《The Kings of The Unstable World》 The Beggining [Kage''s POV, Protagonist #1. Mortal age:16] Why? Why can''t I remember? What happened before I came here? Looking at him he doesn''t really seem like my brother but one thing is certain and that is the only things I remember are my blood and my name. "Oiii Kage" He yells "Come over here, I think I found something!" "Hm? What could he have possibly found" I think to myself. "Coming!" I yell as I walk over to him. He seems to be amazed staring at something but I see nothing there. "Huh? You''re staring at....The forest?" I ask. "Oh? NO YOU ASS IM STARING AT THE FLOATING BLACK THING INFRONT OF MY EYES THAT SAYS "PERSONAL STATS, ATTRIBUTES AND INFORMATION"" He says loudly. "I don''t see it." I say bluntly with a blank expression. "How did you find it?" I ask trying to figure out what the hell is going on. "Oh uhh. I think I did.." he motions with his hands and whispers something "Yeah that! I did that! Just do that and you''ll find it!" He says with a huge grin. Another blank look on my face tells him I have no idea what he''s just done. "Oh you just hold out your fist and say "What am I?" And then opening your fist." He says as I laugh. "WHAT?! WHATS SO FUNNY HUH?!" I laugh again and say "What were you trying to have a main character moment or something!" As I burst out laughing some more and make fun of him. After several minutes of him complaining like a child I finally stop laughing and decide to try it. I hold out my fist like a punch..."What am I?...Who am I?...Where am I?" Yeah of course I added my own words so what? I stumble back as several black background floating...things come up infront of me each with their own titles in bold letters. They read: Location, (Stats, Abilities and Informations), Race informations, Sliver operation manual and informations. Hm? What''s that last one...For some reason it''s intriguing to me. I can hear Typhon yapping in the background but it seems to be dulled out as I reach for the one that says "Sliver operation manual and informations" The rest of the what were they called...Slivers left and only the manual remained. I swiped through the manual, guidebook and Informations I tried to remember what I thought would be useful in the future. "Slivers come in several ranks, The Slivers abilities and Knowledge is dependant on the rank of the Sliver NOT the user. Sliver ranks are as follows: This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Unknown (SSS+POWER) Myth grade Legend grade S grade A grade Z grade G grade O grade D grade Minus grade. -Please note Slivers are ordered from best at the top and worst at the bottom. Currently weilding: UnK?oW# Grade." Hm? Unknown Grade? Guess I got really lucky. Wonder what He''s using. First Quest Ch.2 [Typhon''s POV, Protagonist #2. Current mortal age: 13] Aw man all I did was show him how to access that thing and now he''s been staring at it for hours. I could explore a bit I guess. I walk around the small clearing we''re in, Examining what''s around us. I venture slightly into the forest and keep walking until I notice I''m far from Kage. Shit, I must be atleast 500 meters away by now. How am I supposed to find him? "Man you''re real lucky I know how to use this thing" I hear come from the shadows behind me. "Huh??" I turn to see Kage walk out of the shadows "What''s that thing hovering over your shoulder?" I ask noticing a Bright white colour changing Void above his right shoulder. "Don''t you read?" He says insultingly "It''s a Sliver, That thing you showed me earlier?". "I didn''t know it could be manifested physically.." I say curiously. "Well it can and I also got to choose my abilities so you should probably read it." "Abilities..?" I say looking very puzzled "Yes, Abilities" he continues "You start with some set stat points in things such as your speed and stamina that you can''t change. But from what I''ve read every time you "level up" or complete a difficult quest/task you get a point to choose Abilities with." He says seriously. "What did you choose?" I ask trying to get ideas for what I should choose. "I chose what I chose. The only thing I''ll ask you to choose is size control and shape-shifting." "Okay. I''ll listen to that, How do I access my abilities then?" "Do what you did earlier and choose stats and abilities." He says simply. I obey and a wide selection appears infront of me as I choose what I was told and notice I have a couple remaining I can choose. I decided to choose a few that I like and that would be beneficial and then close the Sliver. Suddenly his Sliver shines bright and he says "Looks like we received our first quest." "First...what?" I ask "First quest you dimmed out lightbulb" he continues rudely "A task that we are given where we could possibly receive rewards for it." I pause to think for a moment before choosing several useful abilities. Telportation, Cloning, Flight. Aswell as the two I was told to choose Shape-shifting and Size control. "Okay!" I say brightly "What is our first kwest?!" I ask "Quest...It''s pronounced...uhhh well the same way you just pronounced it haha" he says with a dumb faced grin scratching the back of his head. "Our fist quest is to cut down a few trees and build a small shelter before nightfall. The reward is classified apparently." He says looking very confused "Well" I say enthusiastically "Let''s get too it then! But.....how will we cut down the trees if we have no tools?" I ask curiously. He gives me an evil look that I don''t really like and then it clicks for me "No...no...no...no" I say backing away slowly. "Yes..yes...yes, I will subdue you physically if you don''t do it willingly." He says inching ever closer. "Do I have too?" I say complaining. I''m met with a blunt "yes" and I sigh before turning into an axe. Why does he get to have all the fun? This is a drag. I think before feeling like my head got slammed against something really hard. Too bad I can''t see outside or even talk for that matter. I sure can hear him laughing maniacally though, He''s so dead when we''re done this quest. I think while plotting every prank I''m going to pull for the next couple years before my head gets slammed against another tree. FOR FUCK SAKE. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. Fun facts/Informations (Auxillary Ch.) Fun fact #1 Though it doesn''t seem that way, Typhon has a higher IQ than Kage. Fun fact #2 Kage''s sword only wears down if he wills it to. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. Informations: Current quests completed collectively: 19,000 Current quests completed by Protagonists: 1 Current active world quests: 1.6B Current active Protagonist quests: 1 Fun fact#3 Typhon is Obsessed with cookies to the point where he can get power ups mid fight upon the promise of cookies if he wins. Fun fact#4 All of Kage''s chosen abilities won''t be shown until later. Tale of the Beasts Ch.3 [Kages pov.] Well that quest wasn''t very difficult. *ping pling* I look at my Sliver as it displays a message: "Congratulations on completing your first quest! You were team No.5 to complete quest: Establish a residence, You have been rewarded accordingly!" I glance to my left as 50 Chests fall from the sky, 20 Wooden, 20 Silver and 10 Gold outlined. I barely get a chance to move before another message pops up. "New quest! Quest Name: Establish a Guild *Note, Guild must have a Minimum of 10 members and consisting of atleast one medic.* World time limit: N/A Reward: TBD Quest type: Mandatory" "Well shit, No breaks for us eh?" I say looking over at Typhon still passed out beside the house. "Guess all that wracking did something to his body" I think outloud. I sigh and sit down next to him, Back against the wood and for the first time since waking up I realize I have no clothes on. *Ping Pling* "Side quest: Quest name: Aquire clothing Time limit: 15 Hours Penalty: Freezing to death *Note, You are team No.1 to unlock this side quest.* Reward: Life Quest type: Mandatory." "Welp, Guess there''s that." I continue to think outloud. I grab Typhon and sling him over my shoulder. After walking into the house I find a spot thats more reinforced than everywhere else and put him down to rest there. After making sure he won''t get killed whilst I''m gone I leave the house and walk into the forest. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. After an hour or so of walking I decide to stop and close my eyes to listen to the forest around me. *Ping pling* "FUCK" *You have stumbled upon the lair of "Tale of the beasts" This is a Z grade monster. You have 10 minutes before they awaken.* "They??" Alarm bells are going off in my head as I pull up my Sliver "What Grade am I registered at" *Ping pling* *currently registered at "Wandering soldier grade" better known as "G-Grade" With your current skill level you can take on opponents up to "Lower Z grade"* "Damnit, This thing is probably Upper Z grade. Well fuck it, No time like the present." I say as I engulf my body with a lightning shroud and extend a flame to my blade. *Legendary ability "Fight to survive" has been activated. With your level stamina you have 30 minutes with this ability before it dissipates.* I try my hardest to locate it before it wakes up. Or well, "They" wake up. After 6 Minutes I stumble upon a cave and as I enter it I hear a low, heavy grumble. "Shit, Has it already been 10 minutes?" I say before hearing a small voice in my left ear "Jump" Before I can think my legs lift me off the ground as what looks like a tree trunk swipes directly where I was. As I land I swing my fiery blade infront of my to try to see. As my blade reaches the peak of its crescent I see 6 glowing eyes. I jump back into an area with more light as one of the pairs of eyes charge at me. *It''s a bear?!* I dodge to the right and plung my blade into its side, Igniting its bodily fluids. The bears fur is now on fire as it rears up and tries to pounce. I dodge to the left and then back. I lift my blade up infront of me and notice my left arm has a 5 inch cut from my elbow down towards my wrist. *Ping pling* *Damage taken, All physical stats have gone up due to the effects of "Fight to survive"* "Well that''s useful" I say through gritted teeth as I feint a slash down only to lunge forwards and strike the burning bear directly in the heart. "Sliver!" I call out "Analyze the situation" *pling* *Opponents total: 3 Opponents Killed: 1 Opponents race(s): Ancient bear Specifications: Bear 1 Status: Neutralized Weight: 3400 lbs Height (standing): 14ft Bear 2 Status: Angry Weight: 5400 lbs Height (standing): 18ft Bear 3 (The ancient one) Status: Calm Weight: 12,000 lbs Height (standing): 30ft* "Well that''s a big fucking Bear." I say as I swiftly dodge the second bears attack. I lunge forward again as the second bear rears up, Intending to slay it in the same way as the first. "You look down on me, Human" I hear those words right before I hear in my left ear again "Left....Right....Below....Jump back" I have barely a split second to react before an attack appears from every angle the voice foretold. As I land I pour more energy into my blade, turning the fire white. *Pling* *Damage taken, Stamina has increased accordingly* I feel a surge of energy rush through my body as I notice a gash on my chest. I dash in and feint both a right and left swing into a pierce. I barely scrape the bear as my blade ignites its fur and it screams out in pain. My blade plunges into the ground as I land with both hands on the hilt. I wince, Momentarily remembering my two wounds I acquired my chest throbs and my arm gives out but for a moment. "Ditch the blade, On your right" *That damned voice again* Though I may dislike it, Again I obey. I dash to the left and jump back, Leaving my beautiful blade in the soil. The bear half growls as I raise my fists and motion with my fingers for him to come towards me. He charges and I dodge down-right and uppercut to the armpit then a quick left strike to a pressure point, Disabling that arm. Of course this action lands me a paw square to the face, knocking me onto the cold hard dirt. I groan in pain as a stabbing sensation shoots through my wounds. I didn''t even need to hear this noise this time, I got an upgrade. I get up and dodge back as I make a circular motion with my left arm on my right shoulder, stretching and cracking it. I dash to the left of the bear and sucker punched his groin. Then with my left fist I punch under his ribs and my right foot plants a kick to his kidney before I jump back. As I''m boxing this bear I use my Sliver to send a message to Typhon. "... ___ ... 1.7800048764N :-;0.238782210048W" I mark the message as urgent before wiping blood from my mouth and taunting the bear. Reinforcements Arrive! Ch.4 [Typhons POV] *PING PING PLING PING PING PLING* I groan as the blaring sound wakes me up, My head is throbbing and this definitely isn''t helping. I notice my Sliver displaying a message. "Huh?!" I jolt upwards as I read the display message. *URGENT MESSAGE* *SENDER: KAGE* I open the contents of the message frantically. It''s an SOS message?!? From Kage?? I thought nothing could shake that guy, It must be dire. I immediately leave the base and dash towards the Coordinates I was sent. I use my Sliver to boost my speed ten fold but only temporarily. After about 10 minutes of running I get a notification. *Ping pling* *"Out of stamina, Suggested action: Teleport."* "I FORGOT I COULD TELEPORT. FUCK FUCK" I say waiting for some stamina so I can teleport. *Hold on Kage* I think determinedly. *several minutes of shamelessly recovering in a tree later* *ping pling* *Teleportation skill now available* "Finally, I''ll be there in a minute Kage." I outstretch my palm to my left and shout "COME OUT, CURSE OF THE KILLER" As my 6ft long shape-shifting Battle axe appears in my hand I put my palm on the ground and think of the coordinates. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. A red symbol resembling a mix of a Celtic shield knot, Pentagram, Hexagram, witches knot and spiral show up. A red spiral flows up my arm until it envelops me whole and I fall through the symbol into a pocket space. It''s blank but somehow I know where to go. I walk a few feet upwards and straight but to the right I end up at a resembling symbol that''s blue this time. I place my palm on it and this time I walk through without falling. The scene that unfolds before me is worthy of a novel. A bright flash of white followed by darkness slowly clearing away as my vision returns. I see I front of me not one but two dead bears. One with charring all around it and several slash wounds on it and one with partial charring and a knocked off jaw. I look around as I see Kage''s blade 4ft to the left of the beast, Blade in the ground. Next to that I see Kage bloodied and beaten standing afront a beast. His fists are raised and he''s leaning slightly forwards with his shoulders loose. He''s swaying, He''s on his last legs and the beast...Doesn''t seem to be fazed at all besides from several broken claws. He speaks up before I even make a noise "Typhon" he pauses "I''m going to take a nap, Do be haste, We''re running out of time." He turns and I see a flicker of lightning on his hand and in his eye before I finally begin processing what happened. "YOU CANT JUST GO TAKE A NAP IN THE MIDDLE OF A BATTLE" I yell. He stops walking away for a minute and then says "Why can''t I? Don''t forget you''ve only just woken up." He says insultingly. He has a point but I won''t let him know that. "Fine...but don''t slack off too much or I''ll have to direct my attacks at you." I say arrogantly as I roll my shoulders and ready my fists. "Why are you holding up your fists you dope?" Kage quips from behind me. "What? How else am I supposed to fight this thing?!?" "Didn''t you walk through that portal holding a weapon?" Kage says condescendingly. "Well...I suppose I did but..." *Where did my weapon go?* *Wait!* I hold out my hand..."COME OUT! CURSE OF THE KILLER!" A small handle appears in my hand and grows to 6ft in length with a battle axe head on the end of it. "Goodjob kid. I''ll help you out when you land a shot." I hear come from my back right. I grit my teeth and run towards the beast. I raise my axe on an 47¡ã angle curved behind my head. Once I am 7ft away the beast readies an attack. I drive in closer and closer, 4ft now and feint a swing at a 180¡ã angle. The beast tries to block as I smirk and change the trajectory of the head making a positive parabola. I grimace as the head hits the poor beast in the groin and slashes a foot and a half up its abdomen. It let''s out a painful roar and I jump back out of its attack range as it swings down on where I was. I need a better hit. This thing is quite heavy so I won''t be able to swing it many more times. *I NEED A SPEAR* The idea is like a flood in my mind as my energy courses through my veins and into my weapon. It gets lighter and glows as it transforms into a spear. "Well this shouldn''t be too hard then" I say confidently as I charge at the beast. I am 14ft away, The spear from base to head is 6ft and from base to point is 7ft. I only have one shot so I have to be exactly precise. I plant the base of the spear 7ft away from the beast I jump and using my momentum and physics I temporarily use the spear as a mounted lever. As I reach the highest point of the crescent I push the spear down into the ground before quickly pulling it in towards me. This causes the spear to be lifted off the ground as I get propelled forwards at a slightly faster rate I then throw the spear directly towards the beasts head. I land with a roll to continue momentum and as the beast is distracted I grab Kage''s sword. I almost lose all my momentum as the weight of it throws me off guard. This thing has to weight 10¡Á the weight of my axe. I may only get one shot. Luckily as I pick it up a bolt of lightning hits it, Suddenly making it lighter and appearing sharper. I look behind me to see Kage''s outstretched hands, One pointed at me and the blade and one towards the beast. He gives me a nod as I dash towards the stunned bear, First a one hundred eighty degree slash on its side, Then a jump 3ft to the right followed by a one hundred thirty five degree stab from beneath the ribcage through to the right of the spine. I let go of the blade, Grab my spear and jump back as another bolt of electricity hits my spear. I charge the shot and throw with all my might in through the mouth of the beast at an angle which may turn the brain into fried mush. *Slash* *Thwump* *Huh?!? I thought it was stunned, How can this be?* I think to myself as my world turns to slow motion and I fly through the air. *What even just happened?? Think Typhon think. WAIT! The moment I threw my spear when it connected to the bear the handle was long enough that it was a mere 5 inches from the ground. I must''ve grounded the initial charge on the beast giving it enough time to slash my spear away and hit me hard enough to send me flying. Yeah! That must be how that-* *WACK* Warriors Fate I jump back as the masked man swings his bronze looking blade at me. "Wh-Who are you?" I stutter as I jump back from another slash. "What do you want with me?!" I dash forward preparing a right hook as the man makes no attempt to talk or move. I hit him square in the chest...or atleast I thought I had. In reality I saw my fist connect to his chest but didn''t feel it until the next moment I felt the hilt of a blade strike me on the back and I was on the ground. "What I want..." The character said with a shrouded, Deep voice. "I want nothing but for those to give into their fate." "My...fate?.." I knew I was dazed from the knockdown but I really didn''t think I heard that right. "Yes. Your fate. Approximately 3 hours from this point 32 kilometers North West you will find two men. Your fate is to be loyal to them until your inevitable death by their actions." "What if I don''t want to die?" I say spitefully as I attempt to get up, Blood dripping from my mouth and arms. "Do not fret. Your death won''t be for long enough." "What''s that supposed to mean?" I say blood sputtering out of my mouth as I rise to my feet. "You shall live longer with them than you would without them." He said as he dug through what appeared to be an infinite bag. "I see" I say softly as I raise my fists once more. Without looking up from what he is doing the man fires a shockwave at me sending me back into a tree. He produces a dagger and throws it into the tree just above my head. Then he produces a black cloak and throws it at me. The cloak covers my vision for a second before I catch it and when I do, The man has disappeared. I put on the cloak and throw the hood up over my head before grabbing the dagger. It appears to be a farily simply made dagger, Leather and wood handle with a small crossgaurd and a double sided blade. Acknowledging what the clearly stronger man told me to do I set off at a running pace. Knowing I should make it there in about 2 hours. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. After about an hour I stop to rest at a creek. It''s hot out and my mouth is very dry. I make a cup with my hands and scoop the water into my hands, It''s clearer than a crystal and cold as an iceberg. "Perfect!" I exclaim to myself before kneeling and scooping water into my mouth. Drinking it feels like bliss and I forget my task for nearly ten minutes. I stand up and set out towards the area I was told, Cursing my past self for not picking nay movement abilities from my A Grade Sliver. 46 minutes later and I can hear signs of a very large fight. Electricity cracks and Flames crackle. I speed up my pace and after 10 minutes I can hear a loud roar and then a crack. After searching the area for several minutes I stumble upon what appears to be a cave of sorts. As I travel down it I hear a blood curdling scream and it chills me down to the bone, Freezing me in place. Only seconds after that bone chilling scream I feel the ground shake and the cave roof above me begins to crack. "Welp now or never I guess" as I overcome my fight or flight response and run into the cave. The scene before me is absolutely horrifying. Infront of me, A 7 foot spear in the ground, To my left there is a crumpled body and to my right...to my right is one man shrouded in several colors of flames weilding a bronze blade. Standing afront two downed massive bears and gearing up an attack on a third extremely large beast that looks like it could kill me in one hit. *shit what can I do?? What do I do?* Before I can make another move the guy infront of me releases more energy as he swings his blade on the beast. The flames are hot enough that the ground infront of him is beginning to turn to molten rock. Knowing that it may be too dangerous to stay I make up my mind and run to my left towards the crumpled body and pick it up bride carry style. Before I can make a run for safety a bolt of lightning hits my feet and I notice the man is staring at me. That image is burned in my memory and yet, I couldn''t describe his looks if I was bound by a truth potion. The sight of such a threat infront of me froze me in place as another bolt hit to my left and more bolts striking around me until it made a silhouette on the wall behind me. Another scream but this time with words, What the words said I have no clue because they were a different language. I crouch and then dash back to my right where the exit is. Before I can blink the ground is on fire where I was standing and the body is engulfed in flames though..they aren''t burning me? In any case I need to run so I grab the spear and place it on the body in my arms as I speed out of the area. After getting out of the cave I find a place high in a tree where I put the limp body and the spear disintegrates. Before I can decide it''s a bad idea I rush back into the cave and equip my dagger as I run beside the man. The beast seems to be pounding on the ground waiting for us. He dashes forwards and pierces the beast right arm. Unfortunately his blade gets stuck but it must be heavy enough that the beasts arm is now stuck on the floor and is struggling to lift it. Siezing my opportunity I dash forwards and plunge my dagger into the beasts neck. I jump back just as a foot hits the beasts jaw. I use my ability "light of the sun" and blind the bear temporarily before using my strongest ability. "ESSENCE OF THE ECLIPSE!" The entire cave goes black as the light is drained from the beasts eyes. The man summons a spear made of rock behind the beast as he places his palm on the center of the beasts chest he says calmly, "Flee." The beast gets launched backwards from the point of impact and is further impaled by the rock formation that was summoned earlier. He then walks up to the beast, Places his hand on its chest once more and closes his eyes. Before long the life is completely drained from the beast. The mysterious man turns around and walks out of the cave like nothing happend. After retrieving my dagger I follow, As he spots his friend in a lump he checks his pulse. Then after confirming his companion is living, Stands up and passes out from exhaustion. I panic and check his pulse and for a minute or two, There is none. Then suddenly his sword crackles with electricity and his chest lights on fire with a green flame before disappearing. After a moment his pulse returns and his breath is steady. *These guys have to be insane* I thought to myself *Maybe insane is just what I needed* As I recall the masked man telling me my fate I no longer was concerned or worried. I am now perfectly content and serene. There''s something different about them. A look into the soul. [Kage''s POV] *Drip* *Drip* *Drip* I awake to the sound of water dripping onto a rock nearby. I don''t quite remember what happened but the last thing I saw was Typhon being thrown against the jagged rock wall of the dampened dark cave. I remember screaming a terrifying scream and then...nothing. I thought I had used up all my energy and that I had died. Where am I? How did I get here? I think as the dripping water slows to a halt. I began walking around, Feeling with my hand on the wall even though I could see well enough. The stone felt cold and damp to the touch. Some parts felt softer than others, Like a kind of clay. It was oddly serene in this cave. I felt safe and at home here. As I rounded a corner I could hear the faint sound of moving water in the distance. Naturally I decided to move slowly towards it. Water is my affinity, My peace. It felt nice to take a break from the burning flame of rage. It seems I had gotten lost somewhere in the fight. I lived fighting and I loved it too. Every waking moment I always prepare for a fight, A duel, A joust, A spar. Though I had never stopped to enjoy a single moment. *Drip* *Drip* *Drip* There it was again. The dripping sound of water. This time it had not startled me nor did I feel unease in my heart. I go down a slope, I can feel the decline under my feet and the hardening rock. I turn a wide corner and see the underground river. It''s absolutely beautiful, A glowing teal colour. It appears that it''s filled with bioluminescent creatures. The river is slow moving and as I stare at the water I begin to focus on my breathing. I know every breath I take, Every muscle I move. I am suddenly aware of everything. Though not in a panicked way. I feel tranquil, as if I have achieved enlightenment. I follow the river upstream to a nice little pond. Well it''s more like a spring actually but it looks cool and calm. I step into the water, It''s not cold but it''s cool to the touch. Refreshing, Perfect. I wade further into it until I find a nice deeper spot with a rock outcrop to rest my back on. I let out a sigh and close my eyes. As I reopen my eyes I see something weird, There is a strange man holding my brother. I instinctively throw a lightning bolt at his feet before sending hundreds more Around his body. I can see my brothers life energy fading and though I don''t trust this man, I''ll have to for now. I try to tell him to get out quickly. Thought unfortunately I didn''t think he understood me. He tries to dash toward the exit of the cave and I can see every action made as if everything is slowed down 40,000 times. I send a blaze of essence towards him. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! Hoping to keep my brothers life the Blaze of essence encases his body, stopping his life energy from leeching out. The man grabs Typhon''s spear and dashes out of the cave as I turn to face the creature. Even though this situation is very tense I feel at ease still. I can still feel the water surrounding my body. I close my eyes and before I knew it I''ve already punched the bear and have jumped back. The man walks back in with a dagger in his hands. Where has he put my brother? What has he done? He doesn''t look malevolent so I should let him help. He dashes towards the bear and stabs it as I conjure a stone spear behind the beast. When his dagger is planted in the bear I kick ot hard in its jaw. The man then blinds the bear and removes the light from his eyes. "What a cool ability" I thought before I placed my hand on the beast. I closed my eyes and felt the water around me. It felt abundant and powerful enough to make me feel calm. I opened my eyes and stated what I wanted. I had wanted the bear to Flee. In turn it had gotten sent back by a huge force of energy and...the rock spear growing in size pierced a large enough hole in it''s chest to fit my body through. I walk back over to the condemned animal and place my hand on it again... I can see everything. Everything this beast has seen, Everything it knows, All of its power, It''s life essence, Spirit energy, Everything. After I''ve taken everything it''s known, I walk out of the cave and look for Typhon. I spot him in a tree passed out and I jump up and place him on the ground, After placing two fingers on his neck to confirm his pulse I stand up and close my eyes. Back in my cave. I''m safe again. The stream is now two slightly different colours. This appears to add more depth to it. I decide to follow the stream down instead of back to the pond. I walk for hours and hours yet it feels like seconds. Maybe it was the other way around...I''m not sure. After an extremely long time, I come across a split in the stream where the colors change paths. I decide to follow the newer colour. As I follow this new colour, The surrounding stone looks...older than the stone I remember. I hear a low grumbling bouncing off the walls as I walk further away from the main stream. After several minutes I round a corner and in full view is the ancient one. Sitting atop a rock with the colour of the side streams water flowing from...towards....away....I can''t tell. He notices me and speaks in my language. "What is it you want Demon." His words like a vipers bite. "Demon? I am no Demon." I state bluntly in an argumental manner. "You are no ordinary human either." He scowls "You whom shouldn''t have been able to best me, Now have me forever preserved in your own spirit." His words like ice that only gets colder he continues. "You have took my family from me and left me here alone. How I''d love to tear your flesh from your skeleton." "Then why don''t you, beast." I retort "I am but 20 steps away from you with my own legs and it would be less for yourself. So why is it you cower and not dare to move?" My words fiery like the darkest pits of the demon realm. "I have tried" he says tiringly "I cannot move with malicious intent for I will be restrained." He says as he growls and tries to swipe at me. Several white and black glowing tendrils clasp it''s arm and restrains it. I laugh. "What of it beast? You lost and have been imprisoned. Why is it you complain? Is it because I have bested those that came after you? Or is it that your hatred stems from defeat? "All of the above, you monster." He grumbles. "I am an honorable soul, I have no predecessors yet I believe they would want me to be hospitable. You may make reasonable requests and I shall attempt to fulfill them." I offer "I want my family." The beast wasted no time in demanding. "Lucky for you beast, They are currently alive..Yet barely. The spirits are in the process of transitioning. I can steal them for you, If that is what they want." I continue. "I will release the bonds spiritually for now and you may speak to them. If they would like to join you here, I will absorb them too." The beast thinks for a moment. "There is no repercussions to you?" It asks. "Ah but of course there is. The longer the bonds are released my heart will be stopped. Of course I understand you may want to use this to finish my life but it will not happen that easily unfortunately. See unfortunately for you my spirit is a vengeful spirit and I will surely hunt down the spirits of your kin." "I see...." he whispers. Well more like a telepathic thought as bears can''t really speak. "Let me talk to them." I nod as I create a highway to the real world where the bears spirit can roam and speak. After a minute of the bear talking I grab hold of my blade and prepare to sever the highway. Him and his family cross it and the two younger ones try to strike me as they aren''t yet bound by my will. I throw them off to the side with ease and recall the spirit of the ancient one. The tendrils grab at it and pulls until it''s back. I raise my blade and fall to my knee as a sharp pain hits my chest. I feel like this is the end and as my eyes close I see a bright white yellowish light. "You aren''t done yet...Kage" I hear reverberate throughout my body and soul. Suddenly a green flame envelops me and a lightning shroud surrounds my blade as I regain the strength to stand and slash the spirit highway, returning pulse to my heart and binding the beasts with my will. "You got what you wanted." I spit out like a distasteful food. I turn and leave the cave as I retreat back to my own pond. My place of safety. I grow more and more tired as I try to return, yet I feel no exhaustion. The heaviest weight envelops my every being and yet I continue my journey. As I finally reach the pond I feel too tired to walk anymore. I fall straight into the body of water I call home in my mind. I feel like im drowning yet my lungs fill with no fluid. I float and breathe just fine, yet I feel as though I''ve sank to the bottom of this endless pit. I need to get out, to get up. I start kicking, pushing and trying to get out. After a long while I get out and I close my eyes, breathe. ... ... ....... [Typhon''s POV] A sharp exhale as I slam against the rocks. Yet when I open my eyes I am in no damp cave, No threats, No fight. What do I see? I see a large green field, Rolling hills and a orange forest in the distance. Closer to the edge of that forest I spot a small cabin with smoke coming from two different spots. For some reason, I am drawn to that cabin. Cabin in the Autumn Forest. I run through the tall green grass, I feel younger again, Though I guess I am still technically young. There is a light breeze pushing me forward, Rustling the taller grass, Rising about halfway up my body. My hair is longer than it is now, I can tell because of the way the wind gently pushes it. I don''t know if I have any power here really, I''m moving at a slow rate almost as if my legs are smaller... A thought wiggles it''s way into my brain as I look down at my legs, They are bare from the knees down, Skin smooth like silk and my legs much shorter. This couldn''t be...A memory? A wave of emotion crashes into me as I continue to run towards the cabin in the autumn forest. I run and I run and I run, Before long I''m breathing heavy and aching with pain. I keep running, Moving ever closer to the cabin. Suddenly my foot hits something hard and as I fall I feel my soul being pulled. My hands reach out to cushion my fall as I seemingly fall through the ground. As my hands go through suddenly I see a blurry figure in front of me, Seemingly female. I am reaching out towards her as my hands were reaching to the ground and I seem to be sitting on a wooden stool. My skin burns as salty tears flow down my cheeks, The woman seems to be trying to soothe me. She''s applying a warm cloth to my knee where a bruise and some blood have taken up residence. I smell something familiar but I simply cannot place it for the life of me, It is a captivating and attractive smell as I can feel my salivary glands working overtime. The female figure walks over to a burning metal box and takes out a tray with brown things on them. I watch myself reach out towards these and move my arms in glee. I place a small piece in my mouth and suddenly my world opens up. The savory taste has captivated me and I feel I will love these forever...So how did I forget? I blink and the sky seems dark as the metal box glows a faint light. Everything is quiet around me as three figures lay quiet to my right. Two of the figures are still blurry in my minds eye but I can faintly make out the sharp features of my brothers body. For some reason my body moves, I have no control in this memory. I watch as I creep to the window and hop out of it, I land ungracefully as it makes some noise. I watch as my body freezes to hear any sound of what I can only assume are my parents waking up. Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. I watch more closely as I creep toward the forest and walk in, The moon barely casting light through the clouds and thick branch. I find a small clearing where I begin to dig, I dig deeper and deeper as I feel things watching me. I dig until I locate what I am looking for, A small wooden box laced with iron and a lock. I carefully open the box to reveal more brown tasty circles. I reach into the box hastily and just before I take a bite of these glorious creations I hear a sharp voice demanding attention say "What are you doing." I can tell it wasn''t really a question, more of a warning that if I didn''t move there would be consequence. I look behind me to see a shadow cast silhouette of my brother, Soundless he followed me, Watched me dig and waited until I found the box to say something. Though frightened I decide to speak "I am looking for something I lost..." as I slowly and carefully attempt to close the box and cover it back up with dirt. "Something you lost huh? So you just happened to have lost a box of freshly made cookies buried in a very specific spot away from the cabin?" "Yes exactly so, A fox must have buried it or maybe a squirrel" "I see, Well alright then. Hurry up and get back before they notice you''ve left." I nod my head as I put the box back and loosely cover it with dirt and nearby mulch. I watch as I run back to the house and clamber through the window to get back in. So that''s what they''re called...Cookies. A new memory shifts into my vision, Fire all around me. I appear to be around the age of 11...I''m on the ground, Crying and scared. I look to my right to see my mother on the ground aswell and watching two silhouettes facing 10 other silhouettes that seem to be on the outside of the fire. I can make out my father and my brother and a few men I''ve never seen before, All wearing leather armour and bearing weapons. I can make out my brother and his brightly flashing bronze blade. Newly forged and sharpened, Glimmering against the burning rage of the flames around us. My father, His battle worn, Newly sharpened Iron blade. Not shining or glimmering as bright as Kage''s but still menacing, Such as the way of a Wolf that''s been through many fights for it''s life. The men appear to be raiders, Some using makeshift battle axes more using the common short sword. What would they want from us? I can hear yelling, More accurately feel it. I assume there was a blast of sorts because I can hear my ears ringing. My body aches and pains shoot through my arms and legs as I look down to see cuts from what I assume would be glass or wood splinters from the explosion. One of the men with the battle axes charges at my brother, He swings down hard but Kage dodges and cuts the worn down wood handle of the battle axe. In the blink of an eye my father stabs the man through the heart and he drops dead as my brother and father stand shoulder to shoulder, Ready for the next attack. A glint of light strikes my eye and I know what''s about to happen, Kage rushes forward irrationally and dashes towards one of the men that had a blade. To his luck the man seemed inexperience in comparison to some of the older men, He made the unfortunate mistake of hesitating for one second. Maybe contemplating if he should kill a child or not. Unlucky for him, My brother had no issues with killing him and the next moment the poor souls head was on the floor. To the left of my brother, My father engaged a man that was holding a mace and chain. The man swung horizontally as my father ducked below it and dashed towards the man''s torso, Sword in a striking position. The man spun with the momentum of the chain and swang it up where my father would have been had he not rolled to the right. Now back on his feet my father began to study the man''s movements. He adapted and kept his distance while the man flung around the mace like a toddler holding a rope. Back to my right my brother was fighting a man with a spear. Kage had barely any time to react, Between stabbing and swinging this man was relentless in his attacks. The man swung toward Kage, Acting fast he ran with the swing and towards the man. He then turned and took the hit from the staff. Taking advantage of the reverberation caused by the spear, Kage cut it halfway down and grabbed the headed end. "Father" he shouts as he tosses the headed end toward our father whom is in the perfect position to catch and redirect the spearhead directly towards the mace wielders head, Immediately immobilizing him. I hear a crunch behind me as I turn to see another group of men coming up behind us, The one infront weilding a broadsword has it poised and appearing as if he is trying to strike my mother. I scream, Catching the attention of both my father and brother as the man Kage was fighting falls to the floor. The man behind me begins to swing the sword down on my mother, In less than a the blink of an eye I hear a loud clang as metal on metal rings throughout our land. My father is standing infront of my mother, Blade to blade with the stranger. These men appear to be either stronger or the same strength as the other men judging by the look on my fathers face. He''s wearing down. My father, The man I looked up to my whole life, Our protector. His life energy was fading in front of my eyes. It was then and only then that I noticed his arms and chest littered with blood, Unsure of whose. I needed to do something, If I didn''t do anything we might lose. I scrambled to my feet and ran towards where the fallen raiders where, I grabbed the battle axe and decided no matter how heavy it feels or how tired I got...I must do something. I went around where my dad was fighting, Around Kage who was engaged in a battle against two archers. In all the distractions, Blazing flames and clanging metal. Nobody noticed a little boy dragging a battle axe behind enemy lines. Sharpened Silver Sword *Ping Pling* *You have received your first title* *Title: Favoured one* *Title Conditions: Be favoured by more than one deity.* *Ping Pling* *New title: Labeled one* *Title Conditions: First one to receive a title* *Your party now consists of (3) Member(s), Would you like to Form a Guild?* "Yes." *What would you like to name it?* "Order Of The Blade, 83rd Division." *This name is a long one, would you like to shorten it?* "Yes, The 83rd Order." *Short form noted* *Guild Summary and Rank: Order of the Blade 83rd Division. Rank:2/5.Member count: 3* My eyes opened with a start. I awoke with my blade in my hand and standing in a battle ready position. Behind me burned a campfire, Typhon on the ground and the stranger patrolling around the outskirts of the makeshift campsite. I sigh and take a breath before sheathing my blade. Judging by how high in the sky the moon was, I would say there''s about 3 hours to dawnbreak. I turn to look again at the stranger, analyzing everything he does. I suppose he can be trustworthy. I think deeply trying to figure out what his name may be, peering into his soul in doing so. I come to a conclusion and I call out. "Sioras" he snaps around looking confused when he spots me. "You''re awake?" he says somewhat as a statement but mostly a question. I nod carefully, still suprised that it appeared as though my guess was correct. "You know my name?" He asks puzzledly. I nod slowly once again confirming the answer to his question. He opens his mouth to ask another question. "H-How did yo-" *Whizzt* His question was quickly cut off by the sharp sound of an arrow flying past him, only barely. "Analyze" I whisper under my breath as I jump into the shadows of the surrounding forest, disappearing with the shadow casted by the trees. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. I swiftly plant my hands on the ground and summon a wall of rocks around Typhon, blocking him from any stray arrows whilst he''s unconscious. As I do that Sioras dashes into the wood across from me as yet another arrow misses its target. I think to myself whoever is doing this likely has no shot at joining a successful guild. *Analyzation complete* *Hostiles: 3 Classes: Archer (2), Mage (1), Swordsmen (2) Intention: Unknown Grade of enemies collectively: O Grade. Also known as "Fallen Knight" At your rank you could come out victorious fighting up to 2000 by yourself.* *H1bd3n d35criqti0n* *Enemies seen in area: 43 Total collective grade: Lower G grade Weaknesses include: Fast moving objects, Magic users, Gravity manipulation, Bright flashes of light. Located Exactly 130 paces south-east is the first Mage user, the rest are not hidden. Curses and Blessings: None Weapon proficiency graded collectively: D Grade. Magic proficiency graded individually: D, O, D, O, G, D, O, G. Sight level: Low Intention: Looting for medicinal supplies Formally established Guild?: No Relation: Blood ties More info?: Yes/No* "No" I whisper darting through the brush as quietly as possible due South-East. 30 Paces out from the location I decide to gain high ground jumping onto a tree silently and dashing through connecting branches. From above I notice an opposing archer ready to take his next shot on a branch a half meter lower than mine. Concentrating silently I struggle to slightly pull the oxygen from his lungs, causing just enough unbalance to misfire directly downwards. The stray arrow strikes what appears to be a mage in the right shoulder closer to the neck. Judging by the arrowhead the archer was using the shot is more than enough to immediately immobilize the target, possibly proving fatal depending if they had any healers. Shocked at what he had done the archer faltered and slipped out of the tree, the drop to the ground wasn''t a short one being several people tall. He sustained enough damage to knock him out, drawing the attention of another nearby archer. Just then I had sensed a movement in a tree not far off from mine, deciding against my better judgement I waited until whatever it was revealed itself before making a move. I kept a close eye on both the tree and the archer underneath it. Several moments of the archer looking for the cause of the sound later he located the body of his fellow mage. I heard the breath be drawn in presumably to scream, so I manipulated the air away slightly such that it was harder to breathe. As he struggled to pull in air I watched a figure drop from the tree on top of the archer. A quick flash of silver told me it was Sioras and by the time he hit the ground, the archer was no more. "40" I whisper to myself as I also drop from the tree planting my blade through the knocked out archer. Before Sioras could move I dash forward and cover his mouth. "It''s me." I state before lowering my hand. "I need your abilities for a minute." It wasn''t a question. "Which one?" He asks puzzledly. Instead of talking more I send the analyzation to his Sliver, hoping he has access to read it. A look of realization dawned over his face as he read it and whispered. "Bright flashes of light.." I nod as I grab hold of him and jump into the nearest tree. I point to the clearing Typhon is in as 2 of the hostiles (Swordsmen) make their way towards the rock formation I summoned around him. I whisper "Your light won''t work there, I''ll take care of them so make sure they can''t see." He thinks for a moment before answering silently "Eclipse?" I nod once again as I dash through trees towards the edge of the clearing. I hear behind me shouting words "light of a full Eclipse!" This time there was a blinding flash of light before complete darkness, he''s improving the ability. I dash out of the forest wasting no time before making 3 quick slashes. The first slash cutting the hand off of one, second slash cutting the others jugular artery killing him instantly. Third slash spinning low cutting open the first ones abdomen horizontally. He may not be dead yet but he will be. I dash back into the forest looking to kill as many as possible during the darkness. "37" I whisper as my blade finds it''s next target. I see 4 in a group to my left that get assassinated silently through quick flashes of silver. Infront of me a group of 3 on the ground and 4 in a tree. With quick strikes and small amounts of air manipulation another 7 are dead. "28" I say through gritted teeth as I remember previously sustained injuries. A dash and a quick flash of silver beside me, I figure it''s Sioras so I don''t pursue. 2 more dead drop from a tree 20 paces infront of me. "26" Wait....If 2 have just perished infront of me then who went past me a second ago... "Sioras!" I shout hoping to locate him. "Yes?" He says dropping from a tree 40 paces ahead. "Someone ran for the camp" I say as a look of realization dawned on his face. We both begin to sprint back to the camp following a different path than where we came hoping to eliminate any enemies on the way. After killing another 6 we enter the camp to find 18 hostiles surrounding Typhon, holding an axe and covered in blood. Just as he was that day... Reality pulls me from my thoughts as 2 archers fire shots directly at him. The second the strings of the bows snapped, he dropped out of a portal above them. Killing one on impact and the second by a swing right through his head. Another second later and another 3 have perished. Watching stunned beside me Sioras sits mouth agape. "He''s moving fast" I continue "Almost as if there''s more than one of him..." Just then I watch a sword swing horizontally at him as he shrinks just enough to dodge it, Throwing the man off balance and giving him an opening. In that same breath, Another 5 had died. Portals constantly, Everywhere. He never even seemed to touch the ground. For only a moment in time I caught a glimpse of his eyes. They appeared to be shapes. Constantly changing shapes, from hexagons to triangles. Squares to polyhedrons, It was almost frightening. When it came down to the final hostile Typhon hit the ground hard, Cracking it where he landed. There was 6 of them, 6 of the same person. Standing in a circle around the final man, Each holding a different weapon to his throat. A war axe, A spear, A pike, A trident, A scimitar and finally, the last one holding a silver sword, Newly sharpened with a light shine. The same one from that night. Honor and Dishonor. There I stood, facing death. It''s icy grasp just inches from my soul. I wondered if it was possible to live still, in this moment where my opponent had me surrounded. I looked into his eyes, then past them. I looked around, dawnbreak not far. Only when I caught my breath did I notice the cold morning air. I thought about what it took to get here, was it our decision to try and help our sickly cousin that got us here? Was it our need for food and supplies? I thought about what had caused my end and the lost lives of my kin. I let my breath escape my lungs, a tear shedding down my cheek. I looked into his eyes once more, past them again. I thought of my cousin, sickly and dying. This man...nay, a lad. He seemed to be the same age, yet he had prospered here. I wondered if, in another life we would be in their position. I took in another breath, a smile crossing my face. I stood tall and proud, weapons to my throat. I looked into his eyes once more, really this time. I saw a six pointed shape instead of the circles that would normally accompany a gaze. With courage I spoke..nay, I pleaded. With one word and a look in my eye. It said more than I could''ve in an entire hour. "Please..." The air catching in my throat. For a moment I saw hate in the boys eyes. Then they flickered, the six point turned to 5 and then 4. I noticed two of his clones disappear, then 4 turned to 3. His icy gaze melted, 3 turned into 2 circles. Then only one. One by one the clones disappeared, and the weapons fell. He walked off slowly and nodded to one of the older people he was with, the cloaked man walked towards me with a silver dagger. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a flash of silver and moved back just in time for he sword of one of my kin landed in the soil where my feet would''ve been.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. I picked it up and watched as the man neared ever closer. I knew it before his dagger narrowly missed my arm. They were offering a fair fight. After dodging the first attack I side stepped and slashed down. A flash of light made me think I got him, Only to be hit in the ribs by the hilt a second later. I swung down hard to protect myself as I stumbled. My arms were met with a shock as he blocked the swing. The shock sent through my arms caused my grip to loosen, Taking advantage of that moment he slid his blade to the hilt of mine and pushed it out of the way. The action knocked my sword out of my hands, to which he responded by throwing down his and holding up his fists. I got punched in the stomach, Keeling me over. Following this he decided to swing upwards. I dodged, His fist narrowly missing my face. I decided to take full advantage of this and hooked right. I felt contact, I had hit him in the side. This fight was proving difficult. I took a risk and dodged to where my sword was, I made it. I turned and swung blindly, Missing completely. My action was met with a very hard punch to the side of the head, Thats when everything went black. ... ..... . . . . ... I awoke to the crackling of a nearby fire accompanied by a terrible stench. I took a moment to absorb my surroundings. The sun appeared to be at its peak, Lightly clouding with billowing smoke upwind of me. Silently I rose to my knees. I followed the smoke trail to a large hole in the ground not far from me, only 40 paces away. I decided to inspect it. Silently I rose to my feet and walked. 10 paces away the stench was terrible. Almost unbearable, Slowly I moved on. 3 paces from the edge I could see clearly what it was fueling these flames. I noticed the fabrics and the jewelries of my family. The flames beginning to scorch my face I threw my arm up to shield them. Studying the scene took every single bit of my energy. Realization hit me like a truck remembering I was witness my family burn. Tears streamed down my face as terror flooded my mind. My tears were evaporating as I cried and combined with the stench, The sight made me throw up. A sinking feeling in my soul stopped my legs from obeying my commands. As I tried to get up only to fall backwards. I clambered and crawled my way away from the horrifying sight. It was then that I spotted them. The three men responsible for destroying my family. Responsible for the horrible sight I just witnessed, Seated by their own smaller fire. They were waiting for food to cook, In complete silence they sat with somber looks on their faces. Suddenly I was conflicted. They killed my family, However I know it was because we put them in danger first. The fire was not disrespect...it was honour. Their actions had hung in the air and weighed on their minds. Suddenly I remembered my cousin, We had hid him in the forest before we began our assault. I ran directly into the surrounding area. Looking, Hoping for any trace he survived. Far out into the forest I notice a ripped piece of fabric matching what he was last wearing. Frantically I began looking everywhere for more traces. Panic grew as I would find pieces. Still so sight. Until eventually I heard it, I had thought it was just a sound of a nearby animal until I listened closer...Coughing. I ran towards the sound which, Surprisingly led me back to that clearing. I ran without thinking, Following my ears rather than my eyes. It led me right back to them, The sound of coughing. I crept up slowly as I tried to locate where the sound was coming from. It took me a moment before I realized it was coming from a bundle of cloth sitting atop a rock. My eyes narrowed, I didn''t know what to think. It was only when I watched him receive the first piece of food that I decided he would be okay. It was then that I had dropped my pride. My knees would buckle with each step I took toward them. I walked and walked. Each step more heavy, More painful than the last. Yet I continued, I walked into the camp. I walked past my cousin, Past the boy that nearly killed me and the man that bested me in combat. I walked towards the man that made sure his people ate before him. My knees buckled the last time in front of where he was sitting and I dropped to one knee. It was then that I lowered my chin, I looked at the ground and cried. It was embarrassing and dishonorable. During my moment of vulnerability, I heard the all too familiar sound of a weapon being drawn. I looked up in terror as his blades flat side fell on my left shoulder. *ping pling* Received an offer to join guild as a duo Do you accept this offer? "Y-yes I do.." *Ping pling* Now a member of The 83rd Order. Active member count: 5. *Ping*