《The Blacksmith: The Return》
Prologue
Far below the earth crust located somewhere in this Continent, a vast cavern existed.
The cavern is made up of smooth rock surfaces, like its been carved meticulously across millennia.
So deep below the earth that it is very surprising to see any living being in the cavern.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.
The only trace of living thing is what seems like a fossilized body in the furthest end of the cave.
CRACK CRACK CRACK
A cracking sound came from the fossilized body....
BOOOOOM!!!!!!
"It''s time..."
A voice drifted over after what it seems like an explosion which produced millions of pieces of rocks scattered around the cavern and a what may be a tunnel that leads to who-knows where....
Abstract
Hello,
This is not really an abstract but my rambling.
I am an avid reader of eastern-themed novel which I started by reading "Tales of Demons and Gods" almost 6 years ago. And I moved on to "Death March", "New Gate" and recently, Royal Road''s transmigration novel (at 2019)z
But my interest lies on these few things:
1. Transmigrated OP MC.
2. Crafting and finding new/impossible way to use something.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
3. Hidden but not so powerful enemy (OP MC remember?)
4. Number like status (easier to judge strength for the reader)
SO!
You will all of that in my work as you might well guess from the synopsis.
I am still undecided whether I should use the cultivation term of chinese xianxia or to make it easy, a tier-like strength unit. Let me know what you guys think and why.
For now, I am making up the universe, characters, story lines and etc etc.
Don''t expect too much of regular update as I am full time worker/student.
But when there is, I hope you, the reader will enjoy reading as I enjoys the writing.
As a conclusion, here is a quote for writers and readers alike:
¡°If the book is true, it will find an audience that is meant to read it.¡±
¡ª Wally Lamb
See you guys around!
1st Arm - Asclepius
There is a time for peace...
There is a time for war...
If you want peace but,
preparing for war...
Whether you wanted it or not,
It will come to you.
- Excerpt from Warfare and Combat by Lord General Belzagar Silverleaf
[ ]
Idbar Continent
Unknown Kingdom
Unknown Province
Unknown District
Unknown City
Unknown Town
[Town of Healing]
.
Idbar continent is famous for one thing: Its desert.
The whole continent is hot and dry and yet, some chose to call this their home. One from those groups is what the other called demonkin. Black eyes, white pupils, wings in forms and shapes and horns. They can be said to be just beneath the elf in terms of magic power but above in terms of barehand combat prowess. Their strong physique coupled with their innate magical power helped them to rule half of the continent of Idbar where they built an empire with many kingdoms.
Mankind tried to force them out of the continent but peace came over thousands years ago thanks to one powerful individuals and who came with him. Until now...
.
It was a quiet town and nothing stands out in the town except one big building in the far end of the town which is just next to the gate that will point to the desert expanse and the true demon empire. Ancient records showed that none of the building is built but "the Sanctuary of Healing". Sanctuary of Healing is what the locals called this big building. The tale passed from the ancient days claimed that as long as you still have breath in you and you are brought in front of the obelisk-like crystal inside and mutter "Asclepius", you will be healed to perfect health. Very miraculous and magical building that caused many to come and tried to find answers. Some have tried to crack open the obelisk and tried to find ancient artifact but the crystal stands tall. Many tried and failed, dying in the process only to be healed again. Years passed and the ones that have been dying and healed never try again.
Advances in herbs and healing magic have caused the Sanctuary to be forgotten but never abandoned. Those that been healed settled down and their descendants continue to pass down the tale, even when the tale is only been dismissed as just "tale".
Up until today.
War rages again. Mankind tried to banish the demonkin and ends their rule in the continent. Many of those towns in the borders have been attacked and the demonkin civillians are driven out deeper into the deserts. The empire is too far away to send enforcement and the army of United Front marched forward to the town where everything began.
[ ]
Year 4999
Post-War Era
xth Month,
xxth Day
United Front Army
Main Command Tent
.
"Report for the Commanding General Siegmund Hoselvuz!", a shout heard from across the land where the Army rests.
A slim young man comes before the gate and shouts the same lines, "Scout from the Front is here to give a scouting report about the unnamed town 100km from here.". The guards that stood outside gives a nod and let the young man in.
The young man run towards a huge tent in the center of the camp. He notices that everyone is fully geared and ready to go. He believes in the Army and that the demons need to be driven out from the land. He ran and ran until he arrives in front of the tent and he could feel pressure from the tent. The pressure you got when you came before an experienced army general. He talked to the guards outside the tent and he comes inside the tent.
Other generals and knights can be seen discussing and laughing about the entire campaign.
"BAHAHAHAHAHAH! This is the easiest campaign I had in my entire career in the army! Look at all those demons that ran away before they fight. This is none like what those legends said.", one of the generals laughs.
"That is true. MUAHAHAHAHA. As a Tier 4 [General], this campaign is an easy one", another general replies.
The atmosphere in the command tent is festive and full of spirits.
Yet a hardened voice silence the tent, "HMPH, a good enemy is a dead enemy! NEVER put your guard down. Relay my order to the Army! Tomorrow at dawn, we will march towards the last town! The town must be captured so we can have a strategic advantage!", a general with a white-silverish hair at the end of the long table shouts an order.
At once, the generals shout, "YES SIRE" and scrambles out to the tent.
The young scout gets pushed on the side and stood now in what became an empty tent.
"A [Scout]? Did you bring any report from the front?", the silver-haired generals asks.
"Yes Sir! Here is the report!", the scout salutes and passes the report.
"Good. You are dismissed.", The silver-haired general says.
"YES GENERAL HOSELVUZ!", the scout salutes and exits the tent.
[General] Siegmund Hoselvuz, a tier-5 [General] type class. One of the highest-tiered class among the human empires. Not one of the most powerful but the one most experienced. Nobody knows his past but he definitely served for at least 3 emperors before the current emperor. Not one that shy away from challenges nor one that shows fear from any threats or magical beasts in the continents. Yet, at this moment, he looked tired and old.
General Siegmund opened the report that says, "The last town not recorded in the map is on sight. Oasis is observed on the surrounding area. Building a main campsite will benefit our campaign towards the demon empires. End".
The general stands up and walks around the table. "Those idiots at the throne. The younger they rule the bigger their greed. Don''t they forget who they are? Tsk!", General Siegmund waves his fist that holds the report around.
The general paced around the table and with a heavy sigh he sits back down on the chair at the end of the table.
"I hope he forgives me for my powerlessness", the general mutters and start to scribbles down on a parchment.
[ ]
Inside the Unnamed Town.
"QUICK! EVERYONE! PACK-UP YOUR BELONGINGS! BRING ONLY WHAT IS NECESSARY!", a man with a bull-like horn wearing a leather armor runs across the town and shouts. The civilians that lives at the town are bewildered and follows the armored man until he arrives in front of the Sanctuary.
"Scouts have been seen from across the oasis. I have heard news from the town chief that everyone should evacuate and travels deeper into the deserts and into the empires. Other towns have been pillaged and razed. We should be wise to pack-up and evacuate. There is no massacre but let not make our town be the first", The horned man continues to shout.
The civilians, no matter whose tribe they are from, paled and started to discuss among themselves.
"Son! Find your mother and brother and bring them to the house. We will need to pack up immediately!", a white-horned man speaks to a small white-horned boy while the boy is frozen on the spot and getting teary eyes. "Quick! I will be with you in a second. Don''t worry okay! Now go!". The boy starts to cry but hold the tears and he ran.
"Vilin, get grandma and grandpa and starts to pack up as well. Leave that sword of your dad! It will only slows us down.", a double-horned woman speaks to her daughter.
"But Mom! It said that the sword is passed on from The Great War! We need to bring it with us!", the girl speaks up stubbornly.
"Go! NOW!", the mother said. The girl then slips from the crowd and run.
The crowd bustles about, some speaks with fear and somberly, some immediately faints and the other demonkin catch and bring those that faintsaway. Some shouts that they need to fight but after looking around where the combat-related job is only tier-0 [Town Guard] and tier-1 [Guard Captain], those that wants to fight get their words stuck and sighed audible.
"Quiet! Quiet! Go home, pack up and we should leave as soon as possible! They are com-", before the guard finishes, an old voice cut through. It sounds heavy and weak, but it commands authority.
"Torvahr, I only told you ask the villagers to get ready for evacuation. Not for you to cause panic and evacuation you bull-headed idiot!", An old man walks through the crowd. He seems average and typical old sage with a staff made of wood as a cane and long silver hair and beard. If something is to be noticed, it might be a horn that shaped like a knife in the middle of the man''s forehead.
"But Chief! The [Town Guard] reports that there is movement from across the oasis and based on what we''ve heard from other town, we might as well evacuate lest we are getting attac-", the [Guard Captain] speaks up but the old man cut the captain.
"As a tier-4 [Priest], 103th Chief of Town of Healing and 98th Keeper of Sanctuary. I command that everyone should stay calm. As long as the Sanctuary of Healing stand. We shall stand!" The black-horned elder speaks.
"This is an order. Leave your belonging and evacuate to the Sanctuary of Healing. Torvahr, open the door and let the villages move to stay below ground. We should have kept some provisions to lasts us a while. But I promise everything should end by tomorrow at noon. Go!", The elder speaks and it causes instant reaction to the villagers. The words spoken by the elder seems to contain mysterious charms that can calm the masses.
"I assure you that this town, that stood for thousands of years will still stand. To that end, I will ask for assistance from [Grand Archbishop].", The elder speaks. The crowd burst into an uproar instantly.
"After all this years? Hundreds of years passed since this town saw him.", one of the demonkin whispers.
"He is still alive?", another demonkin murmurs.
The crowd continued to discuss with fervor hoping for miracle to happen. Many looked hopeful and many have bright face.
"It''s been very late and we have enough excitement for today. Follow Torvahr and the rest of the guards down the basement of the Sanctuary. We will see peace tomorrow, as always. I shall go and prepare to summon for assistance.", The elder speaks and walks through the crowd the same way he came.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
"OKAY! FOLLOW ME! IF YOUR FAMILY IS NOT HERE YET, FIND THE AND MEET US AT THE SANCTUARY. DO NOT BRING YOUR BELONGINGS. LISTEN TO THE CHIEF. GRAND ARCBISHOP WILL SAVE US! VOHLR AND TORRAD! ROUND UP THE VILLAGERS. JARS, RYZ, FARLEN AND DHAR! FOLLOW ME AND HELP KEEPING THE ORDER. WHYS AND IRGAR, KEEP ON THE LOOKOUT. ONCE THE NIGHT DESCENDS, JOIN US AT THE SANCTUARY. FOLLOW ME!", Torvahr shouts and move to the edge of the town where the Sanctuary is located. The villagers seems to be nervous but all in all seems very hopeful.
While the rest of the guards did the jobs they assigned to, the Chief walks toward a building located at the outskirts of the town.
There is nothing seems to be out of place from this building, it is a 3-floor building and seems to be a very luxurious and grand house in the past. But, other people might stay away because of the glum atmosphere of the building. No color but black is found in the surrounding area. Even plants planted in the pot is black. But a tier-5 [Master Carpenter] should notice the wood used to build it is not of this continent and are hardy variant of trees. In addition, even tier-0 [Initiate] should be able to tell that when you are near the house, you can feel the aura of life surging forth. Nobody can tell that this house is where the [Grand Arcbishop] lives for the past hundreds of years.
The elder walked towards the door and the door immediately responded by opening. The elder looked surprised but he continues walking inside the house. Surprisingly, the interior of the house is white. Pure white everywhere. A contrast to the glum and sorrowful colour outside.
The elder continues to walk the towards a staircase near the entrance door and walking up the stairs. In the second floor, nothing stands out except a black door, in the middle of white interior. The elder ignored that and continues to walk on the third floor. In the third floor, the opposite happens, there is only one white door in black interior. The elder walked towards the door and just as his hand hovered to knock, the door opened.
Surprisingly, the interior of the room is white. There is only simple bed, table and chair in the corner of the room while the corner is a simple wooden wardrobe. In the far end of the room, what seems to be a man in black clothes is standing facing the window.
"How long has it been since I have taught you my art of healing?", the man speaks calmly.
"It''s exactly 331 years tomorrow Master.", the elder replies respectfully.
"And how long have you held this position from your predecessors?", the man asks again.
"It''s exactly 131 years tomorrow Master.", the elder replies.
"And It''s been almost 5000 years since I arrived in this continent. A century after The Great War I think? How time passed.", The man paused for a while and the elder remains silent
"And here I am. When my liege decided to seclude himself from the world, I felt lost but this is what he said, ''Find your freedom, my friend.'', and here we are. The teaching that I got from him and our travel are what I am passing on to you and your predecessors while waiting for his return.", the man pauses and continue, "But I know why you are here. I will do what I can but I will not kill. That days have been my past and my sword stays sheathed as long as he is. I am sorry.".
There is silence for a while and the elder speaks, "I understand Master. I shall leave you then". The elder then turns away and walked out before a voice called him out, "But he is not. My sword spoke and I know he has returned.", the man turns from the window and walks toward the elder.
The man is young for a demonkin. He has black short hair and a very sharp-looking slim horn, one side is black-coloured and the other side is white. The demonkin has a high cheekbone and angular face. The mean wore a body fitting black clothes with white striped through the middle and a picture of staff encircled with wolf-like serpend in the chest area.
"I shall do what I can to uphold the peace in this continent. His own race should know better than to try to break the thousands-years peace.", The man speaks with fervour and fury.
The elder kneeled down and replied, "We are thankful for your assistance, Master.".
A magic circle appears in the floor surrounding the man and the elder. And the man says, "[Berserker Ceremony]. Fury shall gives you power and passion shall give you strength! The weak shall be made strong and the strong that torment the weak shall be washed with RAGE! I bestowed upon you power to defend and to uphold peace. Rise now as a [Berserker]!".
If the villagers see this scene, they will be flabbergasted and shocked. The frail looking elder stands up and transforms slowly from a wiry old man to a lean middle-aged man. The beard and hair receeded and neatly trimmed. The wrinkles disappears and only a tan-chiseled face remains. The previously slightly hunched back is straight and exuded a aura akin to a mountain. The elder that now became a middle-aged man is shocked seeing his transformation.
"This... Master.... what.... happened?", the middle-aged man asks hesitantly.
"The power that comes by is always alluring especially to a demonkin. This is what I saw in your early predecessors. The tier-8 skill [Berserker Ceremony] is an Origin Skill used for an instant rank-up. I see your diligence and passion. I deemed you worthy because of that and hence the Ceremony, I expected that much from you, as someone that bear my Name, ''Darkfang''", the man explains.
"In case you have not noticed, your rank-up took the whole night and the sun is already up. And I am sure you can feel the army marching to this town.", the man speaks calmly. The man then proceeds to the wardrobe and opened it. Inside, there is only 1 piece of the same clothing and one black robe and few old trinkets. However, the trinkets exude an incredible magical presence when touched. The man takes out the trinkets and wear them: 2 rings, black and white on each middle finger and one pouch which he ties on his waist. He then touches the clothing which then disappears and wear the black robe.
The middle-aged man gasps and asks in surprise, "Is that the legendary spatial treasure Master?? it was last seen just before The Great War and you are in possession of 3 of them!".
"These are my personal arms.", The man speaks and suddenly a staff of wood appeared. ¡°but THIS will be your personal arm.¡±. It looks like an ordinary wood but if you see it closely, the wood vein sparkles, throbbed and flows with white aura.
¡°I am sure you know how to use it.", the man then gives the staff to the middle-aged man.
"Master! I will never be able to repay you!", the middle-aged man kneels down and speaks humbly.
"Tier-6 [Bishop] and Tier-6 [Berserker], I don''t think anyone in this continent can stop you. Even without that staff you hold.", The man speaks with a hint of smile in his face.
"There is still you. Please don''t tease me. I am older than 300-years old now not some 80-years old youngling like before.", The middle-aged replied.
"Hahaha. You grew up quick.", and then the man turns serious, "I will go to the Sanctuary of Healing. I will take [Asclepius] with me. My Master will definitely looked for us and he definitely needs our assistance.¡±. The man stops and whispers, ¡±Or at least we would like to think so.".
"But Master, then the Crystal Obelisk-.", The middle-aged man asks nervously before being cut off. Yet the man put a hand up to silence the middle-aged man.
"[Asclepius] is necessary for my travels I am afraid. But do remember whom that staff is from.", the man smiles.
¡°I understand!", the middle-aged man''s eyes light up with understanding.
"This is it then.", the man then disappeared and soon after that a muffled crash is heard from the other side of the town.
Then suddenly, after the middle-aged man sighs sorrowfully and turns to left the house, the man''s voice rang across the room, across the village and traveled across the continent.
"Now go! Prove to me and my master your worth. Prove to us that you are worthy to hold the [Legendary] arms forged by the only [Supreme Smith] in history.".
And the army marching to the town is frozen when the voice reached them.
[ ]
".... THE ONLY [SUPREME SMITH] IN HISTORY.", the voice rang in the ears of those with job of tier-4 and above.
"Sire! Did you hear that? Who in the world have such powerful voice and aura in this land far from from the nearest demon empires?, one of the generals that is marching in front speaks up with hint of fear in his voice.
"Don''t worry. This might be just a trick of that villagers. There must be one or two artifacts that can do that surely.", one of the other generals replies.
"True that! Do not fear! Our soldiers must not know this despite they are being shaken from that aura alone. We should just tell them about the magic array that is being triggered in this demon-infested continent.", another general replies.
"Don''t tell me that [Supreme Smith] is-!" General Siegmund mutters under his breath, "...but that is impossible! Surely!"
"Yes General?", one of the generals that spoke earlier turns to face General Siegmund.
"No....", General Siegmund inhales and speaks aloud, "Beware of Traps and ready to slows!"
The army marches onwards in the middle of the heat and to be expected of elite army, none looks exhausted even after 100 km march.
But then, suddenly.
In the middle of the rocky deserts, in a hill, just before the oasis, a man with a black robe stands while holding what it seems like...
"A STICK? ARE WE A DOG THAT HE COMES AT US WITH STICKS?", the generals felt both fury and annoyance at the same time.
The man walks towards the army and stopped just a few tens of meters ahead of them and he speaks, "I am here to uphold the peace of my kind that been since The Great War. I shall stop this war and end before it started. I heard and listened to the story. Be a wise commander and spare these men under your commands."
The sun hangs overhead and the cloud seems to dispersed that now the army front can see who the man is. He is a middle-aged man with a robe and a wooden staff that seems to exude a mysterious area.
"WHO ARE YOU TO STAND BEFORE US! KNOW YOUR PLACE DEMON! YOU DO NOT BELONG HERE!", one of the more hot-headed general spurs his horse and draws his sword before [General] Siegmund can say a word.
The middle-aged man stands still, seemingly ignorant of the death that will come.
The general arrived shortly after and swings his sword with full force, "You shall be honoured to die under my sword and killed with my famous skill, [MAGIC EDGE]!", the general shouts.
The general anticipating the feeling of tearing a flesh, but he frowned when he did not feel it. In fact, the middle-aged man suddenly becoming far away from him and he also saw his horse in front of the middle-aged man. His brain can''t catch up with his body when he crashed headfirst into the army and his white eyes rolled.
One of the captains marches forward, kneels down and checks upon the fainted general, "Gen-general Horvur fainted Sir!", the captain says in surprise.
This causes whispering discussion across the army especially the liutenants, captains and other generals at the forefront.
"HUMPH! What is there to fear? A greenhorn that only became a general by the influence of his family is sure to lose! SUCH A DISGRACE", other general speaks derisively.
"As tier-4 [General], I will show him that he can''t look down on us, human, just because of one trash!". The statement brought unhappy murmur from other part of the army but it quieted down when this general spur his horse forward and stops few meters before the middle-aged man.
"My name is General Earl Gleron Vursk, a tier-4 [General] that hails from the mighty noble House of Vursk of Valuean Empire. Introduce yourself commoner!", the general speaks aloud.
"I do not have a name, but my Master taught me the art of greatsword-wielding and he gave me his Noble Name. The honorable named Svard Darkfang.", the middle-aged man replied calmly.
"And yet you use a fragile shepherd stick. And such asinine name! That alone is enough to cause your death. Are you ready to die?", the general speaks condescendingly and draws his swords but at that moment, the middle aged suddenly disappears and only his voice rang in the general''s ears , "I hope you are!"
What the army, the captains, the liutenants and most of the generals saw are the general and the man spoke for a while, the man disappears and the general flown back to the army for unknown reason.
The same captain checks General Vursk and says with a look of fear, "Si... Sir-r-e. General Vursk is unconscious and his ribs are smashed. I-I-I... am afraid that without at least [High-grade] potion, h-he will be disab-ab-led. S-Sir!".
At this moment,
"Challenge me all you want but none may speak of insult of my Master''s Noble name.", The middle-aged man''s voice have a certain edge that anyone who hears it has shivers across their bodies. And it silences the desert. Suddenly, General Siegmund gets down from his ride, and disappears and appears at the exact spot the previous general stand, even before the rest of the generals can protest.
"Are your Master, by any chance, Blade Darkfang, The Raging Healer?", General Siegmund speaks to break the silence.
"That he was. And who might you be?", Svard asks.
"My name is General Grand Duke Siegmund Hoselvuz, Tier-5 [General] and General Commander from the United Human Empire of Idbar hailing from the humble House of Hoselvuz and serves as [Grand Duke] of Hoselvuz Empire.", General Siegmund replies.
"I am not sure if your Master spoke to you about me. It''s been a long time and I am but a tier-1 [Foot Soldiers] during The Great War. He taught me [Knight] skill that allowed me to survive and increase in tier. I shall never forget his grace. But you said, he was, is he....", General Siegmund speaks hesitatingly.
Svard stays silent for a while and speaks, "To answer your questions, My Master has left searching for his Master and he is even stronger now than you can remember. But be that as it may. I stand here to uphold the peace upon this land. ".
General Siegmund is very surprised, "His Master? Are you sure?".
"I am not sure whom you refer to but if you knew of my Master''s Master, that is what he said before he disappeared from my sight hours ago.", Svard says,
"Then this is a world-changing news indeed.", General Siegmund ponders for a while and turns to Svard.
"My army and I shall leave, there is bigger play afoot and I am sure those idiots would like to know.", the general disappears and re-appears in front of the army and speaks his next order.
"THE WAR IS OVER. I HEARD DISTURBING AND SURPRISING INFORMATION THAT ALLY EMPIRE NEEDS TO HEAR! ONWARDS TO HOSELVUZ EMPIRE! MARCH ON!".
The other generals are confused but obey the order. They spur their horse to the front while speaking orders for the captains and lieutenants to listen.
General Siegmund turns to Svard and says, "Hopefully we can meet again under different circumstances.", the general draws his sword and point to the sky.
Svard stayed silent for a while but then he mutters, "All things cured, all things died". The staff then turns into a white particle and the particles transforms into greyish black 2-meter great sword. Svard holds it and points to the sky, "and I oblige". A blink later and Svard is gone
General Siegmund is amazed to see that and muttered something before he ride his horse and chase after the army.
"[Alter Weapon], only HE can make such weapon. It seems that he is ALIVE after all this time."
[ ]
Thousands of kilometres away, Blade Darkfang is unhurriedly walking, seemingly aimlessly. He seems to notice something because suddenly he speeds up and disappear.
Blade is now at a sandy hill overlooking one of thousands desert city belonging to Yurus Kingdom, one of the 81 Kingdom of Demon Empire but he stops just a few meter from the precipice.
He is not alone.
With the back facing Blade, a figure can be seen standing on the edge of the hill.
Unmoved.
Stable.
The winds are howling around the cliff but the figure seems to be able resist the howling wind.
The figure wears black outfit covered with a robe that fluttered in the wind. Yet, even though black clothing in brown sandy hill is as conspicuous as torch in a dark cave, the figure seems to blends into the surrounding hills.
For an untrained eye, it will seems like the hill is devoid of any living being.
Time passes and not a word is spoken.
Although, the silence is not uncomtortable at all.
It seems like a meeting between old friends.
Time passes silently and Blade inches forward step by step until he stands just few feet away.
Finally, the figure turns to Blade and speaks, ¡°Blade Darkfang. It¡¯s been a long time. Almost 5,000 years. How is life my friend?¡± a pair of weapon strapped in the waist.
Blade seeminly unsurprised but whispers, ¡°Is that you?¡±
2nd Arm - Nameless
Knighthood lies above eternity;
it doesn¡¯t live off fame,
but rather deeds.
- Excerpt of a poem by [Master Poet] Dejan Stojanovi?,
[ ]
Eres Continent
Ereshian Empire
Silan Dukedom
Silan City
.
Eres continent is one of the smallest continents in the world of Euchent. Eres continent is ruled by Ereshian Empire. The one and only Empire to rule this continent. The Empire has stood for milleniums. The Empire is peaceful and Eres continent was said to be where all things begin. It was once said milleniums ago, a master of all crafts appeared in this continent. This master is so talented that he was sought by the Royal Family. He refused. Yet, the Great War begins and to protect the one place he called home, he created [Legendary] Arms. These arms kept the kingdom safe and strong. At the present, the kingdom grew to become the sole Empire to rule the continent.
Ereshian Empire is supported by Royal Family and the nobles. Silan Dukedom belong to one of the Founding Houses of Ereshian Empire, House of Silan. Viscount Leon Silan, told a story how he came upon a youth that is magnificently talented in crafts and magic. He supported and protects this youth up to the Great War. Where due to his supports, the kingdom survived and became the sole Empire. For this great contribution, Viscount Silan was promoted to a Duke.
Duke Evant Silan, descendants of Duke Cedric Aborgast Silan, now rules the dukedom from the capital city of Silan. Located just few kilometres from the highest mountain in the continent, Ereshia Mountain where a tier-4 [Mountain] Dungeon is also located. There is a lush and dense forest where herbs and beasts prosper located between the dungeon and the city. In the south is a bustling harbour that exports and imports various goods from across the continent and others.
Silan City is an oval-shaped city, with the longest diameter of 10km and the shortest is 5km. The city is surrounded by 30 meters tall wall with towers located every 50 meters. Silan City is by all means an average capital city. However, what most people came for is to see and study one of the few [Legendary] Arm of the Empire located in the duke-run smithy. The Arm was supposed to be forged to fight the beasts horde that overrun the dungeon and the mountain.
Or so the legends said¡
Yet it may come true soon.
[ ]
Year 4999
Post-War Era
xth Month,
xxth Day
Ereshia Mountain
Unknown location
.
An unknown figure is seen speeding through the hill of Ereshia Mountain. The speed is very inhuman-like. The unknown figure can be seen zigzagging through the trees and jumps over one cliff to another. Even when a loud hissing sound is heard from nearby.
¡°HISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!¡±, a 50-meter long beast appeared from the side, with a dark maw displaying two 1-meter fang, ready to crush the unknown figure.
The unknown figure suddenly disappeared with a flash of red and appeared just a few meters passed the beast. The beast continues to plummet in the direction it is going. A loud crash is heard and then silence. The unknown figure continues to speed forwards with occasional turns and twists while leaping over cliffs, rivers and any obstacles that comes in its way.
After few hours have gone past, the unknown figure arrives in front of a cave. Without hesitation, the unknown figure walks towards the inside the cave. It was dark inside and damp, with mosses growing everywhere and the stale air. The unknown figure walks further inside and stops, doing something of what seems like raising its limb. A bright-red flame appeared from nowhere, hovering above its limb which is a hand covered with dark-red gauntlet. The flame illuminates the whole cave and if someone see this scene, it should be clear that the figure is actually a humanoid, more precisely, a pantherkin. From the flowing black hair, the oval face and the curves shaped by the dark-red armour, it is clear upon a glance that it is a woman.
She has a tanned skin, probably from training and fighting under the sun from too long. Yet, it only adds to the exoticness of her beauty. Under the black hair, a panther-like ear can be seen slips into view when she moves. She continues walking further inside with one hand hovering below the flame and the other hand holding a 2-meter black spear. If someone looks more closely, there is a red flash that flows in the spear. It glows, throbbed, flows and disappears inside a vein-like pattern on the spear.
After few more hours walking inside the cave, with all its twist and turns.
¡°ROAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRR!¡±.
A loud roar suddenly shakes the whole cave. The woman pantherkin come upon a very gruesome sight, rotting carcasses of what it seems like deer-like and boar-like creatures spread over a ten-or-more meter diameter cavern.
¡°ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRR!!¡±,
Even louder roar is heard from a huge furry mass inside the cavern.
The woman, without hesitation, throws the fire hovering her palm toward the mass. An instant later, the fire hit, not the mass but just a few cm off its side. It doesn¡¯t matter because the burning caused by the fire attract the beast¡¯ attention.
The beast stood on its hindleg and as it senses something, it turns its 5-meter tall body towards the woman. The pantherkin forms another flame only this time it is blacker than red. The beast seems to sense something dangerous about the flame that it flinches for an instant but what comes next is another loud roar.
¡°ROOOOOOOOOOARRRRR!¡±.
Then the beast comes pouncing towards the woman. Just in a few seconds, the beast appeared in front of the woman and swipe a log-like limb with claws that glints with sharpness. The woman extinguishes the flame that she holds and meet the claw with her bare hand. The beast seems to realize that the claw is gripped with enormous strength that it can¡¯t overpowers. It launches another claw swipe but before its claw managed to move more than a cm, The woman turns around and does a shoulder throw which throws the beast overhead and slams its body into the ground which creates a small tremor inside the cave. While still holding the beast¡¯s limb, she pulls her other hand, makes a fist and slams it into the beast¡¯ head. It causes the head to explode, white and gray matter splattered on the floor of the cavern. The body of the bear convulses and an instant later, it lays still on the ground.
She releases the beast¡¯ limb and take a look around the cave. She closes her eyes and an instant later, opens her eyes while muttering, ¡°If this weak beast is here, there is no way that he is here.¡±. She sighs and a second later can be seen speeding towards the same path where she arrived from. If one checked the cave again, the might be surprised from the gore and blood near the cavern passageways yet not corpse or body that can hold that much blood.
.
In the gate of Silan City, a young tier-1 [City Guard] that man the gates sees something on the horizon, a cloud of dust is seen approaching, seemingly caused by a huge figure speeding towards the gate.
¡°OH NO! SOUND THE ALARM! APPROXIMATION of TIER-3 OR ABOVE BEAST! TIER-4 [City Protector] OR [Knight] IS REQUIRED!¡±, a look of horror appears on the young man. Yet, an older man beside him, knocks the young man in the head.
¡°OUCH! WHAT WAS THAT FOR! THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO PLAY AROUND! CAN¡¯T YOU SEE!¡±, the young man protests aloud.
¡°AMATEUR! Don¡¯t they teach you anything? Beast that high-ranking will never come alone. You see a cloud of dust and you ask to sound the alarm??¡±, the older man scolds the young man.
¡°What is that then? If it is not a beast then what is it?¡±, the young man replies stubbornly.
The older man sighs and says, ¡°You will see soon enough. What¡¯s coming is certainly not as dangerous as you think.¡± The old man added a beat later, ¡±to us that is.¡±.
What The older man said ring true. A moment later, a smaller figure can be seen underneath the huge mass. It is none other than the woman pantherkin that brought her trophy from the cavern, a tier-4 [Lycan Bear], prized from its steel-like claws, nutritious meat, and a gallbladder that is vital ingredients for tier-3 [Antidote].
The woman is speeding through and stops before the gate.
¡°A-a-a-a-wa-wa-wa.¡±, The young man looks shocked with jaw opening and closing upon seeing who stops at the gate. Yet before he can mutter something, the older man speaks first.
¡°Lady Ziva! I could see the hunt is successful. Did you manage to find what you were looking for?¡±, the older man salutes.
¡°Unfortunately no. But still, I managed to hunt the beast that I think been snatching the preys of the city¡¯s [Hunter]. Could you manage this please?¡±, Lady Ziva replies.
¡°Yes Ma¡¯am. I also been notified that the duke is looking for you. I could send a note using the [Orb] to notify him. The courier also said that you can rest before coming to meet the duke.¡±, the older man speaks respectfully.
¡°I will be fine. Could you let the barracks know that there is a dead tier-4 [Striking Serpent] in the forest maybe 10-20 km from here towards the northeast? I think the city can use more fresh meat and I am sure the city¡¯s armory can make use of the fang and the skin.¡±, Lady Ziva said while leaping the 30 m wall to enter the city.
¡°WHA-¡°, the older man is shocked and before he can continue, the pantherkin, Lady Ziva, disappear into the city wall.
After a second, the older man snaps back to reality and slaps the younger man¡¯s shoulder and said it sternly, ¡°Snap out of it will ya!¡±
¡°Who is she?¡± The younger man asks.
¡°She is Lady Ziva Excandesc. A [Viscount] under the service of Duke Silan and one of the few 7th Tier master of this continent or even the whole realm! There was a gossip that she is been serving Silan Dukedom for at least few decades! Unbelievable right?¡±, the older man replies passionately.
¡°WOOOOOAH~¡±, the younger man speaks with awe, but he is snapped by the older man.
¡°Oy! Now get to that barracks and convey what Lady Ziva wants. The city is going to have a party today!¡±, the older man commands the younger man.
The younger man grumbles but before the older man knocks his head, the young man can be seen running towards the gate side entrance and to the city.
[ ]
[Ziva¡¯s POV]
¡°5 milleniums has passed since the Great War. No trace of him was ever found since then. Where is he?¡±, I thought. I still remember that day when I first met him just as fresh as the morning dew.
.
Darkness around me.
I walk and walk. Rest when I am tired and continue to walk.
Never hunger.
Never thirsty.
Neverending walk.
Yet a voice called me from the darkness.
¡°What is your name?¡±,
¡°None¡±, I whispered.
I have no recollection of anything that I could call mine. Been that way as long as I remember.
There is chuckle from the shadow.
No. A pair of eye glimmer from the shadows.
Yet I am not afraid.
Somehow.
Another chuckle, ¡°Bloodfire flows in your vein. Hmm¡ Interesting¡. A-ha. Scorchling ¡±.
Long silence. And the voice yet spoke once again.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
¡°Atavism? Accident or a purpose in altering her genetics? I would need to check her phylogenetics though to be sure.¡±
Another long silence. Another chuckle.
¡°It is not my field anymore anyway. I am a smith in this world and I will make greatest weapon ever!¡±, the voice ring in my ear.
Yet it sounds gentle.
More voices. More questions.
¡°To do that I will need you.¡±
¡°Are you willing?¡±
¡°I invoke [Call of the Broken], I call you Ziva so you may be bright as fire flows in your vein. Burn the injustice and fuel the flame of righteousness with your wrath. Spare the pure, save the merciful. No longer are you broken. You are Ziva Excandesc.¡±
.
Warm light covered me and when I am conscious of myself. I was in a room. Simple room, in a simple bed yet I felt warm somehow.
¡°You are awake! GOOD!¡±.
I turned to the source of that sound and I see a man, might be in his thirties, black hair, black pupil, wearing black tunic, pants, robe, even the swordsheath is black. All those seems suspicious but I saw a glint of relief? Joy? I think. Somehow I am no longer in darkness.
¡°It¡¯s been a few days since I found you. Apologies that I brought you here without permission. You seems in need of help and I offer it to you. What is your name?¡±
¡°I..¡±, My throat hurts. Not in a bad way but it seems unfamiliar.
¡°OH! Apologies! Here is a soup and water! Should have done that first. Aahahah¡±, the man seems nervous but I took the soup and water gladly.
I drank the soup and water in just under a minute. The man seems unfazed with my attitude.
¡°I am sorry.¡± I said nervously, ¡°My name is Ziva Excandesc, it means to be bright, and to burn, not for wrath but with wrath.¡± Somehow I am sure of those meaning.
I feels my cheek as if it is on fire. I turn to him and just an instant but I thought I saw a glimpse of amusement. My heart thumped for a moment. I put my head down to think. It seems familiar somehow but I can¡¯t put my finger on it why. His next question brings my mind back.
¡°Where are you going?¡±, I turn to him and there it is again.
I am not mistaken. That glint passed by again. The same amusement.
¡°I am not sure.¡±, I said.
¡°How about coming with me? I might need some company. You might find your purpose in a journey.¡±
It took me a while to reply but I replied, unsure, ¡°Yes. I would like to come with you.¡± But I added with conviction, ¡°I WILL find my purpose¡±.
¡°Good!¡± The man get up and walked. Just before he got out of the room. He turned and said, ¡°Apologies. The name is Silva. I am but a fledgling smith. Yet well versed in all kind of metal, magic and science.¡±
He gestured on a small desk beside me which I see now: Folded black and red cloth of some design.
¡°I put clean clothes in the desk beside you. Just come out whenever you are ready.¡±
It took a while for me to realise what he meant. I look down and under the bedsheet, I am naked!
An involuntary scream of shame come out of me. ¡°AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!¡±, I might imagined this but I thought I heard a chuckle, the same chuckle that my dream had. I am not e certain now f that was a dream
[ ]
I smiled at that thought. His prowess in handling all manner of weapon AND creating them drew the attention of unwanted nobles. Viscount Shilan may be one of the few, that instead of capturing and imprisoning us, thought to give us as much space as possible. At the end, Viscount Shilan took us in and I served as [Knight]. His [Knight] much to his surprise.
To honor that help, I vowed my protection, as miniscule as I can to the house that my Master think highly. I broke that vow once. To serve as my Master¡¯s shield and spear. And I returned here once more.
Yet I might break that vow once again.
I can feel it. I have no idea where or how but he is near. I can feel it.
¡°Lady Ziva? Duke Shilan is waiting for you.¡±
A voice broke through my thoughts. A middle aged man, stood before a massive gate, wearing, well.. perfect everything.
¡°George. Either very good news OR a very bad ones that the head butler¡ NO, a tier-5 [Majordomo], the one of the few unique hidden job of tier-4 [Staff Master I], to greet a mere [Viscount].¡± I said.
The butler, [Majordomo] George Kingsman bowed in a perfect angle and said, ¡°Not at all, Madam. The main staff knew your real noble rank and it is more than just mere [Viscount].¡±
¡°It is about your Master." George turns serious, "Duke Shilan found a trace¨C¡°
I never let him finished because in my excitement, I invoke [Lesser Teleport] to get to Duke Shilan¡¯s parlor.
.
¡°FOR THE SAKE OF¨C¡°.
My skill brought me exactly in front of a desk, a majestic desk but the beauty of such wood was covered by stacks and stacks of paper. And the shocked voice is, as I suspected, comes from¡
¡°Duke Shilan, my apologies in coming so abruptly and looking from the state of your tea, apologies in surprising you immensely.¡±
Duke Shilan, a middle-aged man but in reality is in his 70s, with a spilled tea on his desk, sighed and sits down.
He pulled out a transparent ball with runes and circuit inside and out the ball and spoke ¡°Eva, do send one of your best maid with a skill [Clean Stain], as high as we have as well as a fresh pot of tea.. ¡± he glanced at me and spoke to the orb, ¡±medium-rare steak of Diamond Armadillo with sides of roasted Flame Turkey legs and those exploding drinks, colala¨C¡°,
A voice cuts out and spoke out sternly from the Orb, ¡°It is called Coca-cola, Duke. It is from Varim continent, although the origin might be concerning an individual that shook the world millenniums ago. In fact¨C¡°
This time the Duke cuts off, ¡°Yes yes, my goodness Eva, *sigh* as usual, you are very critical. I will remember the name. Next time. Could you prepare and send them up as fast as you can please? Thank you.¡±
Eva spoke again, unashamed, ¡°Very well. I heard Lady Viscount Ziva is here and is in your parlour if George guess correctly. Diamond Armadillo steak, double stacked, with seasonal vegetables¨C¡°,
I frowned at that but Eva, as Tier-5 [Imperial Headmaster] another hidden job-holder might be thinking to balance my unhealthy eating habit consisting of only meat.
¡°¨Cas sides, with Coca-cola as refreshment and as Lady Ziva habit, chocolate cake as reward from eradicating Tier-4 Lycan Bear and Striking Serpent in the Forest. I would think that to suffice unless Your Lordship would like to add anything more?¡±
¡°WAIT WHAT? EVA! EVA! WHAT DID YOU SAY?¡±, yet only silence replied back.
Duke Shilan sighed again and put the Communication Orb back to his pocket.
I opened my mouth since I cannot contain my excitement, ¡°Apologies duke, but I heard you have news about my Master??¡±
[ ]
Duke Evant Shilan¡¯s POV
¡°¨C double stacked¨C¡±, I groaned inwardly to heard that. How could I not think about that!
¡°¨CTier-4 Lycan Bear and Striking Serpent¨C¡°, and another fact hit me in the head.
Flustered I asked, ¡°WAIT WHAT? EVA! EVA! WHAT DID YOU SAY?¡±, and as expected, I could say, only silence was on the other line.
I sighed again while thinking, I have the best talent due to Origin Skill from my Ancestors [Call for Talents] yet somehow I always think if I am worthy of it¨C.
An excited voice snapped my focus back.
¡°Apologies duke, but I heard you have news about my Master??¡±,
In front of me, the cause of my spilled tea, is Lady Viscount Ziva Excandesc and as Eva suspected by her emphasis, is not mere [Viscount] but [Grand Duke], a title held by select and classified few. The reason? She went to the Great War with the only [Supreme Smith] in history, the only Tier-7 [Grand Spearmaster] in this Empire, saving the Empire during the Great War which is done only because of their association with my ancestors, Leon Shilan, a mere Viscount at the time. Pick one of those feats. Not including the many beasts and dangers they solved.
There might be more that even the Empire is not aware of but that we are happy enough not to pry, [Grand Duke] and [Grand Spearmaster] is enough to deter any forces. Even if ANY forces tried to, I heard there were quite unfortunate or I should say fortunate incidents happening. And it just stopped. Mysterious indeed but I for one, will not pry further. My ancestors trust them and so will I.
¡°Well well, Lady Ziva, excuse my ill-manner, do sit down. Please.¡±
I lead Lady Ziva into the table where I hold my daily meeting. Into the central chair.
Before she protests, I said, ¡°It is just seems right to give a [Grand Duke] the central chair. Please sit. The refreshment is coming¨C¡°
As expected of Eva, I heard a knock.
¡±Your Lordship, as commanded by Head Maid, I believe refreshment and cleaning is needed?¡±.
¡°Yes, Lillian, please come in.¡±, I said
¡°Yes Sir.¡±
I see a maid entering the parlour with a double stacked steak, turkey legs and Colal¨C, umm, Coca-cola. Have I mentioned those three dishes will fill half of my meeting table that usually hosts close to twenty people?
The maid arranges the dishes deftly and swiftly. She glides over to my desk, clean up the tea that stained, hopefully no more, my papework. Bows to me and disappear as fast as she appears. I still wondering if each of my staff possess a maid-specific Origin Skill [Walk Without Sound and Disappear as Required] or something.
When I saw Lillian exits the parlour, I turn to Lady Ziva and not surprising, she is halfway through the steak AND the legs.
¡°Yes Lady Ziva, after scouring the forest and villages, there were some news that an earthquake was heard in the vicinity of Ereshian Mountain. A small one but it was so unheard of that some of the villages remembered it. Unfortunately, Tier-5 beasts are lurking, and I am afraid that we simply do not have the power to scour the peak.
¡°IfwillfcheckfoncfeIfamfdone¨C ¡°
¡°Excuse me Lady Ziva, but I speak for my personal concern and the concern of the Empire a whole, do take your time and finish the refreshment at your leisure before you are choked by the very thing you hunted yesterday¡±.
Lady Ziva, even through the dark skin, I could see her blush, a small win for today.
Not a minute later, Lady Ziva finished everything and turn to me.
¡°Apologies Duke for my ill-manner, both from the teleport and my excitement.¡±
¡°I could say, it goes without saying that even though my manor has been enhanced with various magic runes, nothing can stop someone at your caliber. No harm done, as you can see, even my paperwork was free of stain¡±
Another small blush, another win.
¡°Now correct me if I am wrong, are you thinking of going to the peak?¡±
A glint of excitement again flashed through Lady Ziva¡¯s eyes.
¡°Yes. I find my purpose in him and I shall find him once more¡±.
¡°If that is the case, you might need this.¡±, I looked at my Spatial Ring, an artifact from my father, passed down from his father and his father before him. A ring exactly built to prevent theft and tier-9 [Spell Break] spell but in expense of storage capacity.
None of this matter since it was only used to hold two artifact, [Ancient] level spear and shield. That by themselves can prevent theft and withstand even tier-10 [Weapon Break] spell.
Just a thought and the artifact appear on the table, replacing the plates and goblets of refreshments.
On the table, there it is, a spear and a shield, the simplest weapon that seems so usual, even tier-0 [Recruit] may not want to use it.
Yet, make no mistake. I saw how the spear and shield withstood launch and withstand barrage and barrage of attacks. No scratch was found ever, to tarnish the spear blade nor the shield.
Lady Ziva looked at it with nostalgia.
I am sure aware of the stories passed down to me from millenniums ago.
.
5 heroes of old
The Raging Healer, holding in his hands, staff and sword.
Enemies will be broken and ally will be restored.
The Fortress, holding in her hands, spear and shield.
Bear loyalty and the weapon will never yield
.
I am sure that last part might be a bit of exaggeration. Surely no weapon can be enhanced by loyalty¨C
I saw Lady Ziva picked the artifact up and I swore by my Ancestors, it gleams and flashed a sheen. The kind of sheen that I only saw in the purest mithril. Not that I have seen pure pure mithril¡
¡°Still as perfect as when I first held it millennia ago.¡±.
She stands up, went around the table and in the middle of the parlour, does an ancient salute, the kind that a retainer does before he or she head to battle where they knew they might die.
Lady Ziva hold the spear in her left and shield on her right. She kneeled, with her left leg upright and right knee touches the floor. She clasped her hands, with her shield in front and spear upright. And she spoke the ancient rite,
¡°Here I serve and
There, death I deserve.
To break my vow,
And to death I bow.
May this House never fall,
May my sacrifice stands tall.¡±
I stood up in response and continue as if my ancestors stood here instead of me,
¡°Your sacrifice resolute
Your deed shall be the Root.
For a seed must die
To pierce the sky.
Death you may deserve
but a Hero shall you emerge.¡±
I finished the rite and something snapped.
¡°Lady Ziva, if I am not wrong, my ancestors did this rite with you. And I shall quote him on this occasion as well.¡±
Lady Ziva smiled, ¡°Duke Shilan, it has been a pleasure serving you but higher calling awaits me.¡±
I nodded, ¡°I understand Lady Ziva, from now on, you are no longer in servitude of my House nor shall you position will be replaced. As a [Duke], I will hold your position open. I believe you will come back. After all, this is your home as well as theirs.¡±
Lady Ziva smiled and I saw her eyes moisten if any and before I offer anything else¨C
¡°[Lesser Teleport]¡±
And there she went. There are big changes happening and I can feel it.
But in the meantime, I have more pressing matter.
I pulled out my Comm-Orb as my staff like to call it. Except Eva of course.
¡°Eva, ask Lillian over please, my ring is full of dishes and goblets that needs not dirty my storage space¡±. I speak over the Orb.
Silence. I open my mouth ¡°Ev¨C¡°, and before I finish, Eva stern voice come over.
¡°Your Lordship, did I hear that correctly? Tier-9 [Mythical] [Aether Ring] is used to house DISHES and GOBLETS?¡±, and suddenly her voice thundered over. ¡°I will be there at once!¡±
I smiled, another small win today, another pressing matter done.
I moved over to my working desk, where many other not-less-important matters still needs to be done.
A freezing atmosphere suddenly flooded the room. I felt the chill but before she said anything.
¡°Yes Eva, do come in.¡±
I could imagine her shock and smiled upon that thought. Another small win. Or should I say big win?
¡°YOUR LORDSHIP¨C¡°,
¡°Yes Eva, please do calm down. It is unbecoming of a [Duke]¡¯s Head Maid yes? Tea?¡±, I offered with a smile.
[ ]
Ziva¡¯s POV
I teleported into the vicinity of of Ereshian Forest and started running toward the other side of the forest.
I ran
I ran
I ran
Beasts attacked from all sides.
Tier-5 Lycan Bear Lord
Tier-6 Serpent Queen
Tier-5 Doom Tiger
Tier-5 Blood Treant
And I keep slashing and slashing.
I lost count after I slew dozens of beast.
Might be bad for the ecology but I only have one goal.
Ereshian Mountain top.
.
Finally, I am here.
Day turned to night and I saw a glimmer.
I ran and in the mountain crater, I saw fire.
Not unlike fire that I saw before, it was small, unimpressive in any case.
Yet, once a while, I saw a flash. So strong that my eyes with my resistance, felt its brightness.
And I saw him.
I jumped.
[ ]
A man seemingly blended into the dark of the night, only visible due to the occasional flare of the small fire in front of him.
¡°Ah¡..¡±, he spoke,
¡°I see that the Fire has matured¡ magnificently¡±, he spoke and what it seems like petting the fire.
The fire grew in brightness, no longer giving occasional flare of brightness but constantly shining, albeit less intense.
¡°Ah, my dear.¡± The man chuckled, ¡°Yes, you too have grown magnificently.¡±
The flame flickers
The man seems to understood what is going one for he spoke, ¡°Now now. Be calm please. Yes yes, I am aware. I understand. My apologies for leaving you. But now, now is time don¡¯t you think?¡±.
The man proceeds to grab the flame and whispers, ¡°[Call of the Broken]¡±.
The flame grew exponentially larger yet it offers no light nor brightness, in contrast to the previous display of light.
Yet at this moment, a voice cuts off
¡°You are not Master Silva¡°. A voice spoke haltingly.
¡°You were that shadow. The eye that glimmers in the darkness.¡±
A silhouette of a lithe woman comes forward. ¡°
After all this time? Why? How?¡±.
The flame somehow understood and give out the warmest display of light to the newcomer.
Lady Ziva Excandesc.
The highest levelled [Grand Spearmaster] of the continent, maybe the world. The only Noble in history that did vow-breaking rite and bring honor in exchange of death. Currently standing face to face with someone she dreamt long ago.
The man, seems not surprised, turns to face the Lady.
¡°Ahhh¡. Ziva Excandesc. So we meet once again.¡±. The man chuckled.
The man was wearing robe that seems to enable him to blend to the night. His cowl, in addition the fire in his hands, weirdly enough, offer no illumination to his face.
¡°Show your face please.¡±, Lady Ziva, the strongest Fortress seemingly so weak. As if to return to that time where she was alone.
¡°Ah. Apologies! I never thought that I will meet you today, after all this time, at this circumstance¡±.
The flame, understanding his intention somehow, bring out light to the darkness. Seemingly impossible, not one crack or crevices is hidden enough from the light.
The light shines towards the man¡¯s face.
Lady Ziva in her surprise, spoke aloud, ¡°YOU¨C¡°
The flame in the man¡¯s hand glimmer in excitement.
Yet the man only smiled in response.
3rd Arm - Pankration
If you must break the law, do it to seize power: in all other cases observe it.
- [Grand General] Julius Caesar
Every new beginning comes from some other beginning¡¯s end
- [Grand Orator] [Great Grandtutor] Seneca the Elder
[ ]
Shem Continent
.
The Continent of Names. Dubbed so due to hundreds or thousands of conflicts that ravaged the lands. In the millenniums following the Great War, empires begin and end, kingdom rise and fall, cities were built yet torn the next. Countless warriors, generals, scholars, kings and emperor shed their blood in the lands. Most without burials. It is likely that the soil anyone steps on anywhere on the continent was the burial site of the greatest heroes lived centuries past.
As a continent with largest land mass, the weather ranges from the coldest winter from the Ocean of Ish to the hottest summer of Idbar. It is no surprise that many exotic and magical plants, ores, minerals can be found here. Therefore, many has ventures to the different forests, swamps, caves to find [Dungeons] rich with gems and gold; [Legacy], mighty inheritance of tier-9 [Supreme] Jobkeeper or [Trials], guidance of heroes past.
Many cities, kingdoms and empires were built exactly on those locations. Some, being more powerful than the others, invaded and seized these powers. However, a twist of fate befell upon these individuals.
A powerful Empire controlling two-third of the continent, with hundreds of hidden Job Masters and dozens of Grand Jobkeeper, were overran by beasts and monsters from dozens different dungeon.
Level 495 [Great General] betrayed a king but deemed unworthy by the very same [Legacy] he conquered, cursed to bring death in the battlefield both to enemies and allies alike. Finally he was betrayed and killed by the very same prince he served for bringing death upon the Kingdom.
None can survive the [Trials] of [Law Guardian] Egilhard, yet one little boy survived because of his wits and courage. Nobles immediately flocked to recruit him as a retainer with promises of riches and ranks. He refused, saying he succeeded because of his mom and sister handmade bracelet made from Licinthias-flower. The nobles, enraged with his refusal, petition the king to eradicate the village. The king displeased with the commoner, accept the petition and proceeded to send an army to eradicate the villages and to seize whatever relic the boy has.
Yet the king misunderstood something.
[Trials] of the Law not only gives Energies but also guarantee of protection.
Enhanced by the Law, the boy became a man when he rallied villagers, towns inhabitants, city dwellers to fight against injustices and oppression by the nobles. The small army stood no chance when the man slaughtered platoons of soldiers and captains. He marched to the capital to demand justice.
He got it.
The king along with the imperial nobles begged and begged for mercies after armies after armies slaughtered. Those that survives turned to the man recognised by the Law. Those that doesn¡¯t turned to the Law and receives no mercy.
The boy, the man, the hero, became a king when he seized the power of the throne and became [Supreme Emperor] when he seized the hearts of the people.
Yet history shall repeat itself.
[ ]
Shem Continent
Licinthias Kingdom
Special District of Rudbeck
Capital City of Rudbeck
.
The Imperial palace has stood for centuries if not millennia. First built by Alphonse the Champion, the [Supreme Emperor] of the once mighty Licinthias Empire. Centuries past and the once strong Empire was weakened to a sliver of its pervious territory. Only given respect and authority because of its [Trials], the very same that give Alphonse the Champion his power.
Only few dared to seize the capital.
Yet, many have tried but felled by the Champion himself. Some, however, only afraid of the many whispers from the Champion himself.
¡°I destroyed armies, I slaughtered kings and emperors. Yet do not be afraid of me that destroyed bodies. Be afraid of those that can destroy bodies and souls. The [Trials] of the Law is alive.¡±
None can understand what the Champion said. Yet, after many spies and armies never survived the [Trials], Licinthias enjoyed period of peace.
Until the whisper was long forgotten and Licinthias suffered smaller attacks throughout the territory until its territory become like in the present.
Some however, still believes in the guarantee of protection given by the [Trials].
.
Asgeir Egilhard was one that you will use the term halfling on. What makes Asgeir even more unusual, was where his other half is from. Dragon. Asgeir belonged to the bloodlines of Egilhard, one of the 5 heroes that participated in the Great Wars millennia ago. Only the bloodlines of Egilhard can becomes the [Keeper of Trials], the guardian of [Trials] of Law. Hence, Asgeir Egilhard, a tier-5 [Master Wizard] with hidden job [Law Scholar] is also the most powerful figures of the Kingdom. Not even other empires dare to slight him.
The current king, Evern Reimart ev Licinthias just ascended to the throne because the previous king allegedly died during an excursion. King Evern is anything like his ancestor.
Asgeir is currently standing in the balcony of his study, located on the highest tower in the palace with a look of worry flashed his face. His back hunched and hands in tremor, both are signs of the weakening and aging of the halfling. Yet, one look and one can see abundance of vitality surrounding him. Eyes still glimmers with curiosity and mind sharp full of intelligence, honed by decades of study of magic and people. Countless people, both commoners and nobles, smart and fools alike, went under his tutelage.
As [Keeper of Trials], sharp eye for people is needed, to ensure the [Trials] passed on to those that are worthy and to ensure no one dies because they are unworthy. Such is his job for the past century.
Yet no one passed the [Trials].
Other empires and stronger kingdom demanded the [Trials] to be open to all nations and people if no Champion come to light. The current king was tempted by the promise of riches and aids from the other nations. Exacerbated by the advices given to the king by the nobles.
¡°What is the use of empty [Trials]? Food and resources are much better for our people!¡±
¡°What the [Minister] Verner is correct! We should definitely open the [Trials].¡±
¡°Hear hear! The tier-3 [Minister] has spoken!¡±
Similar opinions were heard in the street. The poor and the hungry demanded for the empty [Trials] to be opened. They did not care on what the [Trials] symbolise. They only care for the food on the table.
Asgeir obviously know what happened. Why the nobles pushed for the aids and resources. Why the [Trials] was deemed empty. Why the other nations demanded to access the [Trials].
A knock on the door disrupt his thoughts.
¡°Yes? Come inside please Pieter. It took you a while.¡±, [Master Wizard] Asgeir entered back to his study and sit reclined hovering few cm above the reclining chair that sat behind a large desk.
¡°Entering, Sir Asgeir.¡±, the boy, seems barely 15-years old, entered the huge spacious study, seemingly narrow and out of space due to many tomes, artifacts and papers scattered in various places.
Pieter, careful not to step upon the scattered items in the study, seems to be out of breath upon arriving in front of the desk.
¡°Do you have it?¡±
¡°Yes Sir, I have it. Why do you need it? Do you know how many boys born in the past century are named Alphonse?¡±
¡°Approximately 2,112,020 boys. Believe me. I count.¡±, Asgeir said calmly.
Pieter, bringing a sheet of paper forward, grumbles, ¡°You do know I have not reached the next tier in Desramaut¡¯s Advanced Formula in Weight and Space.¡±
Pieter put both his hands on the paper, a complicated magic circuit appears on the sheet of paper and suddenly a thick sheaf of paper appeared.
¡°2000 sheets of paper with THAT much informations? Easily weighs dozens of kilogram!¡±.
Asgeir sits upright, stares on the sheaf of paper and muttered, ¡°1980.35% reduction of volume followed by only 19.75% of mass reduction.¡±.
Asgeir turns to Pieter and said, ¡°Not bad¡±.
A hint of smile creeps in Pieter¡¯s face but it freezes the next moment.
¡°But not good enough.¡±, Asgeir continued, ¡°Desramaut¡¯s Law of Proportionality defines that mass and volume correlated with density of the matter. Simply put, erase one property¡¡±, Asgeir waves and a simpler magic circuit appears on the sheaf of paper. ¡°And your magic shall not be bound by physical matter¡±. Asgeir waves again and the sheaf of papers disappear, replacing on its place, a sheet of paper.
Asgeir, using a flick of his hand, make the paper float to Pieter. Pieter getting ready to accept the paper brace for its weigh. Asgeir flicks his hand and Pieter glumly look as the paper floats down to his hands.
¡°BUT YOU ARE TIER-6 [Master Wizard]! Including your new hidden Jobkeeper, [Law Savant]. It is not fair to compare your skill with mine. I am just a mere tier-3 [Master] of magic.¡±, Pieter grumbles
Asgeir calmly said, ¡°Act your age please Pieter, I may be older than you but you are into your 202 year of age, are you not?¡±.
Pieter shouts, ¡°200 and 1! Do not make me older than it should be!¡±.
¡°Of course. Apologies.¡±, Asgeir smiles and said, ¡°but do give a break to an old man.¡±, with a simple wave, the sheet of paper floats back to Asgeir¡¯s desk and turns to sheaf of paper. Asgeir takes one and started reading.
Pieter, unashamed, asked, ¡°Why you need these data? Do you know how many officials I need to masquerade as to get these information?¡±.
Asgeir turns to Pieter with serious gaze, ¡°Classified, I am afraid. Yet, know this, the fate of this Kingdom depends on it.¡±, and he keeps reading.
Pieter, never sees his tutor looked so serious and solemn, turned quiet and walk to the side. Closing his eyes and begin to meditate.
¡°I will master the next tier. I swear in the name of direct pupil of [Master Wizard] Egilhard,¡±, Pieter¡¯s voice drifted over.
Asgeir, still has its attention to the paper he is reading, smiles.
¡°I know you will.¡±
.
In the deepest part of the palace, inside an opulent bedroom, a man can be seen, not alone but with multiple women in all sides. Some with just minimum clothing to cover sensitive parts, some wearing only robes. Lively voices can be heard even from closed doors.
¡°Kyaaaa. Your majesty, that is my cheek. The grapes is in my hands.¡±, laughters can be heard from the man himself.
¡°AHAHAHHA. Yet your cheek is as red as grape, as sweet as wine, as fragrant as flowers yet not as sour. Why should I eat the grape when I have better.¡±, the man said accompanied by giggling from the women.
¡°Ahhhnnn, it is not fair your Majesty¡±, nearly all women throw themselves into the man.
¡°We want you to eat us too.¡±, another woman said.
¡°My lips are redder and sweeter.¡±, another woman moves forward with bravery.
The man seems even more excited, throw open his arms and shouted, ¡°GYAHAHAHAH! Come come! I shall eat your cheek and your lips until I am satisfied. Come to MEEEEEEEEE.¡±.
.
After warfare in the bedroom, the man, dressed in white shirts, red pants, with golden-red robe, exited the bedroom smiling and call upon his steward.
¡°Give out 100 gold for each woman and put them into the Eastern Wing. There are much more to be enjoyed tonight.¡± A beat later, ¡°Is the emissary from Syras Empire in the drawing room?¡±
¡°Yes, Your majesty Evern. He has been waiting for quite some time.¡±, the steward said with noticeable trace of displeasure.
Yes, the man is the King Evern Reimart ev Licinthias, the current and 106th King of Licinthias Kingdom. The man is mediocre in every aspect that even the Council was reluctant to choose him. With no other choice to wait until Champion emerges and to survive, Evern Reimart, which is closest relative of the previous king, hailing from the House of Duke Reimart, ascended to the throne. Fortunately, he is not interested in running the Kingdom. The affairs were ran by the Council, which has done a good job of not exacerbating the current situation even further. Yet, his interest on not running the Kingdom might ends up with him ruining the Kingdom.
King Evern ignored the displeasure, if he even notices it all, and walks toward the drawing room, specific room to entertain the guest of state.
¡°AHAHAHAHA, sure sure. I will apologise to him. It is partially his fault anyway from bringing me those perfect women. I swore by my ancestors, Alphonse the Champion, I could taste aged wine in every part of their bodies. GYAHAHAHAH.¡±
The steward, his face twitching, said, ¡°Sir¡¡±
King Evern, turned toward the steward, and frowned, ¡°Yes yes. By the hornmold of dragon, relax would you. I am ascended to become a king. Can¡¯t I just enjoy myself? Should I call the Imperial Guard to execute you for treason!¡±, King Evern gazes into the steward and glared.
The steward panicked, kneeled down, ¡°N-no Sire. It is not my intention! Just?¡±,
King Evern breaks into laughter that echoes through the hall, ¡°GAHAHAHAH! Just kidding. That is why Edstrom. Relax a bit would you? Do as I command.¡±, King Evern breaks into another bout of laughter.
Still laughing, King Evern turned and continue walking toward the drawing room.
Edstrom, no longer in panic, stands up and gaze upon the back of the King. Sighing, ¡°Hhhhh¡ if only that accident never happens.¡±, and he walked, quickening his steps to match with the King.
.
In another wing of the palace, a man with flamboyant feathered hat, with purple and red robe is sitting in a wide sofa. His high cheek bones a sign of noble descent is carved with smile. Just as he wants to reach for another refreshment spread on a table, he hears laughter echoing from the hallway. Adorning an even bigger smile, he stands up and straighten out any nonexistent crease. At that moment, he hears the doors swing open and King Evern walks in.
¡°Emissary Marius!! Apologies on making you wait for so long. The inspection last night lasted, well, late into the night.¡±, King Evern said.
King Evern proceeds to sit down in one of the sofas and enjoying the refreshment, seemingly ignoring the emissary.
The emissary seems unperturbed by this display. Emissary Marius, following suit, proceed to sit at the same sofa as he sat previously and takes the refreshment that he did not had the chance to eat.
Both the king and the emissary seems comfortable just enjoying the refreshment. The emissary begin conversing, ¡°So, King Evern, my emperor needs a definitive answer on that matter.¡±. Emissary Marius paused to see the King reaction and looking at King Evern seems undisturbed with the topic, continued talking, ¡°The quicker you have reached a decision, the faster aids can come to your kingdom. Don¡¯t you agree?¡±.
King Evern, still focusing on the refreshment and seemingly not at all interested at the topic. Yet Emissary Marius, as a tier-3 [Master] Negotiator, waited patiently.
Finally, after dozens of soft cakes later, King Evern speaks.
¡°Apologies again, Emissary. Due to the inspection last night, I do not have proper breakfast. Now that I am satisfied?¡±, King Evern tries to hold a burp but failed miserably, ¡°*Burp*. Let¡¯s continue our discussion.¡±
King Evern lean back to the sofa.
¡°Now, I have done my best to push for the [Trials] open to public and by extension not limited to our people?.¡±,
Emissary Marius interrupts, ¡°Apologies for interrupting your majesty, but this is great news indeed. I will communicate with the Emperor and have promissory notes drafted immediately.¡±, the Emissary¡¯s smile turns into a large grin.
Yet, King Evern put up a hand, ¡°Yet, our [Keeper of Trials] had not agree on opening the [Trials]. There is nothing I can do.¡±
The emissary¡¯s eyes flashed with anger just for an instant.
¡°May I ask to converse with my Empire on how to proceed?¡±
King Evern waves his hand, ¡°Of course. Do call me if your empire has reached a consensus.¡±.
¡°If that is case, farewell.¡±, Emissary Marius stands up, bows, and exits the room.
King Evern gives the briefest of glance towards the leaving emissary.
King Evern¡¯s face turns gloomy. The king stands up and walk towards the open window, stared at it for a while and whispers, ¡°Tia¡¡±
[ ]
Marius¡¯ POV
¡°This idiotic and ungrateful bastard of a king! How dares he dilly-dally and delay on this kind of easy decision!¡±, I thought.
I arrived at my own room on the palace. I opens and slams the door in anger and frustration. If that IS the correct word!
¡°IT HAD BEEN MONTHS! HOW DOES HE NOT REACHED A DECISION YET!¡±, I shouted to no one.
¡°DAMN! We need that [Trials]! Imagine how stronger the Empire can become if a Champion is from our people! Not to mention I am the next prime minister candidate! When I am successful©¤¡±.
I paused.
A plan is forming in my head.
Yes. This might work.
I take out my communication orb and flow my magic into it, ¡°This is Emissary Marius. Let the emperor send the candidates over. I will ask them to meet with the king and will ask for permission to enter the [Trials].¡±
¡°How about the guarantee?¡±
I frown but muster my confident to reply, ¡°We will be safe. As long as the Keeper gives permission.¡± I added with a grin, ¡°A group of tier-5 [Jobmaster] with hidden titles should not have a problem getting permission from a mere tier-5 scholar.¡±
¡°I will see to it. Expect their arrival in 7 days¡±, the orb turned dim.
¡°HAHAHAHAHAH! This mere kingdom will receive its due!¡±, I can¡¯t help but laugh out loud.
7 days to go until that title is mine! ¡°GAHAHAHAHAH¡±
[ ]
When all plots and events are unfolding, Asgeir is still reading the sheaf of paper, in that short of periods of time, he managed to read three-fourths of the sheaf of paper. In this moment, he stood up.
¡°Pieter, I have business to attend to. Continue on understanding Desramaut¡¯s formula and you will get there.¡±
Pieter opens his eyes, ¡°Where are you going?¡±
Asgeir smiles and whispers, ¡°Arena¡±.
Look of understanding dawns on Pieter¡¯s face.
¡°Who are you going to be now?¡±, teased Pieter
Asgeir smiles wider and said, ¡°Whoever I need to be.¡±
Asgeir muttered a spell and he disappeared.
Pieter, unsurprised, closed his eyes again while muttering, ¡°Hopefully the Arena stayed intact when he leaves.¡±.
.
Licinthias Arena or just Arena is a place for those blood-thirsty fighter and warrior. Any warriors, fighters, mages, sorcerers can participate in the Arena. No level requirement, no forbidden weapon, no forbidden skill. Arena is a place for all blood-thirsty battle maniac that wants to prove themselves are the greatest. The Arena was built by the Champion as a place for practice before the participants entered the [Trials]. Yet, now the Arena becomes a shell, a place where money and blood become a sport instead of honor.
.
In a corner of alleyway, with the Arena just a few hundred meters away, a man seems to materialise out of nowhere.
Asgeir spends a few minutes looking around and grins.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
¡°It is always a pleasure to always see your calculation worked to the tiniest crack.¡±, Asgeir smiles while looking at a tiny crack at the ground.
¡°Seems spending decades just tutoring and researching do not weaken my repertoire of magic.¡±, Asgeir brushes his enchanted robe from non-existent dust and strode over to the main street where the crowds are.
¡°Shall we start then?¡±, Asgeir again disappear into the crowd.
.
In the Arena, with tens of thousand of people come and go, thousands of participants come and well, with a chosen few come out alive, the registration desks are the most crowded places. Yet, in this moment, the crowds greet the newcomer that just enters the Arena door in silence.¡. Or maybe beast is a better term. There is a heavy aura that seems to originate from the beast. The crowds, half in awe and half is intimidated, give the way to the beast straight the registration desk.
The beast has a height of 2 meter and a half, grayish-silver hair flows freely like a mane around the neck, with black eyes and flashes of canine gleamed from the mouth. The upper torso naked aside from a black gauntlet that seems to blend in with its dark skin. The beast confidently gazes through the parting crowds to the registration desk, where an attendant seems frozen stiff. The beastman walks with confident gait towards the stiff attendant.
¡°Are you new here? It has been a couple years since I last came here.¡±, The beastman asks with a deep growling voice and looks around with interest.
The attendant snaps out and answers in stutter ¡°Y-y-y-es. I-I¡¯be?A-ap-polo-og-gies?.¡±, the attendant.
¡°Yes. I am almost certain you are new. OH! Gray-mane! It¡¯s been so long that I forgot this.¡±. In an instant, the atmosphere changes and the heavy aura disappears.
¡°Sorry. GAHAHAHA. Living with the beasts do have some impact on you.¡±, the beastman said with a laugh that shakes the building.
The attendant gripping the desk to prevent himself from falling replied, ¡°Thank you Sir. Umm, are you here to register?¡±.
The beastman said, ¡°Mmmm¡ As I said, I have been here before¡. Wait¡¡±, the beastman seems confused and said, ¡°Not to brag but don¡¯t you know who I am?¡±.
The attendant seems scared and replied, ¡°N-no Sir. If that is the case I think I should have recognised your face.¡±.
The beastman thinks for a while and replied, ¡°Is the [Arenamaster] Dhinreistra still around?¡±.
The attendant, with a look of surprise, said, ¡°H-how! Unfortunately no. She reached the elusive tier-7 [Grand Arenamaster] but, she died more than a century ago.¡±.
The beastman bows his head and slowly said, ¡°That is a shame¡ She was one of the best fighters I have seen.¡±.
The Arena turned silent in an instant.
Then, the beastman laughs loudly, ¡°YET! I AM SURE SHE DIED WITHOUT REGRETS! FIGHT WELL AND DIE WELL IS OUR MOTTO!¡±.
When the last sentence ends, the whole crowd echoed, ¡°FIGHT WELL. DIE WELL!¡±.
The beast man looks around and nod approvingly, ¡°It seems honor will come soon. My name is Va¡¯ans the Gauntlet. I am here to bring honor to the Arena as Alphonse the Champion once did the same.¡±.
The crowds can be heard murmuring and whispering
¡°Va¡¯ans, the previous Arena reigning champion?¡±.
¡°He is still alive???¡±
¡°HAH! I knew it. A tier-6 [Gladiator Master] will not easily die.¡±
¡°Why is he here? After centuries has passed?¡±
At that sentence, Va¡¯ans roared, ¡°TO BRING BACK HONOR FOR THE MIGHTY LICINTHIAS EMPIRE! I WAS THERE! FIGHTING! SLAUGHTERING THE ENEMY! WITH THE MAJESTY EMPEROR ALPHONSE LEADING!¡±.
Va¡¯ans looks around, ¡°FOODS?? RICHES?? NONE MATTERS. WILL OUR HELP COMES FROM THOSE THAT TOOK OUR FIELD? TOOK OUR GRAINS? TOOK OUR FIELD!¡±.
The crowds can be seen nodding, whispers of approval spreads through the crowd.
Va¡¯ans nodded and said, ¡°I SAY WE WALK FORWARD! LET THE MAJESTY KNOWS WE WILL FIGHT FOR THE KINGDOM©¤
A dignified voice cuts through Va¡¯ans speech.
¡°Yet, without the Champion, we will lose the war. I say we give in. At least we will have food and grains to feed our family. Don¡¯t you all agree?¡±.
Through the door, a hulking man walks through. The man wearing a well-used steel armour. Many scratches and nicks showed how many battles he fought and survived, His back carrying a great broadsword that glinted with sharpness that seems like never see a battle. The man wore pants, covered with steel and lined with leather.
The crowds recognising the man, can be heard whispering and chattering.
¡°That is the current reigning champion. He has been the champion for almost 20 years.¡±
¡°It was said that He came here at age 15, clutching the cold body of her mother.¡±
¡°Yes. He trained and trained and a genius for his age, defeated the reigning champion of that time at just 17 years old.¡±.
The man stops in front of Va¡¯ans and said, ¡°I am Alphonse, from the namesake of the Emperor Alphonse. My mother said that I will bring honor yet she died, abandoned by the man I should call father. ¡°, a look of pain flashed through Alphonse¡¯s face.
¡°I am no Champion but even if I am, I will not just giving up my life away for this kingdom who has abandoned my mother.¡±.
Alphonse looks around and said, ¡°Neither are these men. Each of them abandoned, bought for the sake of shelter and food on the table for the corrupt nobles.¡±
The crowds can be seem
Va¡¯ans¡¯ eyes glints and said, ¡°Ah. So you are the current reigning Champion.¡±
Va¡¯ans unleashes his beastly aura and roared menacingly, ¡°YET A COWARD! HOW DOES A CHAMPION NOT STAND FOR INJUSTICE! IS THAT NOT WHAT THE EMPEROR DID! YOU ARE A DISGRACE!¡±.
Yet, Alphonse is not intimidated, he steps closer and roared back, full of heavy aura, ¡°THEN COME! YOU WILL FIND NO COWARDICE BUT I WILL PROVE THAT YOUR THOUGHTS WILL JUST LEAD US ALL TO DEATH! JUST LIKE WHEN I SLICE YOU IN HALF!¡±
Va¡¯ans¡¯ and Alphonse¡¯s aura clashes and caused the low tier warrior to drop down to their knees, some even fainted.
At this moment.
¡°Well well, former and current champion showing off. I shall not have you two destroy my Arena.¡°.
The source of that voice descends from a staircase behind the registration desk. A girl, in her mid teens, with a lithe body steps out to the lobby.
The girl, as young as she looks, seems to be able to withstand the heavy aura unleashed by the two seasoned fighters.
The girl looks at Va¡¯ans, smiles and said, ¡°Yet, I do remember what my predecessor said. You did destroy the Arena few centuries ago.¡±, the girl continue on gazing but nobody realise that both are communicating.
Long time no see you old lizard.
Va¡¯ans, stared at the girl with amused gaze said, ¡°Tier-6 [Master], seems like Dhinreistra grooms you well. You are a halfling. Hemm¡.. giant and dwarf?¡±
HAH! You are more alive then when you were alive, Dhinreistra. Or whatever you call yourself now.
¡°Good eye Gladiator Va¡¯ans. I have no idea what am I and who am I is another matter. My name is Gaetrenael Granitehand, my clan name given by my honorable mentor Dhinreistra who picked me up and taught everything I knew. I am an [Arenamaster] and the Warden of this Arena. Just like her.¡±
I am pretty sure this will turn to be just a petty fight like last time but I will go along.
Va¡¯ans smiled and said, ¡°Just like her indeed. Now I have a proposal.¡±
¡®A petty fight¡¯? I helped eradicate almost all of the empire¡¯s warriors and ensure the kingdom safety. Your Arena seems to be a cheap price to pay no? I do pay for most of it. I think.
Va¡¯ans gestures toward Alphonse and said, ¡°Today. Right now. A duel between the current and former champion. Life and death duel! What do you say!¡±.
Gaetrenael put her hand in her chin seemingly thinking yet with a slight roll eyes that only Va¡¯ans can catch.
Ugh. Fine. Just make sure you die cleanly okay. I still remember that fight two lifetimes ago! I tell you what! My staff and I are CERTAINLY not fond of cleaning organs and body parts in the arena. No matter how well cooked it was. Do remember that you lizard!
Seemingly trying to convince the Arena master, Va¡¯ans roars, ¡°FIGHT WELL AND DIE WELL! WHAT DO YOU SAY ALPHONSE! WILL YOU SHOWS COURAGE LIKE YOUR NAME! OR DIE IN VAIN LIKE YOUR MOTHER!¡±. Va¡¯ans points at Alphonse.
Nobody, unless a tier-8 and above, notices that Va¡¯ans sends a sliver of mana to Alphonse.
At that moment, the lobby turns quiet and chilly, like the autumn night of the north. Not realising any exchange or he just received sliver of foreign mana, Alphonse seems calm yet, the look he gives to Va¡¯an, seems to show the depth of abyss. ¡°You will regret saying that. I will be waiting in the Arena.¡±.
Gaetrenael stares at the back of Alphonse that disappear into the corner and sighs, ¡°Uh oh, you really should not said that. He is the reigning champion for 20 years straight for a very good reason.¡±. Gaetrenael turns to Va¡¯ans and stares.
I mean it. This is not like you to rile up a kid like that.
Va¡¯ans grins widely and laughes, ¡°Hohoho. Then this will be a fun fight! GAHAHAHAHAH!¡±.
Va¡¯ans turns and follows Alphonse to the arena, roaring, ¡°ONWARD! TO FIGHT! TO FIGHT WELL!¡±. Just a moment he disappear, laughter echoes back to the lobby, ¡°AND DIE WELL! BAHAHAHAHHAH!¡±.
Gaetrenael sighs and said to the attendant beside her, ¡°Suspend all battles. Informs all nobles. Life or death battles. Bettings are currently open. One to hundred. We will start in 1 hour¡±.
¡°Hundred for who Ma¡¯am?¡±, the attendant asked.
Gaetrenael for the first time give a wide smile and said, ¡°Both¡±
.
In the arena waiting room, the current champion is gripping his hands very tightly with eyes closed as if his whole body is in pain.
Alphonse opens his eyes, giving a dark look. In an instant, a heavier aura compared to the aura unleashed in the lobby, fills the room.
He stands up and walk towards the door and through the hallway.
He stops in front of another door at the end of the hallway.
There are faint cheers from the other side of the doors.
After a moment of silence, he opens the door.
[ ]
Alphonse¡¯s POV
¡°WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!¡±
The cheering of the crowd greets me when I open the door.
Yet.
You are a disgrace.
Why won¡¯t you help me¡
The cheering does not dampen that damn voice.
LOOK AT ME!
That shout causes me to slightly flinch.
I recall.
.
The body.
Cold.
Almost as stiff as rock.
Yet that red liquid still flowing from the body.
Nothing I can do
Just holding on.
Just¡ holding¡ on¡
I can only stare at the body.
And I am afraid.
I am afraid to look.
I can¡¯t look at that woman¡¯s eyes.
Because all I see is blackness.
No more gentle and warm eyes.
Even right now.
This moment.
A shout.
I AM BLEEDING!
.
That shout somehow snaps me out. It has been a long time since I last saw that dream. It really has been a long time. I looked up.
Somehow, while I am thinking, my body walks automatically to the center of the arena.
A man¡no¡ a beast is in front of me.
Yes. I just need to kill it.
My mother would be at peace.
I can see it now.
.
The body is still cold.
Stiff.
I can see it now.
Black eyes.
Staring
Yet this time.
A grin.
A grin so wide that it spreads through the cheek.
The first ever smile.
I will keep it that way.
[ ]
Va¡¯ans¡¯ POV
I look around the main arena where I am.
The crowds cheering.
Some boo-ing.
Which is as expected I guess. Nobody like having their favourite idol getting trashed by some unknown. Even if that unknown was the previous champion. Granted. It was centuries ago that I stood on that door. Waiting for any challengers.
So, the tradition is still going apparently. The reigning champion on the other side of the door. The reason was to build up tension and get the crowd hyped up.
The main reason?
So, the cowards will get overwhelmed by the crowd¡¯s aura and the champion can just sweep over and win. Easily.
Obviously it doesn¡¯t always happen.
But often enough that you will be surprised.
I shake my hands¡Well¡claws more like.
Cracking my neck. Flexing my muscles.
It has been a long time since I was in this body.
I am prepared to lose but not without a fight obviously.
I recall back on the spell that I casted on him an hour or so ago.
[Call of the Brave]. The spell should have taken effect now.
It might be too much for him. But it is necessary.
I will need to see if he is the champion.
THE Champion.
While I was thinking, in the opposite of the arena, I see some movement.
I can hear the crowd cheers even louder. Which means just one thing.
True enough. The current champion, Alphonse enters the Arena.
Oh yes. The spell worked brilliantly. I should expect no less from an [Origin Skill].
I can see that a slight haze covers his body.
I smile.
Yes¡
The true [Trial] of the Law starts now.
[ ]
Gaetrenael¡¯s POV
¡°Warden! The communication orb is ready. We are waiting for you¡±, the voice of my attendant snaps me out.
I stood up from my seat and strides towards the door.
¡°Has the battle began?¡±, I asked
¡°Not yet but I think it will start at any moment¡±, my attendant replied.
¡°Good.¡±
We walk in silence but I sense that my attendant is itching to ask.
¡°What is your name?¡±, I said.
I can see that the attendant stands straighter and said, ¡°M-*EHEM*-my name is Istra, Warden!¡±.
I wave my hand, ¡°Good name indeed. To answer the question that you are itching to ask, No, I have no idea why he came back. As a beastman that has ascended to the elusive tier-7, that man practically can live forever.¡±, I add a beat later , ¡°He might be well above tier-7.¡±.
Istra froze in shock and replied, ¡°There IS a tier above tier-7! Impossible.¡±.
I sigh at his naivety and said, ¡°Nothing is impossible. My master, Dhinreistra,?¡±, at this mention, Istra blushes, ¡±©¤spoke how she met the legendary being that has reached the level of [Empyrean], tier-10 and possible the highest tier ever reached in the continent history.¡±
Istra let out an audible gasp, ¡°How powerful is he to reach such level!¡±
I smirked, ¡°You should be able to tell. He was the only man to be able to wage war against the whole world, with dozens of empires and hundreds kingdom fought against him©¤¡±
Istra cuts me off, ¡°WHAT?¡±
I continue on, ¡°I think he is better known as Silv The Blacksmith along with other various titles and ranks¡±.
Istra mutters, ¡°He IS the only tier-10 Jobkeeper¡¡±
¡°Is there anymore question that you would like me to address, young Istra?¡±
¡°No Warden. T-thank you.¡±,
Istra contemplates and asks hesitantly, ¡°I was meaning to ask, at what tier will you have a spell that can revert you back to be young again like you now¡±
I may look shocked since Istra look down guiltily, asking somebody else tier and skill is a taboo. I said sternly, ¡°Look up young lady.¡±
Istra looks up to me.
I look at her face.
A moment later, I smile and wink, ¡°Sorry, It is a woman secret!¡±
Istra smiles after hearing me and we walk together to the communication room.
[ ]
In the arena, Va¡¯ans can be seen standing. Giving off an immense aura. So immense that there is a shimmering haze in the radius surrounding him.
At that moment, Alphonse opens the door, accompanied by the loud cheers from the crowd.
Alphonse walks slowly to the arena.
He stops dozen meters away from Va¡¯ans.
There is such a tension that even the crowd can be heard holding their breath.
A moment later, the instant Alphonse steps into the radius of Va¡¯ans¡¯ aura, another aura as immense as Va¡¯ans can be seen unleashed from Alphonse.
There is now a battle of aura.
The aura clash is so huge that every clash is palpable and creates flashes that can be seen with untrained eyes of the crowd.
1 hour.
2 hours.
3 hours.
Time passes with both sides evenly matched.
At this moment, suddenly both retract their aura.
The crowd, seemingly been holding their breath for so long, clear their lung with a shout no louder than when Alphonse entered the arena.
¡°DID YOU SEE THAT!¡±
¡°The title previous champion is not for show!¡±
¡°It is not a title you moron!¡±
The crowd continue cheering until Va¡¯ans put up a hand to silence the crowd.
The crowd obliges and waiting to see what the previous champion would like to say.
Va¡¯ans, smirking, said, ¡°I expect no less! VEEL¡¯TIL¡±. Well done! Such is the might for the current champion I see!¡±
Alphonse¡¯s hand starts to move towards the sword at his back, ¡°Certainly you are the previous champion. Why would you leave?¡±, a look of confusion flashed through Alphonse¡¯s face.
Va¡¯ans laughs, ¡°BAHAHAHAHAH! BECAUSE THERE IS NO WORTHY OPPONENT FOR THE MIGHTY GAUNTLET!¡±
Va¡¯ans then looks straight to Alphone and grins, ¡°Until now. That is¡¡±.
Alphonse draws his sword that is strapped on his back and grin as widely, ¡±As I am worthy opponent to you?¡±, Alphonse disappears.
Alphonse shows up just a step behind Va¡¯ans and roared, ¡°YOU ARE TO ME!¡±, Alphonse swing the broadsword toward Va¡¯ans¡¯ torso.
¡°NICELY DONE!¡±, yet a voice comes from behind Alphonse.
¡°WHA©¤!¡±, Alphonse can¡¯t hide his surprise.
At that moment, Va¡¯ans¡¯ eyes turns grayish silver the same as his mane.
Va¡¯ans opens his mouth and said, ¡±Welcome to the [Trials] the Law!¡±.
That is the last thing that Alphonse hears before he blacked out.
[ ]
Communication Room
Gaetrenael¡¯s POV
¡°WHAT IS THIS FARCE, GATRANEL!¡±, a roar comes from one of the channels.
¡°I SWEAR BY MORADIN¡±S BEARD. USE THAT NAME AGAIN AND I WILL?¡±, I retorted back before I am rudely interrupted.
¡°WARDEN¡±, someone shouted back.
¡°WHAT!¡±, I look at the origin of that voice, ¡°NOT NOW ISTRA!¡±, I said.
¡°SILENCE ALL THE NOBLES. I NEED NOT THEIR GRATING VOICES AT THE MOMENT!¡±, I relay an order.
I look back to the veil orb, displaying the current state of the arena.
The arena where an intense fight between Va¡¯ans and Alphonse happens.
Supposedly.
Yet, when I look at the veil orb, both are not in the arena. Not in or out. There is not even their shade anywhere.
¡°WARDEN! YOU NEED TO SEE THIS!¡±, Istra¡¯s voices snaps me from my thinking yet again.
¡°I swear Istra, if it is not important©¤¡±, I start my tirades.
¡°Yes it is! LOOK!¡±, Istra interrupts while pointing at another veil orb.
The orb showing just a slight haze covering the arena.
¡°Is that?¡±, I look in surprise.
¡°I have no idea what you are thinking Warden, but this orb, adjusted to sense the miniscule amount of mana, detect slight elevation of mana.¡±
I look at the orb again, focusing my [Detect Life] to the max.
¡°Yes¡¡±, I whisper.
I looked up to Istra and said, ¡°Do not cut the visual. Let the channel open. The two fighters are still in there. Somewhere.¡±, I add.
I look at Istra and grins, ¡°Good job Istra!¡±
Istra blushes and replied, ¡°Thank you Warden.¡±, she looks at the screen with concern and asked, ¡°But what is going on?¡±
I smiled tiredly and answered, honestly, ¡°No idea dear. Whatever it is, it is outside my expertise.¡±.
The room turns silent.
Yet I thought to myself. Whatever happens inside or on the arena, is something impossible.
[ ]
Unknown Area
Alphonse¡¯s POV
WAKE UP!
I wake up at that command.
I groan and I sit straight up.
I look around me and I see nothing but haze and gray.
I squint my eyes, trying to make sense what is this place.
Where am I?
I try to remember what is going on.
Yes. The last thing I saw was a flash of silver and then blackness.
At that moment, my eyes instantly snap open.
¡°Va¡¯ans!¡±, I growled.
¡°You call?¡±, suddenly, a voice rings into my ear.
I whirl around and roar.
¡°VA¡¯ANS! COWARD! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE! WHERE AM I!¡±
Yet, silence replies back.
¡°SHOW YOURSELF!¡±, I roar again and try to swing my sword©¤.
WHERE IS MY SWORD.
At that moment, a sword appears just a few meters in front of me.
I walk toward the sword.
But when I just a few steps away. He appears.
¡°I am afraid it is not yours.¡±, Va¡¯ans say.
Yes. Va¡¯ans appear in this place. I restrain the urge to just grab him and pummel him bloody.
¡°Move. Before I beat the mane out of you, Champion.¡±
Va¡¯ans just smirk and asks, ¡°What mane?¡±.
I blink in surprise because an old dragonkin just appear where Va¡¯ans stood.
A chill passess through my body. Never in 30 years of my life that I feel fear.
Fear of the unknown.
Not since?
¡°Your mother¡¯s death.¡±, the old dragonkin says.
I look in surprise because he says what I want to say.
I retort back, ¡°What are you?¡± and yet surprised again.
It.. is¡ just weird. It is like©¤
¡°We speak at the same time.¡±
Now I look at the dragonkin with shock.
The dragonkin chuckles and said, ¡°No need to be shocked Al. May I call you Al?¡±
Without waiting my answer, he continue on.
¡°You might have many questions. I predicted that you have exactly 7 questions. That if you count the meaning behind what and who I am as different question I presume.¡±, the dragonkin said.
Again, I look at the unknown dragonkin with shock.
The dragonkin looks at me and says, ¡°Yet, none of those questions are important.¡±
He turns toward the sword and points, ¡°What important is, who are you¡±.
At that moment, the sword shatters.
I SCREAM, ¡°NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!¡±
Unknowingly, I fainted and when I try to stand up, my hands are heavy.
I look down and I saw it.
The body. My mother
Cold. From the rain.
Almost as stiff as rock. Dying
Yet that red liquid still flowing from the body. Blood. Losing rapidly.
Nothing I can do.
Yes¡
Even at this moment, I still feel it.
Fear.
Helplessness.
Powerlessness.
I brace myself to look.
To look at that blackness.
Yet, the blackness is not there.
My mother¡¯s brown eyes.
Gentle.
Warm gaze.
Always cheers me on and comforts me.
Even when we are starving.
Even when we are on the run.
¡°Al¡¯¡¡±, a voice trails weakly.
I look at the source of that sound.
My mother¡¯s lips.
Rosy lips.
The lips that never fails to kiss me goodnight.
Even when we are sleeping on a cave.
Even when we are sleeping on bare soil.
¡°The S¡word¡¡±, another whisper.
I look at my mother.
My tears run down unabashedly.
¡°I am sorry¡ it was shattered.¡±, I growl back. I turn my face away and fight back the urge to run and find that bastard that broke my mother¡¯s sword.
I sense movement in my hand.
My mother, as weak as she is, shakes her head.
She smiled, ¡°N.oo¡ It¡s doesn¡t matt..ers¡±.
She beckons me closer and grabs my face, and with strength and conviction that should not be possible in her condition, speaks, ¡°Emperor Alphonse. The Champion. Did not fight with swords.¡±.
I stare back, strength returning to my hands.
¡°He fought with the [Heart]¡±.
At this moment, I stood up.
Strength returning to my hands.
At this moment, I obtained a new skill and title.
[Title: Champion of the Law]
[Champion: Champion¡¯s Heart]
[Champion: Champion¡¯s Howl]
[Champion: Champion¡¯s Authority]
[Champion: Champion¡¯s Aura]
[Champion: Champion¡¯s Weapon]
I tremble while thinking of the last skill.
I hold my breath and invoke
[Champion: Champion¡¯s Weapon]
My tears start to flow again.
Not because I am holding a familiar weapon.
It is because something that engraved at the blade.
Carnation
The source of my mother¡¯s name and her favourite flower.
I remember her talking.
On that rare occasion when we thwarted our pursuers and building our life again.
She spoke excitedly when we chanced upon a field of Carnation flowers.
At the end she said, ¡°You know what Carnation means in flower language?¡±.
I, who was just turns 10, shakes my head.
My mother smiles, ¡°It means ¡°Motherly love.¡±
She stared at the distance for a while.
She stooped down, looked at me and said, ¡°It means, wherever I am, never forget that I will always be on your side.¡±
She continued, ¡°You are my son and more.¡±
She smiles now, ¡°You are the descendant of Alphonse the Champion.¡±.
¡°WELL DONE!¡±, a familiar voice brought me back. Just dozens of meters away, a familiar dragonkin stands.
I look at the old dragonkin and a mix of emotion swirls within me.
¡°Who are you?¡±, I cautiously asked.
The dragonkin chuckles, ¡°Ah, now you are asking the correct question.¡±
The dragonkin gives me a wide grin, showing a row of teeth, immaculately white.
[ ]
In the arena, the crowds been booing for the lack of excitement and for the empty arena.
At this moment, the arena cracks. To be exact, the air around and above the arena cracks.
*BOOM*
A blast of compressed air blows over the arena.
The crowd, unhurt, only protected by the enchantment of the building.
Few of the people of the crowd gasp and murmuring starts to spread through the crowd.
In the supposedly empty arena, two bodies appear.
The same dark-skinned beastkin and man holding a broadsword.
Keen eye will see that there seems to be an emblem or sort engraved on the blade.
The crowd displeased with such anti-climatic battle, throw things into the arena.
Yet, the same enchantment that protect the audience protect the fighters as well. Causing the thrown things to hit another part of the crowd, fanned by the anger of losing both bets, inciting a massive brawl.
[ ]
Communication Room
Gaetrenael¡¯s POV
I try to hide my grins when I saw Va¡¯ans¡¯ and Alphonse¡¯s body in the arena.
I turn towards the channeling orb where I can hear clamouring and roaring. I inhale and exhale a very audible sigh.
¡°As you can see, ladies and gentlemen of the court, both fighters are out. As of now, the results of both bets are clear. Those who bets the champions winning?, ¡° a smile leak out slightly from my lips, ¡±©¤unfortunately do not get any payouts.¡±.
Before the nobles start to hurl curses and threats, I beckon Istra, ¡°Cut off all channels and close all boards.¡±.
The attendants share the same grin as I have.
I look around and said, ¡°GOOD JOB! I can¡¯t imagine the faces of all those nobles losing millions of gold.¡±
I added a beat later, ¡°I can, however, imagine all of your faces when you receive today¡¯s payout! And 50% bonus for this month salary.¡±
The staffs cheer loudly and I hold my hand up, ¡°Yes yes. I am a perfect Warden yada yada yada.¡±, I clap my hand and relay some orders, ¡°Let¡¯s get back to work, get two stretchers to our moneymaker there. Put them in the private ward in the Healer¡¯s Room.¡±, pointing at the veiling orb displaying Va¡¯ans and Alphonse, ¡°Get as many [Guard] as you can, preferably tier-1 and above, to subdue the crowd. Beat them up and throw them out. Be not gently as you can. I will be waiting at the Healer¡¯s Room.¡±.
I walk briskly toward the Healer¡¯s Room.
¡°Yes Warden!¡±, a chorus echoes down the hallway.
[ ]
Healer¡¯s Room
Warden Gaetrenael is standing on the bedside. The bedside where the body of Va¡¯ans lies down.
Her hand moves gently down under the sheet and with surprising strength for small body, throw over Va¡¯ans.
To the contrary, the body nimbly spins around and landed at the center of the room with surprising accuracy and agility.
The beastman, frowning, ¡°And what are you doing you old lady! After all I have done for you!¡±.
Gaetrenael¡¯s arms grow big and muscular. Such a mismatched view of a teenager girl with an arm as huge as the beastman¡¯s torso.
¡°Spill it! Before I go all [Gigantess] on you!¡±, Gaetrenael waves her arm threateningly.
The beastman chuckles and transforms into an old dragonkin, Asgeir Egilhard.
¡°Ah. Apologies.¡±, The previous warrior demeanour is gone and replaced with a wise sagely aura.
Yet, an instant later, a tier-6 [Master Wizard] and [Law Savant] Asgeir Egilhard disappear and at his current spot, a different dragonkin appear.
The dragonkin has Va¡¯ans¡¯ hair colour and his posture, yet also dark blue scales covering the partly the neck and also a pair of prominent dark blue horn, gleaming with vitality. This time an aura that can comes only from battle veteran as well as aura of scholars that studied deep into the natural world both flow out from the dragonkin
¡°AHHHH.¡±, the young dragonkin cracking his neck and stretches his back and arms.
¡°This is better!¡±, the young dragonkin turns to Gaetrenael.
¡°Asgeir, We have been friends since millenniums ago yet your transformation still surprises me.¡±, Gaetrenael looks into her own arm that shrink into normal size.
¡°GAHAHAHA! The perks of an ancient dragon I am afraid.¡±, Asgeir laugh heartily.
¡°So. What have you done to my best champion?¡±, Gaetrenael turns serious.
Asgeir look at Gaetrenael, shakes his head and said, ¡°not champion. The Champion.¡±.
A look of shock flashes Gaetrenael¡¯s face.
¡°Was that the [Trials]?¡±, Gaetrenael paces around the room, and turns to Asgeir, ¡°Why now?¡±.
This time Asgeir turns serious, ¡°He has returns.¡±
A look of understanding dawn at Gaetrenael¡¯s face. ¡°I see.¡±
¡°Is this the time for you to go then? Will this [Champion] lead us to once glorious Empire?¡±.
¡°The time is not ripe. Yet.¡±, Asgeir reply.
Asgeir tenses for an instant. Gaetrenael senses something, asks with concern, ¡°What happen?¡±
Asgeir replied, ¡°Nothing major. But I will need to go now.¡±, and he disappear.
Gaetrenael sighs for the n-th time today, ¡°Damn battlemage?¡±.
A knock timely interrupts Gaetrenael¡¯s cursing.
¡°Warden. Alphonse is awake.¡±, Istra enters the private room.
Seeing the empty and messy cover. Istra blushes, ¡°U-u-mm, Warden.¡±
Another sigh, Gaetrenael snaps, ¡°Get that thought away from your brain young lady. I might look young but I am well over century old. Do not make me say my real age.¡±.
¡°And no, I have no idea where he is gone.¡±.
¡°Hopefully we can meet again.¡±, Gaetrenael adds in whisper
Istra, picking up the whispers, cautiously ask, ¡±Warden?¡±.
¡°GRAAAH, show me to that loser¡¯s room.¡±, Gaetrenael growls at Istra
¡°Y-yes. At once! Follow me Warden¡±, Istra exits the room followed by Gaetrenael, thumping the floor.
.
The Battle Warlock, Asgeir Egilhard, is running down the alleyway, fortunately, due to the late hour, is quiet and devoid of pedestrians. Some unsavoury characters may prowl around the neighbourhood but even a tier-3 [Rogue] will only be able to see a blur.
Asgeir jumps around the rooftop occasionally, with such light footwork that not even a tap can be heard.
Asgeir even jumps through the capital wall, the [Guard] not even realising one of the most powerful figure in the entire world passes by his watch.
When Asgeir hits the groun, he breaks into a run until he arrives at the outskirt of Rudbeck, in a hill overseeing the whole capital.
Below a big tree, standing on the shade caused by the moonlight, stood a man, dressed seemingly in black that blends into the shade.
The Black Smith.
Asgeir, with not a sweat, walking toward the figure, standing just a few paces away.
As if it is sentient, the gauntlet on Asgeir''s arms, hums in response to its bearer''s tension.
Asgeir¡¯s hands, caressing the gauntlet, "Do you sense your creator, [Pankration]?".
Asgeir''s eyes, glint with suspicion, stares at the figure.
A moment pass and Asgeir finally speak, "Master...?"
A wind rustles the tree¡¯ leaves, causing the moonlight to shine just briefly into the figure face, showing an amused grin.
¡°Asgeir, my friend¡¡±, the figure replies.
4th Arm - 1st Edge: Oath
We work in the dark, to serve the light. We are Assassins.
- [Master Assasin] [Mentor] Niccol¨° Machiavelli
Our Creed does not command us to be free. It commands us to be wise.
- [Master Assasin] [Mentor] Alta?r Ibn-La''Ahad.
[ ]
¡°Report¡±, I commanded.
¡°No sighting reported.¡±
¡°No sighting.¡±
¡°None.¡±
¡°No sighting.¡±
¡°None.¡±
¡°No sighting.¡±
¡°None reported.¡±
The reports continued for exactly 1 hour 11 minutes and 20 seconds.
None of my subordinates reported any sighting.
I waved my hand.
Each assassin disappeared quietly.
Flawlessly.
Not a whisper.
Not a sound.
Not even a rustle.
I smirked. At least the training paid off.
Yet¡
I looked at the roof above me.
No¡ Not roof.
Dirt.
I looked back down and took all of it in.
This place.
This catacomb.
The headquarter.
One of many.
I sighed.
At this moment, I looked up sharply.
I can sense a presence, coming closer, from the end of the Grand Hall.
From the passage that leads to various exits in this land.
I grinned from the familiar presence.
One of mine.
Still in training, obviously.
But the training definitely worked.
Just a step away from the realm of tier-3 [Master}.
¡°Anything you need, Maelri?¡± I asked.
True, Maelri steps into the Grand Hall.
She kneeled before me, giving me the common night elf salute.
¡°There is something I am curious about, Grandmaster.¡± Maelri asked
I smiled.
¡°Arise, Maelri,¡± I waved my hand. ¡°It is been decades since we all participated in the Great War. I took you all in?.¡±
Seeing her still on the floor, I stood up and walked towards her and pulled her up.
I look straight into her and said, ¡°That means all of us, are family,¡± she blushed at the mentioned of the family.
Understandable, after all, all the dark elf here are orphans.
I shook my head. Trying not to think those times.
Not now.
Focus.
¡°Grandmaster?¡± Maelri asked with concern.
Ignoring her gaze, I smiled back, ¡°And what question that required you to abandon the training, Hmmmm?¡±
Maelri, averting her gaze, ¡°Ummm¡ªan important one, Grandmaster.¡±
I chuckled and lead her out the Grand Hall.
Not a whisper.
Not a rustle
And not a sound.
[ ]
Time passed.
Decades.
Centuries even.
Yet here I am again.
I looked at each [Master] Assassin.
Familiar faces.
And new faces.
¡°Report.¡± I commanded. Here I am. Again.
¡°Khaer and Eselza have fallen, Grandmaster.¡±
Murmurs.
Unsurprising, two of the oldest [Assassin Master].
Yet fallen.
As much as it pained me, I kept my gaze.
¡°Cause?¡± I asked.
¡°Unrelated. Khaer was quelling a rebellion in one of the small kingdoms in the west.¡±
¡°Eselza was hunting an informant in the north.¡± added another.
My mind whirled around one possibility.
¡°The Unheard?¡± I spoke the name out loud.
More murmurs.
¡°Highly unlikely,¡± one of the [Assassin Master], Tilv, hesitantly said, ¡°But possible.¡±
I stood up and paced around the hall.
A moment passed and I decided.
¡°Location?¡± I asked
Brarn, the [Master] Assassin that reported first, point to a location and said, ¡°Khaer was last heard entering Licinthias Kingdom.¡±
I looked at the map, digesting at this new information.
¡°And the [Trials]?¡± I looked at Brarn.
¡°Safe. [Wizard Master] Asgeir managed to prevent the Empire from invading,¡± Brarn continued, ¡°It was Master Asgeir that relayed the news to us. He also sent his condolences.¡±
I smiled sadly at the familiar name.
I breathed in relief, ¡°With Asgeir there, we will not need to worry,¡± I added silently, ¡°The [Supreme Wizard] will stand his ground.¡°
¡°What about Eselza?¡± I looked at Alraen.
¡°During her last report, she spoke of going to Ereshian mountain.¡±
¡°On what ground?¡±
Vuirn, another [Master] Assassin, with a glass perched on her nose, indicating her sub-Job as [Tutor], spoke, ¡°The movement of the beasts seems unusual. With high tier beasts seen more and more often in the past decade compared to the past century.¡±
I smiled at her conclusion, ¡°As one of the High Elf, I will took you up on that conclusion.¡±
Yet, I know it will be alright.
I looked up and see each of my subordinates.
¡°Ziva is there in Ereshian Empire.¡±
I smiled grimly, ¡°Unlike me, she has never given up.¡±
I let the sentence linger in the silence that followed.
¡°NO, GRANDMASTER¡±.
A voice cut through the silence.
I looked at the source of tha voice.
¡°Maelri. I©¤¡±, I started to speak
¡°NO, Grandmaster. Please!¡±, Maelri insisted
For the first time, I was startled.
Maelri gestured towards the rest of my subordinates.
No.
My children.
I can remember all of them by names.
Tilv.
Brarn.
Alraen.
Vuirn.
Maelri.
Thurn.
Deryss.
Zeri.
Timra.
Kyth.
Aerdir.
Ulgrund.
Droz.
Zymz.
My best and brightest children.
Some of them trained with Khaer and Eselza.
Maelri continued, this time with tears flowing, ¡°Khaer and Eselza will spoke the same thing. You took us ALL in. You trained us. You fed us. You put a roof above us,¡± Maelri looked at me, ¡°More importantly, you gave us ¡®family¡¯.¡±
I stood there frozen.
Silence.
And I laughed.
Somehow, I felt so much happiness.
I looked at Maelri and the rest of my children and back at Maelri while pointing my finger up.
¡°You do know that it is dirt. Not a ¡®roof¡¯?¡± I grinned.
¡°GRANDMASTER!¡± Maelri shout in embarrassment which is greeted by laughter.
The first laughter I heard.
Laughter so loud it echoes down the hallway.
I spoke, ¡°A FEAST!¡±, Maelri and the rest of the children looked at me in confusion.
I shouted, this time with conviction and as much excitement I can.
¡°TO REMEMBER! MY CHILDREN! YOUR BROTHER! YOUR SISTER. THEY DIED BUT NOT CAST ASIDE!¡±
I looked back at Maelri, still standing in shock.
¡°MAELRI!¡± I shouted.
¡°Y-yes!¡± Maelri replied.
¡°IT IS A FEAST! GO!¡±, I pointed at the passageway.
¡°A-at once!¡±, Maelri dashed along. Not silently but with thudding. Each assassins hit her in the shoulder everytime she passed by accompanied by smiles and grins here and there.
¡°Tilv, help Maelri prepare the feast¡±. I commanded.
Tilv bowed down and dashed along, silently this time.
¡°Vuirn¡± I said.
Vuirn now snapped at attention.
I looked at her and said, ¡°Your side project?¡±
With a wide grin, Vuirn replied, ¡°Perfect!¡±
I chuckled and grinned along, ¡°After centuries! Finally!¡±
Master will definitely love it. I thought.
Somehow, the fact that he is missing do not diminish my excitement.
I looked at each of my children and said, ¡°The last one to arrive at the mess, will drink a gallon of Vuirn¡¯s brew.¡± I could hear saliva swallowed but I grinned and added emphasis, ¡°The failed brew¡±.
When they were groaning, I dashed toward the passageway.
I could hear faint gasps of surprise followed by rustling, whisper and sound of footsteps.
I grinned.
Decided to let them go.
Just this once.
[ ]
I remembered that feast fondly.
So much laughter.
Much weeping too.
But much more laughter after.
¡°Grandmaster?¡±
Familiar voice interrupt my thought.
¡°Ah. Maelri,¡± I smiled, ¡°Finally, [Shadowstalker] obtained?¡±
Maelri gasps in surprise and crossed her arm.
¡°Nothing pass by you, does it.?¡± Maelri, one of my oldest student, scowled.
¡°You can get this close without me noticing. Is that not the sign of obtaining hidden Jobmaster, then is that the sign of me going old?¡±
¡°Fine. So I passed the test?¡± Maelri asked.
¡°Hemm? Pass?¡± I asked in confusion.
¡°Yes! Is it not what you taught me? ¡®Stalk me like my shadow and pass¡¯?¡± Maelri said.
I chuckled and point at a spot near entrance.
She concentrated for a second and shout, ¡°NOT FAIR!¡±.
¡°Well apparently you fall for the oldest trap in history young miss.¡±, I dashed to the spot, picking up a thin line that broke when Maelri unwittingly passed while following me.
I put the line away and said, ¡°Well, to your credit, not even the five heroes will be able to notice you,¡± I added, ¡°Up until you stab them with a dagger that is. At that moment, just run.¡±
Maelri eyes lit up when I mention the five heroes.
She whispers, trying to be confidential, ¡°Is that true? Your Master is one of the five heroes?¡± adding in lower voice, ¡°Is that why you want to look for him centuries ago?¡±.
I nodded. ¡°Yes¡±
A moment of silence.
Looking at Maelri that fidgeted, I strode toward the passageway. Grinning.
Maelri looked up and asked, ¡°Grandmaster?¡±
Still striding to the passageway, not looking back, I said in serious tone, ¡°Let me show you something.¡±
Maelri, using her skill, appeared behind me perfectly, ¡°Yes Grandmaster,¡± she added guiltily, ¡°What are you going to show me?¡±
I turned my head back and grinned, ¡°The cables that you broke when you are following me.¡±
Not a trace of guilt now can be seen. Only embarrassment and shock.
¡°What! WHEN!¡± she asked.
Still grinning, I said, ¡°Oh. Not far, just after you finished breakfast and started following me.¡± I am grinning even wider.
¡°GRANDMASTER!!!¡± Her scream of embarrassment, just like before, echoes down the passageway, causing some trainees to stop and looked from the corner.
[ ]
I woke up from my meditation.
¡°Etryth¡± I called.
An instant later, a knock on the door. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
Etryth, one of Maelri¡¯s trainees now serving as my aide.
¡°How long this time?¡± I asked
¡°Just few decades, Grandmaster.¡± Etryth answered promptly, and added, ¡°Any progress?¡±
I shook my head, ¡°Ascension from Tier-7 to Tier-8 is not easy.¡±
I stood up and stretched.
It is not stiff from decades of sitting but it just felt awkward of not stretching.
Etryth, materialising a basket, proceed to spread food around my desk.
With a smile, she said, ¡°I know you are not hungry Grandmaster. But Master Maelri insisted me to encourage you to enjoy small things in life.¡± Gesturing towards the desk.
I looked and spread over my desk, a food feast with Vuirn¡¯s latest brew.
I smiled, ¡°she seems doing alright.¡± I looked back at Etryth, ¡°Report please.¡±
I moved towards the desk while listening to Etryth¡¯s reports.
I sighed. No sighting yet again.
I did look for him. Once every few decades. Add or minus a century.
I looked at the desk.
Surprisingly, even though, my body does not require that much food. My brains seemed to think I do need that much. I thought back at Maelri fondly.
¡°How is Maelri?¡± I asked after Etryth¡¯s reports.
Etryth smiled and said, ¡°The headquarter have been established. They are currently training and recruiting new assassins.¡±
I chuckled, ¡°I can¡¯t believe that she now hold, ¡° I paused and looked at Etryth, ¡°What do you call ¡®that¡¯ again?¡±
Etryth, now chuckling, ¡°¡¯High Lady¡¯, Grandmaster.¡±
I leaned back, amused, ¡°I missed the old names.¡±
Still chuckling, ¡°I think that was because Master Maelri believed there is ¡®only¡¯ one Grandmaster. As the only tier-7 [Grand Assassin], I believe her decision was and is correct.¡± Etryth ended with a teasing bow.
Still amused, I said, ¡°So does ¡®High Lady¡¯ Tilv have settled according to plan?¡±
Etryth smiled, ¡°Yes. High Lady Tilv has settled in.¡± Etryth turned serious, ¡°But for fear of information leak, she did not specify the location.¡±
I sighed, ¡°Knowing her, she might settle somewhere close to Ereshian.¡±
Etryth knew the stories. Eselza and Tilv were like sisters.
I leaned back further back to my chair, ¡°Sometimes I wonder if I made a mistake¡± I glanced back at Etryth, ¡°¡¯Family¡¯ can make you strong but equally weak.¡±
Etryth, smiled, which I felt uncomfortably patronising.
¡°What?¡±, I asked irritably.
¡°Master Maelri, said,¡° Etryth mimicked Maelri, ¡°¡¯Make sure that Grandmaster did not blame herself. She grew sentimental now that she grew old¡¯.¡±.
I froze and an instant later, I laughed.
¡°That definitely sound like Maelri. I am really glad that shew grew magnificently.¡±
I stood up.
¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±
Etryth looked in confusion, ¡°Where to Grandmaster?¡±
I grinned, ¡°To see what the new trainees up to.¡±
Etryth, brightened up, ¡°They will be honored to spar with your Grandmaster¡±.
¡°Well, they should be. Gahahaha.¡±, I strode toward the door.
[ ]
*THUMP*
I jolted awake.
I felt it.
That familiar presence.
Faint. But it is here. Or there. I can¡¯t really tell.
I looked around, checking my bearing.
Same old desk.
Same old chair.
I looked at my mat.
Engraved on it was a bad embroidered letter ¡®E¡¯.
I smiled.
I stood up and stretched.
I felt it had been millennium since I started my meditation.
Yet I still remembered those times like yesterday.
Khaer.
Eselza.
Tilv.
Maelri.
Etryth.
Each come and go.
Yet here I am.
My eyes fell upon a dagger perched on my desk.
A gift.
I stood up and caressed the sheath.
I drew the dagger.
My hands twirled the dagger in one fluid motion.
As I am, here they are. I thought.
An ancient gift.
Ancient.
Just like me.
I put it back and sighed.
Yet, still no sighting reported so far.
I strode toward the doors and exited my room.
¡°Grandmaster! Have you finished meditating?¡±
A shocked voice greeted my exit.
¡°Ah, Rhugar. It is your turn today apparently.¡±, I smiled. ¡°Yet I told High Lady Siza that I don¡¯t need an aide.¡±
Rhugar, the 100th graduate from Maelri¡¯s newly found assassin organisation, grinned. ¡°You have been saying that Grandmaster. Unfortunately, my order is clear.¡±
I massaged my temple and I groaned, ¡°Sometimes I wonder if the successor was chosen based on how able they are to annoy me.¡±
I walked pass the demonkin and strode toward the Grand Hall with Rhugar following silently.
At least my legacy goes on. I thought.
I greeted all the faces.
Most were unfamiliar faces.
There are even some that were confused at my greetings.
¡°They were just arrived here few days ago Grandmaster.¡±, Rhugar explained.
¡°Ah. I see.¡± I nodded in understanding. ¡°How many recruits came?¡±
¡°Ten. High Lady Siza, High Lady Ende, High Lord Thirth, High Lord Vok¡¯as and the councils have agreed to limit the number of recruits.¡±
I frowned at this new information. ¡°Reason?¡± I asked.
¡°Training [Assassin Master] is not easy Grandmaster, the High Elders and few of the Elders decided to focus on the few instead of the many.¡± Rhugar replied.
¡°Are the resources depleted that fast?¡± I added, ¡°I remembered ¡®donations¡¯ are in place just few decades ago?¡±
Rhugar shook his head, ¡°Your elusive master left you much inheritance.¡± Rhugar stopped walking. ¡°It is the Unheard¡±.
I turned serious. ¡°Elaborate.¡±
Rhugar, now taking the lead, spoke ¡°Elder Vuirn spoke of increasing intensity of beasts movement in the Ereshian Mountain©¤¡±
I tensed, ¡°Is the HQ safe?¡±
Rhugar smiled, ¡°Yes. No need to worry Grandmaster, the headquarters have been well established in all continent and with Lady Ziva guarding the fort, the beasts will not have a good time.¡±
I breathe in relief.
It is unlike me to worry. Age did make you sentimental.
I sighed.
¡°Grandmaster?¡±
I sighed again, ¡°Old age.¡± I added cryptically.
I overtake Rhugar and continued walking.
¡°Anything else?¡±
¡°Nothing new Grandmaster, at Shem, the coalition of kingdoms and empires took turns to invade Licinthias.¡±
This time I am not surprised.
¡°Not going well I assume?¡±
Rhugar grinned, showing his canines.
¡°Not at all. The current Keeper, Master Asgeir, not that they have any other names, kept them at bay with various trades and politics. Not that I understand any of them Grandmaster.¡±
And with might. I added silently.
¡°So, Idbar and Iqra?¡±
¡°No updates from Idbar and Iqra was undisturbed. With the Sanctuary established there, I am afraid only the Names behind The Unheard themselves can disturb the peace.¡± Rhugar grinned.
I stopped walking and Rhugar followed suit. ¡°Grandmaster?¡±
I turned to face the demonkin. ¡°Don¡¯t be careless.¡± I sharply said. ¡°Many more powerful Masters were fallen because of small mistakes.¡±
Rhugar tensed, ¡°Apologies Grandmaster¡±. Rhugar bowed. ¡°It is not my intention.¡±
I smiled, ¡°I know.¡±
To ease the atmosphere, I changed the subject, ¡°Do you know what Maelri did?¡±
Rhugar looked up with bright face, ¡°High Elder Maelri?¡±
I paced along the hallway, spoke about when Maelri tried to stalk me. Followed by the demonkin¡¯s growling laughter.
.
I am back to my private room, after few hours spent with the new recruits training.
More like, beating them though. I thought, grinning.
Before I pushed the door open, Rhugar quipped, ¡°And I shall be here whenever you come out Grandmaster.¡± Smiling.
I turned to the demonkin, ¡°Sure Rhugar.¡± I said. ¡°But just so you know, I don¡¯t expect you to be here guarding in one of the most secured places that I built.¡±
Rhugar chuckled and took the same position before we walked along few hours ago.
¡°Of course Grandmaster.¡± and ended it with a mock salute.
I entered my room, preparing to read up with the reports.
I groaned.
I hate reading.
.
Days passed not eventfully.
And so, I got more familiar with the new recruits.
They seemed to be shocked when I counter their special skills.
I grinned.
My special skills.
My legacy.
I leaned back to my seat and closed my eyes.
Reminiscing.
5 millenniums ago.
I saw these fighters.
Adults.
But mostly children.
At most teenagers.
They fought for one purpose.
To avenge their loved ones.
The Great War ended and these warriors lost their purposes.
Some chose to go home and die in their loved ones¡¯ embrace.
Some, like Maelri and the rest, had no home to go back into.
When my Master left, that was what I felt.
I looked at them and I thought, ¡°My new purpose¡±
So here we are.
A catacomb.
A cave.
Yet, a home to all of us.
But not mine.
I sighed.
Not until I found him.
*THUMP*
I jerked my eyes open.
There it was.
That feeling.
That familiar presence.
Surely he is here?
But where?
As powerful as we all were, none of us can detect where he went.
But this feeling¡
I groaned.
If I got ahold of him!
*BANG*
I hit the table.
I reflexively looked a dagger in front of me
My Oath.
¡°Just you wait!¡±, I shouted.
[ ]
Siza¡¯s POV
I was walking towards the Grandmaster¡¯s private room when I heard a faint thunk accompanied by a small tremor.
I waited in silence.
The catacomb¡¯s enchantment stood and no alarms were ringing.
I continued on walking while thinking what happened.
I am still curious what happened when I almost arrived at Grandmaster¡¯s room.
Rhugar noticed me and saluted, ¡°High Lady Siza, it is rare that you visited Grandmaster at this hour?¡±
Looking at Rhugar stood there calmy, I replied, ¡°Before that, did you not feel that tremor? It was minor on but still©¤¡±
Rhugar immediately gestured to me, putting his index finger in his lips. Sssssh! With his head jerked towards the Grandmaster¡¯s room.
Not entirely understand, I coughed, ¡°*AHEM*. Yes Rhugar, I come here because the Silvertide Solstice will end at dawn.¡±
Rhugar, his finger lowered down, flashed a look of understanding, ¡°Ah. It is the time of the year again.¡± And added thoughtfully, ¡°So, Grandmaster will have the honor this time?¡±
I smiled, ¡°That is the plan.¡± I raised my hand to knock on the door?
But a voice from the inside spoke first, ¡°Do come in Siza¡±. Crisp and clear as if Grandmaster herself is right in front of me. Even though the room is guarded with various spells and enchantments to make it scry- and soundproof.
I wonder now how heavy that thump that Rhugar heard.
I opened the door and there she was.
Lustrous black hair, dark bluish skin, amber eyes and full lips.
According to stories from the that even pre-dated Tide of Unveiling, also before the Great War, Grandmaster¡¯s features looked like the highest noble-born of the night elves. The ancestors of the dark elf.
Our ancestors.
Her long limbs, slim but packed with explosive powers.
Her lithe yet curvaceous body.
Another sign of high noble-born.
Sometimes I wonder.
Lithe, beautiful, seductive yet deadly.
I looked at her.
She still looked as beautiful as I saw her at least couple centuries ago.
At Master Etryth¡¯s©¤
I turned my head down and closed my eyes in pain.
Tears threatened to come out.
I threatened them back.
Do not fall.
I succeeded.
I breathed out.
I opened my eyes and shook my head.
A mistake.
I chanced upon a badly embroidered letter ¡°E¡± in the mat on the other side of the room.
The threats do not work this time.
The tears fell.
[ ]
Siza strode over to the middle of my room. She seemed to be in thought and I just stared back. Let her think.
Yet she looked down and a moment later, looked up and shook her head.
She seemed to notice something on the other side of my room.
Uh-oh. I forgot to put aside the mat and?
Her tears fell.
UH-OH. I smiled sadly.
I strode over and hugged her in silence.
.
¡°Isn¡¯t it better for assassins to shed their emotions Master Maelri?¡±, Etryth asked.
I was awake from my training and when I was walking around, I overheard Etryth and Maelrin talking.
Maelri smiled, ¡°Why is that?¡±
¡°To not be swayed by the enemy. To be able to slay any enemies unconditionally. To be able to finish the mission successfully.¡± Etryth replied confidently.
A moment passed and I heard Maelri refuted, ¡°Yet, it is this very emotion that helped us to keep our Oath. Our mission.¡±
With a look of confusion, Etryth asked back, ¡°What is our Oath? Why is it so important?¡±
Still smiling, Maelri replied, ¡°Not yet. When Silvertide Solstice arrives, you will know.¡±
And Maelri disappeared.
Etryth turned tense and a voice resonated in the training hall, ¡°Now find me!¡±
Grinning and feeling proud, I continued walking.
.
¡°I am sorry Grandmaster. I was we©¤¡±,
I cut Siza sharply, ¡°Do not say weak¡±.
I released her and held her shoulders.
I looked straight into her eyes.
¡°Is that what Etryth taught you? Fallen tears for someone so dear to you means weakness?¡±
Siza stopped crying and after wiping her face, she said softly, ¡°No, Grandmaster.¡±.
I smilled. ¡°Good¡±. I strode back to my seat and sit back down.
I clapped my hand and propped my chin into my hand.
¡°Now, what does the High Lady of Varim need of me?¡±, I spoke.
Siza chuckled embarrassedly and replied, ¡°It is the end of Silverstide Solstice at dawn, Grandmaster.¡±
I grinned, ¡°Ah. That time again. Who are joining our ranks?¡±
Siza now smiling, ¡°3 Dark Elves: Tydr, Zadv, Vinv. 3 Beastman: Frei¡¯er, pantherkin; Thiv¡¯ae, catkin;?¡±, her smiled turned to a grin, ¡°Xurg¡¯ar, minotaur and 2 dwarfes, Dagzhold and Nivweld Nightshield.¡± She added a beat later.
My grin turned to laughter, ¡°GAHAHAHAH! Interesting indeed!¡±
I looked at Siza and said, ¡°So you want me to preside the Oath Ceremony?¡±
Siza, with a twinkle in her eyes, replied, ¡°Yes! If you would be willing to do the honour Grandmaster.¡± She ended it with a mock bow.
I waved her and said, ¡°My pleasure. When it will be?¡± Trusting my sense of time, I added, ¡°In a few hours maybe?¡±
Siza replied, ¡°Whenever you are ready Grandmaster. We will see you at the Silver Hollow, after a few hours then.¡± She gave a chuckle, saluted and left.
She exited and using my honed intuition, I could tell Siza is leaving with Rhugar following suit. No doubt preparing the ceremony.
I sighed, as much as I loved them, they are a stickler for formality.
Well, in this case, I should be the one on their side.
After all, I created the ceremony almost few milleniums ago, which of course Maelri used it as the basis for her organisation.
I paced to my only wardrobe and opened it.
It just had the barest necessity of assassin clothes, really.
Black and tightfitting.
But,
I touched the panel inside the wardrobe and released my mana.
The panel disappeared and a hidden chamber appeared.
Among other things like lower tiered poisons, or various knives and daggers, floating in the middle of the chamber was a pair of daggers, [Ancient]-tier daggers to be exact. At this moment, what will be my only preparation work was to don my long forgotten daggers.
Yes.
Long forgotten.
Just like me.
.
Strapping it snug into my waist, I strode over to Silver Hollow, on the other side of the catacomb.
The only place with a breach toward the surface, or on in this case, at a valley somewhere around the edge of the continent.
Obviously, enchanted with every spell that Asgeir taught me. It is not enough to block someone at his caliber but enough to stop any attack and prevent any scries at tier-6 and lower.
And for this Oath Ceremony, one more enchantment.
Enjoying the silence in the catacomb, I paced my walk to be just in time when the moon going to pass the breach.
I arrived at the entrance of Silver Hollow.
I walked inside, blending effortlessly.
No more than half-dozen individuals noticed. Siza and Aloss from the dark elves; Eldrin, Kythaela and Ruven among the elves. The last one, Thrarfaed, an elder dwarf from the Titanborne Tribe.
I might consider Rhugar passed as well. Although he might be helped with his familiarity guarding me for the past century.
I hid behind Siza and waited until the moon hung overhead.
[ ]
Xurg¡¯ar¡¯s POV
I was recruited about few decades ago.
I remember those days as if it was yesterday.
The blood. My comrades¡¯.
Kneeled down. Powerless.
I looked down.
More blood.
Mine.
Stomach punctured and chest tore out.
Waiting for death to come.
*Rustle*.
I tried to turn my head.
¡°Are they back?¡± I thought. ¡°Finishing the job?¡±
I closed my eyes in submission.
The sound disappeared and warmth enveloped me.
My eyes jerked open and blackness.
Last thing I saw was a pair of eyes.
Golden. Soft.
As well as a whisper, ¡°Rest child.¡±
And I woke up here.
I turned to High Lady Siza, the first face I saw after I woke up.
Not that I¡¯ve known her that time.
She offered two things.
Free and be as powerless as before.
Or keep an Oath and be as strong as us.
She held up a black reddish ball.
No. Not a ball.
My eyes adjusted to focus and widened in shock.
The attacker¡¯s head.
I sobbed in relief.
Moments later, looking up, not surprised to see this ¡°lady¡± still here.
I stood up with difficulty with her staring, ¡°In the honor of Wildstride Tribe©¤¡± I shook my head, ¡°No. I shall be known as Nightstride, as Wildstride is no more.¡± I faced my head down to look at her. ¡°I swore of this Oath you spoke.¡±
She smiled and she spoke, ¡°Rhugar!¡±
A demonkind, a rare sight and as huge as I am, appeared behind her silently.
¡°You know what to do.¡± She spoke.
¡°Yes High Lady Siza.¡±
And that was the last thing I heard.
I jerked my eyes open. Again. And I saw roof, no, a cavern.
I looked around cautiously.
I saw individuals from different races.
Some faces had that look, even in the dim light, I noticed.
Emptiness. Like I was.
Some with anger burning in their eyes.
Special ones stood silently with eyes closed, their bodies exuded vigor.
I stood up and tried to be silent but failed.
Stones clattered around my hoof. I froze.
All eyes were on me suddenly and an instant later, a shadow appeared in the middle of the cavern.
The figure spoke, ¡°Good. All of you are seemingly awake and able to move.¡± Emphasis on the last word.
No way he or she noticed that I have been awake?
The figure continued, stopping me in my thought, ¡°The training starts now¡±
I felt a whoosh of wind and the whole cavern went upside down.
Pain erupted from my back and legs.
Not giving me any reprieve, the figure spoke again, harsher, ¡°GET UP!¡±
I got up. And a moment later, same thing happened, this time I fell into my stomach.
Pain erupted but as a Minotaur, we prized ourselves with endurance. This time without a command, I got up and beaten.
I got up. Again.
Fallen. Again.
Again.
Again.
And again.
I smiled at those memories.
I looked at my new comrades.
My new tribe.
[ ]
I stood still and heard murmurs echoed in the Hollow.
In the middle of the Hollow, a circular hole, called the Breach is where the moonlight will shine.
The moon just minutes away from passing through the Breach.
A sliver of moonlight can be seen shining through.
At this moment, Siza spoke softly.
¡°It¡¯s time¡±
And the Hollow quietened.
She strode aside and I let my presence go.
I walked few steps forwards accompanied by the [Assassin Master] many who hold Hidden Titles among those Siza, Aloss, Eldrin, Kythaela, Ruven, Rhugar and others, those that reached Tier-5 and above.
I heard few gasps here and there.
I looked at the Breach and the moonlight shone brighter by the minutes.
I smiled.
¡°We gathered here to spoke of the Oath.¡±
I paused.
I saw those individuals named by Siza nod their heads.
¡°Yet, what is the Oath?¡±
I sensed the masters shifted slightly, surprised.
I ignored them.
The High Elders and the Councils swore an Oath.
I saw more individuals nodding.
I added later with emphasis, ¡°To me.¡±
Many shocked murmurs spread across the Hollow.
¡°They fought together with me. Together.¡± Another emphasis.
¡°An Oath was spoken before. The ancients spoke, ¡®Word was the Origin of Magic. Once spoken, like any other Magic, it is bound¡¯. Our Oath, spoken. Bound to us.¡±
I smiled, remembered Asgeir¡¯s lesson on Origin of Magic.
¡°Once spoken, our Oath may not be broken. It defies matter. It is our strength. It is our power. It exceeds your imagination.¡± I paused and added, ¡°It helped us fight.¡±
I flashed a bit of my Spirit.
Less trained recruits fell down but the stronger ones, like those of the masters and the nominees, stood their ground. The latter, though, with difficulty.
¡°What is your Oath?¡± I put my mana into my words.
At this, the nominees strode forward below the Breach.
At this moment, the moon hung overhead.
The enchantment I spoke earlier, activated, echoing the dim moonlight into searing light.
¡°To serve the light!¡±. The nominees spoke.
The moon started to pass over the Breach, causing the enchantment to falter. The Hollow started to darkens and the moment the moon passed over completely, darkness again descended.
¡°We walk the night!¡±. The nominees spoke aloud.
The enchantment, [Oath: Origin of Magic], sourced fuel from the strength of the Oath. The stronger their Words, the stronger the Light.
At this moment, the room brightened. As if the sun shone through instead.
Unknown moments passed and the room remains bright as before.
I looked up and smiled meaningfully, ¡°Not bad at all.¡±
All heads looked up and those new to the ceremony gasped in surprise and awe.
Cheers exploded in the Hollow. The noisiest sound I heard in the past few days.
I laughed and the masters laughed along as well.
It was bright outside the Breach. The night passed and the sunlight peeked though the Breach, illuminating the Hollow.
Once the noise died down, I spoke, ¡°Well done all of you.¡±
I nodded at each individual. The Dark Elves: Tydr, Zadv, Vinv. The Beastman: Frei¡¯er, Thiv¡¯ae, Xurg¡¯ar and the dwarfes: Dagzhold and Nivweld Nightshield.
¡°Representing the Councils and High Elder Maelri as the founder, I welcome you to join our ranks, the Keepers of Oath.¡±
The new Keepers, grinned and the next moment, froze in shock after I disappear.
¡°Congratulations¡± my voice rang through the hollow.
.
¡°You do have the flair of the dramatic Grandmaster.¡± Siza spoke.
We are at my private room and Siza visited me after the celebration feast.
I waved my hands and replied, ¡°Old age. I can¡¯t help it¡±. I grinned and dug into the feast brought to my room.
Siza chuckled in amusement, ¡°Somehow I doubt that and you can¡¯t always use that excuse¡±.
I shrugged and retorted back, ¡°I am older than you by few milleniums and centuries give or take few decades.¡± I looked at her straight. ¡°So I can and always will.¡±
We stared at each other and exploded in laughter.
¡°Plus, they did saw me few times in the past few days.¡±
Siza, facepalmed and replied, ¡°Grandmaster! You are in disguise!¡±
I grinned back, ¡°It is their fault that they do not notice me.¡±
Rhugar burst through the door, saving me from another nagging.
Siza surprised, opened her mouth.
But I waved her and she swallowed back her words.
I looked at Rhugar, ¡°You do need more training. I can feel your presence way before you reached the Great Hall.¡±
Seeing his serious face, I frowned, ¡°What happened?¡±
¡°High Lord Thirth reported various empires and kingdom of Idbar are forming a massive coalition army to attack an unnamed town belonged to small kingdom surrounding Vanagandr Empire.¡±
I growled, ¡°Ugh! Those idiots, they did forget!¡±
I looked at Siza, ¡°Make sure the Council is aware of this.¡±
I turned to Rhugar next, ¡°Prepare the portal. I will go there in person.¡±
Siza and Rhugar shifted uncomfortably wanting to speak but I stared them down.
A second later Siza and Rhugar finally nodded albeit hesitantly and strode out my door.
.
Idbar continent
Border of Vanagandr Empire
Unknown cavern
One of the Keepers of Oath branch
I arrived here after I passed the portal back at Varim.
I was greeted by Thirth and some familiar faces.
Thirth greeted me with a forced smile, ¡°Welcome Grandmaster, although I wish I can welcome you under better circumstance.¡±
I gestured back, ¡°Me too.¡±
I strode along the familiar hallway, recalling the way to the Grand Hall.
Once I arrived, Thirth led me to sit at the customary seat at the end of the Grand Hall.
I sighed but sat anyway.
Once everyone were seated, I started, ¡°Where are they located?¡±
One of the masters spoke, ¡°They definitely used multiple skill Grandmaster. They progress quite rapidly and will arrive in the vicinity of the town within the next few days.¡±
Silence enveloped the hall.
I broke the silence with the question I most curious about, ¡°How can the Keepers are not aware?¡±.
Except Thirth, the rest of the masters shivered. Frightened.
Seeing this scene, Thirth spoke up, ¡°Apologies Grandmaster but we had not received any reports about this even from the monthly reports. Only two explanations.¡± Thirth held two fingers, ¡°One, that they come up with these plans only in the span of weeks or©¤¡± he closed one finger.
I continued, ¡°The Unheard¡± and Thirth nodded in agreement.
I drummed my finger on the table.
Silence blanketed the room.
I slowly spoke addressing the masters, ¡°I can¡¯t blame you. The Unheard had been quiet in the past millenniums.¡± I paused and added, ¡°This is very concerning news.¡±
Another silence.
¡°Well,¡± I spoke, breaking the silence, ¡°Nothing we can do about it. We just need to prepare. We won the war before and this time we are even better prepared.¡±
¡°So?¡± Thirth spoke but I cut him off.
¡°Regarding the army, monitor the progress. A friend of mine should have known about this. If he did not move, we will not move. Is that clear?¡±
¡°Yes Grandmaster¡± the masters replied.
¡°Meeting adjourned©¤¡± I froze. I looked at Thirth apologetically.
Thirth just smiled and gestured to all the seated masters, ¡°All of us are yours Grandmaster. Command us as you see fit.¡±
I smiled with mixed feeling.
Thirth seemingly noticed, added, ¡°I am sure High Elder Maelri will not mind.¡±
Laughing, I added, ¡°Gahahah. Yes. I don¡¯t think she will. In fact she might even added another rank to accommodate me.¡± I shook my head in amusement.
I leaned back to my seat, smiling, said, ¡°Meeting?Adjourned¡± with a dramatic pause in between.
All masters stood up and bowed down.
I waved.
Thirth was the last one to exit and I called him.
¡°Thirth.¡±
Thirth turned and faced me. ¡°Yes Grandmaster?¡±
¡°I need coordinates on the predicted path the army will pass through.¡±
Thirth replied thoughfully, ¡°Will you need the portal be prepared?¡±
I smiled, ¡°You read my mind. Yes.¡± A beat later I added, ¡°I also need twenty tier-2 from level 150 and up. Include few talented individuals in that group as you please. It will be a good experience from them.¡±
Thirth thought for a while and said, ¡°For a message relay I presume?¡±
Grinning, I snapped my finger, ¡°You do live up to your reputation! I think out of the High Ladies and Lords, you definitely have a good analytical skill. It is as you said.¡±
Thirth bowed down once more, ¡°Thank you for your praise,¡± and he added, ¡°I am also assuming you will depart within the hour?¡±
I grinned, ¡°I sometimes forget but you are really a demonkin. The rest of High Ladies and Lords always tried to delay me in whatever I wanted to do. Not that they can stop me. GAHAHAHAH.¡±
Thirth chuckled, ¡°Well, the demonkin always believed in the strongest and©¤¡±, he looked straight at me, ¡±You are the strongest assassin we had.¡±
Thirth added a second later, ¡°If we don¡¯t believe in you, who else?¡±
I turned quiet recalling that figure.
Thirth sensing my silence, bowed down, ¡°I will get everything ready Grandmaster¡± and strode out from the Grand Hall.
I wonder if I will meet him again.