements and nagging complaints about his methods, were drawing to a close. A storm was brewing within the burgeoning city of Layemount. Every faction would soon vie for a piece of the emerging prosperity, even as it was still being shaped.


    "Nex, their wisps will work against us. The real problems will be coming soon," Reyes said, his tone laced with concern. "Fighting me impossible for my adversaries, so now they will use the one thing I am weak against: innocent people; these scheming politicians. I became a lord of the northwest part of the land here as the nobles disappear, as you know."


    Nex hovered beside him, her ethereal form shimmering in the twilight. She followed his gaze toward Thoran and the council members, sighing with resignation. "I see it too, Reyes. It''s going to be a difficult year, especially once the sewerage system is complete. They''ll use every political maneuver they can to undermine you."


    Reyes nodded, his mind racing with strategies to counteract the impending political machinations. "We''ll need to be prepared, Nex. Our progress must continue, but we also need to fortify our position against these schemers. Information and new alliances will be key."


    The scene around them was still buzzing with activity. The golems and other summoned creatures moved purposefully, their heavy footsteps creating a rhythm that echoed through the clearing.


    While Reyes was lost in thought, an older woman approached him. She was a respected merchant in the court, known for her reasonable influence within the council. Reyes noticed her wisp hovering nearby, but Nex seemed to be ignoring the other wisp, as if it held no importance.


    The woman introduced herself, her voice warm and friendly. "I''m Madam Diosa," she said, extending a hand. "I''ve heard much about you, Lord Reyes. Your innovations have stirred quite the discussion."


    Reyes shook her hand, offering a polite smile. "It''s a pleasure to meet you, Madam Diosa. I appreciate your kind words."


    She began sharing stories of her upbringing in Layemount, expressing her happiness that he had chosen to make his roots here and help them resist the sovereignty. Her tales painted a vivid picture of the city''s past, filled with struggles and triumphs.


    "Madam Diosa," Reyes said thoughtfully, "do you think I can leverage the new guard posts and the magical ore barriers to strengthen my political standing?"


    Madam Diosa smiled knowingly, recognizing the underlying tension between factions within the council. She placed a hand on her lips, signaling a hush and a gesture of wisdom.


    "What does your wisp think?" she asked, turning her gaze to Nex.


    Nex considered the question carefully. "It''s possible. If we demonstrate the tangible benefits of your innovations, especially in terms of security and infrastructure, it might sway some of the more pragmatic council members. But it will require careful planning and perhaps some strategic alliances."


    Madam Diosa nodded in agreement. "Wise words, indeed. Building alliances will be crucial. Show them the value of your work, and they will be more likely to support you."


    With a final smile, she bid farewell and walked away, leaving Reyes with a sense of encouragement.


    As the meeting adjourned, Reyes felt a surge of optimism. He and Nex had taken the first steps toward securing their position and building a coalition of support. The path ahead would be challenging, but with determination and unity, they could overcome any obstacle.


    Walking through the streets of Layemount that evening, Reyes saw the city in a new light. The people were beginning to believe in his vision, and with their support, he knew they could create something truly extraordinary.


    "Nex," Reyes said quietly, "we''re on the right path. Let''s keep pushing forward."


    Nex hovered beside him, her glow illuminating their way. "We''ve got this, Reyes. Together, we can achieve anything."


    Reyes glanced back at Thoran and the council members, their figures now silhouetted against the setting sun. "We''ll need to act swiftly and decisively. The completion of the sewerage system will mark a significant milestone. We should use that momentum to solidify our influence."


    Nex nodded in agreement. "You''ll have to start gathering intelligence on the council members and their affiliations. We need to understand their motivations and leverage points."


    Reyes took a deep breath, steeling himself for the challenges ahead. "Of course, Nex. We''ve overcome many obstacles to get this far, and I won''t let political scheming derail me."


    The golden hues of the setting sun deepened into shades of orange and red, casting a warm glow over Layemount. As the first stars began to appear in the twilight sky, Reyes felt the familiar prickle of being watched again. It had been a while since he noticed the ''Watchers'' on him, and although he usually ignored them, tonight felt different. The presence felt less like surveillance and more like a desire for conversation.


    He sighed and decided to confront the shadowy figure. Slipping into a narrow alleyway, he moved silently, his senses heightened. "I can sense you. No need to run or hide. I''ll keep our interactions discreet," he called out, already positioning himself behind her like a seasoned ninja.


    The woman spun around, her eyes widening in awe. Though she was level 70, it felt like she was standing before a level 99. His nonchalant demeanor only added to his mystique.


    "Please promise to keep this meeting secret," she said, her voice tinged with urgency.


    Reyes nodded, his expression remaining impassive. "You have my word. Now, what do you want?"

 Vallen Yugin ? Side Story

    [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¡ªa 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¡ªakin 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¡ªa 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¡ªalways 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¡ªthis 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¡ªunless it''s two sovereignty leaders coming together and fighting against him, with a few weaker levels surrounding the area¡ªcan 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¡ªhe 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¡ªa 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¡ªhe 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¡ªa 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¡ªsomething 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¡ªXela 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¡ªhe 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¡ªno, 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.