《Damned Demon》 Stout Heart, Fiery Soul I opened my eyes after the last few hours of slumber. Weighting on my shoulder laid the ebon steel sheath of my beloved Nyraxis. Unsheathing the slender sword I see my reflection in the even darker steel. This blade had been forged from a special material renowned for its pure black lustre, and it kept that way for millennium. But has for time concerned itself, Its keen sheen turned somewhat crimson, bathing her in the blood of my many foes had an effect on it. I sheathed it back again and looked around from high on my throne. My castle. My throne room, all built from stone and bones. Bones from my enemies and slaves both; and stone from the fallen kingdoms that perished towards my wrath throughout many thousands of years. During my journeys since I came to this world, I never really belonged or had a home to return to. But ever since I finished this wonderful project of mine, that did change. I brought the few woman that earned my love throughout my life and had some kids. Thinking back at it¡­ Woman. They can be a real pain the you know where. At the side of my throne there lied my ax. I placed Nyraxis leaning at the side of my throne and jammed it a little. Good old guitar, a perfect replica from the one I had in my first life back on earth, this one had magic in it tough. ¡° Works of art, painted black Magniloquent, bleeding dark Monotonous palate, murky spectrum, grimly unlimited Food for thought, so prolific¡­¡° I sang along the lyrics and played a solo with the skill earned throughout an immortal life. ¡° Bleeding works of art Seething work so dark Seering words from the hearth.¡° *Clap* *Clap* *Clap* I heard the sound and looked to the side as a figure appeared from the darkness behind a set of pillars. ¡°Impressive. Rare is the soul that can sneak on me. I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s as far as you can get.¡± I said with my usual stern demeanour. ¡°Without having me sniff you out!¡± I snapped a laugh and charged at the figure. ¡°EEEKKKK¡± It screamed as I lifted her up in the air and span her around. My daughter and a source joy. All the light that this dark and murderous heart of mine can withstand. ¡°Daaaad! I¡¯m too old for this stop!¡± She said as I spun her around. Then I placed her back down. I sat in the steps of my throne and she quickly sat right by my side, a mischievous grin in her face. ¡°You will always be my little barghest, spooking my mortals and pranking my courtiers!¡± I poked her nose. *ATCHOOOO* She sneezed. I looked at her. My third daughter, always getting in trouble, and trying to get me to teach her my songs. Those that I happened to err¡­ borrow from back then. She is all big now. Kids¡­ grow up fast. But in truth they never cease to be those little mischievous gremlins always getting into trouble. ¡°That song is Hearthwork right? Can you teach me a little? I never seem to get the riff right!¡± She tried to reach for my guitar as I held her in place by her clothes. ¡°No touching my things, go fetch you own damn guitar!¡± I rolled my eyes in an amused annoyance. ¡°Meh¡­ Yours is a lot cooler.¡± She mumbled. Abella. Golden eyes and a long auburn hair. Now that she is all grown up she is the spitting image of her mother. That c¡­. Never mind. Our daughter stayed with me while she keeps prowling the night making her amateurish plots that will never work against her betters. And I did replaced her, my newest one is the perfect one, I am sure. ¡°I just want to show my new¡­¡± She kept mumbling and I cut her off. ¡°How are the twins? Behaving? ¡± I asked. She frowned. ¡°Yeah¡­ They are babies they just cry and stink. Their mother is taking care of them! I know let¡¯s go over to the lowest floors! I heard of a bunch of mortals stirring up a¡­¡± I cut her off again. And walked out of the room. ¡°I¡¯m off, going to check on the twins. You are free to come.¡± I heard her stomping her feet and walking away. Kids¡­ Almost two centuries old and still acting like that. Soon I reached my bedchamber where i saw the three. My wife Astra sat on the couch surrounded by books as always, and my two little baby daughters playing at¡­ throwing books at each other. ¡°Fise! Falle! Stop that! You are lucky these are enchanted if you ruin any of my tomes I will cast a pacify jinx on both of you!¡± The mother said clearly annoyed. But I noticed a faint smile on her lips. I took a sit in the couch next to them. She jerked up. ¡°My lord¡­ How kind of you to find the time to¡­ grace us with your presence. Our children are alright as you can see ¡­ eer¡± She shyly hid behind a blanket. ¡°I see. I came to check on you too. Do you¡­ have everything you need? The servants are behaving? No one causing trouble for you three?¡± I asked sincerely. ¡ª My wife Astra¡­ she is a little withdrawn. One of the daughters of a wizard emperor back in the other side of the continent. An empire which I happened to raze to the ground and enslave most of its citizens. Anyway, all of it is over, solved and now that empire now flies the correct banner and pays taxes to the correct emperor. Mine and me. Before I fed that old coot¡¯s neck to my Nyraxis he came up with a peace offering. His daughter in exchange for mercy and vassalizing his empire, and of course few more remunerations and a few slightly useful artefacts. I was feeling compassionate that day. And I did happen to be single at the time. So I took his offer and only cut off his legs. He won¡¯t be growing them back. Still. His daughter¡­ The renowned genius of the arcane and etcetera, is having trouble warming up to me. Despite me being so nice to her. Give it time, I guess. ¡ª- ¡°Yes! No one gives us trouble¡­ And everything is peaceful.¡± She nodded. ¡°Good.¡± I smiled. ¡°Is my eldest daughter behaving?¡± I asked. ¡°Yes of course, why wouldn¡¯t she be?¡± Astra answered and then made a question, which I ignored. My eldest daughter¡­ Nevauri was quite the handful. I was expecting her to stir up trouble with her new little sisters and my new wife, but she behaved. How odd. I got close to the twins and patted their heads. ¡°Fise, Falle. Take care of your mother and keep her from murdering everyone.¡± They both pinched my cheeks. Fise-¡°Daddy is cute!¡± Falle-¡°Daddy play with us!¡± ¡°Fise, Falle! Behave!¡± Astra jerked up and shouted, panic in her voice. ¡°I¡¯m sorry my lord. They are children i¡­ can¡¯t control them.¡± Her voice shaken. ¡°It¡¯s alright¡± I chuckled. I have no idea how to talk with her, i noted. I looked at my little daughters. Black eyes and a natural blue hair the exact looks of their mother, aside from the eyes. Do I get a say in it? ¡°I¡¯m off, back to my duties. See you ladies later.¡± I got out of the room and closed the doors. As I walked in the corridors of my palace suddenly a spell warned me. Trespassers are reaching the highest floor. Come to slay the mean big old devil. It seems the many traps, hordes and the meanest pets from hell failed at their job of guarding the place. ¡°These brave heroes¡­¡° I mumbled in disgust. I sat back on my throne ready for a fight as I polished my beloved Nyraxis. ¡°You will soon quench your thirst.¡± The great sword glinted seemingly in acknowledgement. The doors opened. And from the stairs below walked a single figure. She approached swag on her step. Tall and slender. A rapier on her waist, silver white hair and abyss black eyes just like mine. Pretty face, but a devious grin and eyebrows full of deceit. My own face on a girl. ¡°Nevauri.¡± I greeted her. ¡°Father.¡± She answered. ¡°I see you came to greet our visitors. Keeping me company, heh?¡± I asked as I relaxed. ¡°You have been sitting on your arse for far too long. I fear it made you soft; so I decided to come¡­ and give my old man a little backup.¡± She smirked as she sat in the throne¡¯s steps. ¡°You just sit and watch. It will only take a moment.¡± I answered. She laughed. ¡°Amusing.¡± Nevauri. My first daughter, she is the one who takes after me the most both by looks and might. I spoiled her a little to much, but then again she never failed at anything. Always moving up, always the best at everything. A genius.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Such heights bring ambition, and once there. Arrogance. Our downfall. I learn that lesson thorough my life. And when it happened, i was at my lowest. I will be there for her when that happens, seeing my daughter like that is something that a father just can¡¯t bear. ¡°Hey Nev.¡± I smiled as I looked at her. ¡°Dad?¡± She looked at me. ¡°I¡¯m very proud of you. And¡­ I love you very much.¡± I said sincerely. She narrowed her eyes. ¡°I¡­ Me too. Me too.¡± She looked a little uncomfortable now. ¡°What is it?¡± I went to her side and summoned a blanket and placed it in her back. ¡°Ahhh¡ª Its¡­ just the cold, yes the cold.¡± She jerked up and hugged the blanket. ¡°Sure¡­ We need to talk.¡± I answered, strange seeing her acting this shy. She is always so brazen. I sensed the intruders just beaten the last floor. They were coming up the steps. Come to greet me. They would be here in about thirty minutes. ¡°Later¡­¡± I continued. She nodded. I took my Ax and started strumming. A greeting is in order. ¡° Long been complacent with the hand I¡¯ve been dealt Restless and weak from the life that I¡¯ve built So I¡¯ll journey afar, for there¡¯s glory to find And I¡¯ll out my entry in the annals of time ¡° I started strumming and singing one of my favourite songs. The doors finally opened as I went on. ¡°Silence devil! I came to end your tyranny. And avenge my parents¡­ And all the people you have murdered.¡± The leader spoke up. Interrupting-me. Finally they show up. The blonde youth and his little group all clad in enchanted armours and weapons. Just like in those fairy tales. I looked at him in disgust. Got up and smashed the tip of Nyraxis against the floor. Holding the grip with both hands. Dark feathered wings grew off my back, and horns curled up high above my head as I stood three meters tall. One, two, five. A well rounded party; this might actually take more than a moment¡­ I could feel Nevauri smirking behind me. Some started chanting spells and others advanced. No matter. ¡°My name is Davos of Shorehelm. And I will end you this day.¡± The brave hero approached in an offensive stance, spear and shield. I step slowly into the light so they can see my size and might, unsheathing Nyraxis and lifting it up high above my head. ¡°My name is Zoldassim, I welcome you to my home. Witness your impeding doom¡­!¡± Nyraxis tight in my grasp I charged forward smashing it against the hero¡¯s shield. He withstood the charge, parrying the blow and deflecting the sword, taking advantage of my overextended position he counter attacked, thrusting his spear towards my chest. The scales on my chest are impenetrable, his spear bounced off like nothing. As I chuckled. His companions stood far in the hall watching the fight, but didn¡¯t move. It seems they chose to stay out of this. A hero¡¯s honour... Sure, I could play around a little bit too. ¡°Impressive armour. Unfortunately for you, my spear is not bound by ordinary limitations.¡± With a quick flourish, he tossed his spear up into the air, spinning it end over end. As he catches it, the spear seems changed, glowing and sparking with power. ¡°Let¡¯s see how well your armour holds up against this, fiend!¡± He shouted. I fix my gaze at him like a dragon eyeing his pray. My glare following every move like a hawk waiting for the right moment to pounce. I let out another chuckle. My voice rumbling like thunder thorough the room¡¯s halls. ¡°You think a toy¡¯s weapon can scratch me? You truly entertain me.¡±I chuckled. A smile crossed his annoying face. ¡°Let me show you the meaning of true strength.¡± With a lightning-fast motion, he launched himself forward in an explosion of speed. Closing the distance before I could react. Leaping into the air. He brought down his spear in an overhead strike aiming for my chest. In a flash, My response was like a lighting bolt taken form. My massive hand whips out in an instant, grasping his spear mid-descent, stopping his attack effortlessly. My grip is like vice, and his spear looks tiny in my iron palm. I chuckle again mocking him. ¡°You are quick little hero. I will give you that. Too bad it is not enough.¡± He pulled back quickly, the force of my counter attack sending him stumbling backwards momentarily. ¡°Let¡¯s see how you handle this then.¡± He said. With a flick of his wrist, he sent a wave of energy along the length of his spear, the force surging outwards in a blast intended to knock me off balance. This wave of energy crashed into me, sending tremors of force into my body. Shacking the whole room. But instead of being thorn off balance, I stood firm, my feet sinking slightly into the ground but remaining steady. I chuckled, my voice filled with disdain. ¡°Fall fiend!¡± He screamed, hatred in his voice. He grips his spear pressing the attack, He surges forward again, feinting high with his spear before changing direction and aiming a kick at my knee. Once again, my response is preternatural. I raise my hand in a block, catching his kick and stopping it dead with ease. My gaze locks onto his. A smirk on my face. Then I squeezed his ankle within my grip. ¡°Tsk, tsk. Predictable¡­ and weak.¡± I said with boredom. He grimaces in pain as his ankle is crushed in my grip. However he did not give me the satisfaction of a cry or a plea. Seizing the opportunity the contact provides, he slammed his forehead into my face, trying to drive me back with a headbutt. As his forehead connected with mine, a loud ¡®thunk¡¯ rang out. Bone to bone, skull to skull. My head snaps backwards for an instant, but I just smiled. In one quick motion, I grabbed hold of his shoulders, shoving him away and sending him stumbling several steps back. A deep, mocking laugh emanating from my chest. He managed to land on his feet, backing off and seemingly trying to regain composure. His breath comes in ragged gasps. He grits his teeth, focusing. ¡°You really are a monster.¡± He said with a ragged voice And again he raises his spear, shifting into a ready stance. ¡°But even monsters have weaknesses. I just have to find yours.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t keep up?¡± I provoked. I slowly start to approach him again, my strides slow and deliberate. My steel boots crunching the ground beneath them, the sound echoing through the stillness of the throne room. I raised my sword; Nyraxis over my shoulder with a single hand, the weapon seeming weightless in my grasp and my gaze fixed on the hero. He eyed the massive weapon with a mixture of trepidation and determination. The sheer size of it makes it look like a pillar of stone in my hands. ¡°Impressive sword.¡± He commented. ¡°But size isn¡¯t everything.¡± Bracing himself for the impeding attack, he shifts into a defensive stance. I swing Nyraxis in a wide arc, the sword whistling through the air. It collides with his spear, over and over again, sending shock waves rippling through the spear¡¯s shaft. The impact is like thunderclap, the force of the blow sending tremors through his very bones. I followed up with a quick jab with Nyraxis pointy tip, aiming for his abdomen. He desperately sidesteps the thrust, the tip of Nyraxis grazing his armour and leaving a shallow wound in his side. Despite the pain, he keeps moving, sidestepping and dodging as best as he can. Suddenly he switches tactics. Instead of meeting my strikes head-on, he begins to weave and dance around me, looking¡­ for an opening. I stark getting a little frustrated as he successfully evades my attacks. I grunt in annoyance as I continue to swing Nyraxis, the mighty sword meeting only air each time. My patience thins as the hero weaves around me. I start to anticipate his movements better. I suddenly decide to pivot, launching a quick backhand towards him, catching him off guard. Smashing into his chin with the force of freight train. My backhand rocks his head back sending him flying and smashing against the wall. ¡°Nnngh!¡± He groans, shaking his head and spitting out more blood. ¡°You¡¯re faster than you look, I¡¯ll give you that¡­¡± I let out a deep, satisfied chuckle as my backhand connects, the impact clearly affecting him. I stride forward, closing the distance between us. My dark gaze locking into his, a smile on my face. ¡°You¡¯re just a stubborn little annoyance, nothing more.¡± I answered. I raised Nyraxis once again, the massive sword casual in my grip. ¡°You won¡¯t last much longer, you¡¯ll fall soon enough. Why don¡¯t you call your friends? I tire of holding back.¡± I teased the man. I slashed Nyraxis down. Interestingly enough, he manages to raise his spear and shield once again, only just. ¡°You¡¯re right, I¡¯m just a stubborn little annoyance.¡± He retorts. ¡°But I didn¡¯t get this far by giving up easily. And you are mine, my friends have no place in this fight!¡± With a sudden burst of speed, he lunges forward, feinting with his spear before quickly changing direction and attempting to slide against me, aiming to get behind me. My reflexes don¡¯t fail me. Countless battles and duels owned my skills to the top heights, it doesn¡¯t get better than this. I react to his feinting manoeuvrer. With the speed of a dragon, I twist my body, Nyraxis sweeping across the area where he was aiming to pass through, its tip slashing the air just millimetres from his body. I let out another mocking chuckle. My gaze on him. Reacting quickly, he feints again, but this time launching into a roll and rolling under my legs, coming up behind me. He quickly raises to his feet, spear raised; aiming for a strike at my back. In surprise my expression falters for a moment as he rolls past me, his spear ready. My gaze narrows as I spin around and smack his spear away with Nyraxis, the weapon¡¯s heavy impact sending it flying from his grasp. I step forward, my voice low, a mocking growl. ¡°You¡¯re just prolonging the inevitable, little hero. You¡¯re dancing on thin ice, and I¡¯m about to crack it. His weapon skitters across the ground and out of his reach. He steps back, the realization settling in that he is now unarmed and at a sever disadvantage. ¡°Maybe so,¡± He responds, his voice steady as I smell his fear bubbling inside. ¡°But if I¡¯m going to go down, I¡¯ll go down fighting.¡± In a desperate attempt and charges forward, hoping to throw me off just enough to retrieve his spear. My eyes narrow and I ready myself for his charge, my grip on Nyraxis tightening. I see right through his feint, noticing his true intention to reach for his spear. With a swift, calculated swing of Nyraxis, I deflect his charge, shoving him away forcefully and making it clear that I¡¯m not fooled by his move. ¡°You thought you could deceive me, eh? How na?ve of you.¡± His back hits the ground, his breath escaping him as he lands hard. He tries to get back up, but the pain in his ankle and the blow from Nyraxis slows his movement. ¡°Damn you¡­¡± He mutters, struggling to stand. He looks, and sees me looming over me, Nyraxis raised triumphantly, preparing for the final blow. I smirk as I ready the execution. ¡°And so, it comes to this. The end of your little show of defiance.¡± I take a menacing step closer, holding Nyraxis high. ¡°Any words before you final breath, little fly?¡± His friend shout in panic and try to rush over, but our brave hero raise an hand and orders them to stop. Impressive and foolish. I think. He stares up defiantly, despite the fact that he is clearly beaten. His eyes never waver, his gaze steady. ¡°Just one.¡± He responds, his voice firm. With a sudden burst of strength, he rolls to the side and reaches out, fingers grasping the haft of his fallen spear. As he reaches for the spear, my eyes widen, realising his last-ditch effort o grab onto his weapon again. I swiftly shift my stance, bringing Nyraxis down in a powerful cleave towards him, intending to prevent him from reaching the spear. The pain from his ankle flares as he dive rolls away from the incoming strike, just narrowly avoiding a messy end. As he lands, his fingers finally close around the haft of his spear, and scrabbles to his feet. ¡°Not quite yet,¡± He manages, his voice a bit raspy from the effort. ¡°I¡¯m still breathing.¡± My expression darkens in annoyance and my anger grows. I take a step forward, readying myself for another attack, Nyraxis gripped tightly. He braces himself, clutching the spear in a defensive stance. His breaths come in ragged gasps, the exertion and pain from the fight starting to take their toll. Still, he holds his ground, refusing to back down. ¡°That¡¯s it. Come on.¡± He taunts between breaths. ¡°Show me¡­ Show me what you¡¯ve got.¡± My confidence unwavering as I approach him. ¡°You¡¯re exhausted. You¡¯re injured. And yet you still cling to that feeble spear. How noble¡­ and foolish.¡± I raise Nyraxis once again, the sword humming with power as I swing it at him in a sweeping arc. Hoping to cleave him in half. He sidesteps the swing, the movement sending a fresh wave of pain through his injuries. He winces but keeps moving, staying just out of range of the massive sword. ¡°Foolish, maybe,¡± He admits between breaths. ¡°But I¡¯ve never gave up on anything in my life!¡± Gripping his spear once again, a feint jab towards my gut, but at the last moment, he spins and aims a kick at my knee instead. My reflexes prove true, and I catch on to his plan. With a quick reaction, I deflect his spear and lift my knee, intercepting his kick before it can connect with my kneecap. He stumbles slightly as his kick is deflected, his balance compromised from the injury to the ankle. He stagger back a step, his breathing laboured, I can hear his heart pounding in my ears. ¡°Dammit, you¡¯re quick. Prick.¡± He grunts, his voice strained ¡°But you¡­ don¡¯t scare me.¡± He adjust his grip once again on his spear, his shield long lost. And braces himself to continue the fight. I see him stumble and exploit his moment of weakness. I move swiftly, Covering the distance between us in a few powerful strides. I raise Nyraxis high and bring it crashing down towards him with my full force. The sharp edge aimed for his chest. He tries to sidestep the blow once again, but the injured ankle fails him, he finds himself unable to move out of the way in time. The satisfying crunch of Nyraxis connecting with his chest plate rings out, the impact knocking him a few feet back. He hits the ground hard, the air knocked out of him. He lies there for a moment, struggling to breathe, pain shooting through his body from his injuries. With a groan, he pushes himself up on his elbows, looking up at me through blurry vision. Fear and hate evident on his face. I looked down on him, with a mixture of disdain and triumph. The sound of Nyraxis almost spilling his guts on the floor; music to my ears. I walk to his side and place a foot in his back lifting his head up by the hair. A mocking smirk on my lips. ¡°Good fight.¡± I bring Nyraxis up from below his neck. Cutting his head clean off in one blow. Blood spilling on the floor as his friends gasp from afar, hands in their mouths, knees on the floor. ¡°The result would still be the same had you all intervene.¡± I looked over to them. I moved my neck. Strange¡­ It did not move. I couldn¡¯t move at all. I looked over to the body. Haa I see¡­ An holy curse¡ªSuch high level to actually paralyse me for a little while. ¡°It will only take a moment to¡­¡± Suddenly pain rang in my back, I managed to look down. The bloody pointy end of a rapier was sticking out of my chest. Where my heart was. I feel on my knees and saw her. My beloved daughter a light of my life. The one who had the most of my looks. Holding that sword in her grip. ¡°Nev¡ª¡­ What have you done?¡± I said more sadness in my voice than rage. Still a mix of both. She moved her lips saying some words. ¡°¡­ I ¡­.¡­..¡­.¡­.¡­ ...¡­ ¡­..¡­¡­.¡­.¡­.¡­ I could not hear what she had said. Darkness. 002 - Curious world I regain my consciousness. My reincarnation methods seem to be working just fine. I sprout out the will of my soul around, taking in my surroundings. I find myself in the soul sea. The place where all mortal souls end up in, after their certain demise waiting for judgement. In natural circumstances I would never end up here, my soul would fly straight to the deepest hell. Once there, a manor of mine and my servants would be jubilant to greet me, and bow down my feet. It would be a fine vacation; after so many mortal centuries. Still, I knew if someone where to be able to actually kill me. Returning there would not be the wisest move. I planned ahead. Now I am dead. And those who did it, are aware where I would end up. Killing my mortal body wouldn¡¯t finish me. If they did, I would be there yet again the next day. Nyraxis in hand its blade singing the name of the next neck¡¯s owner. No. Nevauri knew it, she arranged a trap to capture me on my weakened state after revival, that much is sure. And there in the mansion I would be at my killer¡¯s mercy. Only someone of that wit would be able to actually end me. Nev sure outdid herself. In truth? I am proud of her. My daughter; that indeed was a beautiful betrayal. I had a feeling she would try to take my place eventually. After all she is my flesh and blood. Still. I wasn¡¯t expecting it to be so soon, and she would actually succeed. That spell that paralysed me¡­ It was not something that shitty little hero could come up with. No¡­ There is a thicker plot there. I could smell the stink. ¡ª I look around with my will. The gargantuan aura of my soul snuffing out the light out of the the weak around me. That should draw attention. Soon enough a scythe of energy drew me to another location, and an outside power gave my soul a mouth, ears and eyes. There in its chair it sat, hood up; face pure darkness. With a lofty attitude. Black wings and a huge schyte leaning at its side. Coszots the aspect of death. ¡°We meet once again.¡± I greeted it casually. ¡°Finally, thou decided to accept mine gift, is thy struggle finally over?¡± Death had no face, all that it showed was a huge figure, a black robe shrouding its hole body; clad in chains of rusted iron. In place of a face there was only pure darkness. Its voice was husky and asexual, loud enough to be heard far off. But it sounded like a whisper, a loud whisper one that would resound inside one¡¯s head; something that one could not fail to hear. This was no joke. This was the embodiment of death, the most powerful of the aspects embodying the wills of the universe; a primordial being. Its realm was no different; this place works as sorting machine of sorts, the sky a dark purple where numerous souls floated around awaiting their judgement. And the ground I made of mountains upon mountains of bones and decaying flesh; all kinds of creatures from beasts to demons, it stretched on infinitely. ¡°No. I will never know peace; you know that. There is much to be done, our deal remember? Do it.¡± I answered, with a somewhat sombre tone in my voice. ¡°Thou hast been an worthy champion, spreading mine word and mine gift upon thousands. Prithee , forbear this folly. Art thou ne''r going to wot peace? shall thy red hand aye hast it¡± Death leaned forward, almost sounding caring for me. Death and i¡­ We go way back. ¡°No.¡± It took a while but;¡ª I finally answered. It owes me a favour, all the mighty deity that death is. It must keep its word. It is folly to put faith in others, especially in such a fickle thing like death. But I know, this thing has its uses for me; something mutual. It will keep its word. ¡°Life is not mine domain, yet for thou i shall compose an exception. Hie then, live a few moe of thy mortal years long enough to regret it, then join back and pray me for mercy and mine gift. Then i shall refuse thou once again, so that thou may wot thy place.¡± It waved its rotting hand hand sending me far off. A portal of some kind¡­ ¡°Creation shall be enchafed upon me, allow us get this ordeal over with¡± I heard its voice; far off in the distance. It clasped its hands, and then I was off somewhere else. ¡ª- I opened my eyes. Yes, I seem to have eyes now. A girl in her early twenties stared at me with her greyish hazel eyes. ¡°Fucker. You are awake.¡± She said. Suddenly three more youths got close to the bed I laid on. All similar, a greyish silver blonde hair and grey eyes. They were all pale as corpses, dressed in black robes it seemed they never had seen the sun. Another girl hugged me. A older boy shook his head and another older one spoke. ¡°Seems he will live after all.¡± He turned around and left. The other lad followed him out of the room. ¡°Adam. Speak to me.¡± The girl who spoke before addressed me. ¡°What¡¯s up.¡± I greeted her casually. She frowned and lifted her hand to slap me. I caught her hand in the air. ¡°Unhand me!¡± She shrieked. ¡°That depends. Will you push your luck again?¡± I tightened my grip making her bend to the side in pain. ¡°No¡­ Stop it! You are hurting me. Fool.¡± She answered. I let her go and she stumbled back falling in her butt. I got up from bed and stretched my new body. Experimenting with the voice. Placed an hand in my crotch. ¡°Everything seems to be in order.¡± *Haaaa* I yawned ¡°How good it is to be alive.¡± I said as I stretched. This body¡­ is weak as fuck. I noticed. Well mortals are like this after all. Compared to my old body that was three meters tall, now I stood with one and a half maybe a little more. This new body hadn¡¯t even started to develop it¡¯s muscles. I lifted my right arm that looked like a wet noodle and squeezed it with my left hand. The strength that my grip produced could hardly crush my arm, yet I still managed to hurt the hand by squeezing my own arm. Very weak was my first thought. To be honest this body is really uncomfortable, like wearing a sock crusted in mud. But still better than nothing. ¡°Pig.¡± The girl commented as she got up. ¡°Look. I don¡¯t know what spell you used, but you should be a mindless zombie right now. I just cast a necromancy spell on you. If this is a prank and you happened to somehow not be dead. I am going to be very irritated.¡± She said, her voice full of arrogance and annoyance. I lunged forward and grasped for her throat shoving her against the wall. She resisted, and to my surprise a little girl like her, turned out to be actually stronger than me. But a gentle squeeze at the apple of her throat that was now in my grasp reminded her of her place. ¡°I don¡¯t like your tone. Child.¡± I said as I strangled her. Good enough to bully girls at least. ¡°So¡­rr¡­.*cough*Sorry.¡± She apologized in tears. I let her go and she fell on her knees. I turned around giving my back to her and looking towards the window. An haggard looking little town, It seems I find myself inside a church. ¡°What is your name?¡± I asked her. ¡°You don¡¯t recall?. I am Maria, and that is Ruth. We are your sisters, right?¡± She spoke between coughs and looked at the bed where I was laid when I woke up. Another girl was sitting there. Just smiling at me. Strange, I saw her. But I¡¯m used to detecting presences, this girl didn¡¯t have one. If this Maria did not point her out I wouldn''t have noticed her at all. ¡°Why don¡¯t you speak?¡± I asked her. ¡°She is mute.¡± The other girl answered. ¡°She is also your twin.¡± ¡°I see.¡± I looked into a nearby mirror. Grey eyes with shades of purple and long greyish silver blond hair, almost grey too. This boy¡¯s physique was indeed pathetic, a miracle he could stand at all. Aged about sixteen, or seventeen given the details. Given the state of the body he could be younger. Who knows. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. He also had deep dark circles under in his eyes. ¡­Its my current body now. And such a fucking headache, it will be to make this thing productive. ¡°Come on Maria and Ruth. I seem to be suffering from amnesia, tour me the grounds.¡± I walked out of the room, hands folded behind my back. Gesturing them to follow. This was not my first round around. As I walked out of the room I found myself in a corridor made of stone, many doors here it seems this is the dormitory. Behind me I could hear hurried footsteps, both girls seem to be obedient. Good. ¡°Adam! Wait, you say you are experiencing amnesia? Were are you going? We need to go and see father.¡± Maria reached me by my side and spoke. ¡°Somewhere high and quiet were I can question you. Who is this father?¡± I asked as I opened the double door in the end of the hallway. Dim sunlight lit up the corridor which was previously lit only by candles and oil lanterns. I immediately went blind. Damn¡­ This body is really sensitive. Who was this Adam? A basement dweller? I was now in the garden. Only dead shrubs and grey flora. Some dead trees too. This place indeed is a church. Quite a big one too. Maybe a monastery. Not far in the garden I spotted a bell tower. There I would have a good view of the place and I could also talk with this girl more comfortably. ¡°Our father. The high priest?¡± She asked confused. ¡°Priest? They are allowed to have kids here? Not unheard of, but this place looks very¡­ catholic.¡± I responded. ¡°Of course, why wouldn¡¯t they? what is catholic? Have you also gone bollocks?¡± Bollocks? Is she for real¡­ so this is some kind of british tea cult? No¡­ My first world burned. A mirror perhaps? I wondered. Alternative dimensions and their rules are a headache. Not responding I kept walking. Soon I reached this tower. There was a wooden ladder, I climbed up and the girls followed. Up here there was a small big metal bell and a mechanism to ring it. I took a seat at the edge of this belfry. I looked down from up this tower, it seems to be about eighty meters high. I leaned my back in the wall and casually leaned a leg down the edge. Ruth quickly emulated me and sat in front of me sitting the exact same way in front of me. Maria crossed her arms. ¡°That¡¯s dangerous¡­¡± She said. I raised an hand to silence her. This place is indeed a monastery. Quite a big one too. Outside its walls a town stood, below the hill, where the monastery stood. In the horizon I could see a forest of dead trees and a landfill. Just next to the town. These people seem to be pigs. The town isn¡¯t advanced. It seems we are in the early eighties. I spotted a few horse carriages and men dressed up in black suits. That gave it away enough. ¡°So our father is the boss of this place. Tell me about him.¡± I turned to Maria. ¡°What is there to tell¡­ He is the leader of the priests here, on paper we worship Ahdon¡­¡± I cut her. ¡°On paper.¡± I remarked. ¡°You already know this. It¡¯s a secret for those outside of the monastery, but for us inside we worship other deities. Ones that grants us¡­ Powers.¡± She said nonchalantly. ¡°I see.¡± I answered and looked around now with some greater understanding. ¡°Blood sacrifices? Orgies? What gets this place going?¡± I asked. ¡°Yes.¡± She answered. ¡°All of those, and some more. Anything to reach the mysteries beyond. That¡¯s the way our order operates.¡± Humans¡­ ¡°Tell me Maria. Have you ever participated in any of these?¡± ¡°Blood sacrifices, only. I don¡¯t have the need for any other stuff, father doesn¡¯t allow us either; it would be¡­ well unbecoming of our station like he likes to say. And I would never.¡± She said. Her tone serious. I got up and stood in front of her my hand in her chin. And I approached my face to hers. ¡°You are a pretty girl Maria, have you never done it? Not even with a single person?¡± I got close to her, attempting a kiss. Ruth behind me muttered a sound. A gasp? Interesting. Maria went red and then pushed me to the side and turned around. ¡°No.¡± She answered, obviously shaken. An introvert. I thought, as I crossed my arms. ¡°We are siblings¡­ Even in the band of Eryzirity there are lines that should not be crossed.¡± She said. ¡°I see, cutting and fucking each others in blood orgies is fine. But sibling fucking is where you draw the line. Fucking hypocrites.¡± I commented with a smirk. ¡°We do it by choice. For power, that¡¯s what the deities want. That¡¯s what we give them for their boons. But even power is not worth throwing away my dignity.¡± She spoke quite resolutely. I took a seat again by the edge. ¡°Is it not? I wonder what would you do if you had no other away forward. A choice, Power or pride? Choices, choices.¡± I clicked my tongue. ¡°The time to stop¡­ comes for everyone.¡± She muttered. ¡°Yes. I wonder what you will do in yours. Don¡¯t say it, I don¡¯t care. You my sweet girl, earned yourself the benefit of the doubt.¡± Moving to other matters. ¡°One last question. Why did I woke up in a bed, and why did you thought I was dead?¡± ¡°Our older brothers¡­ They don¡¯t take kindly to you for some stupid reason. Me and Ruth do our best to keep them away from you¡­ But Ruth is a cripple and I don¡¯t do miracles.¡± She sneered. ¡°I see. And what was I like before I woke up?¡± Intriguing. ¡°The opposite of what you show to be now. It seems they really did hit your head hard. You are a coward and a loser. Could not even learn the easiest spells even with me and father holding your hand. Always sick.¡± She said, hoping for a reaction. ¡°And? Did they beat me? What did they say, what does this father think?¡± ¡°Honestly, i have been looking out for you for as long as I remember. Ruth is very talented¡­ As for you¡­ well there is talk of a big sacrifice. I have done what I could, but I don¡¯t think I can change his damned mind.¡± ¡°Sacrificing his own flesh and blood¡­ Father is¡­ I don¡¯t know what to say.¡± She said quite disheartened. What a joke. ¡°Enough. Maria, you now work for me. I have uses for you. Come, there is much to do.¡± I gestured her to follow and went down the stairs. As soon as I stepped out of the belfry the girls behind me. Near a pound in this garden there were my new brothers. It seems they were both waiting for me. They hadn¡¯t spotted me yet. Their intentions are obviously clear. *Haa¡­* I breathed in. Boys of this age always seeking attention and some sort of validation. They are due to a lesson. Clearly; they are older than this body. Not older than me. ¡ª Maria¡¯s FOV Today has been quite a strange day, Adam my brother turned from a spineless donkey into a bloody maniac. This shameless away that he is acting today Is bringing me to the edge of my patience with him. Maybe this great sacrifice is a good idea after all. I love Ruth and she loves him, her twin. I have been protecting him all these years for her sake. But if he keeps acting this wild and crazy I am afraid I will be finally done with vouching for him. But I can¡¯t help but just come with him. Do as he says? Its something about his voice, his attitude. This¡­ Authority. Just like father. Right now I can¡¯t say if I am afraid for him, that he might do something stupid. Or that I am actually afraid¡­¡ª of him; but that¡¯s silly he is a weakling¡­ isn¡¯t he? No. He is just a boy, I am a fully fledged master. He cannot hurt me, he is the one who should be afraid, I am his better after all. I am following him down the ladder of the belfry. Soon we get out of the building. Rob and Dough are here. Waiting for him. I will not protect him again, not after the unceasing disrespect that he keeps showing me. They haven¡¯t noticed us coming down. Their backs are turned, he wants to sneak by them? I will get their attention. He is due to a lesson in manners. ¡°Hoy, ladies! Taking a piss are we?¡± Adam called out for his older brothers. Such disrespect! They are actual acolytes, nearly masters too; eventually¡­ while he isn¡¯t even worthy of the title he owns, some apprentices are actually stronger than him; pathetic boy. There is still a year before his first ceremony, and that is if he makes it out alive. Which he won¡¯t. Is he fucking stupid? ¡°Adam, was the last beating not good enough of a lesso¡ª¡± Our older brother Rob starts talking and immediately gets interrupted. Adam fucking sucker punched him in the teeth. I can see them flying out of his mouth as the older brother hits the ground. ¡°Bastard!¡± Dough shouted in panic. Then he started chanting a spell. ¡°Hurt!¡± A vacuum appeared in Adam shoulder. The bloody idiot is using the dismemberment curse on his brother. ¡°Dough!¡± I shouted. Too late to help Adam. He just stood there. Watching as the slow spell was activating. ¡°Move you idio¡­¡± I tried to help in panic. But he just lifted a finger and suddenly the spell disappeared. Spell cancellation? The Adam? He is just an acolyte, how is that possible, only some master¡¯s are capable of that spell. I looked again. A circle was appearing in Dough¡¯s thigh. THE FUCKING COUNTER-SPELL!??? Dough had not even noticed it before a spring of blood busted out of his hip as his leg was separated an fell on the ground along with him. He panicked and screamed. Soaked in his own piss. ¡°FUCKER¡± He screamed his voice a shrike of pain. I rushed over to try and help him. He is scum, but also my brother. I had to help. ¡°Wath de fuuuk!?¡± Rob the elder brother got up by his knees stuttering between is broken teeth. I haven¡¯t even noticed when he grabbed it. Dough¡¯s dismembered leg was¡­ Well in Adam¡¯s hand being held by the ankle. He took the the leg. It hadn¡¯t stopped bleeding yet, blood covering him as he lifted it above his head. He used it like it was a some club on Rob¡¯s face. Over and over again. ¡°Haaaaa, Fuuck, Stooooep! ¡± Rob screamed between broken teeth. Smash. Smack. And bump. I could not help but cover my mouth with my hands at the bloody scene. Rob went unconscious. The bloody monster threw the leg back at Dough and clapped his hands. ¡°Now that¡¯s settled. Dear sister do show me the way to the nearest bath. I am positively covered in filth.¡± He looked at me and said as nothing just had happened. I looked around. The acolytes and apprentices were all around us watching the scene, there is no way that father was not going to find out about this. ¡ª Adam¡¯s FOV Ah nothing like bloody dismemberment to set the mood for a fresh start. I cracked my shoulders. As I stretched. ¡°Sure¡­ This way.¡± Maria got up and motioned me to follow. Such a helpful lass. I followed her and soon we entered a big bathroom with a pool. The water wasn¡¯t warm, but I have never been one for hot showers either. I immediately threw the silly robe away and stepped into the water. I could hear a gasp. ¡°Could you¡­! Not go naked in front of me!¡± Maria shouted. ¡°Never seen one before?¡± I asked. Amused. ¡°You shameless little! Arhgh!¡± She stomped her foot and went away slamming the door. I took a seat in the bath and started washing my arms. Funnily enough that quiet, weird little girl was still standing there., Ruth was her name I think. ¡°Want to join?¡± I asked. She immediately nodded and threw the robe away. Almost jumping in the water, butt-naked. ¡°Woah!¡­ You certainly ain¡¯t shy. You know¡­ I like your style.¡± I Laughed. She smiled and started imitating me. Washing herself. I looked at her. She is this body¡¯s twin it seemed. The same silver blonde hair and grey eyes with shades of purple, she is indeed quite a pretty young lass. She reminded me of my daughters for some reason¡­ ¡°Abella, Dae, Nev¡­¡° ¡°Nevauri.¡± Her eyes perked up. I notice I said their names aloud. ¡°So¡­ Your name is Ruth. I¡¯m afraid my memory isn¡¯t so fresh.¡± I changed the subject. ¡°Tell me¡­ How old are you?¡± She seemed confused at first but then. She lifted both her open hands and then she only kept up seven fingers. ¡°Seventeen, heh? The world is ours for the taking, am I right?¡± I laughed and she gave me a awkward smile. Laying back as I relaxed, I washed the blood off. The water turned red from my previous endeavour but I didn¡¯t care. Ruth rushed out of the bath when she noticed it. Still I wasn¡¯t in a hurry. And thought about my situation. Having gotten killed a few times in my whole existence, starts like this were nothing new. My first life was on earth. Born and raised, I loved music and started a band, I was¡­ happy, at first all things concerned. I had a family for a while and a girl that I was planning to confess to. Money wasn¡¯t good. But then again? When is it? Then the third world war started. I got drafted into the army and fought for my country, and in turn i got to watch as everyone that I ever loved dying and everything I cherished burning. I lost my mind back then. Turned into a rabid dog lost in hate and disgust. My masters pointed and I killed. I was good at it. That didn¡¯t make me less of a dog. In the end, I lived long enough to watch the world burn in nuclear fire from a good high up view. From back then I remember smiling. I don¡¯t know how or why, but I got a second chance. I started over in a world full of magic and wonderful things. Maybe this time I could finally be happy? Wrong. The place was cruel. Those with power murdered and took what they wanted, no remorse. Survival of the fittest. I realised that there is no such thing as peace and happiness, none that would last. I wanted to live. So I became strong, powerful enough that none would ever even think of hurting me or the ones I loved. I spat at death¡¯s notion and told its aspect to go fuck itself when I finally got to meet with it; it gave me its boon for impressing it back then... As some form of wicked mockery. Power was my life, my dream and my goal. My everything. Its pursuit. But its never enough. In this road there is always an higher being. A threat. At some point i even ended up in a place akin to heaven. There I actually got to be happy for a while. Not that It lasted. I could not stop, that place reminded me of that in the end. Stopping would be accepting defeat. I don¡¯t lose. Never again. For me, and for my daughters. My will, it had to be done. Now here I am again. A starting point, I need to find out about this world and a away to get back to where I was before. Go back to my daughters and wife. Take back my stuff, and move on to the next step in the road of power. That¡¯s it. This is just a minor setback. Find Nev, find out who plotted against me. And have my revenge. But that¡¯s the future, smart people think about the future. Geniuses about the present. Ruth was sitting in a table nearby reading something, when I heard the double doors open. It is time to meet this ¡®Father¡¯.