《I Reincarnated As The Duke From The North》 Chapter 1: Nice Bed. My weary eyes fluttered open. The bed under me felt soft. Has the NHS upgraded the linens? My eyes are fully open and in the dark room, navy cloth draped above me. A thick duvet covered me whole. I felt so snug that I wanted to take another nap until a knock on the door awoke me from my second slumber. ¡°Your Grace.¡± A voice belonging to an elderly woman spoke behind the door. Mm? Do they think I am Prince William? Am I in his suite? ¡°May I come in? I have brought your morning tea.¡± Following along with the formality, I responded, "Yes, you may.¡± Pushing my duvet down, I sat up. Looking through the expensive blinds hanging from the bed, I see a middle-aged woman with brown, tied hair. As pale as a white person can be. Wearing a maid costume? Curiously, I watched the maid-dressed nurse walk along the large room. Her feet clacked on hardwood floors, placing the tray of piping hot tea on an extravagant table. Things started to click. Above the blazing fireplace, a large, great sword shone. The paintings hung on hunter-green walls. A massive painting framed with golden leaves hung proudly above it all. A family, dark-haired and all red-eyed but the mother. They smiled together. ¡°Nurse!¡± ¡°Yes, Your Grace.¡± The woman scowled before her face turned stoic. ¡°A mirror, please.¡± The woman looked at me with worry. ¡°Now!¡± I shouted. I feel my chest squeeze with pain. I coughed into my hand. Blood? From the accident? No. Where the hell is that mirror? The maid walks next to the bed, mirror in hand. I grab it from her in a rush. ¡°Oh god¡­ I look handsome!¡± But not me. ¡°Y-yes, Your Grace.¡± With her face closer, I finally see the details of a recognisable face. A rush of memories flows through my mind. Memories of the soon-to-be dead. I looked up at my killer. ¡°Susan. Thank you for your decades of loyalty. But your services are not needed anymore. You''re fired.¡± Is what I wish I had said. This weak body¡­ I struggled to push off the duvets. I will have to bide my time. Get stronger. ¡°Thank you, Susan. That would be all.¡± You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. She bowed and quietly left. I slid off the bed and tried to stand. Although this frame is tall, it''s as feeble as a baby chick. A few steps exhausted the hell out of me. But with incredible will and a few rests, I make it to the table. I pick up the tea with trembling hands and splash it into the fire. A giant sword glinted in the dark. I watch my reflection. Obsidian silky hair down to my shoulders, eyes that shone like rubies on QVC. An angular chin points down. Pale as moonlight, clearer than a kpop star, my soft skin glowed. ¡°So cool.¡± It¡¯s been an hour and the shock and coolness of being in a romance manhwa have worn off somewhat, as I planned for the treacherous days ahead. So many things to mind but let''s work on one thing at a time. I drank a jug of water as ideas churned in my mind. First objective: Do not die. Easy peasy. As long as I don''t drink the poison, I am good on not dying for a while. Second objective: watch out for the evil stepmother. Mrs. Edith Greystone is the widow of the deceased Duke Albert Greystone. My father? My memories say so. So very weird. The Duchess is the main culprit in it all. She is aiming to kill me so her stupid, red-headed son can inherit the title and all that comes with it. A half-brother... It is sad that he has such a terrible personality. One of many reasons the MC couldn''t deal with him and divorced his ass. Third Objective: Divorce the MC. If I don¡¯t die, her husband will still be me. The main plot of ¡®The Annoying Prince Loves Me¡¯ is that Vanessa, the main character, was forced to marry me as the two families aimed to build business relations. As a family of merchants, Vanessa¡¯s family, the Hodges, desired a title, and Duchess Greystone desired funds for her and her son''s lavish lifestyles. A lavish lifestyle is hard to get in the North unless you exploit the serfs under you. Greed rules their minds, thinking their status wasn''t enough, so they forged a signature and feigned that I would be willing to marry. A man bedridden would have no way of knowing, as the staff are on the witch''s side. That leads to her finding that I died before she reached Osberg. To continue the deals the family made, she would have to marry her husband''s murderer. From then on, the story revolves around meeting the prince, getting divorced, and yadda yadda. To let the story go down the right path, I have to let her go. I put the jug of water down. Feeling refreshed. I ring my bell. And Susan walked in. ¡°Get me food. A lot.¡± She left and a plan formed in my head. Don¡¯t drink the tea. Getting healthy. Wait a month for Vanessa. Divorce Vanessa. Deal with the family. I exhale deeply, trying to use one hundred percent of my brain. Oh yeah, there is one thing. I concentrate with closed eyes. Searching for the warmth mentioned in the manhwa. I grasp it tight. I twist and mould the torrent of energy into a ring. A gust of wind blew from me, moving the curtains. Magic simmered off me. A mana circle around my heart hummed within my chest. So cool. Plonk. A clear blue screen appeared in front of me. ¡°Oh, shit!!¡± I looked closer. ¡°Haha! Oh shit!" Mana Circle Created. Tap to see more. Chapter 2: Blue text box. I tapped the little box in the air. It shimmered, then transformed. Welcome to "THE ANNOYING PRINCE LOVES ME" With a fully formed Mana circle, you have connected to the Lands Above. Tap to see your status. I erupted into a coughing fit. I keeled over in my chair, and blood splattered on the floor. My mana circle twisted and contorted, unable to keep its form. I grabbed the armrests, squeezing for dear life as I mustered the energy this weak body had. My mana heart pulsed as if it would break through my chest. Bony hands snapped the armrest into splinters. My eyes closed while I worked on the circle, holding it steady with all my might. I felt warm liquid drip down my nose. I pushed and held it together. Headaches rebound in my Mind. I pushed further and held on to the Mana-Circle longer. Shimmering magic pulsed from me, disrupting the heavy curtains covering the windows. Tables and cups fell, splashing water on the ground. The blazing fire was fluffed out by a gust of sparkling magic essence. I hung my head down, wheezing with fragile lungs. My grip lessened on the rest and the adrenaline subsided enough for me to feel the wood in my skin. PLONK Well Done. You have created a circle on your own with a sickly body. 5 free points allocated. Creating a mana circle was never this difficult, from what I have read in TAPLM. The first circle should be smooth sailing. More circles require hard work and talent. Noble children usually start their training at thirteen. At twenty-two without a single mana circle¡­ I am a failure in so many ways. I looked at the empty tea cup rolling on the floor. ¡°Just a late start¡­¡± I lean on the chair, wiping the blood on my lip. Closing the text box with a tap, I tap again, and a blue screen flashed wide. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°I¡¯m fucked.¡± I found my cane nearby, making my way slowly out of my room. Every step through the dim, portrait-covered, corridor brought forth memories Tarion would rather forget¡ª so terrible that my anger grew with every step down the winding staircase. Maids ran up to me as I reached the front door. ¡°Your Grace, it''s bad weather outside!¡± They block my way as if they truly care. I pulled a maid aside with my cane and ignored them as I passed by. The wind blew me nearly off my feet. The newly formed mana circle kept me stable for a bit longer. I continue walking down the courtyard, stares from peeking eyes don''t perturb me, as this body is used to their glares. I leaned on the castle wall, huffing mist from my chapped lips. ¡°Beautiful¡­¡± I gazed upon the snow-covered rooftops hundreds of feet below. I watch the carriages pulling goods travelling the slim roads, a blacksmith churns hot smoke into the air. Children throw snowballs, falling over each other with innocent joy. I breathed in and out. I really died. ¡°Your Grace. Why are you out here?¡± Said, my only friend. 5 days later. A heavy knock and a heavy voice called out to me from behind my bedroom door. I sat on the cleaned carpet, looking up from my mana guide. ¡°Come in, Charles.¡± The tall man bent as he walked in. Wearing fur and brown hide, he stomped with stocky feet, dripping water. Almost tripping on the numerous books on the floor, he chuckles. ¡°Busy since I have been gone?¡± The tawny-haired boy shook his shaggy hair, scattering snow on the floor. ¡°Watch out, you big bastard, hahaha. I was going to read those. Don''t get them wet.¡± The large dummy always brought a smile to my pale face. Rosy cheeks blushed as he bowed down in apology. I wave my hand to stop him. ¡°Did you find it?¡± ¡°Of course!¡± After picking into his pocket, he fished out a bag and threw it to me. It bounced off my hand and I scrambled in to catch it in the air before I dropped it. ¡°Charles, you forget I am a noble.¡± Panic widened the tall man¡¯s blue eyes as he rushed to bow. ¡°Apologise, your grace.¡± ¡°Hahaha, calm down. I jest. Fuck formality. But only in this room.¡± I wink. Charles straightened, with a cheeky smile on his freckled face. ¡°Your Gra- Tarion, is it to your liking?¡± Charles asked. I pulled the tie from the bag and smelled the inside. Raw razzorflower. Strong stuff too. It will work. A day after my arrival to this world, I searched through the books my past self had hoarded throughout the years. Many recipes on potions, encyclopaedias on all kinds of herbs and books on mana theory. With my memory of reading TAPLM, I have the plot point etched in my mind. However, a romance manhwa focused on the love story of its MCs does not care to explain the intricacies of Mana Manipulation. Luckily, I remembered a chapter when the prince was poisoned and aimed to find the same method to fix my own problem. Fortunately, the name of the method was mentioned. The revitalization pill. My friend, Charles the stablehand, helped me procure the Tongon liver and the heart of a Jai. With the last ingredient in my hand, I can finally get the ball rolling. I have Twenty days left until Vanessa comes and her friend dies. Chapter 3: Strange Charles. His Grace has been acting quite strange these past few days. Since the day I saw him in the snowfall, his quiet demeanour has changed to a man of determination. On the days I return from buying his potion ingredients, his face becomes fuller and brighter. His ruby eyes finally have the life returned to them. He often let me stay with him, asking me about the outside world, politics, and Osberg¡¯s culture. He looked past my size, noticing that I was not just a laggard. Unlike the rest of the greystones, he treats me with kindness, like a friend. I once thought the days of me and his Grace practising with wooden swords in the courtyard with laughter in our lungs and bright smiles were a thing of the long gone past. If Tarion can get better¡­ I knock on the dark wood door at the corner of the castle. No maid steps a foot in the darkened rooms. His Grace called me. I open it to find him sweating a black ooze off his porcelain skin. His body, once skin and bones, have a touch of fat. He tied his long raven hair into a knot, refusing to cut it short because it looked ¡°Cool¡±. Another bizarre addition to his newly eccentric vocabulary. Closed eyes were forced open in a flash of shimmering mana. ¡°Congrats on the Silver Grade.¡± Tarion returned me a weary smile. I will help you get better. No matter what. Dear friend. 10 days until Vanessa¡¯s arrival. Allocation window Tarion This system sucks balls. No Op skills. No easy guide. Hell, half my time was spent figuring this thing out. I even tried praying to the people of the ¡®Land above¡¯ and they stayed as silent as in my original world. But no problem, I am smart I think. I can adapt and did. If I can learn to shit in a pot, I can learn this system. The first thing I learned was that the system revolved around my circle and how I forge it. For every grade I upgrade, I receive POINTS to use and allocate. Each grade has given me five points, allowing me to use ten. And use as I please, as I can move points to whatever attribute I need to be enhanced. Another thing I learned was that I have a baseline for my attributes that I can only increase with training. That means push-ups, squats, running, and a fuck tonne of doping- I mean medicinal tea made from razzorflower. Thank the land above, I still had some gold hidden away. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. It''s been seven days since I started practising with steel swords. Charles advised against it, but I assured him I needed the real thing. I needed to know that making the wrong move actually mattered. Cutting the air with turns and flourishes, the form learned long returned like muscle memory. After a day of practising until a puddle formed on the dark wood floor, a blue notification popped up. Plonk Sword Arts Learnt. Beginning of a journey to mastering the sword. (lV.1) Do I have to learn things? Fine then. Wake up. Eat. Pretend to drink the tea. Meditate. Forge. Eat. Drink the good tea. Train. Train. Train. Learn sword art. Read Mana''s guides. Eat. Rest. Play chess with Charles. Practice sword art. Read Magic. Sleep. And the routine repeats. The doping proved a success, having had to send Charles for larger clothes. Abs made of muscle other than starvation harden as I flex in the mirror. ¡°I am so hot.¡± ¡°What did you say, Tarion?¡± Charles asked, holding my long cloak ¡°I said I am so hot,¡± I reply, standing shirtless in front of my bedroom mirror. Flex the rest of my pale body. A body gym nerds would be jealous of. ¡°If you want, I can lessen the flame-¡± ¡°Haha, it''s fine. So, are you sure?¡± I said, putting on my shirt. ¡°As sure as I can be. Multiple sightings of an apparition in the wood by loggers.¡± ¡°Alright. Time to test the fruit of my efforts.¡± I buttoned up my thick leather jacket. ¡°You¡¯re going!?¡± ¡°Of course. Hand me the cloak, please.¡± Charles stood still. Holding on to the cloak. ¡°Your Grace, I am happy to see you well and strong but this is an apparition, a demon! A man who has been stuck inside-¡± I put a hand up and Charles was silenced. ¡°I appreciate and ignore your warning.¡± I pulled the cloak off the big man''s meaty fingers. ¡°If I cannot manage a single demon beast, I will not be able to deal with the days to come.¡± ¡°Days to come?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, friend.¡± I hit Charles in the chest. He gasped in pain. ¡°I have prepared well.¡±. Status. Plonk Prepared well, I have. I took the shining greatsword off the mantle piece. Its rough handle from generations of use felt soft in my callused hands. I swing down. A gust of air blew from my large blade, and the fireplace dimmed. I smiled wide, throwing on my cloak; its dark fur warms my neck. ¡°Come, Charles, drive me to my first monster hunt.¡± 3 days until Vanessa¡¯s arrival. Chapter 4: Possessed Bear Tarion Clouds blocked the noon sun, the road bumped me to and fro in my seat as we travelled the streets of Osberg by carriage. Charles steered through muck filled with sludge and snow mixed together. Out my window, people walk with glass eyes. My citizens. Living in a cold, snowy nightmare. Gaunt cheeks with clothes once white, now look as dark as the earth below. We passed shanty towns made of old, rotten wood, totally unsuited for this weather and stone houses from a wealthier age were eroded by the climate. I watched as people huddled together by the fire. I hear the laughter of cheerful drunkards. Parents teach their little ones. So much of life I missed stuck in my room. Just wait. Things will get better. Be patient. I will not fail you any longer. Any longer? Not less than a month and I feel more sentimental for this place than I had been in my original world. Memories of Tarion had settled to the point where I struggled to differentiate between me and the once sickly duke. But the plan helps. It helps me realise what has to do with both personalities. Become better. "Your Grace, we are here!¡± Charles shouted as the carriage jerked to a sudden stop far out of the city. Where loggers and hunters make their daily wage. I looked into the dense alpine forest. I sense it from here. The foreboding feeling. A sticky feeling of death lingers. ¡°Finally.¡± My voice betrayed me by cracking. My fingers trembled as I opened the carriage door. I''m fucking scared, alright? Imagine eating McDonald''s one day, as safe as you could be in London, and weeks later rations are a regular meal and you are about to face a flipping demon. Well, not exactly a demon. A beast possessed and transformed by dark energies. The Greystone family¡¯s main job was to deal with these beasts in the north, governing the duchy of Osberg as its protectors. However, with the Duchess misusing the budget that could be used to fund the Osberg Guard and my idiot of a brother and his mother taking a sabbatical, this city in the mountains only has me. Unfortunately. But I will do what I must. This is partly my fault for trusting the bitch and bastard in the first place. I jumped off the carriage into two-inch-deep snow. I triple-check the sword on my left, the dagger on my right thigh and my massive Great Sword above my black cloak. I took a step. Charles vaulted off his driver''s seat, landing deep in the snow. ¡°Tarion! We...we can go back and get some of the guards. You are a duke! Just order them.¡± I turn to Charles. His worried eyes shook me and my heart wavered. For a moment. ¡°But I am Greystone. Too many years. Poisoned. Lied to. ROBBED! No longer. I will prove to them. To the remnants of Osberg''s guard. To the citizens of my city. I am back.¡± If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. I looked at an unconvinced Charles and sighed. ¡°I will ask for help, Charles. But not yet.¡± I turned back to the forest. I unsheathed my double-edged sword from my side. Using my enhanced sense, I pinpoint the location of the dark energy. ¡°I will prove it to myself first.¡± I crouched down, my leg muscles tensing and compacting. ¡°Wait for me. Believe in me.¡± Snow exploded under my feet as I ran through the tree towards the beast. *** I move within the trees, spotting more claw marks the closer I get. The feeling of evil gets stronger with every step. I slow my approach at the sight of broken trees. The beast is in the midst of madness, breaking everything in its path. Only a short while until the energies take full control and point the madness to humans. There it is. A bear, blacker than midnight, chomped on a stag. Its horns snapped with ease in the behemoth¡¯s giant mouth. Blood around its snarling mouth, it stood on its hind legs several metres high. I stepped on a twig. Shit. Its left ear twitched and turned sharply. Red eyes see mine. Shiiiiit. It ran at full force at me, mouth full of foam and blood. Traversing a hundred metres in seconds, it closed in on me with feral anger. I jump to the right, evading black claws. The possessed bear clawed with its right. A step back let me off with a scratch on my jacket. The bear¡¯s arm within my reach, I slash. My steel blade sparked on its tough hair. The bear flicked its obsidian arm at me. I blocked with my sword and was lifted off my feet. I landed on the back, my great sword digging into my spine as I rolled backwards into kneeling. Holding a fractured sword out to defend, I slowed my haggard breathing. The bear rushed towards me as I meditated with open eyes. My golden grade circle turned around my mana heart. Spinning faster, mana flowed into my veins. I focused the torrent of energy through my right arm. My blade flickered with a blue aura. The possessed bear slammed down. Claws broke steel into shards of flying metal. I roll to the left and a claw dug into the snow, breaking stone. I throw my broken sword at the eye of the feral beast. Its roar shook the air and it charged with more rage. I tried again. With heightened agility and sense, a claw slowed. Status! Tapping and swiping, I reallocate points from mana capacity to agility. A gigantic furry arm moving through the air like a sloth, I leapt into the air, flipping over the black claw with finesse I never knew I had. I grab my family''s great sword. I rev my circle as I unsheath the beast of a sword. Spinning over the black mass, my sword shone bright with a blue aura. I finished my spinning with a slice deep into the beast''s flesh, landing in the snow with fog forming from heavy breathing. I smile. A whip of my great sword and the beast''s blood dirtied the snow with more red. I can do this. Sword of Osberg Equiped. Famed sword of the Greystone house 20% damage increase when fighting monsters, 3 days until Vanessa¡¯s arrival. Chapter 5: Greystone Tarion The one-armed beast repeatedly bashed the snow in a frenzy. My enhanced agility dodged some and I was hit with the last strike. The Sword of Osberg reverberated as I blocked the metal-like black claws and flew backwards into a tree trunk. Snow and leaves fell on me as I bent low. Giant black claws chopped a tree down behind me, and I revved up my mana circle, running towards the growling beast with two hands on my sword. Blue shone on the snow, the long blade dragged through the ice and grass beneath and I struck upward. Blood sprinkled the ground and the possessed bear kneeled on the snow with a cut left leg. The bear swiped at me again in anger. My legs spread wide, and my blade hummed with a blue aura. I intercepted it with a stab into its forearm. Its strength pushed me, dragging me through the snow. I thrust forward with my own power and the sword of Osberg pierced deep. Tough, aren''t you!? I move the mana around my blade like a saw, cutting as I run along the arm. Mana saw created. Cutting through the bicep, I reached the chest. Merely wounding the beast, my sword bounced. I jump to the right, away from gnashing teeth. From a roll, I stabbed the bear''s side. And blood leaked. The chest is a bit tougher. Status. Tapping, I reallocate a point from Agility to Strength. A bleeding arm attacked as I dodged, leaving it another red mark. I flipped over a slow claw coming from my right. I landed on thick black fur, jabbing my sword deep in the beast''s paw. Pulling my blade along its arm again I meditate, moving the mana towards my legs. I took a step. Black fur rippled as I rushed in with blood trailing behind. Another step propelled me towards the bear''s dense chest. I pulled my large blade backward, and my roar echoed in the forest as I lunged. I felt meat on my weapon, but only a few inches deep. I see teeth in the corner of my eyes coming for a bite. STATUS. Points from intelligence and agility were reallocated to strength with a few swift taps. I immediately felt my muscles throb with vitality. With my mana circle spinning at top velocity, my blade was engulfed in a blinding blue flame. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°DIE YOU SMELLY BASTARD!¡± I push. Chunks of meat flew out of the beast, searing on top of the alpine trees. The beast fell to the earth, and entrails fell out of a large hole from chest to back. Covered in the beast''s mess, clouds form from my mouth as I huff. I stare at the beast''s dead eyes. A beautiful crystal red reflects the sky above. I retrieve my family¡¯s great sword, still in disbelief. This is my life now. Blood and meat dirtied my cloak, and the cold shivered me to the bone. But I am the happiest I have ever been. I am a Greystone. An idea flashed in my mind, making me grin. Never butchered an animal before. First time for everything. Charles His grace is peculiar. It feels like he is constantly in a rush. Sometimes speaking of days to come in cryptic ways. Maybe this is how nobles are. They say money makes a man do bizarre things. But this is different from the other Greystones. I sense no greed. He has a goal. Training day and night. Reading more than I have in my whole life. It scares me. What is coming that could change a man this much? Make him willing to slay a monster on his own. I am scared. I wait by the carriage impatiently. He told me to believe in him. But I am scared for him. I heard footsteps crush the snow and I began running. ¡°GRACE! YOUR GRACE!¡± ¡°Shut up, man. You¡¯re hurting my ears,¡± said Tarion, smiling, covered head to toe in blood. I rush to him, absolutely terrified. ¡°Hahahaha, calm down, big man. It isn''t my blood. Other than a sore back, I am well.¡± He looked at me with kind eyes. ¡°Thank you. For staying.¡± ¡°Of course, your grace. I am your servant.¡± But I didn''t believe. ¡°I see¡­ By the way, can you help? Arm¡¯s a bit tired.¡± I lift an eyebrow and his grace points behind him. His gloved hands grabbed onto the fur of the enormous head of a bear. ¡°Oh god¡­¡± ¡°I know, right? I can proceed with the schedule earlier than expected.¡± Tarion I watched the city pass by. Eyes track my carriage as it moved down the high street. Shock and awe brighten the citizen''s once disillusioned faces. Children run along as fast as they can, pointing to my prize above the vehicle. The carriage took a turn away from the Greystone castle, travelling to a new destination, the Greystone Guard Barracks. Horses neighed as Charles pulled to a stop. I get out to no welcome. ¡°Charles.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Grace.¡± The tall man grabbed the bear''s head from on top of the carriage. Without mana, he lifts it up with some struggle. Impressive. If he had a mana circle¡­ ¡°Actually, I will take it.¡± I seized it from him with one hand, with mana coursing through my veins. I kick the door in, breaking it from its hinges. Guards chatting at the back of the courtyard stop their gossip. I tap the air, allocating points to strength. A heavy step and I throw the bears bleeding heads through the barracks doors. ¡°GET OUT HERE, YOU LAZY BASTARDS!¡± 3 days until Vanessa''s arrival. Chapter 6: Shame Tarion Wood snapped as I walked on the broken pieces of the door. My prize bled over a crushed table. Food and plates make a mess on the floor. Roast Chicken? While outside these walls, my people starved in the cold, the Osberg guard relaxed in the lunch hall, and multiple fireplaces warmed their chubby bodies. Look around at the shocked faces. Mana focused around my eyes, and I saw hues, thirteen silver grade, one gold. All first circle. The ¡®left behind.¡¯ Shock turned to anger as the navy blue-uniformed officers got up from their benches. A guard grabbed his sword. ¡°Intruder!!¡± and the rest did the same, encircling me. A few taps in the air and a swinging sword moved slowly. Leaving my greatsword sheathed, I let the sword slice the air by tilting my body to the side. No mana blade. I guess not all first grades are equal. I grabbed the silver-grade¡¯s arm with my left. Unbalanced, he stumbled. My Points enhanced left fist slept the man to the floor. I hear the wind divide from a guard''s blade and bend down. My finger pulled my sword¡¯s long hilt out of the way and a sword passed over me. My boots step in close and I blow the air out of a guard''s lungs with my left fist to the stomach. Mana hummed behind me. In one swift motion, I pulled my great sword out of its scabbard. Steel collided in a dance of sparks. The golden grade sliced at me with quick cuts to my body. Gloved on hand on my blade, I defended each and attacked back between strikes. The gold grade was forced backwards, and several silver-grades filled his void. Hands back on my hilt, I swung around my great sword. Moving it faster and faster and using its weight and momentum, I created a dome of steel. The guards stood by, apprehensive, unable to see an opening through the blurring weapon. I heard more footsteps thundering through the entrance and the shings of blades. I have my audience. The silvery dome hummed and glowed a subtle blue. I drag the sword up into a high vom tag stance with its point to the beams above. Sword burning with mana, I slashed down. A gust blew the men on their bottoms. ¡°That sword¡­¡± The gold grade mumbled. He dropped his sword onto the ground, bowing on one knee with his hand on his heart. He looked away from my eyes, terrified. ¡°Your Grace. Welcome to the barracks.¡± A wave of surprise moved through the guard. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. The guard belts out. ¡°KNEEL FOR OUR DUKE!¡± A chorus of clangs and clanks with weapons thrown to the floor. Each man bends a knee. I let my mana blade subside and thrust my sword of Osberg into the stone floor. ¡°Shameful.¡± I tap in the air and put all my points into Mana capacity. My mana circle revved to full speed around my heart and I erupted into a bonfire of mana. The officers squirmed on their knees. ¡°It''s been a day. And not a SINGLE man went to investigate!¡± I looked around with a grimace. Guards stealing a look at me snapped their heads away from my piercing eyes. ¡°Cowards.¡± Their eyes look up at me. That really pissed them off. Good. ¡°How many livelihoods were destroyed? How many people suffered without a meal because you were too cowardly?¡± I picked up a roast chicken drumstick from the floor. ¡°Was the food too distracting for you?¡± I flung the chicken at a silver grade. ¡°Couldn''t handle the cold? What was it? What¡¯s your excuse?¡± With both hands on my sword pommel, I waited for an answer from the first circle gold grade. His lips drew a line. The officer bent down further to the floor. I sigh. ¡°Displine. It is lacking in my guard. I can''t blame you too much. It was my responsibility to train you, beer-belly arseholes. To instruct and guide you well. However, due to my being¡­indisposed, I left the matter to my dear brother. He will answer for his failure, but so shall you.¡± I pointed to the leaking black head of the possessed bear. ¡°A cursed beast of the power of ten first circles terrorised the woods. Loggers were maimed and hunters were unable to hunt. Fortunately, it reached my ear before the situation worsened. But you can make it up to those you let suffer and to your Duke." ¡°Yes, you grace.¡± The guards shout in unison. I point at two silver grades. ¡°You two. Toothy feller and the big-headed boy.¡± They look at each other with dread. ¡°Take my prize. Send it to a taxidermist. My new butler will handle the payment¡­ Come on! Stop staring at me and hurry the fuck up!¡± The two officers rush off to complete their tasks. ¡°And the rest of you. Follow.¡± I ripped my blade off the ground and twirled it before sheathing it into the sheath on my back. As I made my way through the crowd of first circles, dozens of footsteps clacked on the stone behind me. I grip my fists closed, trying to contain my glee. It fucking worked! Charles Not even fifteen minutes passed and his grace came back. Long obsidian hair still matted with blood shone in the white daylight. His bearded, dirt-covered face was still a beauty to be compared to the demigods of the lands above. His dragon-like ruby eyes focused He walked with confidence towards me, a head taller than the officers who tailed him. The young stare at their revived Duke with admiration. ¡°Charles. You are my new Bulter.¡± My whole world twists. ¡°W-w-w¡­WHAT!?¡± Tarion just smiled and said, ¡°I need a friend by my side.¡± And got into the carriage. ¡°W-where to, Your Grace?¡± ¡°My Lawyer.¡± 3 days until Vanessa arrives. Chapter 7: Oakley Street Tarion I opened my pocket watch, noting the time. I am ahead of schedule. Things are going well. With the Upper Circles sent to the Border, trainees made of First Circles stay to act as a peacekeeping force meant to patrol the city streets and for emergencies like Cursed Beasts. They¡¯re easy to fight and convince with my lone circle. And bringing them proof of my prowess that made my scolding more scathing. Sprinkle a little bit of showing off with my sword and it''s engraved in their minds that I am their Duke. The only one worthy. Dozens follow behind my black gothic-styled carriage on horseback and carriages of their own. The gold grade followed closely on his steed. Short, straight, blonde hair blew the cold under his navy blue officer hat. His ice-blue eyes were as cold as his breath. A foot shorter and leaner, he managed to hold well against my blows. Another man with potential. Charles stopped us at Oakley Street, a block full of government offices and shops that care for ¡®high-class¡¯ clientele. Its location by the moat around my castle is where lesser nobles and the wealthy spend their money and time. Choosing to attend gentlemen''s clubs and salons for the ladies of means and tailors whose garments cost a year''s salary for the average miner. The perfect place to make an even bigger statement. I stepped onto the sidewalk with the usual stare but with less starving eyes. They whisper amongst themselves with eyes full of disdain and suspicion. A pigtailed child dropped her toy, hiding behind her well-dressed mother. I smiled as kindly as I could and the kid screamed her little head off, tears falling like rain. I whispered to my newly appointed butler, who met me on the walkway in his stablehand attire. ¡°What''s her fucking problem?¡± ¡°Your Grace. Honestly, anyone would cry at the sight of your appearance.¡± Charles looked me up and down. ¡°What do you me-Ooooh. Ok,¡± I remember that I had been walking around covered in bear guts for the past hour. ¡°And that.¡± Charles gestured to the bloody roof with pieces of meat remaining. ¡°I see.¡± I must look like a madman. How fun. ¡°Might I get your bath ready when you arrive at the castle?¡± Charles asked. ¡°Haha. You pick things up fast! Of course. But first, let''s scare some more folks.¡± I smiled with a wide grin. The young girl cried once more. I inhale, ¡°ROUND-UP ON ME.¡± Officers rushed off their horses and carriages and surrounded me at attention. They hit their chests with a salute. ¡°DUKE!¡± They shout. The chatter and crying were silenced. Feels good. This power. Control. I divide the men with my hand. ¡°This group. The mayor. My castle. Go.¡± They leave at my word. ¡°You lot. My accountant. My castle. Go.¡± They hurry to do as I ordered. "Finally, you men. Susan, my maid.¡± I wait. ¡°YOUR CASTLE, YOUR GRACE!¡± They shout. I point to the castle on the mountain above. ¡°Go.¡± I turn around as they leave, hearing the thunder of hooves on the stone road. I fold my arms, feeling the bitter cold. ¡°Not you, gold grade. Come along.¡± This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. The stern-faced man dropped off his horse and bowed. ¡°Name,¡± I ask of him. ¡°Kurt.¡± I held up my hand to him and smiled. ¡°Our shortlived battle was fun. Let us spar again.¡± Shocked out of bowing, he looked at my hand nervously and then grasped it for a handshake. He nodded, his eyes struggling to keep contact. Quiet man, it seems, but I do see an inkling of a smile. ¡°Getting a bit chilly out here, innit? Why don''t we go inside for warmth?¡± *** Wood splintered and glass shattered with my foot through the door. A chubby, balding man in his late forties scrambled away, tripping on the carpet in terror. "Whew, much better. Do you mind?¡± I asked Kurt, pointing with my head at the Viscount as I walked to the fireplace. A tumble between the two and Kurt easily apprehends the man in a hold. My officer dragged him to me and placed him on the carpet to kneel. ¡°Viscount Fabern. You can guess why I am here,¡± I said, staring into the fire. My vision blurred as memories emerged. A great blaze consumed my being. Heat searing deep into my bones. I snapped out of my haze at the incessant whining of the portly fellow. ¡°Listen to me, Your Grace. You misunderstand!¡± I turn to him. Staring my beastly red eyes at him. I moved across the room in a moment. My hand grabbed the viscount¡¯s neck, picking him up until his short legs daggled. ¡°Misunderstand what?! While I was sick. Broken. Bedridden. My lawyer, of all people, helped in the forgery of my ¡®Marriage¡¯!¡± I drop the Viscount, leaving him to cough on the floor. ¡°I had no choice in the matter!¡± ¡°YOU''RE MY LAWYER! MY FAMILY¡¯S CONFIDANT. For God''s sake, we leave our wills to your care. Who could have higher authority than me?!¡± Who makes your purses heavier? The old Duchess family? My brother? ¡°I was ordered by the powers that be in the capital!¡± I close my eyes in thought. Capital, scared the viscount enough to fuck with me, and higher on the totem pole. I open my red eyes. ¡°The crown.¡± The viscount looked away. ¡°I have family and businesses there; I-I-I couldn''t ignore them any longer.¡± I squat down to speak close to his face. ¡°Longer. How long.¡± Viscount Fabern licked his lips. ¡°Years¡­¡± I stand up, rubbing my dirty face. Why? In ¡°TAPLM¡± after Tarion dies and the brother takes his place, there is not one scene or a single mention that the crown went furious that their plans went to shit. ¡°Your grace. Check that drawer! It has a copy listing the details of the marriage terms. I nodded my head and Charles came out of the corridor to search the drawer. He grabbed a bunch of papers and handed them to the Viscount. ¡°Here, Your grace.¡± Charles handed me a paper. I bit the finger of my glove to pull it off for a cleaner hand. The Viscount gives me a side eye at my manners. With the paper in my hand, I read Friedish with ease. Thank you, memories. I skimmed through a lot of business stuff, including the transfer of goods, money, and land. Boring shit. ¡°Fuck me¡­¡± I roll the paper and fling it to my butler. "Read it, then hold on to it." Intelligent eyes scan the contract. ¡°Your grace! How dare they!¡± I shrug my shoulders. ¡°Aristocrat bullocks. Kurt, bring him to the carriage; we are taking a ride to the castle.¡± ¡°Yes, your grace.¡± Kurt bowed. I watched Kurt escort the Viscount with a hold, feeling pity for dear Tarion. Your own family is willing for you to die to steal what isn''t theirs. What a cliche. 3 days till Vanessa arrives. Chapter 8: Dirty Work Tarion I stepped out of my carriage, the Viscount trembling behind me, looking as if he had been brought to his own funeral. ¡°Why so scared? I ain''t goin'' to hurt you. We are just going to have a little chat.¡± That scared him even more. Funny. I walked to the courtyard surrounded by dozens of my Osberg guards at attention. Three poor souls shiver in the cold. Roughened up, they glared at me and I see their world crash down with their teary eyes. ¡°Waited outside? For me little old me? How considerate of you.¡± I turn to my guard. ¡°Well done. You managed to do this very simple task. But your debt is not fully paid. Not even fucking close. Seven a.m. on the eastern road. Come suited for monster extermination. I will be there. Understood?¡± ¡°Yes, Your Grace.¡± They said in unison. ¡°And Private Kurt.¡± I heard his uniform shuffle as he straightened. ¡°You are promoted to Captain and immediately assigned as my bodyguard.¡± Mumbles and chatter spread amongst the men. ¡°I don¡¯t remember asking you lot for your opinion. Is that clear?¡± ¡°YES, YOUR GRACE!¡± ¡°Good. Everyone but the mayor group is dismissed. Bring my guests to my office. Back to your posts! ¡± As the Officers moved to do as I ordered, Charles stood beside me. ¡°Bath?¡± I smell myself. A fly came my way. ¡°immediately. But not you. Your job is to order the people whose job it is.¡± Frightened maids curtsy to the entering guards before coming to me. Four lined up to bow to me. Their discipline returned as if they hadn''t been ignoring me for years, chastising me behind my back. Maybe new maids should be the next on the list of things to get. ¡°Maids, meet your new Bulter.¡± I gestured to my big friend. They side-eye each other under their bow. ¡°Yes, I do mean new.¡± I looked at Charles. ¡°A bath for His grace. A-a-and arrange the master bedroom for his arrival, quickly!¡± Bows and curtsies and they fly-off to complete their order. ¡°Not bad. But sound a bit less whiney.¡± Charles blushed as I chuckled my way into my manor. *** After handing over my great sword to be cleaned and polished, I took the blood-soaked cloak and garments off the ungodly smell of sweat fumed from me as I pulled off my shirt. Giving the drenched shirt to an unfortunate young maid to be washed with my other garments, I entered the Bathroom. Three maids await me. Bath steaming in the middle of the room, Maid stand by with soap and towels. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. I kick off my muddy boots expecting them to leave. Not one moved from their spot. Ah. Fuck it. We ball. Then I showed them my balls. Into the scalding water, I go. I instantly felt the aches in my back lessen, and my muscles relax. A maid washes my hair of gunk and the other washes my legs and body. Stress leaving my body through the warm water, I take the chance to check my status. Mobile Meditation (LV.1) I click on Mobile Mediation. Although there are no exp points showing the bar increases whenever I work on a particular skill. In the case of Mobile Meditation, flowing my mana around my body while on the move is enough to increase my skill level. I exit and click on the Greystone Great Sword skill. Nearly there. I should practice before rest. A knock on the door and I recognised the heavy sound. ¡°Grace. The ¡®guests¡¯ are asking when you will be coming.¡± I exit the skill box. ¡°Whenever the fuck I want.¡± ¡°Yes, you grace.¡± Then I hear footsteps walk away from behind the door. Fucking ingrates. The fucking gall. They are lucky that I have treated them this kindly in my home. But that confidence, they got it from somewhere. The duchess. Growing her roots in my institutions so deeply has people mistaking her as the real authority In this duchy. But a weed cannot grow healthy on its own. The crown. The God-ordained sun of Friedland. Meddling around when trouble is afoot in their borders. I sigh. One step at a time. I will figure this out. I hope. *** Cleaning and dressed in black breeches and a dark blouse, I forced the door open, startling the three kneeling visitors. A maid handed me a cleaned sword of Osberg and I levelled it at the mayor. Letting a moment of silence pass, I decided what I must do. ¡°Embezzling. Misuse of city funds. Corruption.¡± ¡°Lies. ALL OF IT!¡± The silver-haired count shouted, kneeling on my office carpet. ¡°Charles?¡± I asked. He gave me a piece of parchment. ¡°I did a bit of digging.¡± I looked through the ledger. ¡°Eighty per cent hike on rations. Fifty on coal and wood.¡± The old man''s temper lessened. ¡°The winter¡­¡± ¡°The rations are to be free to all. These are trying times.¡± ¡°Trying times make for desperate measures! We have the coming war to fund!¡± ¡°There¡¯s a war in Hamber?¡± The sliver hair count paled. ¡°I am aware of your various enterprises.¡± I bring my sword up. ¡°I saw a corpse on the way back here. A boy, not ready to hunt or fend for himself. Face gaunt, chest as bony as I once was.¡± ¡°I am not responsible for that boy''s death!¡± ¡°Mmm. No Count Trak. You are responsible for thousands more.¡± My sword blurred. Steel cut from collarbone to the wood floor. A count flopped to the ground, huffing as blood oozed out onto the carpet. My first kill. In this world. I turn to the other guests, splattered with the count¡¯s blood. ¡°Your turn.¡± 3 days untill Vanessa Arrives. Chapter 9: What I must. Tarion A woman screamed. A man whimpered. My officers stood at the back, their young eyes betraying their distress. Kurt was stoic, the perfect soldier. But I dare not look at my friend''s face, as I would be easily dissuaded. I must make an impression. Declaration made by my blade. An example needs to be shown to all who reside in my domain that you don''t fuck with me. ¡°Sorry, maid. You just cleaned my sword for me and everything. I apologise.¡± I said to a maid with auburn hair, scared stiff. ¡°And I made more for you to clean up. A pity. You will be rewarded. You can leave if you wish.¡± She nodded, staying at her spot. I smile. The men and women of Osberg sure are a different breed. What has she seen to make her like this? I levelled my sword at the treasurer. My grip on my sword quivered. The first time I felt the clash of me and past Tarion. The ever-cautious boy. Afraid to take the big steps. Couldn''t even take a step out of his room. All he knows is this castle and his safe, sheltered life. Such a kind, naive soul. Unsuited for this world. Maybe mine? Could this be why I am here? To be the Tarion Osberg needs? I gripped hard on the leather hilt and poked my sword point at the treasurer''s wrinkled forehead. Blood dripped on to the treasurer''s stubby nose. What is true in my world is the same in this one. Power is built on the blood of many. Even the title I wielded like a hammer was born from the same system. A system that crushes its people to powder to make the bread they gorge on. But unlike my old world, I have the power to do something for my people. To get results. So If blood needs to flow, I will make it my enemies¡¯. I raised my blade. The treasurer''s face came into view. Memories flooded in and I blinked, gaining back control of my temper. Shit... Calm down. Don''t get ahead of yourself. One was enough. For now. ¡°Lord Dunmer. Killing you solves a lot of my problems.¡± The treasurer softly cried. Snot and tears ran down his darkened face. Not a word from a man who has given up. ¡°But your head on a pike would bring more problems as well. Someone as deeply connected and knowledgeable as you cannot be replaced so easily.¡± I put my sword down, putting up my hand to receive a towel. Wiping off the count''s blood from my blade, I sat on the desk. ¡°When I was young, barely 3 feet, I had a habit of following my father, watching his spars, and peeking into his meetings. Shouting and insults were the norm from his mouth. Other than when you were there.¡± Plonk. Mobile Meditation (LV.7) -> (LV.8) Nice. ¡°Cutting the story short, killing my late father''s friend would leave a bad taste in my mouth.¡± The treasurer''s dead eyes glint with hope. ¡°But punishment is due.¡± My blade, clean to a mirror finish, I hand back to the maid. There is a change in her; there is a reverence for me when she bows. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°The dungeon below will be your new home and office until the foreseeable future.¡± Dunmer bowed deep to the floor, accepting his judgement with gratitude. He is different from the philandering mayor, only a piece in a game of selfish players. If Vanessa could forgive him and turn him right, I could too. I went around my father''s desk and took a hidden loop of keys. ¡°Guards, escort him to his new abode. Treat him with dignity.¡± I said, before throwing the keys at a bronze grade. The office door closed, leaving the room less full. A middle-aged woman cried to herself, sprinkled with a noble¡¯s blood. She saw me let one leave unharmed. But she''s not one of them. A noble. Or so she believed with her whole heart. ¡°The tea.¡± She looked up at me, tears streaming down her weathered face. Her eyebrows lifted in confusion. Must she have thought it was medicine like I did? ¡°Susan, why do you think I brought you here next to criminals?¡± Her eyes darted around, trying to find an answer that would best please me. Before she muttered a word, I paused her with my hand. ¡°Because I thought you had done something worse. Poisoned me.¡± Shock drained the life out of her. ¡°The tea you gave me rendered me useless, a waste. And I would''ve soon been made a dead man. Fortunately, the land above intervened or you would''ve been swinging on a tight noose.¡± as it happened in ¡®TAPLM¡¯. Susan swayed as if she were about to faint. Gears turned in my dumb brain. ¡°A poison that withers you until you are nothing but bone. Do you happen to know where to procure such a poison?¡± Susan shook her head. ¡°N-No, your grace. But I know who might. Davis gave me tea bags every week and a whole chest full for when he left.¡± Ofcourse¡­The butler recommended I take the medicine. Poor, naive Tarion, with no one to trust. "Two of you, search my former butler¡¯s room. Bring everything, anything suspicious.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Grace!¡± The door opened and shut as I walked over to Susan, kneeling near a leaking body. ¡°I apologise, my dear. It seems you have been caught up in a big conspiracy against me.¡± A fall guy for the main culprit. ¡°Some harm. No Foul. However, I can¡¯t leave you to return to the head maid position. She will- wait what''s your name?¡± I ask the auburn maid. ¡°Beatrice, your grace.¡± ¡°Nice name. You''re the head maid now.¡± Beatrice¡¯s strict and stiff pose, hands on top of each other, falters. The former head maid relaxed. Head maid in training? ¡°I am in a giving mood today. And for you, Susan. Stay in your room. Food will be delivered to you, as we will still need answers from you. And do not run, for your own sake. My enemies are thorough. Understand?¡± Susan bowed to the floor. ¡°Yes, you grace.¡± Even with her clothes ruffled and her hair disordered, she exuded the class that a true maid of Greystone should. ¡°You can leave now.¡± The last of the guards came to collect Susan before she said a final word. ¡°Thank you, your grace. Your father would¡¯ve been proud of the man you grew up to be.¡± I try to make a smile. ¡°Maybe.¡± I nearly killed you, old lady. I searched in my pocket for my watch. I flipped it open and a family smiled at their happiest. It''s almost five am. Time to train. ¡°Umm¡­ your grace¡­¡± I turn back at Charles, dreading to look at his face. His chubby face was as forgiving as ever. He pointed to the corpse below. ¡°This?¡± I shrug. Three hours later. Plonk. Sword Arts (LV.6) -> (LV.7) Greystone greatsword arts (LV.3) -> (LV.4) Sweat steaming off my body, I place my sword on the weapon rack. To end this very productive day well, I dropped to the ground, sitting cross-legged. ¡°Watch this.¡± The ambient mana I have collected from constant meditation has now reached its limit. It is now time to forge. Eyes closed, I envision my mana heart. A circle of great light spun around it and a cloud of charged energy waited. I focused, hammering away at the mana. Moulding it to the shape I need. Air pushed and pulled around me, shimmering with my mana leaking. I gritted my teeth, and pain flowed throughout my body as my mana veins expanded and strengthened. One last compression and a burst of mana blew a gust across the master bedroom. Exhausted, I look over at the silent bodyguard waiting by the door. ¡°Phew. See, Kurt, not that hard. Now drink the fucking dopping tea.¡± 3 days until Vanessa arrives. Chapter 10: Almost there. Tarion Talon-like claws smashed into my great sword from above. My feet depressed the snow from the Jai¡¯s weight. With two hands on the sword of Osberg, I moved the right claw away, riposting with a strike to the beast''s belly. The mana blade¡¯s effects on its thick hide were negligible and I jumped away from a left claw. Snow flew before me. The earth dug up but the armadillo-like creature. Keratin armour on the beast¡¯s arm whacked at me to be blocked by steel. My sword slid under the arm, attacking again at an opening on its body. The shell broke, but not enough to see blood. I dropped back and a claw punched the air. Everything but the stomach and chest are covered in heavy armour with a thick rock-like shell. Status. Points to strength, I charge. With a greystone tail stance, I dragged my blade with its point behind me. Deep snow does not hamper my speed as I get in close. Sparks as I bat away a claw, then another. Mana flowed around my sword in a plow stance, hilt by my belly, and my sword¡¯s point to my opponent. I stabbed into an open chest, missing the heart. Shit, I almost made a mistake. The Jai wailed in pain, attacking with his claws, blind with fury. My cloak flapped as I crouched down. I felt a breeze above me as the Jai cut just a strand of my long hair. Two circles revved up, and my sword flashed in an outburst of blue. Mana-engorged muscles sprung me within the beast''s reach, sawing into the beast''s shell. The Jai belly spurts blood onto the white snow. Its movement slowed as it trudged towards me. One last slash and my opponent fell with a heavy thud. A furry-shelled head rolled on the sparkling snow. What''s this? The tenth beast in the past two days? A third-circle beast. Not bad. 1 day until Vanessa arrives. ¡°Good job, sire.¡± Kurt walked up to me in a warmer navy blue uniform. An Osberg Guard regulation sword by his side, his metal chest plate shone in the bright white light of winter. ¡°Captain. How are the squads?¡± I sheathed my sword on my back. Pulling out a dagger, I step towards the beast. ¡°Alpha has worked through ninety per cent of Stahlring¡¯s Pass. It should be clear of the cursed by tomorrow morning.¡± ¡°Have them clear by this afternoon.¡± Kicking the Jai over, I started cutting to the heart with a mana blade. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. ¡°Yes, your grace. Beta has defeated several cursed beasts of first-circled rank. The villagers of Hulte are mostly safe, with seven unfortunate souls falling victim to the attacks.¡± ¡°Shit¡­ But with them so far away, there is a limit to how fast our horse can travel.¡± I exhale. What more can we do? ¡°Gamma?¡± I asked ¡°Gamma has found no traces of the cursed around Fulken Road.¡± ¡°None at all?¡± ¡°They searched the whole perimeter. There is no evidence of any cursed, let alone an animal being there.¡± I dug in deep with gloved hands in the now open chest. Plunging in, feeling and hearing the squish of organs and blood, I hold on to a tough muscle. ¡°But there have been remnants of humans.¡± I paused and lingered, my hand grasping a large heart, to turn to Kurt. ¡°Intriguing¡­Bring them back. They need rest. For tomorrow will be a hard trek.¡± Kurt looked up at the clear blue sky. ¡°Expecting something, your grace?¡± ¡°Shit weather. By the way, I see you getting stronger.¡± One great change from becoming Second Circle is the ability to see a person''s stats. The average person seems to have one point on all attributes. My bodyguard forged a second circle silver grade, with sixes and sevens. His senses are exceptionally high, with a ten. Kurt blushed. It took a while to get him to drink the revitalising tea. Something about hating the heat on his tongue. But after showing him the benefits the tea provided, he readily accepted my help. Now I have a fellow doping partner. Only the giant was left. But I am in no rush. You can''t force a peaceful man to fight. But a time will come when the peace will end. I pull hard on the heart, and thick vessels stretch. A swipe with my mana-coated blade and blood burst like a geyser all over me. ¡°Yuck. We are done here. ¡± ¡°Yes, your grace.¡± I leave the beast''s corpse with my hard-won prize¡ªa heart for my special tea. Charles My master¡¯s change had become more apparent as the days went by. With a bulkier body, far from the pile of bones he was earlier this month, he had also changed drastically in personality. Once timid, mouth quivering even with friends and family, the same mouth blurted curses like an off-duty sailor. His conduct is lethal and to the point. He orders around the men of the Osberg Guard like a veteran of many years. With bravado, that scares the living hell out of the privates. However, his brutal honesty shines when giving direction and instructions, always ready to advise the younger officers. Despite so many changes, his red eyes still shone the same. His smile is the same. Perhaps he has simply grown up. Smartly dressed in butler attire, I waited outside with several maids in the courtyard after hearing his grace was coming back from hunting monsters in South Osberg. The maid''s attitude completely transformed. Their judging eyes had become resolute. With their head maid in house arrest, they treat him with almost respect. Even a former stable hand is listened to. Maybe that''s partly due to his grace¡¯s torrid reputation. Bloody Duke. Mad Duke. Mentioning the rumours just made him laugh and wink at me. The Duke arrived. Stepping out bloody again, the maids rushed inside to prepare the bath. He smiled wide at me. ¡°Welcome back.¡± I put my white-gloved hand on my chest. ¡°Good hunting?¡± ¡°Very good. You will find it wrapped in the carriage.¡± Elation built up in him like a shaken bottle of wine. ¡°Something else?¡± The duke chuckled. ¡°Oh! I never told you! She is coming tomorrow. My ¡®Bride¡¯!¡± Chapter 11: Blizzard Vanessa Diary log #8 The journey has become unbearable. From the bitter cold that bites my fingers to the perverted eyes of the red-headed noble. Always coming to talk, always has something to show me. I brush him off. But all he reminds me of is his position. That he is my better. That he is gracious enough to give me his time. Utter nonsense. But I bear with it. Can''t make a disturbance. He is but a man, my sister says; ¡®they can''t control their urges¡¯. But if I can stop myself from targeting his genitals with a kick, he can stop being a cretin for the duration of our journey. The further north we go, the colder it gets. Two days ago, we first saw snow. I touched it once to feel the ice melt within my fingers but even colder stares stopped me from having any semblance of enjoyment. The Duchess. The ever-present observer. Always watched me. Surveying me. Is she worried about how I would treat her stepson? Against my will, I have been taught well in the ways of the noble lady. My manner''s exquisite; there should be nothing for her to find fault in. But her scowl haunts me. Red lipsticked lips downturn whenever I am within her sight. Unbearable. My only comfort is my friend, who sits next me by the fire every night. Firecracker made human. Jen makes anything fun. Even being sold to a sickly noble. Heard he was older by a year but bedridden for many more. Jen jests that I should take everything he has and become a rich widow. Her humour has always been a bit too dark for me. Especially now, since it could be my new reality. The sickly duke¡­ I hope he is not like his brother. Tarion ¡°You arseholes, get any good sleep?¡± I said to my Osberg guard. ¡°Yes, your grace!¡± They shout. Shivering in heavy coats, they ride their horse. ¡°Buncha liars.¡± The Osberg Guard chuckled. ¡°Alright men. As you can see, a sudden blizzard has come to us. Out there, our people are stuck. With the snow piling up, we need to move fast. Double-checked your gear?¡± ¡°Yes, your grace!¡± Next to me was a shire horse with long hair on the hoofs, gruffed and huffed, packed with essentials. I breathed in deeply, trying to calm the nerves that had been building up for many weeks. I exhale. Its time. The day I have spent every waking day preparing for. The days spent with the guard searching the winter lands for cursed beasts. All to help her. With the cursed eliminated in the area of the road, the blizzard will be the only problem they will have to deal with. And her friend won''t need to be sacrificed for the story''s sake. I could go on my own, but my instincts nag at me. There could be something going on that I can''t predict or plan for. Davis confirmed my suspicions. I cannot look at TAPLM at face value. This is a world where people and even beasts have as much agency as I do. And so I bring my personal army of first circles. I placed my black boot on my horse''s stirrup. My right leg over the seat placed my other foot. I sat on a saddle for the first time in my life. However, it had been years since Tarions first time. My bottom squeezed the leather seat, my gloved hands gripped tight on the reins. So new but feels right¡­ I shouted for the whole platoon to hear. ¡°Let''s ride! TO FULKEN ROAD!¡± Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Oh, fuck this shit.¡± Rough winds and snow pelt us from the side, and our horses trudged deeper into the growing snow. I turned to the left, and my captain withstood the blizzard. I search on my right, a Butler returns to his roots, travelling with ease. These hardened men are havinga hard time, what say of Vanessa? Her friend? The light dimmed to almost darkness. Our specially prepared lanterns are our only way through this road. Make sense how the cursed would surprise an escort of seconds and thirds circles. Many would''ve died in the dark. Like Vanessa''s childhood friend. Sacrificing herself for Vanessa to die eaten alive by an obsidian monster. If Vanessa wasn''t found later by the remnants of the escort guard she would have frozen to death in the blizzard. It became a day she would bore like an itchy scar on her heart from then onwards. I understood her pain. Her grief. Her anger about not being able to do anything. So why have I tried so hard to help? Because I can. I can make things better. I heard clangs in the storm. Metal hitting metal. I quickly dismount. My greatsword shinged as I pulled it out from my back. I project my voice as loudly as my powerful lungs could. ¡°MEN, PREPARE FOR BATTLE!!¡± I heard my men take out their swords and shields. Status. Twenty points in agility and my body is charged. A newfound vitality coursed through my body and gave me a battle high. ¡°Charles. Hang back and hide. Kurt. With me.¡± ¡°Yes, your grace!¡± They shouted. My mana circles revved, spinning around my heart, and my family''s sword hummed with blue mana. In a tail stance, I crouched. I hear the roar of battle in the wind. ¡°PROTECT. FIGHT.¡± Always trust your instincts. ¡°CHARGE!¡± Snow exploded under my feet, leaping forward on the snow. Each step took me several metres. I step again into eight-inch snow, feet bursting with mana. I feel the stone road as I am propelled forward. The wind pulled and dragged the skin on my face. I slash. A head spun in the air as I twirled using the sword''s momentum. Still moving at speed, stabbed under my right armpit, skewering a man. I pulled out, leaving entrails on the snow to slash down on an attacker. Mana sawed through their body like a hot knife on butter. I kicked the dead body off to parry a low then a strike to my neck. Dressed like a hunter. Bandits? I riposted with a quick jab to the neck. I guess I won''t know from this man I placed my hand on the blade to block a heavy strike. Feet skirted across the snow and a punchy fighter approached with a grin. Cloak billowing in the wind, I reallocated the half of the twenty points from earlier to strength. The second circle ran at me. A downward strike was evaded with a spin, knocking from behind the left side of his head with my elbow. With the bandit stunned, I turned again, slashing him across his navel from my left to right. I felt a breeze and tilted my head. A glowing sword felt hot by my pale skin. Nice to feel warm again. I slipped under the blue-hued blade, cutting up into a bandit''s forearm. I heard a very satisfying scream before I slashed down. Where is she? Knowing he can hear me among the noise, I shout for my captain. ¡°Kurt! Find a light blonde woman with her friend!¡± ¡°Yes, your grace!¡± I leaned back just as my longer blade cut into the attacking man¡¯s chest. He fell and I was greeted with another attack on my back. Pivoting on my foot, I slashed behind me, and a cloud of snow was flung in the air as my blade divided the ground. I missed the enemy, who then tried to come in close to stab me from the side with twin daggers. My pommel cracked him straight in the jaw. I slashed, blowing a gust, and a staggered bandit fell to the snow. He bled. Split open like a banana peel. I gather my bearings. My men catch up on their horses. Recognising their fellow guard, they fight the bandits together. The blizzard got worse. My vision became impaired by the rushing snowflakes falling diagonally. ¡°Your Grace!!¡± I hear within the storm and battle. I ran in the snow with enhanced speed, knicking enemies with cuts and helping my men on the way to Kurt. His arm bleeding and his chest plate ruptured, my bodyguard defended a carriage. He parried eight swords, mist forming from his breath. I pounced. Launching myself towards the enemy, I wound my arm back and lunged with all my strength. The air turned to vapour before my blade boomed. One, two, three men, my blade pierced. I roar, pulling out my greatsword from their stomachs to decapitate a fourth man. ¡°Come at me, you mangy bastards!¡± Chapter 12: Beast in the Storm. Vanessa Diary log #10 excerpt 2 I peeked and saw carnage. Pools of blood flowed wherever his blade slashed. Bodies mangled by inhuman strength and brutality that will be forever ingrained in my mind. The Beast killed our enemies but I hoped I wasn''t next. Cowards, they are not as four men charged toward me in a rage. I blocked an axe while reallocating seven points from agility to senses. Redirecting the axe to my right, I slid my blade across the wooden handle. A bandit screamed as I cut through his thumb to his leather-bound chest. A slanted slash nearly got me before I bent to the left. My sword broke through snow, and the stone road crushed as I cut upward through the enemy''s chin. Teeth flew from a split face and I moved on. A second circle unleashed fast jabs aimed to distract me. Heightened sense noticed a strike thrusting further in and I jumped to the side. The bandit''s sword glowed blue and he attacked again. I swept the leading leg and the bandit tripped. I stabbed down untill I felt the rock below. Another brave soul slashed at me with a blue aura around his rusting blade, slicing only through snowfall. I grasped the man''s head and brought it forth to my pommel. I heard a crack and kicked the dead off. Huffing like a beast, my battle high subsided and I put a point from mana capacity to Body to increase the rate of my stamina regeneration. Eyes darted around. Snow fell harder and my vision further than ten metres became a blur. ¡°Your Grace! Here!¡± Kurt called out near the green carriage, lanterns hanging on its corners giving us some ability to see. ¡°Safe?¡± ¡°Yes, Sire.¡± ¡°Good work. Keep them that way. Go to the other side.¡± I whisper more words quietly so only he can hear. A salute from the captain is returned by me as I get ready for more blood split. I hear it in the storm. I feel it under my boots. They are coming. I beat my chest as I revved up my circles. ¡°Come you vultures of the night. Pillagers. Wastes of a mother¡¯s labour!! A spear punctured the snowfall. Deflected by my blade. It came again with a friend. Two spears alight with blue energy attack through the storm. I moved my knee away from one and the second spear cut through my thick leather jacket into my tricep. A spear kept targeting my feet, making me step backwards while blocking another spear with my sword. Impatient, I gathered mana around my leg and stomped. Snow blew away from a metre-wide hole. The annoying weapon under my feet, I lept, breaking the wood pole. A bandit hastily put up half a staff with mana. I fell and slashed through it all. The last spear swiped at my left side, aiming to slice my neck. Precise timing parried the strike and I attacked with a stretching one-handed lunge. My sword point got the bandit below the left collarbone. Like a tiger chased to a corner, the ambusher thrust with all his power with his blade bright with blue. I saw the spear point divide the falling snow. Flakes melt on contact with the bandit''s spearhead. My face stung as I watched the spearhead cut into my cheek and I charged. Less than a moment and the spearman''s body flopped to snow in two. My adrenaline pumping, I beat my chest again. ¡°Is that all, you gremlin looking fucks!¡± I hear footsteps by the dozen on my right. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. Even moving away from the carriage isn''t getting their attention. They are after something or someone. I ran back, cutting into the backs of the attackers. A heavy fighter brought down his hammer, bringing me to my knee. For a moment. Muscles bulging with vitality, I pushed off a confused bruiser. I stabbed a large knee cut then cut his right. Lower to my liking, an ugly head hit the snow and I commandeered his weapon. Massive hammer in my left, I shatter knees while slicing bellies. I squashed a head as the sword Osberg pierced a chest. Life ends too quickly. Yet they still come. Is it for her? ¡°Pitiful. Your friends flood the road with their blood and you still send more.¡± A hole appeared in the snowfall and I felt dread. I raised my Newly acquired Weapon. bits of rock shoot out from a destroyed hammer. The sheer force blew me back into the carriage, and two women screamed in shock. I dropped to the floor with a sore back and fear in my heart. An arrow. I threw away a useless handle, placing points into mana capacity and intelligence with few taps. An aura imbued arrow. Tight control aura my mana condensed it. A hole in the snowfall, and I slice. Two halves of an arrow float in the wind. Again it came, with the same result. It felt like hitting a metal wall. From the corner of my eye, I see a shadow within the carriage. ¡°STAY DOWN!¡± An arrow punctured a large hole in the blizzard aimed at its true target. I turned and the arrow already blazed past me. I stretched as far as I could, my grip on my sword on the tip of the pommel. As if my mana responded to my will, my sword flared bright. Out Of my blade shot out energy, knocking the arrow back into the storm. I feel weightless. My feet off the ground, I slammed into the carriage wheels. Bewilderment then sharp pain from my right side. An arrow stuck out, leaking my blood to join the others I have slain. I struggled to get up with my great sword but had the presence of mind to allocate points to body. ¡°Those frightening eyes¡­ the Duke! What suprise. From afar I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me.¡± A lean man walking forward. Wearing brown leather armour and a black scarf that flapped in the wind. He carried an ornate wooden bow. Elf made. Its carrier is most definitely human. He holstered the bow around him, walking closer. His movement, smooth like a cat. His feet make no crunch on the snow. He pulled out two short swords. shaped like machetes. ¡°Was not expecting such a high profile noble. Should have stayed home rotting in your bed. Alas, you are an interruption-¡± "Shut the fuck up, baldy!" I said with venomous flair. "Cease your monologing and do it!!" I said aloud, wheezing in pain. Come on...closer... The snow melted on a shaved head. Sleep-deprived eyes stared at me coldly as I tapped the air, increasing senses, agility, and mana capacity from strength. He raised his blades, engulfed in his aura. ¡°Interruptions will be eliminated.¡± Down go his blades. And up went Kurt''s sword. Spark flew from metal clanging. A gust blew the snow. A moment of quiet from the storm resumed. I saw my chance. My sword, in a plow stance, mana, strength, speed and skill combined with my will, I thrust. The bandit stepped back, escaping with only a graze on his left shoulder. His blood soaks my blade. ¡°Kurt¡­¡± ¡°I can''t leave my master behind.¡± I watched Kurt''s determined face and smirked. Disobeying an order? I will find something embarrassing to punish him with when we get back. I turned my attention back to the mysterious fighter in the stupid scarf and asked myself. How on earth do I fight a fifth circle? Chapter 13: Fifth Circle. The blizzard began to settle as the shaved-headed bandit touched his injury, intrigued. There was a change in his demeanour. An aura exploded from every inch of his body, melting the snow beneath his feet. Both swords flared brilliantly, and he crouched down, focused eyes trained on me. He became a blur, disappearing in the quieting blizzard. "Guard up, Captain!" I stretched with my sword to block a machete from lopping off Kurt''s head while he protected his knee from a slice. Blisters formed on my palm as our swords made contact. Kurt and I skidded across the ice. In a blink, the scarfed bandit caught up and thrust with both of his blades. My greatsword aligned to guard both. Muscles in my forearm sprained against the fifth circle''s power. Boots dug deeper into the snow. A bandit''s sword pushed mine down. Seeing an opening, the bandit pierced. Kurt sliced at the stranger''s bowels, making the fifth retreat backwards. I felt a trickle of warm blood on my chest by my heart. One inch closer¡­ My vision in the storm increased, in the fog my men finished off the last of the bandits. We may live after all. ¡°ROUND UP ON ME, MY GUARD!¡± Snow crunched as they surrounded the man in the flowing scarf. ¡°Fifteen seconds!¡± ¡°Yes, your grace!¡± Twenty and some men shout in unison, a mixture of first, second and a few older thirds circles. They blitzed the lone warrior, striking with many swords, each missing their mark. But they have him preoccupied. Good enough. Kurt guarded my back while I tapped into the air. Thirty-five points into my body increased my stamina and healing factor. I grabbed the arrow. Imbueing it with my mana, I ripped it out. My blood squirting on the floor, I gritted my teeth, ignoring the anguish I felt and focused my mana on my side. Five seconds passed, and the bandit played with my men, blowing them away with every swing of his swords. Bloody, covered in cuts, my men fight back. Charging into almost certain death. My injuries on my side, arm, cheek and chest scabbed over and I tapped again, putting fifteen points into Intelligence and twenty into Mana capacity. Sword of Osberg on my left in a tail stance, I revved up three circles around my heart. Veins pulsate, bursting with mana. My sword ignited, its light casting a shadow on everything within its reach. Fourteen seconds and the bandit bat away my men with a wave of mana, heading for me. He took an earth-quaking step and he vanished, flinging snow where he once stood. The atmosphere boomed. A cloud former from the air smacking against his body. Two blazing swords came from both sides. I stomped. Snow and stone floated as if rejected by gravity. Flashing canines, I cry out a gutter roar. Summoning all my resolve. I felt the heat of the bandit''s swords near my face and I swung. A crescent light that reached the heavens flew off the tip of my great sword. The towering light sliced the ground and poked the grey clouds overhead. My mana slice melted snow. Lacerating the bandit chest and destroying the elven bow, the mass of energy pushed the screaming fifth circle back. Even with mana armour, my mana slice seared through his leather into his skin. He cut into the mana attack and it burst, mana essence sprinkled on the snow and a bandit dropped to his knee in a terrible state. I joined him, kneeling on the snow, panting hard. The Fantano lookalike stared at me with wide brown eyes. My men encircled him, itching to get a chance at him. The shaved man''s fearful eyes darted around before he yelled ¡°Failure!! RETREAT!!¡± The bandit dropped back, blood trailing. Remnants of the ambusher running after him, giving him a way out by blocking my men. ¡°Coward!!¡± I yell out. What I am saying... If he stayed, luck would no longer be on my side. I stood up and took a step after him but succumbed to a light-headedness. ¡°I have to¡­get him-Arghh¡± The world twisted and turned. I tried to summon mana. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. ¡°Fuck¡­ me¡­¡± Running on empty, I tapped to put all my points into Body. Escorted by the last of his men, the bandit pressed on his wounds running away into the forest by the road. Shit¡­ My men rush to horses. ¡°You can''t catch him. He knows the woods better than you. So stay.¡± My men do as ordered. I stabbed my blade into the snow and took a well-deserved rest. A shaft of sunlight shone on me. The storm is but a gentle breeze. I closed my eyes to the cold wind blowing my long raven hair, letting my battle-high subside. Like a broken dam, I felt my exhaustion all at once with my sword the only thing keeping me standing. It''s over¡­ finally. My mood brightened at the sight of the big man. Charles trudged through the snow to stand beside me. "Happy you''re safe," I whispered. Charles, stood straight with white gloved hands behind his back, smiled wide. My first circles grouped up around me. A chorus of slaps to their chest and they exclaim. ¡°DUKE! DUKE! DUKE!¡± Seconds and thirds joined the chant. They examined me with appraising glares. I understand. I was a bedridden waste in their eyes only a month ago. So unworthy in their eyes, they accompanied my brother to be shown off to their new business partners. Perhaps they are struggling with the fact that they bet on the wrong horse. Doesn¡¯t matter. I am their Duke. They are my subjects. I don''t need their acceptance. They are mine either way. ¡°Kneel.¡± My eyes bore into the older officers. Dozens of the Osberg Guard drop to their knees. ¡°Well done and welcome back to Osberg.¡± I glance at the bodies spread among the white snow. Some wear my household¡¯s navy blue uniform. Their young eyes stare into the sky. The same in every world. Too many sacrifices. ¡°Fighting valiantly, you have brought glory to your Guard. More than making it up to me, I am in your debt. To reward you, each of you will get a bonus pay of 20 gold. Each month.¡± They brought their heads up, This will bring my family into further debt. But there is nothing wrong with investing in talent. ¡°Ensure the civilians are safe and ready to ride back to Osberg City. Then tend to the bodies of our fallen warriors for later pick up.¡± ¡°YES, YOUR GRACE.¡± Off their knees, my men rush to the other carriages transporting servants and goods. The upper circles made a b-line to the Duchess, surely to tell her the news. I picked up my sword, sheathing it to my back. ¡°Kurt. Is she in there?¡± I watched the green carriage, shadows moved behind the curtain. ¡°Yes, with two others.¡± I exhaled. It has finally come to this. I looked at my garments. ¡°Nice, not too bloody,¡± I whisper to myself. I walked to the carriage, noting the pulling horses still alive. Its cap-wearing driver saluted me. How he avoided a bandit''s sword through the chest, I have no idea. Lucky bastard. I saw an eye peek through the curtains. ¡°It''s alright, ladies. Your ambushers have been vanquished. It¡¯s safe.¡± The curtain closed, and rummaging can be heard from inside. A door creaked open. First out, is a lady with dirty blonde hair tied with red bows in pigtails. White fur on a red dress, neckline deep with thousands of ribbons. Harsh makeup on a face barely hiding disgust, she held a hand for Kurt to hold as she descended. Seeing the personification of the word ''Villainess'' in real life is quite astonishing. ¡°Quite dirty out here. Maybe I should have stayed inside.¡± Caroline Hodge mumbled with a frown. Bereft of any manners, she stood to the side, staring holes into Kurt''s face. Should I assign him to her? Nah, that would be too cruel for the poor fella. Another woman stepped out into the cold without the need for a hand. Hair like fire, tied in a ponytail, Jen wore a grey Kleider. She bowed to me, emerald eyes studying me intensely. Smart. I always liked her. And last, her¡­ light blonde hair bounced, curling down to the back of her green kleider. She stepped on snow with autumn eyes staring into mine. Jesus... Was the artist shit at drawing? I tread closer. All the ladies but her flinched. I bent down to hold the hand calloused by hard work. I bent further to kiss her hand. I felt her hand grow warm and looked up at her and saw soft frecked cheeks turn rosy. ¡°Our meeting has long been awaited, Lady Vanessa.¡± Letting her hand go, I bowed deep with my arm by my stomach. ¡°Duke Tarion Greystone, Governor of Osberg.¡± Her eyes were dilated. Her mouth ajar. Vanessa''s eyes scanned me up and down and I heard a gasp from her annoying sister. Vannesa was about to curtsy before I brought her back up. ¡°Welcome to Osberg, your new home, Duchess.¡± Plonk. Nice to meet you, MC. Big fan. "Brother...?" I can recognise that raspy voice anywhere. I turned to my left, putting on my best customer service smile. Anger boiled inside at the sight of his face. "Joshua. It''s been a long time." Chapter 14: Meeting the family Vanessa Diary log #11 I am still thinking of the first time we talked. I looked into his crystal, red eyes, dilating in the bright sunlight. The long-haired Duke towered over me. His sharp nose pointed down and scruffy beard made him look more like a beast. His presence was imposing as he strode on the snow as lithe as a cat. But those eyes¡­ They sucked me in with every glance. His voice rumbled through my chest, enveloping me with a comfortable warmth. He was a gentleman despite his uncouthness. He was funny, too. The Duke Plonk, Plonk, Plonk, Plonk, Plonk, ¡°Brother¡­TARION!¡± Joshua beamed with a smile too much like my father. Wearing his red Elizabethan jacket and hose, his white ruff around his neck bounced as he ran towards me. I put my hand to his chest, his reach couldn''t mine. I peeked at his hue. ¡°Why didn''t you fight?¡± He looked at me, totally perplexed. ¡°Huh? We have just met after a long-¡± ¡°Why. didn''t. you. fight?¡± ¡°Come on, brother¡­¡± Joshua noticed my men staring. My duchess watched with questioning eyes. I went closer to him, looking from above at his swoop of red hair. ¡°A third circle hiding in a carriage as his men fight...¡± ¡°Hiding!? How dare you insinuate that-¡± ¡°That you are a coward? I am not insinuating, brother, I am stating an immutable fact.¡± Mouth screwed in anger, tears welled up in Joshua''s eyes. Those red eyes that are too much like my father¡¯s. He stammered, trying to say something stupid. ¡°Wipe your tears. Many months have passed since your 19th birthday. You can¡¯t sob at the smallest scolding.¡± He nodded, drying his eyes on his gold-embroidered jacket sleeve. I stared directly at him, my large hands on his shoulders. ¡°This jacket, how much gold did it cost to tailor? How much tax went into buying the jewellery you wear? How much of a peasant''s wage went into the carriage you hid in? We are not normal nobles. We are Greystone. Our wealth comes at a cost¡ªa heavy but valiant cost. To fight. For our land, for our people.¡± I pat Joshua on the shoulder. ¡°Earn your keep, brother. Understand?¡± ¡°Y-yes, Tari¡­ Yes, your grace.¡± My brother''s ruby eyes shone brilliantly, they looked at me as they used to, before my circles shattered, with admiration. ¡°Can I say, look how much you changed, Tarion! Lands above, look at you! You could be taller than father ever was! And what you did out here¡­¡± he looked at a corpse I cut In half. ¡°How!? It has been a single month!¡± The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. I brought him in, giving him a tight bear hug to shut him up. ¡°Welcome back.¡± ¡°Very glad to be back,¡± Joshua hugged back. ¡°I had the travelling sickness too many times for my liking.¡± So this is what having a younger brother is like. I hope I can change you. Killing you would be very annoying. Our brotherly embrace ended and I saw older officers gathering as if they were on break. They saw how to treat the former betting horse, realising things will permanently change from now on. They saw the carnage I wrought here with concerned faces. I can''t wait to see your reaction to my work in the city. ¡°What is the commotion? You''re holding us back!¡± a creaky old voice wailed. Lands above, give me the strength to not kill her where she stands. Huh? Chatty today, aren''t you? ¡°I must make it back to my castle before I die from the cold... Tarion, is that you¡­? said an older lady wearing a thick grey coat, gold hanging from her thin neck. Rubies and diamonds adorned her red hair. A slim, grey-haired servant dressed like Charles stood close to her. She quivered as if she had seen a ghost. Well, she was expecting one. The bitch. OH! They didn''t tell her, did they? Cowards protecting cowards. I bowed slightly, ¡°Dowager,¡± and switched my attention to my brother. ¡°Did you make my wife uncomfortable during the journey?¡± ¡°Of course I didn''t! I was the perfect gentleman as always.¡± Joshua smirked, hands on hips. I sighed and turned to Vanessa. ¡°I am sorry. I will make sure he never bothers you again.¡± ¡°What do you mean-¡± I pinched his lips with my left hand. Better. ¡°He was no trouble, your grace.¡± Her eyes betray her glee at my brother being bullied. ¡°No need to lie for the boy. He is kind of a prick. We all know.¡± Joshua mumbled within my fingers. Vanessa chuckled, then immediately hid her laugh. Her voice is honey to the ears; if I hear her more, I will become addicted to the sweetness. You''re gonna divorce her. A fan hit my fingers. ¡°Let my son go from your bloody grasp!¡± said a furious Dowager Duchess. I let Joshua''s lips go with a laugh and caught Kurt walking with two first circles. ¡°Captain.¡± Kurt ran to me. ¡°Grace.¡± ¡°Bodies?¡± ¡°Sorted, prepared.¡± ¡°How many?¡± ¡°Twelve, guard. Two civilians.¡± ¡°Fuck me¡­¡± I turned around, projecting my voice wide. ¡°Everyone. In your carriages. On to your horses. We ride for the city!¡± Every guard shouted, ¡°YES, YOUR GRACE!¡± and left to complete my order. ¡°Hold on, boy, we were talking!¡± I glared at the old bitch. So easy to snap. A single finger could blow a hole through her head. ¡°Didn¡¯t you want to leave?¡± ¡°HOW DARE YOU?¡± I pointed to her red, gold-embossed carriage. ¡°Your Duke orders you. INSIDE.¡± She trembled in anger, unable to contain her childish rage. Davis held her arm and escorted her back. Joshua''s eyes shone even brighter. ¡°That means you too.¡± A hint of sadness crossed his face before he ran back to his mum. Family, huh? A small finger touched my sword hand. Vanessa smiled. Pushing her golden curls from her face, she squeezed my hand. ¡°Thank you. For saving my life.¡± It was worth it. The blood. The sweat. The killing. To hear those words to hear those words. To see Jen beside her. It was worth it. I put my hand over hers. ¡°Thank you for staying down.¡± Hands parted away and I already missed her warmth. ¡°And it''s Tarion. Formalities are for my subjects.¡± I can do this. I will help you be with your true love, Saintess. ¡°MEN! LET''S MOVE IT!¡± Chapter 15: Duchess Vanessa Diary #11 excerpt 2 The convoy had started its process of moving. Jen and my sister were in the carriage, waiting. Before I could step inside, I felt something warm and furry on my back. I glanced behind me and saw a cloakless Duke. ¡°Wouldn''t want the lady to be cold.¡± ¡°Grace- Tarion, I can''t-¡± He put his hand up. ¡°It''s ok, Vanessa. The battle got me heated up anyway- fuck sake¡­ Come on, idiots, shovel faster!¡± His ruby eyes settled back on me. ¡°Sorry, fools need guidance.¡± He grinned wide, sharp canines proudly present and as white as the snow shovelled. I gazed at him, from his vascular, long neck to his large build bulging in his black jerkin. Stretching the fabric to its limits. Sickly duke? What do healthy northerners look like? I looked further down. Red stained his jerkin. Guilt plagued me. "It''s not your fault. In a struggle for life and death, it comes with the territory. I protected you. That''s all that matters.¡± He said, with concerned eyes. He bowed and left, black hair flowing in the wind, insulting his men with a grin. Back in the carriage, a sister scowled at me. Jen elbowed me, and a wink gave me a hint of her dirty thoughts. I spoke honestly, a smirk creeping on my face. ¡°Maybe marriage won''t be that bad.¡± Tarion Saving Jen has been struck off my ¡°Divorce the Mc plan.¡±. I began thinking through the events of today as I rode my horse. Bandits swapped places with the cursed and attacked with dozens of warriors. A deliberate ambush. Could they have planned it with the blizzard in mind? All this trouble. For who? Me? No. By now, everyone knows my whereabouts in the city and wouldn¡¯t expect me to come out here, especially in a blizzard. For my brother, a prospective Duke? No, bandits would gain more from his terrible reign. And by the look of their armour, his guards barely had any trouble. Gold bars or rare goods are untouched. Even those on the duchess and Joshua''s necks. Most of their focus was on Vanessa''s carriage. But she''s just an illegitimate child, sold for business reasons at this point in the story. She has no importance to woodland bandits. Yet. Her Op Saintess powers don''t kick until the second half. But this irked me. A mystery I''m too dumb to solve. I should talk to her. Arriving at Osberg City, at last, we travelled the main street. My horse trotted down the snow-filled street, and civilians gazed upon me as if I had slayed a dragon. I dropped back into the parade of officers and carriages to meet Vanessa by her window. She watched life in the city with wonderment. ¡°How''s my winter wonderland?¡± ¡°It''s beautiful!¡± ¡°This cold, old place? You''re kidding me.¡± ¡°I am surely not! The stone masonry is amazing, and the architecture is inspired! I did some research before and during my journey here and learned about the ingenious heating system installed in every home that pushes warm air through vents. Do you think it is possible to build a system connecting all the homes and¡­sorry I got sidetracked¡­¡± I grinned. ¡°Why did you stop? I''m interested.¡± ¡°No, no, it''s dumb. Nevermind.¡± She blushed pink, twisting her face away from me. She''s the MC, alright. Nerdy as ever. ¡°Ignore her. Head deep in the books but she has yet to learn social cues.¡± Caroline said from the opposite seat. With her arm under her bosom, she presented her assets. "If you require, your grace, I can help her.¡± I squeezed my eyebrows, and squinting eyes peered at her. She switched her target pretty quickly. ¡°Help her with what? Finding a teacher? Maybe you can help her and join in on the lessons. She needs a partner of equal skill.¡± Jen erupted in loud laughter, slapping her knee. Vanessa turned her head, stifling a chuckle. ¡°Ye-yes, Your Grace...¡± Caroline looked down, embarrassed. ¡°Oh,¡± I interrupted. ¡°Better wear warmer clothes; although your stay will be short, I wouldn''t want you to get sick.¡± I bowed and left on my steed, with muffled laughter behind me. Some people can''t recognise their place until reality smacks them in the face. I dismount, darting over to the carriageway. The Dowager rushed through the courtyard to the Greystone Manor entrance in a huff. I guessed things were settling in her mind. If she went straight to ¡®her¡¯ room, she was going to have a surprise waiting for her. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. No Joshua in sight. He must have gone to his usual spot. Caroline and Jen were led out of the carriage by Kurt and Charles. I held out a hand to Vanessa. Got to be the perfect gentleman. It''s good PR. Vanessa graciously accepted my hand and I guided her to a rolled-out navy blue carpet in front of the porch. My maids stood at each side. Headmaid Beatrice strutted out of the manor, awaiting my order. ¡°Welcome back, Duke.¡± ¡°Bring everyone to the foyer. I have something to address. And Charles, carry their things inside, can you, big man?¡± Charles bowed and plodded on. Beatrice curtsied, sparing a glance for the woman by my side and left to do as I ordered. An old lady wailed. Stomps cascade down the staircase. ¡°TARION. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?¡± I guided my duchess down the carpet, ignoring the noise. We enter the foyer, the dark wood floor gleaming, and gold paint splashed on every edge. A crowd started to gather, with my stepmother in front. Greying hair, unfurled as her face twisted with anger. ¡°HOW DARE YOU TOUCH ANYTHING IN MY BEDROOM!!?¡± ¡°Sorry, Vanessa. I need to speak to her for a second.¡± I let go of Vanessa¡¯s hand. My mana circles instantly revved. With a single step, I cross the hundred-metre-wide foyer to grab the Dowager¡¯s shoulder. A gust blew her red dress and ruffled her hair. That face. The fear. The little things make life so enjoyable. I bent down low, smelling her god-awful perfume. Mouth to her right ear, I whisper, ¡°Be happy that I am a civilised man or my maids would have to spend days cleaning your guts off my floor.¡± I squeezed her shoulder a little bit, and her fimble body shook. ¡°Heed my warning, you old crone. My master bedroom, my castle, my city¡ªMY TITLE. Change has come and it will be bloody. Ask your mayor friend.¡± I hug her, shouting aloud, ¡°Thank you for your forgiveness, Mother! I will make sure you get your things put in your new room.¡± A big smile hid the resentment I felt being around this woman. I let the dowager go, gesturing for Vanessa to follow me. She looked around at the crowd, summoning courage. She skipped, placing a hand on mine. Up the stairs, we go. Wearing my cloak, I watched her curious eyes gaze upon the paintings of generations past. She noticed an ancestor wearing a cloak of the same kind. I nodded to her in agreement. It''s ancient history you''re wearing. The crowd started up in anticipation. ¡°Everyone, I have an announcement to make.¡± I projected from the balcony, overlooking the foyer. The muttering among my workers continued. ¡°Although it was on short notice, there is a new addition to the family. Meet Vanessa Hodge. Now, Duchess Vanessa Greystone.¡± Gasps and chatter ripple through the crowd. I understand. Not of any noble lineage, dressed in a second-hand kleider for ordinary women, that''s been restitched many times. Caroline would have been more fitting than her. Fitting, only if appearances mattered as much as connections. ¡°Quiet.¡± And it was. ¡°She is Duchess Greystone. Not just in name. Any disrespect to her is disrespect to me. UNDERSTAND?¡± From cooks to gardeners, maids to guards. They shout aloud. ¡°YES, YOUR GRACE!¡± ¡°Good.¡± I have always loved these scenes. The great affirmation. When the ML gets all the servants to respect the MC. Unfortunately, the ML wasn¡¯t there or it would be his job. However, I couldn''t let her be scorned for the short time she would be here, like my brother did. That arc was so grating. ¡°You''re dismissed. Back to work.¡± The crowd dispersed, and the workers gossiped to themselves about the news. Which, I am sure, will be spread to the public by the evening. The Dowager stared daggers from below on the foyer. Balling her fists, she leaked blood on my carpet. Her teeth were biting on her lips as she contained her rage. I smiled and bowed to my stepmother. Davis held her back from running over to me. True bliss. Show me more, Dowager. More anger. Once a shame to be hidden away, my worth will never be questioned again. And there is nothing you can do about it. It has only been three days since I made my big entrance. Just the start. I turned to an awestruck duchess. ¡°Vanessa, I would like to see you in your room. Could you meet me at 10 o''clock?¡± Her face appeared stunned, then resolute. She nodded as if she had made a big decision. "Beatrice, please show her to the Duchess suite. Give her whatever she needs. Guide the ladies below to their guest rooms as well. Watch the haughty one. Her hands tend to touch things that don''t belong to her.¡± ¡°How did you know!?¡± Vanessa turned back to ask. I shrug. I read about it. ¡°She looked like the type. I know. It''s not good to discriminate based on looks. But come on¡­¡± That brought a chuckle out of Vanessa. I keep trying to see that smile again. ¡°Anything for you, sire?¡± ¡°Umm¡­ A lot of water. I am going to train.¡± After completing two hundred burpees, I grabbed my towel hanging on a rack. ¡°Charles, ask for a bath to be done, please?¡± ¡°Sure, Tarion.¡± He got off my bed, dropping one of my books on the large mattress. Shirtless, I dry myself off, touching the scabs from today''s battle. ¡°Oh, can you get some razzorflower?¡± Charles raised his eyebrow. ¡°If you need some alone time, all you need to do is tell me.¡± ¡°Haha. Sure, I will do that. I still need the bath, though. Now get the fuck out.¡± Charles walked out of the room, jolly as ever, and I waited in front of my immense circular stained window, overseeing the garden on the rear of the castle, covered in eight-inch snow. ¡°How long will you stay up there?¡± Nothing. I glanced up, and a ceiling-crawling ninja stared down. Creepy ass Ninja Spiderman. I love this world. I blinked and the ninja disappeared from the ceiling. Luckily, I always keep my senses high in my home. I twisted, facing the hiding ninja. Mana armour coated my fingers as I grabbed the black dagger, aiming for my neck. ¡°It''s bad etiquette to kill a man at his home without a word.¡± Mana coated my right elbow. It arched towards the assailant¡¯s face, blowing the ninja''s skull away. My fingertips of my sword hand, still on the dagger, pulled them back to me. ¡°I also have problems with etiquette too.¡± My left fist dug into the intruder''s stomach. ¡°Let''s learn together.¡± Chapter 16: CQC Vanessa Diary log #11 excerpt 4 Today has been the most exciting and frightening day of my life. From hiding for our lives in the mayhem of murder to standing above the servants as the new Duchess. From wanting to vomit to almost fainting. They looked at me with judgement in their glares. I am sure they know. I am not even a proper Hodge, yet I am to marry the greatest noble in the land. I know as well. I don¡¯t fit this position. My sister would be better. They would accept a legitimate child over me. I felt anxiety looking at the paintings of eras long gone that hung in the corridor. The cloak I wore was present in many of them. It suddenly felt heavy fon me. I slipped the cloak off my back and I asked the maid. ¡°Can you give this back to the Tarion?¡± The maid scowled, but took it anyway, gently folding it. ¡°I will have it cleaned for His Grace.¡± Her stern eyes glanced to the right at the large, dark door. ¡°Your Duchess suite. Your Grace.¡± The maid opened the door and it felt like I was walking into another world. There was enough room for an entire family, cousins and all, to live. On a dark oak floor lay a red carpet by a blazing fireplace. A large four-post bed was draped with a red curtain, and more red coloured the satin sheets and pillows. The walls also match the red motif. I walked further into the room, touching the office table made of mahogany, reflecting fire and candlelight. I walked more to the back and there was an immense wall cased in books next to a window seat with pillows arranged The perfect reading corner. ¡°His grace ordered those especially for you.¡± The maid noted. It was too much for me. This room. The title. Too much. But I was here anyway. And so, I thought I should do my duty as the wife of a Duke. When the maid was about to leave, I asked. No, I ordered, ¡°Help me prepare.¡± Tarion ¡°First are greetings. Like hello. Or good evening, esteemed gentleman.¡± The pyjama-dressed ninja dropped to his knees, groaning from my gut punch. ¡°Come on, little guy, I didn¡¯t even use mana. It can''t have hurt that much.¡± I cracked the knife with my mana-imbued fingers. Shattered pieces of metal fell on my floor. I crouched and another black knife cut the air above me from behind. ¡°After greetings, we exchange names,¡± My elbow cracked a nose, and the new attacker collapsed. ¡°For example, Duke Greystone of Osberg, it''s a pleasure to meet you.¡± I gestured for the two hiding -male and female forms - in the shadows to respond. Silence. ¡°Rude bastards. Fine. We will talk the only way warriors can.¡± I started bouncing on each foot, embodying my inner Muhammed Ali and Bruce Lee. Right hand to my chin, left low to my crotch. ¡°Come, I won''t hurt you too much,¡± I goad with a smirk. The assailants started sprinting. Their speeds greatly exceeded their third circles. I heard shings as they pulled out a one-sided short sword and a pair of shredder-like claws. A right claw failed to scratch my bare chest and a front kick pushed the ninja away. I weaved to the right and a short sword cut the air. Switching to Southpaw, I threw a right hook to her spleen. To her knee, she dropped. A left uppercut connected on her chin, rattling her to the ground. Like hopping on a bike. I danced back, moving my head away from repeated clawings. Heightened Senses, slowed the stranger, his attacks a breeze to evade compared to the hipster bandit. My bare right foot flickered, smacking the masked man on his right cheek. Using the momentum, I jumped, spun, and tornado-kicked the intruder in the chest. The unconscious body bounced across my master bedroom until a boot stopped them from sliding on the floor. Inspect. Oh¡­ I see¡­ If Tarion''s memory served me well, the Umbra is a secretive recon, espionage, and investigative group, funded and operated by the Greystone Household. Managed by vassal families, they specialise in camouflage techniques, close-quarters combat, and assassination. A prized jewel in the Greystone crown. However, with its secrecy, come archaic rules. Rules of succession. Which I wasn''t considered for, for obvious reasons. The vassal families decide whether to give a greystone heir the keys to the group. And since my father died, the keys no longer had any worthy owners. Until me. The short woman stepped over her shadow. Cracking her wrapped fingers, the fourth circle slowly strode towards me, hunching her back like a wild beast. I smiled wide, feeling absolutely ecstatic. Finally, a new training partner! Grasping fingers appeared centimetres from my nose. A step back and she then grabbed the air. The air burst and popped within her fist. Lands above¡­ The agent of Umbra dropped low, trying to hold my leg. Past memories of another world kicked in. I fell on her, hands on her shoulders. My leg spread backwards on the floor. A good old sprawl always works. I swiftly repositioned myself to her back, wrapping my arm around the small neck of the hooded shadow. In a tight headlock, the shadow struggled and wiggled. I sensed mana in her fingers and quickly let go, standing straight again. Could have gotten my arm pinched off. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it From all fours, the umbra pounced into the air, with two fingers. The back of my left hand parried the fingers away. Mana extended from the tips. Ooo, I gotta learn this! She evaded my right straight, countering with a left hook to the body. My right knee blocked it. My right knuckles backhand at her face as a response. Wind ruffled her hood as she bent back, retreating by a metre. I inspected her attributes again. Senses at double digits, strength, and agility stood out, being five points higher than the rest of her attributes. A silver grade with stats like this and no system. I am surrounded by talent. How fortunate I am! I saw the ticking clock on the wall. "Ah, I wish I could play longer, but I have to meet someone soon.¡± A wild right fist careened for my head. I guided it below; my left hand held it down. A gust flapped the shadow¡¯s mask, and my fist stopped an inch from her face ¡°One.¡± With imperceptible speed, my hands switch positions. ¡°Two.¡± The umbra threw a desperate left hook, but it was intercepted by my right palm. Knuckles touched her built chest. ¡°Three.¡± From feet, knees, waist and shoulder, I spun. Power gathered to my knuckles and I twisted my left wrist. My one-inch punch blew the leader metres away. She rolled before flipping herself into a cat-like stance. Plonk, My past knowledge is acceptable? Nice. The system''s not so bad after all. But level fifteen? I thought it would be higher. ¡°Three times. Three times, I beat you. Is the test over, Beatrice?¡± The test? Survive a fight with five umbras. At once. Only then you are acknowledged by Umbra as its leader. The female umbra flinched. ¡°And they can stop pretending to sleep now. I got places to be, you know.¡± The shadows woke up like zombies, running to kneel before their leader. Masks are removed and hoods are brought down. A valet with a hurt chest, a footman holding his stomach, a carriage driver with a bleeding nose, a handmaid with a bruised chin, and a head maid revealed their faces. Under our noses the whole time. ¡°How long, Your Grace?¡± Beatrice asked. ¡°Suspected since the day of the mayor''s demise. I figured Greystone does not hire normal people.¡± And I can see your attributes. I reasoned out in the moment that it was Beatrice who always helped Vanessa in the shadows, giving her hints. She probably converted to her side when the Greystone family collapsed, preferring her as a true successor over my brother. That¡¯s how shit he was. ¡°Why now? Today?¡± I asked. Beatrice kneeled with her fellow Umbra. ¡°You are strong enough now.¡± It makes sense but it still pisses me off. ¡°So, how¡¯s your investigation been going? Find any leads to the mayor¡¯s ties to the underground.¡± The shadows look at each other. ¡°You are Umbra. You don''t waste time. What have you learned?¡± Knuckles to the ground, Beatrice reports. ¡°The mayor had excluded certain key members of local gangs from paying taxes. Using the Osberg guard, he protects those who traffic goods in and out of Osberg. Be it drugs, weapons or-¡± ¡°People. I see.¡± ¡°We have been working on a case regarding a pimp in the red district. The late mayor had been keeping his hands off him while prosecuting his rivals. He is a gangster by the name of Fjord Hasel but his victims called him Horn. Owns various unsavoury brothels known for the bad treatment of workers.¡± I remembered from Tarion¡¯s memory that prostitution wasn¡¯t illegal but it was heavily regulated and taxed. Neither seemed to apply to this Horn fellow. ¡°Good, continue with the case. Give me regular updates.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Grace!¡± They exclaimed. ¡°I must say, Davis has been quite glued to the dowager as of recently.¡± I stared down at Beatrice. Making sure she understood clearly. ¡°Not one bag of poison tea has been found. He is Umbra. Was. He can hide evidence. But I will find out his motives.¡± Beatrice pounded her chest. ¡°I swear on Umbra¡¯s honour.¡± I smiled. ¡°Then it will be done. I have some of the tea stored. Send it to be tested. And monitor the old bitch as well. I know she''s about to go wild.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Grace.¡± ¡°Suggestions for the late mayor?¡± I asked. ¡°We can leak evidence of his crimes.¡± The valet answered. ¡°Even the more unsavoury kind to press. They will see your actions as just, soon enough.¡± ¡°Good plan, see it done.¡± My valet smiled to himself proudly. I waited a moment to speak. ¡°Is Susan well?¡± Beatrice looked down. ¡°She is crestfallen, realising she has failed you for so many years. She will accept whatever punishment is given gladly.¡± ¡°Give the pedantic shit a rest. Have her field ready, assuming that she is one of you. She will be in charge of finding the true culprits of my attempted murder.¡± Five pairs of eyes burned with determination. ¡°Yes, Your Grace!¡± ¡°Dismissed.¡± I turned to the door on my way to take my bath, hearing my Umbra slither into the dark. I noticed my cloak folded by the bed. I have to see her. Such a busy day. I opened the door before Charles could knock. ¡°Your bath is ready, sire.¡± *** I stood in front of a large, dark door, freshly cleaned, hair damp, wearing black breeches and a white blouse with slippers. When it was Tarion¡¯s mother''s room, she would barely sleep there. Choosing to use the Duchess suite as her office. Now there is a new lady of the house occupying the room and I feel at peace. Or Tarion does. There''s no other woman more worthy than Vanessa. No one else is worthy of this room or title. But it''s only for a short time. She would reach higher levels soon enough. I sighed hard, hesitating. I knocked. ¡°It''s me, Tarion.¡± I heard footsteps and a curly-haired woman opened the door, wrapped in a deep red silk robe. ¡°Hello.¡± She studied me up and down. My mind froze, and my gaze stuck on her. ¡°Want to come in?¡± Vanessa asked, breaking me out of the ice. ¡°S-sure.¡± I strolled into the red room, smelly perfume in the air. Vanessa slowly sat on the mattress, expecting me to talk. I stood aside, looking around, anxiously. ¡°How is Osberg? Acclimating to the climate?¡± My eyes kept drifting to her bare legs crossed together. ¡°I am. But it''s so much colder than my hometown so it may take some time to get used to.¡± ¡°I figured. South Korea doesn''t have snowstorms as harsh as today''s.¡± Vanessa tilted her head in confusion. ¡°South Korea? I have only lived in Hamber since I was a babe.¡± Huh? ¡°Is that a town near Burnid?¡± HUH? PLONK. OH, FOR FUCK''S SAKE! Chapter 17: Are you serious? My mind concaved within itself with disbelief. She can''t remember anything from her past life? Plonk. No Haru. Just Vanessa? Plonk. OH COME THE FUCK ON! All the planning, the work... I needed her. The salary woman from South Korea. The woman who saved Freidland. The Saintess. Slowly, in my haze, things piece together. She should have regained her memory after the cursed beast attack. After Jen died. Was this my fault for interfering in things? By messing with the plot, did I fuck things up? Plonk, plonk, I sighed my stress away. I needed her. I needed Haru for my plans. The people need her to make this city, no, this country, better. I needed them for the catastrophe set to come. I needed her. Fuck me¡­ A pin dropped in my mind. I realised I was alone. No family to trust. A world too unfamiliar. I wanted someone with me. To talk about my troubles. To solve problems with. To fight together with. To talk about earth and our pasts. With someone with a shared fate. I am truly alone. Plonk. ¡°-rion. TARION.¡° Eyes focused and Vanessa came in close with worried eyes. ¡°Are you well¡­?¡± I rolled my shoulders. ¡°Yes. I was just thinking about Burdid pies and how fucking delicious they are!¡± Vanessa showed a small smile, her eyes still showing concern. ¡°I am alright, Vanessa. I am... just coming to terms that I am actually married. Especially to you...¡± We should have been making plans tonight. I saw Vanessa gulp. Her body tensed, then relaxed. She focused on me. Slowly, she came off the mattress. Her robe hugged her sultry form as she strode towards me. She was so close, that I could feel the heat of her breath. I looked down, my sight tracing down from her neck to... my heart rate increased, feeling my chest pound. Oh no¡­ She grabbed her sash, untieing it slowly. "Shall we-" "Vanessa!" I grasped her hand, pulling it away. ¡°We don''t have to do this! You don¡¯t need to do anything!¡± Her other hand reached down below. I grabbed a bit too hard on her forearm. ¡°Isn''t this why you wanted to meet? Is it me? I am not good enough, Your Grace?" Her voice trembled. I looked into her teary eyes and I spoke softly. "No, it''s not you. I just came to ask...Shit..." I let her frail arms go. "I know this is not what you truly want." Tears ran down her face as she sank to the wood floor. ¡°My father said I was to care for you, it''s my duty¡­my mother-¡± ¡°I will make sure your mother is well. Your father has no control over you here or anywhere, as you are my duchess. My equal.¡± Her eyes do not stop raining. My words are as unbelievable as her father''s. Too many expectations of a girl who has been pushed about all her life with no agency. So much stress has been building up within her, the battle in the blizzard was the last shake before she exploded. With the power I wield, I had forgotten what kind of world this is for a woman like her. She can''t cut down her troubles as easily as I. I exhaled, squatting close to her with my hand on hers. ¡°We are not so different, you and I. Stuck in a marriage that neither of us wanted.¡± Her sore, wet eyes flicked at me. ¡°Yes, this whole ordeal was out of my control. I was the sickly duke after all. It was easy to pretend to be me and forge documents without me knowing a thing.¡± Vanessa''s attention was on my every word. ¡°But you know what? I am a stubborn bastard. Not the kind to take the abuse.¡± Her attention is still on me, I declared. ¡°We can get a divorce.¡± Her eyes like fallen leaves widened and she sat up straight as if blown away by the news. ¡°Divorce?! Is that even possible?¡± ¡°Yes, hard but possible.¡± ¡°But the marriage was approved and registered by the church. No one but the lands above can break such a marriage.¡± The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°We can get it annulled.¡± ¡°But annulment would mean one of us is unfaithful...¡± ¡°No one''s reputation shall be sullied. All that is needed is evidence. Proof of fraud.¡± Vanessa, eyes red like her silk robe, scratched the floor in thought. ¡°But my father has plans for this place that cannot be derailed.¡± ¡°I am aware of his¡­ machinations. I will make sure none of his plans take hold in my duchy.¡± The reins her father has on her are tight. The original Vanessa needed Haru as much as I did. ¡°Divorce¡­ Will I be free to do as I wish afterwards?¡± ¡°The point of a divorce is that what you do after means shit all to me. Haha.¡± You will be free to meet your ML. ¡°So... what do you say, milady, up for a divorce?¡± She nodded anxiously as if someone would catch her in the act. ¡°I can understand why you are a bit apprehensive. I have already started the process of gathering evidence of the fraud. And I have written to the King for a possible annulment. So soon, we should expect some news. But when you decide for yourself that truly you want it, it will be done at your word ¡± Vanessa nodded, wiping her tears on the silk sleeve. I stood up, my hand open for Vanessa to hold. ¡°But first, get some rest." I tightened the sash on her robe. "Today was an exhausting and taxing day. I am flipping tired.¡± I smile the best I can, trying to end a tumultuous day on a good note. I escorted her to her bed. Her hand was still trembling, but she put on a brave front. By her bed, I squeezed her hot hands, and I was swallowed by her eyes, reminding me of the amber leaves of autumn. ¡°I want you to know, Vanessa. Although this is a marriage of convenience, I am your partner and a friend. As long as we are tied together, I will protect you. Within my reach, you will be guarded from all who come to harm you. And my reach is far and wide. So calm your mind and heart. You are safe here.¡± She finally believed my words. ¡°Have a good rest, Duchess.¡± I let her hand slip off mine. A silent wave goodbye and I leave the duchess suite. I stood outside her door. Emotions tumbled together in my mind, I rubbed my face, fingertips chafed against my skin like rubber burn. Running my hand through my hair, I made up my mind. "Help her, Yes. Reallocate, No. Tell me, those in the lands above. Can she still be the Saintess?" Plonk. "Good. Then help her, I shall. " Such a shit day. Since I left Vanessa''s side, the bastards above have been deathly silent. Leaving me alone to ruminate on what ought to be done, I spent hours with my mind churning. They left this for me to solve, so if I must do it alone, I will have to do it my way. I needed to trim the fat. Get rid of those who drag her down. Build her up strong so she won¡¯t need me as her keeper. Pull the weed out so the rose may blossom. If reincarnation cannot change her, she will change herself. All she needs is a little push in the right direction. My feet crunched on the snow on a cold morning as I jogged around my castle for the fifth time. I ran up to Beatrice, holding a tray of water. Charles stood beside her with a towel, which I took and used. "Charles, could you please ask the duchess and her friend to come down to the dining room?¡± "Certainly, Your Grace.¡± And he walked off to do as I ordered. Finally alone, I take a step closer to Beatrice, my voice hushed. ¡°Any Umbra in Hamber?¡± She nodded. ¡°Search for the Duchess'' mother. Bring her to a safe house until I decide it''s the right time.¡± ¡°Yes, your grace.¡± I took the jug, chugging it down. ¡°Sebastian Hodge. What do you know?¡± Beatrice received the jug. ¡°Manager of the Grandi company. A large enterprise with its toes in a multitude of industries. He is a very temperamental man. Harsh on his employees. Rude to anyone, not him in general. Ruthless in trying to get what he wants. The only thing stopping his ambitions is the simple fact of his lower birth.¡± Although Osberg is not food-rich, we are resource-rich. Timber for ships, copper and iron and tools and weapons. And most importantly, Coal. Our black gold. In the age of stronger ships, metric tonnes of the stuff can be transported anywhere in the world and sold for a fortune. And Osberg happened to sit on the largest depository of coal in the country. Such a tempting prize for crooked businessmen like Hodge. Unfortunately for him, I am alive and well. And with these lands under my direct control. I own it all. A monopoly Apple would be proud of. I make the rules, I set the standards and I choose the price. I should. Making what my former mayor did even more brazen and malicious. The people of my land need not suffer the prices he set just to keep their houses warm. So if I had died like a good boy, Joshua would have been awarded everything. Leading to my land and people being exploited by the Grandi company. ¡°Do you think they''re going to try to kill me again?¡± Beatrice was silent before saying, ¡°Of course, Your grace. You have severely messed with their schedule. It would be prudent for them to do so.¡± ¡°How fun.¡± And I would not be their only target. ¡°Those in the dungeon, are they safe?¡± ¡°They are secure.¡± ¡°Mmm. Get the treasurer ready for a visit from me. I have a punishment in mind for him.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Grace.¡± ¡°And one question.¡± ¡°Ask, sire.¡± ¡°Where did you find such a robe?¡± My maid''s eyes turned away from me and I stifled my laughter. ¡°But seriously, where?¡± My knife scraped butter to lather it on freshly made bread. I satt alone in the dining room, reading a mana guide, meditating on my ambient mana, and researching ways to use the special magic essence that flows within my body. With my Scholar skill, my reading speed and understanding of texts increased, giving me the proficiency to read at least a book a day. At this rate, I will be able to learn how to control runes soon enough. Footsteps clacked on the wooden floor and I paused midway between bites. Jen arrived with Vanessa, locking their arms together and laughing. She seemed well. Skin brighter. Less weight on her small shoulders. They noticed me, Jen curtsied, ¡°Jen Walters, sire.¡± I nodded back. Vanessa went to imitate, only to be stopped and chided by her friend. Ah¡­ she is not alone. Not anymore. Because of my efforts, he now had a true friend by her side. It was worth it. I gave her a wink and a smile, and her freckled cheeks reddened. ¡°Y-you have asked for us, Your Gra- Tarion?¡± said Vanessa. ¡°Ah yes.¡± I placed my book down. ¡°Exciting day. You two are coming on a trip with me. And you can''t say no.¡± They looked at each other, then back at me. Jen spoke out, ¡°Where might we be going, Your Grace?¡± I smiled wide. ¡°Shopping!¡± Chapter 18: Shopping Diary log #12 Embarrassing. Not a soul may know what happened that night. Tarion ¡°For the third fucking time, ladies, it''s a gift. For both of you.¡± Wooden wheels jerked on the stone road on the way to Oakley Street. I sat in front of a stubborn woman who couldn''t take gifts. ¡°But Tarion, it''s too much. We are fine with the clothes we brought with us.¡± Jen looked at her dumb friend incredulously and said, ¡°Us? Woman, don''t deny me a free gift cos¡¯ you''re shy. It¡¯s but a few coins for him.¡± ¡°Jen is right. Money is no object. Hell, they may even give us free garments on the account that I am the damn Duke.¡± Vanessa looked out of the passenger window. ¡°People out in the cold are struggling to feed their families. I¡­ I don''t know.¡± Reincarnation or not, she is still the goody too shoes I loved reading about. But I didn''t care at that time. ¡°Let me be frank. Your dresses look like hand-me-downs from seven centuries ago and several big-boned women in your lineage wore them a bit too much.¡± Jen and Vanessa looked at me, frozen in shock. ¡°What. the. fuck¡­¡± ¡°It''s not that bad.¡± Vanessa retorts. ¡°Ladies, I can smell the hard work and struggle of poverty lingering on your clothes.¡± ¡°Lands above, are you actually a Duke!?¡± Jen exclaimed. ¡°Since my dad perished, yes. And being a Duke means presenting your best self at all times. Whether it''s personality or appearance. Hey, don¡¯t give me that look, Jen.¡± I looked out the window with Vanessa. ¡°Do you want to help them?¡± Vanessa turned to me. ¡°...Yes.¡± ¡°If you were them, would you trust a beggar promising you food and warmth? Or would you look them sideways and ignore the person, thinking they were suspicious?¡± Vanessa looked down to the carriage floor. ¡°If you think I am going to dress you like the Dowager, you are mistaken. But we just need to project an image of professionalism that shows that we are the true authority that can help. That shows you are Osberg''s representative. MY representative.¡± Vanessa breathed in resignation. ¡°Okay. I will accept. But only because I want Jen to have new clothes.¡± I saw a touch of a smile on her full lips. A crack in her wall. I can''t wait for the shopping arc. ¡°Looks shit.¡± Vanessa showed off a dress a commoner would disdain to wear. ¡°Are you sure? I think it suits me quite well.¡± Sat on a sofa in the garment store, dressed in my black jerkin and trousers, I turn to Jen on the right of me. She already had her choice of clothes picked out. Several bags full of them. ¡°Jen, it looks shitty, right? It''s not because I have a man brain, is it?¡± ¡°No, Your Grace. It is very ¡®shitty¡¯. Having a friend with such bad taste is saddening.¡± Vanessa frowned, jokingly throwing the bad dress at Jen. They burst into laughter as they threw more bad clothes at each other. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. This is the Vanessa I couldn''t see in the Manhwa. A bright smile, worth millions. More time has moved the clock above. Many dresses tried, many discarded. She looked beautiful in each. The clothes wear her. I clicked my fingers. The tailor, frightened of my presence in her shop, still came to me at my call. ¡°Use her sizes. Make the best debutante dress possible; money is no object.¡± Her mouth went ajar. ¡°YES, YOUR GRACE.¡± I put my index finger on my lips, and the tailor quieted down, bowing as she left. ¡°Debutante¡­ For whose party?¡± Charles asked, standing behind. I turned on the sofa to face him and grinned. ¡°Mine.¡± The big man''s eyebrows scrunched together. ¡°The Beast of Osberg? Throwing parties? The world is fucking ending.¡± ¡°Language.¡± ¡°Fuck off, Your Grace,¡± Charles replied with a bow, half laughing. Beast of Osberg. That''s what they are calling me? Nice. My senses still heard them following. Fucking hell. I hate stalkers. "Kurt, keep them safe.¡± My third circle bowed and kept his attention on my duchess from the back. I stood up, and the gold-painted sofa creaked from my weight. Vanessa noticed me leaving. I put my hand up. ¡°Don¡¯t mind me. I''m going to hunt for a while. I will be back soon.¡± She nodded, reading through the gaps. ¡°Grace.¡± My sword was presented to me in Charles''s hands. I grasped it, hooking it above my cloak. ¡°Don''t stare too much.¡± ¡°What do you mean- ¡° A bell rang as I left the shop. Hands in trouser pockets, I strut down the high street a foot taller than everyone. He came closer, his steps clumsy. His footsteps quicken to a jog then a run. I strafed to the right, the hitman''s blade an inch from my cloak. I slap the idiot with my left knuckles on his chest, blowing the air out of his lungs. Before his knees touched the pavement, I grabbed the man by his face. ¡°We are going to take a little walk.¡± I drag the wiggling assassin across the stone. I divert pedestrians like a rock wading through water. Gangster in hand, I turn left, then right, and I find an avenue. Buildings were tall on both sides. No light passed from the rooftops to the ground. Nothing but rubbish smelling in the corner and rats scurry away from my footsteps. I walked through, serving myself on a silver platter. I halted. I lifted the poor man up. Bones crush in my fingers. I looked into the man''s eyes. Did a thought even cross their mind that they could be in this predicament? I snapped the neck, a corpse thrown in the rubbish where it belonged. Figures slithered in through the other side. I heard many voices from behind. ¡°How much is the bounty?¡± My voice echoed between the walls. ¡°Enough to be worth it.¡± ¡°Ha!¡± The gangsters came closer. Their blades glint in the dark. Dozens in front, dozens behind. ¡°What¡¯s so funny, Duke? Has fear broken your mind?¡± My greatsword sliding off my sheath gave me great joy. I level my blade''s tip to the ground. Mana glowed softly from the steel. I lowered down, like my namesake. Grabbing the stone floor, my blade hummed with blue mana in a tail stance. ¡°Not fear. Poor fools. Elation.¡± I could hide my teeth as I smiled wide. I sprang forward, pulling the ground. A hundred metres passed in a moment, I ludged. Piercing a neck through another. I pulled up with two hands, separating two men¡¯s heads from their chins to their hair. A swift strike cut down through a sword, killing a man on my right. A horizontal cut disembowelled a man on my left. Thank you. Playing dress-up was getting boring. I charged with mana ablaze on my sword of Osberg. Cutting weeds in my way. I hear men rushing from the other side. I cut the first circle before blocking my back. My sword swept the enemy¡¯s weapon up and I cut under his arm. A sword struck at my knee and my sword greeted it. My greatsword pushed the sword to the floor. With a hit down on the pommel, my sword flicked up to defend against a cut to my left deltoid. A mana-infused kick cracked the fellow''s chest and I sliced down to the second circle in front. The pommel was hit again, flicking the great sword to my left, leaving the man¡¯s face shaved off. My sword stayed stationary as my feet pivoted me away from a second circle¡¯s attack. I pulled my sword along for a big slash. A head fell, and my sword rested on my shoulder. WHY DO THEY KEEP ATTACKING MY BACK!? Chapter 19: Massacre in Sovan Avenue. Vanessa Diary log #13.5 Divorce. It never once crossed my mind. I was simply following father''s orders to marry a total stranger. I saw no escape. I resigned to a life as the carer of a sick man. Which I had no issues with. Plenty of experience working in an infirmary placed in the slums had set me apart as the woman for the job. So you can understand how discombobulating it was to see a man with such vitality announce he was my husband. And on the same day, as I fell to the floor in a crying mess, he asked for a divorce. Embarrassing. Luckily, the trip took my mind away from yesterday. Jen by my side, her warm shoulder giving comfort, her laugh bringing joy to my soul and Tarion. Whenever I am near him, I feel safe, as he said. I tried many clothes. Jen and Tarion found my choices¡­undesirable. I don''t think I dress badly. Do I? My soon-to-be ex-husband''s ruby eyes examined me as I tried each dress. I felt his gaze working down my body. Like a wolf looking at where to bite to bring me down. But when his beastly gaze left me, it felt lonely. My sister came into the store after Tarion left to work. Servants she had brought from Hamber followed behind her. She avoided looking at me as if I were an eyesore. ¡°Do you normally invite commoners to this establishment?¡± Caroline asked the store owner. Posing a noble. Typical Caroline. But she is richer than any normal noble, so does it matter? The owner quietly reminded her that I was the Duke¡¯s wife. My sister laughed. ¡°How unfortunate. To be shacked up with an illegitimate child like her. If he had working eyes, he could see a better option nearby.¡± She finally looked at me, then at my dress and chuckled. Jen called her a bitch numerous times. Insults flew in the air. Jen was screaming the things my mouth couldn''t utter but wanted so much to say. But my thoughts were elsewhere. I contemplated what Tarion said in the carriage. His representative. Osberg¡¯s representative. Tarion I saw that look in their eyes. One I have seen many times. ¡®The rumours are true¡¯ their frightened expressions say. Their movements are stiff in the middle of flight or fight. My blade makes them want to flee, and the money makes them stay. Ten were left out of the many that attacked. Most are seconds and some are very lucky first circles. Their mouths twisted as they made a decision. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. A lone second circle broke the standstill. I thrust and air burst into clouds on the point of my sword. A head exploded before a sword could reach me. Chunks of an idiot¡¯s brain covered a poor fool. I stood straight, my blade pointing to the ground. ¡°Is it still worth it?¡± Prideful gangsters unleashed their anger, and nine advanced with blind fury. I turned away from a strike to my back while parrying a blade. Finding a wall, I faced my back to it, steadily reversing into it. Flashes of light illuminated the avenue when our steel clinked and clanged. My blade danced from sword to sword, parrying each. With my greatsword¡¯s length hampering my ability to block, I maintain my guard with small movements, choosing to wait until their swords reache mine. Brick touched my cloak and felt a little secure. Now I only have to worry about what is in my field of vision. A sword coated in blue mana stabbed into the wall near the bleeding right cheek. ¡°My beautiful face!¡± The second circle cut the wall down to my right shoulder. Only the fur on my cloak was disturbed as my greatsword blocked. One of the fortunate tried his luck once more and slashed from my left at my body. ¡°Fuck..OFF!¡± Mana collected in my gloved left palm. The young man¡¯s sword hit my hand with a thunderous clap. Shock changed his face when his blade was flung out of his hold into the far wall. Plonk Still blocking the Seconds¡¯ blade, I let it get slack, strafing away while the sword cut a groove into the avenue wall. The greatword rolled around my forearm and its centre of gravity flipped it back in my grip. A great slice of flaring aura cut two heads. No More Walls. My feet left the ground and arrived on the bricks behind. Heightened strength caused my feet to chip the wall as I jumped again. A Down slash killed. Bending under a slice to my head, a lunge slew another. A parry to my left surprised the brain-covered assailant. A pommel caved in his chest. While he vomited blood, a thrust from the enemy was repulsed away, and my mana essence sparkled as the first circle struggled to hold on to his only weapon. I pulled my sword on the stone floor, sparking as my sword grated. A side swing ripped in meat and bone. The top half fell before the bottom, gushing filth and blood. The three left glanced at each other. Deciding in silence. They spread out. Three second circles howl with mana blazing from the weapons. I felt calm. I felt bored. I wondered whether I had given my sizes to the tailor. As a unit, they strike. A kamikaze attack with a fortune on the line. A stupid gamble. I stabbed my greatsword in the ground. Three blades tinged on my blade. I looked down. My hair wild, in free fall, I handstand on my pommel. Mid-air, I tore my sword from the stone floor, slicing a man on the way up. My body spun and a mana-amoured boot crushed the middle attacker. I finished my spin with my greatsword lodged into the temple of the last man on the right. I land softly, hearing bodies drop. A gangster¡¯s head a fountain, I whacked my crossguard, fully severing him. ¡°Nice.¡± I bent down to wipe the blood of my weapon on one of the dead, hoping it wouldn''t smell too much. I heard a rip on my back. "I guess I need to send new measurements anyway, don''t I?" I said to a corpse. "Fuck, I forgot to keep one alive.¡± Plonk, Chapter 20: Back to shopping Plonk. It was too easy. My battle-high settling, reality crashed down on me. I looked down upon the carcasses. I still felt how my sword cleaved through clothes, its sharp edge carving through skin, muscle, and bone. Too easy to kill. Maybe they were right after all. ¡°Long hair! Stay where you are- Your Grace.¡± A middle-aged officer walked in the avenue, aghast at the carnage. Some one must have called him, thinking a murderer was on the loose. They weren''t wrong. The officer''s reaction reminded me that my blade had not had a day''s rest from bathing in blood. And I struggled to have mine. My sword sheathed, I walked towards the avenue''s entrance. ¡°Officer.¡± He stood at attention. ¡°Yes, Your Grace!¡± I pointed back with my thumb. ¡°Clean,¡± and I left the sod, mumbling. A crowd started to form following the smell of intense iron. I look into the crowd, feeling stares mixed with murderous glares. Seeing an audience, I projected my voice. ¡°This is a warning to any vermin tempted with gold to go after my neck. I am not gonna pussyfoot around. I will murder every single one of you. I will see your bodies so unrecognisable that your sister-cousin-mother-wife wouldn''t be able to recognise you. So don''t waste your years.¡± I left with a crowd silenced by my words. Hands in trouser pockets, wandering down the walkway, carriages and waggons passed by on my left. I slowed my stride, trying to take in the ambience. If I really think about it, this was the first time that I actually looked at the city properly. No rushing around for ingredients for the tea, hiding away in the carriage for monster hunts. Even my last excursion was a raid. I just kept working, grinding, training, and learning. But not living, experiencing. With Vanessa here and no longer on a deadline, I could no longer distract my mind. Certain thoughts made my brain their home. Why am I here? To murder. To rule? To protect Vanessa? Why me? I felt placed here like a character in a play, having to act accordingly. But how does it work when I don''t have anyone to bounce off of? Then I thought of Vanessa. Manwha Vanessa. Alone in this world without a guide. This was not a story to her; it was life and death. She had no prophetic knowledge of the plot. She just trudged on, day in and day out and prevailed. With no circles, she made the best of this simple, backwards world with the little power she had. While I''m walking free after murdering in broad daylight, whining about being alone. I spent minutes circling around the block, dumb thoughts ruminating in my mind as I people-watched. City folk went about their lives. Men shovelling snow into piles. Women sold their wares by the road. Illegal but I let it go. Snowmen line the road like soldiers, little twigs stuck in their cute, icy hands. One of the most terrifying days of my life but for my people, the blizzard was but a small interruption. The ability to carry on seemed to be instilled in the people of Osberg. A tough and enduring people; they weren''t going to let a little storm break them. As their Duke, I should follow their example. Just a bump in the road. I saw Caroline entering the store, her servants following like ducklings. Dressed in a dark purple frilly corseted dress, her people carry her many bags of shopping. Her face changed as she stepped through the doorway, her jaw clenched and her posture became more arrogant. Ooh, drama¡­ I gotta see this! If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. I crossed the road, hiding beside the shop so no one could see me spying. A boy noticed me. I smirked and placed my finger on my lips and the teenager did the same. A point from the body was allocated to senses. I had healed enough. ¡°Do you normally invite commoners to the establishment?¡± I heard a whingy voice say. What this bitch say? ¡°Miss¡­ She''s a dear customer of ours, the current duchess, wife of Duke Greystone.¡± Yep, very important. Vanessa''s sister laughed. ¡°How unfortunate. To be shacked up with an illegitimate child like her. If he had working eyes, he could see a better option close by.¡± If I could rip her head off right there and then... I had to stay calm. This is supposed to be a nice trip. A kill-free trip (with some exemptions). Jen''s voice reverberated through the walls. Insults I would be saving for later were flung at Caroline. I listened more, ignoring the message. Not yet. I want to see whether my duchess has the metaphorical brass balls needed to change. I cannot hold her hand like a child. If she can''t handle her sister, she can''t handle Osberg and bey- ¡°You see, sister,¡± Oh? ¡°My husband is such a meticulous, hard-working man. He was able to bring himself from depths of despair by his own ability. So I struggle to think such a man would be interested in a woman who can barely put on her own shoes.¡± My smile reached my ears as my back hugged the wall. ¡°You swine¡­!¡± Caroline screamed. ¡°Daddy''s little princess, not one expectation because father couldn''t conceive of one for you.¡± Fucking hell¡­ My eyes said to the kid next to me. A slap from inside the store stunned me. ¡°Daughter of a whore!!! He is not your father but mine!!¡± A bell rang as I forced the store door open, breaking the hinges. My speed blew clothes across the floor. I stopped Caroline by her arm before she slapped Vanessa again. ¡°No, no, Lady Caroline.¡± I squeezed the forearm of a terrified woman. ¡°Too Far.¡± I looked over to my wife. A red mark on her left cheek was already swollen. I squeezed again, and the villainess fell to her knees on the ground in pain. ¡°PLEASE, YOUR GRACE, I''M SORRY!¡± Ignoring the bitch¡¯s pleas, I asked my wife''s opinion. ¡°What punishment should be given to the Hodge whose hand touched what belongs to me? A broken arm? A slap? Prison?¡± I glared intensely at my sister-in-law with my demon-like eyes. ¡°Or death? Caroline dropped her head in a sobbing mess. ¡°Tarion.¡± A hand softly touched my elbow. ¡°It''s ok. Just a little spat between sisters.¡± Fuck sake¡­ But I gave in and released the sister from my hold. I turned, swishing my cloak near the crier''s melting face. My wife trembled on her feet, unable to look me in the eye. My teeth took off a glove. Her face was hot to the touch as felt her bruise. She winced as I traced the wound. ¡°Sorry for not coming in earlier. You did well, Duchess.¡± Amber''s eyes finally looked at me. ¡°Town Crier on the floor. You spoke about a better option nearby. Where is such a person? The one whose face melts? The one whose manners match the commoners she hates?¡± I grabbed my wife''s hand, fingers interlocked. ¡°From now on, I will make sure there are no misunderstandings.¡± I lifted Vanessa''s hand, and my lips kissed her fingers. I felt her jolt. But she doesn''t pull away. My lips, still on her hand, I looked up to see Vanessa''s mouth open wide. Sorry about the surprise. Hands locked, stood beside my duchess. ¡°Don''t delude yourself into thinking you ever had a chance. Understand your place, beneath Her Grace''s feet. Do not embarrass yourself any further.¡± I located her people hiding on the side. ¡°Now, you lot. The quivering servants. Take your master back to the castle; she is disturbing the peace.¡± In a rush, they followed my order, lifting the Hodge and her shopping out of the shop. I clicked my fingers. ¡°Tailor! I need to give my measurements.¡± I remembered who my hands held and was about to let go. ¡°Thank you. Tarion.¡± Her grip was tighter than I would expect. Her smile pumped my heart. Goosebumps rose as she looked at me. The warmth of her skin... Battle excited me, but not like her beauty. You''re getting Divorced. I smiled and said, ¡°No thanks are needed. Just a husband defending his wife.¡± Chapter 21: Dinner with the Family Diary log #13.5 Excerpt 2 I never thought I would see such a sight. Caroline was escorted out in a crying mess of trailing makeup and I stared, trying to capture this scene forever. I am not one for insults, but a bit of me wished Tarion had gone harder on her. We spent a little more time in the store perusing . Buying more clothes than I have ever worn in my life, Jen commandeered the rest of the trip and chose what she thought looked best. Sad, really. I liked the dresses she threw away. Calling them ¡®Gaudy¡¯ was rude. After we stopped holding hands, I felt a change in the duke. His eyes followed me less, as if making a conscious effort to ignore me. It makes sense; why care for a wife you want to divorce? The stunt earlier was just that¡ªa stunt to get back at the nuisance that was annoying him. I am sure that''s all it was. But you can''t blame a woman for being confused when the Duke treats me like this. No one other than Jen has defended me this much. No one has shown this much concern. It was perturbing but... I wished his rough hand did not leave my face. Tarion took both of us on a small walk around Sovan Street. Although the stares were a bit distracting, it was wonderful seeing the sights from outside the carriage. The bustle of the markets, the intricately designed fountains, the statues of warriors long past. Unfortunately how a city with such history and culture could be suffering like this? With homeless by shops, people wearing rotten clothing, and vendors selling rotting food. Tarions face twisted and turned as he saw it all. I understand his anger because I share it as well. Mumours went around the castle saying that Tarion killed the mayor responsible for this. I had learnt of his reputation as a madman who walked the streets bloody, a tyrant. But I have no problem with him getting rid of problems. On the way back, his large hand in mine and his soft lips were all I thought of till my feet touched the castle steps and I saw a massive bear head with red eyes that sparkled like my husband''s. He proudly said it was his ''catch''. It wasgreat to see him smile again. "Finally, it came. Good work. I completely forgot about it. ¡± I said to two officers. They leave sweating like pigs from lifting the taxidermied head inside. ¡°Vanessa, Jen. I hope to see you for dinner tonight. I have news to announce to the family.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Grace. We would be happy to attend.¡± Jen said as she bowed. Vanessa nodded with her gaze on me as she went upstairs to her room. ¡°Grace,¡± Bratrice surprised me while my attention was elsewhere. ¡°As you had predicted, she went ¡®wild¡¯. Destroyed the room we gave her. And yes, we made sure to hide paintings, especially your family portrait, from her.¡± ¡°Good.. foresight¡­ I wasn''t thinking far when I put her in the room I suffered years in.¡± Beatrice always looked queasy and a little guilty at the mention of my life as the sick man in the corner of the castle. ¡°Don''t worry, it was character-building, so I hope it''s the same for her. And my brother? What of him?¡± ¡°He got word of your ¡®work¡¯. Came back after a night at the red light district to console his mother.¡± ¡°Comforting his mother after her lover passes away. What a wonderful son. And Davis?¡± ¡°In the wind.¡± ¡°Shit. Umbra knows umbra.¡± ¡°If he passes a checkpoint, we will track him from there.¡± ¡°And know where his true master lies.¡± Although I already had an inkling of who they are. I grabbed onto the black hair of the deceased cursed bear with a single hand. It would look good in the office, I think. ¡°Call my brother and mother to dinner. Their Duke commands them.¡± Silver cutlery tapped on pewter plates as the awkward dinner continued. A mixture of venison and vegetables, I started on my third plate. A growing boy needs energy to grow strong and I feel that even after my poison was ejected from my body, it still has not reached its limits. My four guests, still finishing their first plates, concentrated on their food in silence. "This meat is gorgeous! Who may I ask precured this venison?" I asked Charles. "That would the new stable hand. Quite the hunter. Caught it in fifteen minutes. Wish i had seen how he did it." The lucky bastard, huh? ¡°Joshua, I haven''t seen you all day,¡± I say with a mouth full of meat. ¡°Yeah¡­ I was preoccupied.¡± Joshua played with a piece of broccoli. The news must have gotten him rattled. The brother he remembers is no more. ¡°You mustn''t go to that area of the city too much, or dear mother will have to worry about bastards knocking on the front door, hahaha!¡± This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Joshua dropped his knife. ¡°Haha¡­you jest, brother, I would never worry my mother like that.¡± Joshua gave me a pleading look. His mother couldn''t give a shit as her eyes bore tunnels into my neck. ¡°Of course, I jest. But I also suggest you stay away from the area. With your mother mourning, I wouldn''t want another reason for her to mourn longer.¡± ¡°I will take your advice to heart, Your Grace,¡± Joshua said without a hint of sincerity and he went back to playing with his food. Cheeky rascal. I watched Vanessa from across the table, her manners were neat. Training had been drilled into her, unlike her sister. I smiled, noticing her wearing a new dark green dress, square open of the chest area with a bodice, ¡°Vannesa, dear, How is the food?¡± I said to break up the silence. ¡°Oh! It''s delicious-¡± ¡°MURDERER!!!!¡± I flicked a fork flying at my nose With a finger. It fell to the table, crumpled. ¡°YOU SIT IN YOUR FATHER''S SEAT, PRETENDING EVERYTHING IS WELL! YOU EAT FINE AFTER MURDERING YOUR FATHER''S TRUSTED FRIEND.¡± I put down my fork. ¡°Trusted.¡± I linked my fingers with my elbows on the dining table. ¡°My father must have been a very bad judge of character. Actually¡­if he married you, he definitely was.¡± In a black Farthingale dress, Edith ran around the table at me. Anger made her even uglier, and wrinkles became more defined. Knife in hand, she came to stab me, only to be held back by her precious son. Vanessa and her friend glanced at me, looking like they would rather run away from the quarrel. I shrugged at them. It is how it is. The world of nobles. ¡°Mother! Calm down! I know you are grieving and you are angry at him. But he must have had good reason.¡± Joshua turned to me. ¡°Don¡¯t you, brother?¡± I picked up a fork with meat and finished the last of my plate. ¡°Of course I did, Charles.¡± My butler picked up the empty plates for washing. ¡°Because a blight on our city mustn¡¯t be allowed to live. Thousands upon thousands of people have died this winter. My people required food, he didn''t give them. My people needed coal for warmth, so he increased prices. My people need protection and he closed his eyes for gangs to steal from my people. He is fortunate that his death was quick.¡± I drank my wine in a silver cup. ¡°Are those reasons enough?¡± Joshua gawped at me, terrified. ¡°I knew it wouldn''t be enough for you. Fucking Aristocrats... Then how about being a culprit in the attempted assassination of a Duke?¡± ¡°What?! What are you saying, Tarion? Can you believe what he is saying moth- Mother?¡± ¡°I wonder. Where might Davis be? I heard Davis used to ride you to your rendezvouses with the count. He should be helping her. Tsk, tsk, loyalty is fickle nowadays.¡± The dowager duchess stared at the floor. ¡°Mother¡­¡± ¡°I will have a full investigation into every one of Count Trak¡¯s associations and I mean everyone.¡± I pointedly looked at the Dowager. Joshua''s lips pursed together as he gently took the knife from her feeble hand and guided my stepmother around to her seat. Her countenance was weak as she shook, taking small steps. ¡°Oh! Speaking of the mayor, I have something to announce.¡± I looked at Vanessa, who sat tensed at the table. Sorry again. ¡°Since the position is vacant as of now, there has been no one worthy enough to fill the seat. Until now. From her willingness to help those in need, to her curious, intelligent mind, these qualities are needed in a leader at times like this. And so, Duchess Vanessa Greystone, I award thee the title of Mayor of Osberg City!¡± Jen spat out her food. Joshua let his mother fall, staring back at me with his jaw dropped. Vanessa''s eyes bounced around at everyone, watching the reactions. Her hand went to grab mine. ¡°Husband, I think my ears might have misheard.¡± ¡°You. Are. The. Mayor. Okay?¡± I pat her hand. ¡°At nine am tomorrow, you will meet the treasurer, who will show you the ropes. And you there, flame hair.¡± ¡°J-Jen, sire.¡± ¡°I know. Just fucking with ya. I like you but you can¡¯t be living here for free, you know. So how about this? You will be her assistant.¡± ¡°Huuuh¡­¡± I noticed Charles was back with another plate. ¡°Thank you! I was starving.¡± What a nice dinner! I swung my blade across a man''s chest to another''s knee. An attack blocked from above and a mana armoured kick burst the body of an older first circle. I slashed down on my right, splitting a head. I pulled my great sword, and a neck gushed blood to the left. I dodged a second¡¯s glowing spear coming for my stomach, then again at my head. Leaning to the right, I slipped through, thrusting into their iron-armoured chest. I crouched under a glowing sword. Feet, pivoting to the right, my blade cut under an arm through intestines. I heard the air cut to my right and backstepped. Blue mana flew past, crashing into the cavern wall. One left. A third circle. Two axes. Bald with a glorious brown beard. Mine has been growing but it cannot be compared to his masterpiece. ¡°Great bear- OH SHIT!¡± The stubby warrior launched himself at me. Both axes slammed down on my greatsword. My feet broke the cavern floor as I held back against his surprising strength. But it''s not enough. I pushed his weapon twenty degrees to the left and I sliced down at his head. With his beard on the ground, he pursued me harder. Slashing right, left, left and right, I felt the wind of his attacks. I chose one to block and our weapons connected. I shifted his right weapon twenty degrees to the right. The circles inside me revved. Mana rushed through my body to my mighty sword. My sword of Osberg hummed a great tune. I lunged. A body dropped. Headless, the neck smoulders with smoke wisping out. A hole in the stone melts into magma. One officer of three circles walked up to me and stopped at attention ¡°Your Grace. Gamma has cleared their area of the mine. All sectors have been reclaimed.¡± ¡°Good.¡± Plonk. ¡°Let''s go home, boys. I have got a party to prepare for.¡± 44 days later. Chapter 22: Impatient A mine was secured, its hijackers were arrested or slain and Gamma and I started our journey back to Osberg City. I looked behind me on horseback at the hundred armour-plated officers on the street marching along on the ice-free streets A sea of second and third circles marched forward, all trained and doped personally by me. From standard CQC to the art of the sword, Many forms of combat were drilled into my officers with intense daily training that I personally handled. Meditation techniques I had researched and the revitalising tea¡ªin its very diluted form¡ªwas given to all my officers. With their previously sloppy collection of ambient mana improved, only a month later, there are no first circles in my company. Overall fitness has improved as well. Thanks to the revitalising tea and cardio, they are fat lards no more, able to travel between towns on foot. Speaking of the tea, I had found the limit of absurd growth after reaching the fourth circle. After reaching the gold grade, I had been in a bottleneck. The tea¡¯s effect waning with every circle, I saw no improvement so close to my fifth. So I focused on training my base attributes, which the tea could somewhat still help with. But it is not enough. The shaved bandit eluded my grasp. The man who beat me. The first man to make me feel fear in this world. In the heat of battle, I hadn''t seen his attributes. But it''s possible he could have gotten stronger as I did. And I wouldn¡¯t be prepared for him. Fortunately, there have been no more attacks from those bandits since Fulken Road. No sight of them has been anywhere near the woods. But not even an attack on a normal travelling convoy? The silence is frightening. Could they be biding their time after such a devastating loss? Or could they be waiting for the opportune time to strike at their true target? Every passing day, I am more sure that Vanessa was their aim. I just haven''t figured out why yet. Vanessa. I reached into my dirty, plain, black doublet and pulled out a silver necklace. A pendant shaped like a bear''s side profile. Bought by Vanessa on our fourth trip to the market. A gift from her using her first paycheck. I rubbed the bear''s head for good luck and smiled to myself. ¡°Missing your wife, sire?¡± I looked to the left at the hawk-faced, brunette ponytail officer beside me riding on his horse. ¡°Fuck off, Lieutenant.¡± ¡°Haha, why so shy, Your Grace? It''s normal to miss your loved ones. We have been gone for a while.¡± Jimmy, Gamma lieutenant, one of the few with balls to talk to me like this. ¡°Only two days, that''s all.¡± ¡°That''s all? I am itching to lay in my soft bed with my woman. I can''t imagine how you feel being the husband of the prettiest gal in the city.¡± ¡°Umm. I wonder how your wife would react if she heard you said?¡± ¡°Your Grace. I humbly apologise. You were not missing your beautiful wife. You are a stoic warrior. A man''s man. HAHAHA! Fuck it, tell her! I like it when she gets angry. Hehe!¡± The only one with the balls, and his four circles made them heavier. A recent addition, he saw me at Fulken Road. Inspired by my beastly way of war, he left his squad of veterans to join my crass crew of rookies. Although he is young, himself only five years older than me, his talent superseded his age mates. Sometimes I wonder why he has not been sent to war at the border, and then I hear him talk. Yeah, my uncle cannot deal with him. He is fun as hell. ¡°Alright, you don''t miss her. Then why the rush? Can¡¯t be the party. Her grace is handling all the details.¡± ¡°I am curious about how my city is doing.¡± ¡°Bullshit.¡± I stared at the idiot. ¡°I mean, come on. Her Grace has already changed the dump of a city in a matter of a month. Restored a lot of water fountains all around the city. She set up food kitchens all around the slums. Some of them she even visited! Brave girl.¡± Always against my recommendation. ¡°She might be able to even fix the sewage system soon! Imagine not needing to shit in pots anymore and throwing it in the river.¡± ¡°All of those fixes cost a lot of gold.¡± ¡°Like you give a shit.¡± I smiled. I didn¡¯t care. Especially after my treasurer found hidden trunks of the late count''s coins stashed away. I would prefer to use the funds for new weapons and garrison rebuilding but that is neither here nor there. She made my city stronger and my people happier. So I am content. Vanessa fit in the space made for her quite easily. Appointing her came ahead of schedule, but even when pushed into the fire, with Dunmer¡¯s help, she had taken on the role of governance well. Maybe this talent for leadership was innate and all Haru did was break out of her shell for her. I knew killing Trak was a good idea. She was doing very well so Jimmy was right. There was another reason I had been rushing my men through the mines in the mountains. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Having previously sent a message by bird to the King, he deferred me to the church, saying, ¡°The matter of marriage annulment is in the purview of the Church.¡± Being absolutely livid, I almost wrote the old bastard a scathing letter until my Duchess held me back from being stupid. My captured lawyer agreed with her and rewrote a new message asking the church for the same. He expected a message from the priests very soon. I couldn''t help but be impatient when divorce was on the horizon. Two months of planning and working had come to a head. With Vanessa situated well in the position I left open for her and finally divorcing, she will be able to be in the position of power to allow her to be invited to the ceremony happening in a year and a half. Things are going on track. Almost there. The final stage of this fake marriage. I rub the pendant again. Almost there. Our procession marched down the road to Osberg. Our journey back had been faster, with spring coming and snow absent from the roadways. Slums on the outskirts of the city came into view. I cannot believe I could miss this city. Maybe camping on the hard snow had made me crazy, but the nostalgic smell of stone, rotten wood, and unwashed clothes made me feel at home. Remind myself to invest in a soap business. I heard screams in the distance. I looked to my left and saw that Jimmy heard the same. ¡°MEN! ON ME!¡± I spurred my horse. Galloping at speed, Jimmy followed me. Turning the corner of the building, citizens shrieked as they ran over each other. I rode towards the corner, ready to face what they were running from. My world twisted as I fell off my steed. Rolling on the ground, my left hand pushed me up to stand as I unsheathed my greatsword from my back. I gathered my wits, and I found my horse bloody on the floor. Stabbed through its body, it gasped its last breaths. Oh, dear¡­ A spider¡¯s leg, longer than a two-story house, pulled out of my horse''s belly. Its long, fuzzy obsidian leg flicked the blood from its hooked toes and stomped the ground, quaking the earth. Lands above¡­ Eight red eyes noticed me. Here we go. I put forward my blade and blocked a heavy blow from the spider¡¯s leg. Flying backwards, hovering above the ground, I jabbed my blade into the earth, making a groove on the ground. Another leg came. I sidestepped, and a crater opened where the leg hit. Muscles burst with mana and I charged at the ugly beast. I depressed the earth with each sidestep out of the spider''s spindly legs'' way. Right and left, I jumped around, gradually coming closer to the cursed beast. The giant spider shot off another leg. Dodging with minimal movement, I let it pulverise the air beside me. A slash downward with a blade of blue aura cut deep and the beast screeches with one less leg. I blitzed the beast, running into its shadow. With the spider distracted by its pain, I looked up at its black abdomen. My blade cocked back, and my circles revved to their maximum rotation speed. My mana condensed to a tiny point on my sword and I charged. I hear the thunder of footsteps. ¡°MEN! KEEP IT DISTRACTED!¡± ¡°YES, YOUR GRACE!¡± Blades and shields glowing, Gamma kept its attention. I heard bows being pulled as my mana whirled and hummed. Under the dark spider, my sword is a beacon in the shadow of its huge mass. It is enough. I aim straight up and I thrust. Light almost blinded me as a cone of mana shot out of the tip of my greatsword. The great power tunnelled into the large spider until I saw the sky in its abdomen. The cursed beast fell on me, leaving me unscathed as I jumped out of the hole I bore. I land on the dead spider¡¯s exoskeleton, looking at the road from up high. ¡°Jimmy!¡± ¡°All here, sire!¡± Another round of screams. ¡°FOLLOW THE SCREAMS. PROTECT OUR PEOPLE.¡± Gamma shouts, ¡°YES, YOUR GRACE!¡± My armoured men in the hundreds followed my order and the cursed spider''s exoskeleton crushed under my boot as I rushed in. The earth rumbled as I ran down the street. The screams tortured me and I called for my status to tap in my spare points into Agility. A great step pushed me against the wind. My face was pulled back by resistance, and I raced to the cries. No¡­ Spiders, the size of large dogs, crushed meat within their fangs. Blood poured from their mouths as they gorged on human remains. A man screamed for the gods above to save his poor soul as he was eaten alive by the obsidian beasts. NO¡­ A woman''s head looked at me before being crushed between talons ¡°NO!!!¡± I stomped on the earth, and the dirt and stones of the road floated, rejected by gravity. Mana burned my sword of Osberg bright with all-consuming light. I swung. A wave of mana incinerated hundreds of baby-cursed spiders. An ungodly burning smell wisped into the air as my Mana slice ended its journey with a single cursed being left standing. Standing alone, covered in a swirling mist of black energy, a strange being turned to me. Its blackened nails grew and sharpened from its deathly pale hands. WHAT? At the corner of my vision to my right, I saw Vanessa and Charles armed, standing on the blood of many. Kurt bled on his side on the floor, with Jen by him tending to his wound. Behind them, dozens of my people huddle together in fear. With Kurt¡¯s sword in hand, she noticed me. The cursed humanoid turned his head back to his victims and a mana slice gained back his attention. ¡°OVER HERE, YOU PALE BASTARD!¡± Chapter 23: Anger Allocation Window Bodies mashed, bodies split, bodies partially devoured. People strewn across the road in a scene resembling hell. I thought I would never see such a sight again. It''s supposed to be different. I have power here. Strength beyond my wildest imaginings. I could have not gone. There would have been more officers on the scene quicker. My fault. I could have run quicker. Taken over the mines quicker. My responsibility. The feeling of failure took over me. My world turned inward. In the bright of day, a shadow cast on my heart. My sight settled on Vanessa, her sword still out, ready to fight to protect those behind her. The same autumn eyes that wavered in front of her sister, stared down at an enemy who could rip her to threads. The cursed turned its head once more. I roared with my whole soul. Mana exploded in a great blue fire around my body. Blood, guts, and ash were blown away by the gust. The cursed human''s attention was fully on me and it slowly walked towards me. See me. Follow me. Hearing Gamma behind me, I signed for them to move around and escort the people through the door away from the cursed. I heard a double ting from Jimmy''s sword on the ground as an affirmative. Mana essence flowed around me, I went low, and my hands grabbed the stone and earth below. Blade glowing in a tail stance, I primed my whole body. Every muscle is tensed and ready. No one else dies. Black nails clawed my face and rolled to my right with a gash on my left cheek. The cursed''s left claw up and my blade met it with a slash. Pale skin was burned by the glowing steel but didn''t cut. A right came for my head and mana armour hand batted it away. Momentum pulled up my greatsword for an upward slice and spry feet took the cursed being back. Fast¡­I need its attention on me. I assumed an orthodox stance. Two hands on my hilt, I stood with my sword, straight. I focused on the swirling smoke, watching its movement with my heightened senses. I needed to put points into mana capacity but the moment my attention left it could be my last. No¡­I need to bait it. I looked slightly to the left of the cursed and it pounced with claws out. Increased agility moved me quickly to guard. A second after it collided with my blade, the air boomed. My feet scooping the earth while I was pushed, I held on against the frightening creature''s amazing power. Argh¡­Strong bastard¡­ I took an inward step to the left and I diverted the claws away for thrust to pierce it head. The mana thrust cone of mana only touched air as the possessed human leaned to their left. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Back muscles engaged as I slashed at their neck. Dust blew from a blade, only hitting air. Dipping under my greatsword, it threw a left hook. Unimaginable pain sprouted from my side as the black nails dug in chainmail. Like an unwanted fly, I was whacked into the opposite building. Mana armour saved me from most harm as I crashed heavily into the brick wall. I landed with bits of brick falling on me. My sword pointed to the floor as it blocked a slash of nails. Skirting across the ground, the cursed went around to flank me with its right. Mana repulsion from my right palm on my sword''s edge flung at speed down on the monster coming at left. The cursed human''s agile footwork made me miss and my sword cracked the ground. A step to its left, then it zagged directly at me. Black mist consumed the clawed hand, producing bigger claws. I do the same by defending my chest from the black claw with a gauntlet of pure mana. I flew back into the building window, creating a vortex. A home was destroyed as I passed into the other street. I landed in a roll, instantly getting up for a two-handed stance. ¡°Fuck me¡­¡± I watched it climb over the wreckage of the house. Behind the cursed, Vanessa and the rest are nowhere to be seen. I sighed in relief. I slowed my breathing. Each inhale and exhale hurt my right side. My four circles spun, and mana flowed rapidly around my greatsword. No wasted movement. The cursed broke through the air, closing on me. I lifted my blade to strike down. Immediately, it shifted to my left. My feet redirect to follow it, turning the downward slash into a horizontal slash. Mana saw cut into the surprised monster''s chest and it retreated back. Point-enhanced agility allowed me to follow. I rained thrusts upon the cursed who blocked with both arms crossed. The once silent monster screeched as it impatiently threw out four black mana slices from its four long black claws. Feet spread wide, I dodged under, countering with a one-handed jab from low. Its shoulder splashed red and it smashed the ground where I was. Out of the cloud of dust, my sword sliced at its head. The feint tricked it as it leaned back for my lunge. It weaved through, attacking low at my body with both black claws. A black fogged head rebounded off my mana-imbued left knee, and from right to left my sword slashed. A black mist claw grabbed my blade. I felt my sword locked by the cursed''s grip. Mist grew on the cursed''s right claw and attacked. Mana repelled it with my left palm and my left boot crushed the humanoid''s knee. With a loud screech, it let go of my sword in pain, retreating. I am getting used to its speed. The cursed panted in the black mist. With it exhausted, I could finally let my focus decrease. I still heard the cries and clangs of battle raging in the distance. By now, Alpha and Beta should have arrived. But for the battle to be still raging, how many spiders could there be? Hundreds? thousands? I needed to finish this quickly. My focus was back on the enemy. I will not fail this city any more. I will be worthy of the Greystone name. My left, black-gloved hand grabbed the ground. Fingers scooped the road beneath like butter. The sword of Osberg whizzed like rushing water as its edge turned into a sword of mana. I watched it. Studied it. Left? Right? Straight it went, the ground became dust as it rushed for me. It''s slower. The wind pulled my face. My cloak flapped in the vortex and I met the cursed halfway with a big slash. A crescent light forced the monster back into a wall, shaking the building. I sprang again. My blade point pierced the right collarbone. My mana blade sawed a few inches deep before the cursed hit it away, ripping it through its shoulder. A scratch from under was parried and I thrust through the mist into its abdomen, feeling the durable body inside. Skin sizzled around the wound and I pulled it out to bat away a claw. I feel its desperation in its attacks. I parry them, and riposting with anger fueling my strikes. Against the wall, with nowhere to run, I lacerate. My greatsword cut and sliced. Red painted the floor and wall and I kept slicing. The black mist enveloping the cursed was slowly ripped away with every bash of my sword. It screeched with every strike to its chest. It slumped against the wall and I hit it more. It sat on the ground and the flat of my blade whacked the cursed until the mist disappeared over its face. A young man. Pale skin, black veins, and red eyes looked at me. His eyes were begging. For what? Mercy? I struck him again. His head dented with each hit of the flat. Keep hitting. His head concaved and I hit. ¡°YOUR GRACE!¡± Woken up from my rage, I turned my head. Jimmy ran to me and froze as he scanned me. I looked down at the mess I had created. A boy¡¯s head, pulp on the pavement. Ah... I exhaled while holding my bleeding side. ¡°Report.¡± ¡°Her Grace and others are with Gamma.¡± Good¡­ ¡°Alpha and Beta have arrived to fight with the rest of the city''s guard. However, the numbers¡­sire, there are too many¡­¡± I turned to him and my boots rippled the pool of blood. ¡°Why are you here?¡± ¡°Duke¡­ There is a third high-tier cursed. Worth ten fourth circles. A giant arachnid and its tailing Gamma. ¡± I flicked off blood and brains from my weapon. ¡°Where?¡± Chapter 24: Aim The Bodyguard. I failed my master. ¡°TARION!!!¡± Her Grace screamed as my master was injured by the clawed cursed. Her voice was quaking, unheard, as he was totally engrossed in battle. I can''t help. I felt the blood trickling out of the left side of my body. Jen had ripped a piece of her beautiful dress to wrap around my injury. My consciousness fading in and out, I see her terrified face with clear blue eyes that the blue gems can''t compare. I failed to protect them. While I regained my consciousness, I concentrated mana on my injury. ¡°Everyone follow us! His Grace will distract the cursed and let us escape!¡± I heard Jimmy''s voice. The fourth circled Gamma. The officer master took him to the mines. The butler carried me with ease with his large arms. Although covered in scratches and gashes, many spiders were held off by the circle-less butler. I couldn''t fare as well as the butler. Through the shop to another street, the group of civilians were escorted down alleys. Every sight of a lone spider brought hundreds more to be killed. Gamma slayed them by the hundreds but still, they came. We hide and they still find us. Thousands of cursed stopped their attack on innocents, crawling to wherever Gamma was. And at the rear of the thousands of cursed, a giant of epic proportions loomed over the city, stalking us. Its every step shook the city. Her Grace noticed and, with pursed lips, nervously took the reins. ¡°Osberg Guard, heed my command. If they are to follow us, we will hunker down and protect the perimeter. One, two, three of you find the other platoons. If they have cleared their areas, bring them here. Is that clear?!¡± ¡°YES, YOUR GRACE!¡± Her Grace found the three-story building for the citizens to hide in. As if the duke had possessed her, she gave orders for archers to stay on guard at the windows on the upper floors. She looked at Jimmy. ¡°Find my husband. Protect him.¡± ¡°The duke will be fine. You are the one in need of my pro-¡± Through gritted teeth, ¡°Find my husband, soldier.¡± Jimmy saluted and, with mana ablaze, ran out of the building. I should be the one going. I fumbled out of Charles'' arm, my injury healed somewhat and I walked to my master''s wife. ¡°My sword, Your Grace.¡± ¡°Kurt your injury¡­!¡± Jen worried, her face in despair. I dropped to my knee, my side still hurting. ¡°I cannot fail my duty again. Send me to the titan. Let me hold it back. For the Duke will surely arrive and smite all that pursues the Duchess.¡± I bowed deeper, my shame pulling me towards the earth. ¡°Hand.¡± I looked up. Her hand quivered and she handed me my sword, knowing I may not return. Sword in my hand, I take a glance at blue eyes, watering. I cannot fail again. Four circles whirled around my heart. Fellow officers moved out of the way of my mana essence as I stepped out onto the road. My enemy above, almost to the clouds. Sweat trickled down my brow. I gripped my sword to contain my fear until my palm blistered. I took a step, and a hand grabbed me by my left shoulder. I turned to see a man in a cap, his face indiscernible even in daylight. His grip was stronger than his slight frame should muster. ¡°Hold on. Help will come.¡± ¡°UNHAND ME-¡± Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Bright light sparkled around, forming strange circles. Immense energy zapped through my veins. My muscles were hot, and a boiling sensation filled me. I kneeled, the pain subsiding, replaced by uncontrollable strength. Feeling as light as a bird, I sprung up to stand. Mana essence leaked off my skin like smoke from the last embers of a fire. My wound was scabbed over. ¡°What have you¡­done?¡± The man was nowhere to be seen. But the gift he left me empowered more than ever. I will not fail him again.
They are after Vanessa. More sure of it now than ever. As if by order, a river of cursed flowed down the streets due east, ignoring soldiers and civilians. Directly to Vanessa''s last known location. As Jimmy and I traversed the city, leaping from roof to roof, baby spiders crawled along the streets, heading to where the giant arachnid was. I took a mana-enhanced leap, carrying me yards into the air. With the city view, the arachnid lay ahead. Sparks of mana bounced off the black fur on the spider''s long legs. ¡°Kurt¡­¡± mid-leap I saw my captain dance between the tabbing legs of the spider. His inherent talent allowed him to weave through piercing talons. Large bursts of mana flew out of his blade and he dodged once more. Behind him, arrows imbued with mana shoot down at baby spiders. The cursed that survived the arrow rain were picked off by glowing spears. Vanessa. I landed, breaking tiles. ¡±James!¡± ¡°DUKE!¡± His face was severe, awaiting orders. ¡°Go to Kurt. Tell him¡­¡± Status. With taps on the floating window, I allot every point to mana capacity. My four circles spun and my sword caught fire, illuminating the roof and overpowering the sunlight above. I crouched down, my mana coalescing to the soles of my feet. Mana infused the muscles and bones of my legs. ¡°No, ask him, ''Why is he disobeying my order again?'' Haha¡­¡± ¡°Yes, Your Grace¡­¡± I looked to the blue sky. ¡°Protect her. Tell them to hide. I will take care of the beast.¡± I leapt hundreds of metres in a moment, and mana exploded from my feet, taking me further. Hair blew around. My face stretched until my teeth showed. I ascended higher. Flying above the roofs, the giant grew larger in my view. Higher. I saw spiders hitchhiking on the mother''s back. The giant arachnid¡¯s abdomen buzzed with squirming baby spiders. Between their teeth, they leaked a green liquid. Spitters. Higher! Mana repulsion propelled me higher until my people were but dots on the earth. With the whole city in view, my circles spun faster. I felt their mould twist and crack under the speed of rotation. The torrent of mana was almost too much to bear. So I sent it to my blade. The mana blade lengthened and widened. A sword to kill a giant. I let gravity take me down and gave it some help with mana repulsion. Two shockwaves destroyed the air as I fell. The spitters noticed me and shot venom upward. Even as I pushed against the wind, my skin singed with the green liquid. Falling to my death at supersonic speed, I improvised. Left hand out. I spread waves of thin layers of Mana in front. My face stretched less and the venom bounced off the translucent blue barrier. Plonk. In the roaring wind, I stretched my right arm as far back as possible and four holes ached with terrible pain. My blade is blue, bright, and enormous. I hook my index and middle fingers on the pommel and aim. My whole being, in this precious sword of mine. My only chance. Lands above, let my aim be true. I roared with my chest, overpowering the blaring wind. Assisted by gravity, my speed and mana burst from my fingertip, and I threw my blade. The air turned to vapour around my sword of Osburg as the air bellowed. Death rained down from above.
My master had come. Bringing light down on his enemy. Jimmy ordered the officers out of the way as thunder fell to earth. The sword of light hit and a second sun appeared. I watched. My breathing was rough, a sword slicked of spider blood, and my sight gazed at the wonder while others hid inside, out of the way of debris. I watched. I learned. My master had come and I did not fail.
Plonk. Plonk. A hole opened in the arachnid, and spitters were incinerated in the spreading explosion. Mana essence pulsed out, slowing my descent. Mana spurts out my feet and hands and I ungracfully land in the heap of smouldering spider meat. My¡­ Utterly devoid of energy, I tried to locate my sword. Body heavy as lead, I heard calls. Whose? I was unsure. ¡°¡­Sword.¡± The earth shook once again. Bloody hell. The unmistakable tremor of a giant spider brought fear to my soul. I needed my sword. A quake shook the street and I stumbled. Right before falling a large hand picked me up. ¡°You did well. Help has come.¡± The figure handed me my sword and unsheathed his from his side. A cold mist drifted from his weapon and my heart jumped a beat. I had not been this happy since first entering this world. ¡°Uncle¡­ ¡° A tall, bearded man with long black hair peppered with white smiled as Father would. ¡°Stupid nephews. Having the guest of honour clean up your damn mess.¡± Chapter 25: Ice A long sword with the flat of the blade blacker than his hair was pulled out of my uncle''s leather sheath. The gleaming finish brought many memories of times long gone. On his sword, I saw my reflection. Look how wretched I look. ¡°Uncle¡­Why-¡± ¡°Am I back early? I was saddened. Territory won at the border, I thought of my manor. I thought I would spend some time resting my old bones before coming to Osberg City. Then I hear in gossip that you are to be wed!¡± "Sorry, Uncle, I was and... am preoccupied.¡± My world went blurry, and my legs lost strength. My side hurts with the pain of a thousand stabs. I rest on someone. Small but not frail. Not anymore. Her golden curls float near my face, smelling of berries. Her warmth heated me and I forgot the pain. I forgot the world. Only her face I saw. ¡°Welcome back,¡± Vanessa said. Smiling as if holding back tears. "So... this is the girl you got hitched to.¡± ¡°Uncle¡­¡± ¡°Sorry haha. Greetings, Laron Greystone, knight by profession.¡± My uncle brought up her free hand to kiss. ¡°Oh! Pleased to finally meet our esteemed guest, Lord Laron. We have been preparing for your anticipated visit for quite some time,¡± Vanessa smiled cheerfully. ¡°No, no, no. The pleasure is all mine. What a fair lass! Oh, the many swords I would have sold just to see her in a wedding dress beside you, nephew. Unfortunately, I missed such a splendid occasion due to my forgetful nephew.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t send an invite for a wedding not planned.¡± My uncle''s eyebrows perked up. ¡°But yes¡­¡± I take a good look at my duchess. Her hair was frizzy. Sweat, blood, and dirt covered her from head to her simple, light blue kirtle. ¡°She is beautiful, indeed. She deserves a proper ceremony.¡± Her freckles turned into my favourite cherries I missed seeing. A ceremony with the one she truly loves. ¡°Kids. You¡¯re standing on the corpse of a giant spider. Stop flirting.¡± The earth quaked with the giant towering. My uncle''s blade glowed a faint white. Snowflakes float in a breeze around his sword. ¡°Tarion, we need to bring you somewhere safe,¡± Vanessa stressed. ¡°Stay with me,¡± Uncle interrupted. Icicles formed around him, turning into segmented swords of ice. ¡°You''re safe.¡± Uncle Loran lifted his sword and swords of ice shot out. As if with their own minds, they weaved through the mass of cursed, piercing spider after spider. Anything coming within fifty metres got shredded into meaty pieces. Uncle faced me while his ice blades cut. ¡°Tarion, just look at you¡­ ¡° ¡°I will explain later.¡± I turned up, looking at the right-eyed beast. ¡°but first-¡± My uncle''s sword arm flickered, air pulsed outward, and blew our hair wildly. His sword clicked back into his sheath. ¡°Done. Let''s get you treated. The Osberg knights will deal with the rest." My points working on my healing I straightened in pain, leaving Vanessa¡¯s shoulder. I inhale as much air as possible, ¡°GAMMA, SEARCH THE WRECKAGE FOR CIVILIANS. SEND ANY WOUNDED TO THE CATHEDRAL BY MOUVE. APLHA AND BETA, WORK WITH THE KNIGHTS AND THEIR SOLDIERS. CORDON THE LAST OF THE CURSED, LET NO SPIDER LIVE. UNDERSTAND? I heard a concert of slaps on chests. ¡°YES, YOUR GRACE!!¡± ¡°Dismissed.¡± Buckles and armour clicked and rattled as my men moved to do as I ordered. ¡°Oh My¡­¡± My uncle smiled with assessing eyes. ¡°You have changed in more ways than one.¡± ¡°Changed?¡± I looked up. The imposing beast is a frozen statue split in half. Seventh Circle is still far away. Is the ninth circle a naive fantasy? ¡°I haven¡¯t changed enough.¡± If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. The noise of the wounded echoed in the Mouve cathedral. I sat on the bench near the priest''s pulpit with my doublet and shirt off with Vanessa, tending to me. The screams of the dying tormented me as I tried to stifle mine as Vanessa dabbed alcohol on the holes made by the Humanoid Cursed. Made by the boy. Barely younger than me. And he still had his sentience. The way he moved and fought. He was trained in the use of his strange powers. I killed the only chance at getting answers. I would have to hold back a bit in the future. Take a leg except for a head. "Argh, be careful there.¡± ¡°I am as careful as possible, you big baby.¡± Vanessa retorted. Being the mayor of this dump has transformed a diminutive girl into a woman of steel. Dealing with people with harsh tongues and even harsher opinions helped with that. Although not as brash and loud as the TAPLM Vanessa, there is a quiet confidence about her. She understood her limits yet her limits to her talent far exceeded those of her peers. I can''t wait to see her bloom further. ¡°You stare too much.¡± Vanessa stopped torturing me to get wraps. ¡°Any updates?¡± ¡°Mmm¡­¡± Vanessa came in close, her breath tickling my chest hairs. Her arm went around me as she wrapped cloth around my body. The fragrance of her hair¡­ I remember the night in the duchess suite, robed in red. My eyes tracing her nape to her sash as she pulls¡­ Vanessa tightened the wraps. ¡°Ow!¡± ¡°Ninety per cent of water fountains have been repaired. We got an influx of recruits for the Osberg guard. And after today, I should be expecting much more. Huh, what else¡­¡± ¡°Farming has resumed. So we should expect produce by spring with no issues. A thousand new armour sets are on the way. But the blacksmiths are a bit¡­ lackadaisical about the time of completion.¡± It''s been two days... ¡°Tell them beer is on me for the month,¡± I interjected ¡°That might actually work.¡± ¡°Of course it will. Their beer bellies are proof of it. Wow, Vanessa! You have been working on a lot- Oh¡­ there''s still more, isn''t there?¡± ¡°Yep. I found some engineers and started working on some designs for a central heating hub. The ball preparations are done other than the finishing touches and the food kitchens...¡° Her voice trailed off and her eyes looked away from me to the floor. My hand grazed hers. Her hand quivered, not out of fear but out of anger. ¡°You were right. I shouldn''t have been in the slums. Oh gods¡­ all those people.¡± She turned back to the injured that lay on the cathedral benches and floors. Many were maimed, and many will take their last breaths. She shook her head, trying not to cry a single tear. Off the bench, she stood. ¡°I need to help them.¡± She hurried to follow the doctor and nurses. But before I could reach out to her, a balding priest wearing a cassock and gold stole around his skinny, wrinkly neck walked up to me with a small bottle of clear liquid. His kind smile spread goosebumps on my skin. He bowed, keeping his creepy eye contact. ¡°Duke! Its a hon-¡± I point at the injured. ¡°Heal them.¡± ¡°Excuse me?¡± Still smiling, his eyebrow went inward. ¡°Your healing water. Tend to them. Now.¡± ¡°Your Grace! There is protocol to follow.¡± ¡°Did I care about protocol when I killed your benefactor?¡± I could hear an audible gulp before the priest scuffled away. Are all your priests this mindful of money? So, you don¡¯t mind if I find a replacement, do you? Thanks. How should I kill him? I groaned off the bench. Walking through the aisle, on my right, I located my captain. Assisted by an anxious Jen. I guess she didn''t mind the staring. I saluted him. He jolted, his stone face cracked with surprise and he saluted back. I laughed as Jen hit him for moving too much. Hearing the bottles clink, I saw the baldy, nervously dabbing water on wraps to promote healing. His queasy face struggled as he saw thousands of gold coins drip away. To my left, my big friend talked with other wounded. His eyes found me and we exchanged nods. His eyes tell me all I need to know. I will see him in for morning training tomorrow. There she was. My nightingale. My eyes were on Vanessa''s back. Needling through a girl''s injured arm, she hid her sadness with a smile. All of this. The three gargantuan arachnids, the horde of crawlers. The cursed boy. It''s clear. The bugs were a smokescreen, a distraction as the assassin went for his target. For her. Where did they come from? Who do their orders come from? Who else knows her fate? Doors burst open wide and fresh, cold wind wafted in the cathedral. In his heavy winter navy blue surcoat, he marched in with 30 knights armoured in shining steel. Their surcoat showcases our house''s emblem. Metal rubbed and clanked as fifth and sixth circles kneeled on the marble cathedral floor. ¡°DUKE!¡± The shout out of their helms. "Welcome home, my knights.¡± My uncle joined them on the marble, and his frosty sword penetrated the floor. ¡°Our enemies are no more, Your grace.¡± Chapter 26: child Trying to keep myself stoic, I shivered with excitement watching the Osberg knights as they rode on their chain-mailed horses, escorting my carriage. My father¡¯s Osberg Knights. No, mine. The second jewel of Greystone. The steel-plated heroes, adored by the masses. Every Osberg boy¡¯s dream and the envy of my competitors. And my uncle. The Frost Knight, whose name was inverse to his personality, was the leader of them all. My knights¡­ I am a duke, so having my own knights should be standard but the kid in me who loved King Arthur was positively giddy. ¡°Nephew, the streets.¡± Uncle interrupted my thoughts. Opposite me in my carriage, he watched the city pass by. ¡°They actually look¡­clean?¡± ¡°You can thank my wife for that. One of her first concerns was the rubbish and sewage piling up on the streets, causing disease. To remedy that, she created a cleaning force. Mostly of elders and teenagers of unstable housing, they patrol the roads, cleaning our streets with good pay.¡± ¡°Amazing¡­¡± ¡°You know what is more amazing? Feel anything?¡± ¡°No. Wait¡­A new road?! Fantastic! The amount of coin you must have spent. You borrowed?¡± ¡°Hell no. Not yet, anyway. I am trying to keep the bankers far away. I have learned from the Dowager Duchess¡¯s example. But it is a lot to spend. We have much to fix and a lot needs to be fortified and prepared for. But the investment will be worth it. Feeling less rich will not harm me. Also, the hidden gold from the late Trak has aided our ventures.¡± ¡°Ah, I forgot. ¡®Mad duke murders his Mayor¡¯. I didn¡¯t believe a single bit of it. But seeing you in person, I am surprised you haven''t killed more.¡± ¡°Hahaha, Thank you for believing in me, Uncle.¡± I looked over to my right, My duchess sat next, twiddling with a small toy a child had given her at the cathedral, looking withdrawn. I grabbed her fidgeting hand, waking her up from her daydream. ¡°Are you alright¡­?¡± She still fiddled with the wooden rabbit, ¡°Uh? Yes, yes¡­ A child gave me this toy. She told me it was her favourite toy and the last her mother made for her before¡­¡± I held her hand tighter. What could I say? That it wasn''t her fault? She will notice the lie in my voice. The cursed clearly came after her. That I can fix this? The hundreds cannot be revived, and the child''s mother cannot be saved. ¡°I will make sure nothing like this ever happens again. I swear on the Greystone name.¡± She nodded, still twiddling with the toy, with a melancholy look. I wrapped my arm around Vanessa. The wound stinging still, I brought her close to my doublet. ¡°Tarion¡­?¡± Her eyes of fall looked up at me. One day, they would gaze at someone else. ¡°Tomorrow, in the morning, come with me to the garden. Let''s see if we can get you into fighting shape.¡± Vanessa brightened up immediately. ¡°Really?! Are you sure?¡± ¡°More than ever. Bring Jen as well. She will probably like spending more time with Kurt.¡± ¡°I don''t know about her, Jen''s aversion to exercise was quite known in our town. But me? I am ready.¡± I felt her heart pounding. Had she been waiting for me to ask her? For how long? Why does she need me to ask? ¡°See you there, bright and early, okay?¡± Vanessa smiled until her eyes creased. The dresses and books never made her this happy. She wants nothing but the power to help even more. The prince is a lucky man. ¡°Mind if I come as well? I would love to see my nephew''s progress.¡± You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. ¡°Of course, you can! However, my brother will be absent as always. That reminds me¡­¡± I knocked on the half window and Jimmy trotted closer with his horse. ¡°Any sight of my brother?¡± ¡°No sight of him on the battlefield, Your Grace.¡± ¡°Fucking hell.¡± ¡°You swear now!?¡± ¡°Haha, That surprised you more than me killing a giant cursed spider?¡± ¡°You are Greystone. It is expected.¡± A chill ran through my body. Before, such words would have seemed like empty platitudes for a sick man. But from my uncle, it solidified all I have been aiming for. I turned away, stifling the huge smile trying to break through. I am Greystone and so is my damn brother. ¡°Vanessa, seen my brother at all in the castle?¡± She shook her head, her soft cheek rubbing on my doublet. ¡°Not since the day you left.¡± I knocked on the carriage hard enough to make the wood splinter. ¡°Driver! To the red light district!¡± I felt the carriage shake as it took a different turn. ¡°Nephew. I understand a man has his needs, but to bring your wife¡­¡± ¡°Haha, No, just going there to bring an idiot back.¡± Bolts fly out of hinges with a kick on the brothel¡¯s door. Its johns and workers by the bar froze, aware of the kind of man who had come through the door. Vanessa passed through the door stepping off pieces of the wood. I wished she hadn''t stepped into this place but she insisted on coming along. Said she ¡®wanted to experience all the city has to offer. She peeked around examining the dirty environment. Not shying away from debauchery she studied the men who came here, the women who worked the rooms and served such men. I do understand her curiosity, after all her mother worked in such a place before birthing her. My uncle came after Vanessa, with an irritated expression. ¡°Really Joshua? This place?¡± He stole a cup of mead from a John, smelled its contents and nearly vomited. I found a brunette receptionist, with almond eyes and a sharp small chin. Asian in look but in this world she resembled a foreigner from Li¨² states to the Far East. I walked up with my sword rattling above my cloak. ¡°Tell me. My brother. What room is he fucking in?¡± Her voice fluttered .¡°Fifteen. Sir. Second Floor.¡± She pulled something under the bar table and heard the steps of a bodyguard running toward me. My head bopped to the left to dodge a right straight. My own right connected with the man¡¯s jaw. Eyes went up into his head as he collapsed to the floor. ¡°This is why I didn''t want you to come, Vanessa.¡± Me and my Frost Knight exchanged glances and Uncle Laron pulled Vanessa closer. ¡°Go on, play. Your wife is safe.¡± I nodded and proceeded down to the stairs at a walking pace to not disturb my healing injury. A dagger came for me on the stairs and was slapped away. My fist broke a greedy John''s nose. Grabbing his brown hair, I broke his face on the wall for every step I took. On the first floor, gravity pulled the head out of my grasp and I wiped the dead man''s hair on a confused customer. On the second flight of stairs, a sharp-faced man tried his luck with his fist. I held my hand out and the unfortunate idiot crushed his fist on my mana shield. I pat the man''s head as he screamed with bones poking out of his skin. ¡°Fifteen was it?¡± I arrived at the second floor, counting the doors. ¡°Ah, here.¡± I knocked, giving my best customer service voice. ¡°Sir, Refreshments!¡± I heard several people ruffle behind the door and it opened to reveal a dishevelled, red-headed noble wearing a white robe. ¡°Finally! I was parched-Oh no¡­¡± Hands wrapped around his slim neck, I pushed forward into the dark room. Two brunettes trip over the bed naked. A woman and a man? ¡°Having threesomes while your city is under attack? Kinky bastard. The screams of the dying make you horny?¡± ¡°NO, I CAN EXPLAIN!¡± I squeezed a little hard, his feet dangling. His face was turning as red as his hair. ¡°After Fulken Road, I thought you would understand and learn. But no. You hide. I give you tasks to complete with my wife. You couldn''t even be bothered to turn up on the first day.¡± I let go. My mana leaked out as I looked down at my coughing brother. I inspect. A third circle, writhing on the floor in a crying, pathetic eyesore. "Brother! I would¡¯ve been useless out there!¡± I squatted close. ¡°No. You choose to be useless. Fuck whoever and wherever but as I told you, the gold you use to buy these workers comes at a price.¡± I watched his expression. He won''t learn this way. Maybe shame will be a better motivator for improvement. I picked him up from his robe. ¡°Wait Tarion! WAIT!¡± ¡°Ah! Duke Greystone. What an honour it is for Your Grace to visit my establishment,¡± a deep voice spoke. ¡°To have not one but two brothers of the great house here, the lands above must be looking down on me fondly today.¡± I turned to the door. Candles in the corridor lit the back of a built, immaculately dressed, shaved-headed man. Two heads taller than me, chains sparkled around his thick neck. A perverse smile showed golden teeth under his light brown goatee. Weathered middle-aged skin wrinkled around his brow and eyebags hung under his brown eyes. But his sixth circle hue pulsed around him with such exuberance. His attributes focused on extreme strength and body at around fifty points. The brothel owner bowed. ¡°Fjord Hasel, Your Grace. Happy to serve.¡± The tattoo on the left side of his head...The Horn. Chapter 27: Horn. ¡°The Horn.¡± ¡°Oh? Does my name float in the Halls of Greystone Castle? To think you would care for a simple commoner.¡± ¡°Had no choice in the matter as you tried to meet through proxy many a time. By the way sorry about the fellow downstairs. I try not to make a mess of someone''s business, but I did warn him. I warned everyone. I warned you.¡± ¡°The declaration at Sovan Avenue¡­¡± The horn grinned. ¡°Meant for me!? Surely you jest. I am just a businessman who wants nothing but to count my coins in peace. I wouldn''t dare to touch a single hair of a dear customer¡¯s family. However¡­¡± The Horn rubbed his goatee. ¡°the way of things has been unsettled. A cog in the machine was taken and dismantled. You can¡¯t condemn your citizens for wanting to restore what was.¡± He could barely hide his joy. With my brother''s robe in my grasp, I stepped over to the tall gang leader. I looked up at eyes so sure. Sure of his power and standing, a duke seemed like a simple pawn in his game. His hue showed the pulsing of six circles. Just like my brother, he stayed put. People dying not more than two blocks away and no sight of this confident man. ¡°Your ¡®way of things¡¯ was an oversight. It will soon be corrected.¡± I grew tired of the man and moved to push through into the corridor. A large hand held my arm. ¡°Give in.¡± My arm was stuck in his vice grip. I was just an ant within his fingertips. His aura made him look like had grown hundreds of feet taller. His presence was all-encompassing, I felt sweat drip on my forehead. Only two baldies have made me feel fear like this. ¡°Trak gave in. The duchess gave permission. Your Father looked the other way. And soon¡­ your brother will be mine. Regardless, I would rather not skip a greystone to get the inferior.¡° I felt capillaries burst in my skin in his hold. ¡°I appreciate your governance. Efficient and the people love you and fear you. Your lady mayor has done quite a good job in her short tenure. Though she does play around too much in the slums. Accidents can happen anytime in these parts. ¡± All four of my worn circles spun wildly. My mana flared outward, illuminating the room. ¡°A SINGLE SCRATCH ON HER AND I WILL HAVE YOU GUTTED LIKE THE SWINE YOU ARE.¡± Mana repulsed his hand and he blew on his smoking hand with a cheeky smile. ¡°Haha sorry sorry. I understand that you are a bit touchy about your dear wife. What I was saying is that we could be partners! Osberg, your domain and The slums mine. We are not so different after all. We both have lands to lord and citizens to squeeze money from. Your way of things is just more legitimate.¡± He smiled as if he had given me a huge revelation. I turned to my terrified brother. ¡°This is why I stress the cost of power, dear brother.¡± I turned back to the brothel owner. ¡°A man who can''t protect his domain forsakes rights to it.¡± I saw his wry smile twitch. ¡°Can¡¯t protect the businesses you racket? The people you extort? Those six circles must be as brittle as glass.¡± The Horn''s smile began to disappear. ¡°Such power wielded by a coward is nothing but a sleeping toy to cuddle with as you hide away.¡± Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. I saw how my words hurt his ego and I twisted the dagger. ¡°We are not the same, commoner. Coin and circles do wash the grime that fills your soul.¡± ¡°I will warn you as you warned me!¡± Fjord¡¯s face bulged with red veins as he tried to restrain his anger. ¡°Submit. That is all I ask. Or we can end it here.¡± He lifted his fist and a raging storm of flames swallowed his hand. Sudden flashes of memories hit me. Fire searing me bit by bit, excruciating pain from every part of me. No sign of escape. I was back in the brothel room fifteen. I heard the quiet crying of sex workers hiding behind the bed. My brother tapped my arm, desperate to run. I sighed, calming my mind and my circles. ¡°Partners, you said? And you can¡¯t deal with a bit of banter? Unfortunately, that would make us mismatched.¡± The horn¡¯s fist burns hotter. ¡°I am sorry. That offer has expired.¡± ¡°Ah¡­ Is that so? Then can you at least let me get back to you after a conversation with my uncle?¡± The horn¡¯s flaming fist calmed. ¡°The Frost Knight¡­?¡± ¡°The one and same. He has the same penchant for banter. He and his knights are true lads. Do you want to meet him? He is waiting downstairs. But I do suggest you get better mead.¡± Fjord¡¯s flames were snuffed out, and thoughts moved his eyes. He didn¡¯t come through the main door? I walked to the door, bumping away the owner and pulling Joshua by his robe. Close to the horn, I smelled the overbearing scent of mead and sex. An unshaven ponytail hung at the back of his head, wrapped in gold bands. ¡°Hide or fight. It will end.¡± And I left him by the door. Johns and workers who stood outside their rooms ran back inside at the sight of me. "See you next time, Lord Greystone! Your room will be waiting for you!" Patience, Tarion. Patience. Down the stairs, my brother mumbled. ¡°I am sorry. Tarion.¡± ¡°Why, because I caught you? Then you are not sorry. You''re embarrassed.¡± Joshua kept quiet for the rest of the steps. We reached the ground floor. Several more Johns lay unconscious on the dirty floor. My uncle sat at a table with Vanessa, chatting and drinking out of wooden beer mugs. I felt Joshua jerk and saw a face of shock. My sight found the receptionist by the bar cleaning the tabletop and she gave me a short nod. ¡°Found something to your tastes, Uncle Laron?¡± ¡°Eventually, thanks to the kind foreigner. Tho¡¯ some idiots got in the way¡­ Joshua¡­ How do you fair, youngin?¡± I let go of Joshua''s robe and he dropped to the ground, kneeling. Tears fall from his gaunt face but he dares not look at his dear uncle. His teacher. ¡°I am so sorry, Uncle! Please forgive this nephew!¡± His head sank low. Tears soaked the wooden floor. Uncle rubbed his face with leather-gloved hands, letting out an exasperated sigh. ¡°Let us return to the castle. Can''t ruin a good day by staying any longer in this waste.¡± Laron got up, making his way out of the brothel at a brisk pace. Tears rained from Joshua''s face, knowing he had disappointed the last father figure he had known. ¡°Do not bring shame to him any longer. I am trying to do the same." I ruffled my little brother''s red hair, staring at the large figure on the stairway. "Tomorrow morning?¡± With tears wiped on his robe sleeves and a snotty nose. he watched his uncle leave. A resolute look burned his ruby eyes. ¡°Yes, brother. Tomorrow morning.¡± Chapter 28: Training My arms strained under a purple sky peppered with stars. My boots balanced on top of the stone battlements of my castle. My sword danced in the cool morning air. Sweat steamed from me, flowing around me with every movement. My shining greatsword was a swallow, swooping low, and a falcon rising. My blade kept its momentum, moulineting into a figure eight. My pedant bounced on my pale chest. Like lighting, my greatsword broke the air with a cut from ten o¡¯clock. A deep stab pierced a hole into nothing, and then my sword of Osberg was swung around my head for a two o¡¯clock cut. With my left hand off my sword, I drew an infinity from left to right. A storm raged through my steel as I spun faster. As my sword bashed against the air, my mind was calm. No thoughts of yesterday. Of the people I failed to save. No thoughts of the Horn¡¯s ass-eating grin. Just me, my sword, and my mana. I twirled, swinging my blade wide, causing the air to crack. Gasping steam, I look over the city. On my first day in this world, I came here to this same wall. An exciting new world has become my everyday. A little cold wind could push me away, but now I caused the storms. But it is not enough. The Spider cursed. Taking all of my power and will to defeat. Killed with a single cut from the seventh circle. The human cursed. I was lucky that a young boy of little experience or real strength took on the curse. Status. It was only by the grace of this system, that I am alive. I touched the four scars I earned yesterday. Points allotted to Body could allow me to heal from nearly fatal injuries in a day. All my points in Mana capacity brought devastation from the heavens. If I reach seventh, or, dare I say ninth, how stronger could I be? As strong as the highest tier cursed? As strong as the prince? I felt my four circles spinning. Too far away. I need to hurry. I swung again, venting all the thoughts out of my mind. ¡°Brother¡­¡± I paused mid-swing and saw my brother Charles, Jen, Jurt, and Vanessa running up the courtyard to me, wearing officer uniforms that suited none of them. ¡°Two¡­laps¡­around¡­the¡­Castle.¡± ¡°Fall in.¡± They looked at one another, confused. I dropped from the battlement, receiving a towel from Beatrice. ¡°Line up,¡± Kurt said. And they do so in a rush. Kurt stood with Beatrice. Not a strand of hair misplaced, not one bead of sweat. I met with the new recruits on the grass, hands behind my back, examining them. Charles''s breathing is shallow. Used to hard work and he has the stamina needed. He could start weapons practice that day. Jen and Joshua. Taking in the air as if drowning. Exercise for them for two weeks. Then, last but never least, Vanessa. Sweat dripped down from her brow to her soft pink lips. Her chest heaved but her face stayed focused, with an occasional glance at me. "Okay, with the warmup done, we will now begin with Mana Meditation. Everyone, sit down on the ground, crosslegged.¡± They followed my instructions while I gave my wet towel back in exchange for a shirt. I saw my uncle arrive in simple breeches and a shirt showing his hairy chest. ¡°When you said early, I didn''t think you meant before the sun rose. You make a military man such as myself look undisciplined.¡± He went to lean against the battlements with crossed arms. ¡°Go on. Don¡¯t let me hold you back.¡± I nodded, bringing my attention to my trainees. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Don¡¯t be nervous. I am just relaying what he taught me. ¡°The first thing to learn about mana is that it is everywhere. In the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. In those ways, we consume the mana our body can use to do extraordinary things. As oxygen travels in our blood, mana courses through us using meridians.¡± ¡°What is oxygen?¡± Joshua asked. ¡°Shut up. Normally, mana excretes the same way other waste products like air, shit, and piss do, but using meditation, we collect the mana and store it for use. But the only way to make the mana viable is to create a conduit. Which is-¡± ¡°A Mana circle. Everybody knows that, brother.¡± I walked over to Joshua and flicked his head. "Ow!" ¡°Shut up. To create one you will need move the ambient mana you have gathered from around the body to the heart, where you form it. Place your palms upward on your knees, and close your eyes.¡± A breeze blew in the silence as they close their eyes. I went behind and kneeled behind Charles. My palm on his back made Charles flinch. ¡°Stay calm. Feel the energy within.¡± Slowly, my circles spun, and mana flowed from my arm to the big guy''s back. ¡°Woah, WOAH. Is that what you feel every day, Tar- Your grace?¡± ¡°Every minute. Calm down, feel it, and learn.¡± Like feedback, mana pulsed back from him. I feel it moving through his large body. Is it his size? There is so much mana. ¡°Well done. Now visualise the energy moulding into the shape of a ring around your heart.¡± I took my hand and walked over to Jen. ¡°What about me?!¡± ¡°You¡¯re the know-it-all. Do it yourself.¡± I messed with his hair as I passed by and kneeled behind Jen. ¡°If you would excuse me.¡± Jen put her long braided hair on her shoulder, allowing me to put my hand on her skinny, shivering back. ¡°Calm.¡± I injected mana and felt weak feedback. Second Circle could be her limit. First circle will be hard to gain. But if it could increase Vanessa''s survival by 0.001 per cent then it''s worth it. ¡°There, slowly. No need to rush. I am here to guide.¡± I saw Vanessa''s gaze on me, frowning with her eyes narrowing. ¡°It will be your turn soon. Please be patient.¡± I said, smiling. She closed her eyes again. Did I see her¡­pout? Feeling Jen move her mana on her own, I scooted over to the Duchess. Blonde curls moved away. I felt her heart. Our mana intertwined. Monsters consume the land. Bodies ripped apart. Men, women, and children ran from beasts of obsidian. A city fell. A civilization was destroyed. With my hand still on her back, I regained my awareness. ¡°Tarion... Tarion! I am doing it!¡± I focused, seeing mana spinning around her heart. She turned to me, putting her arms around me. ¡°I made a circle!¡± ¡°That fast?! How?!¡± my brother exclaimed, jumping to his feet ¡°Some people are just born for it.¡± My uncle leaned off the battlements and walked towards me with a worried look. ¡°Keep still, nephew.¡± A hairy hand on my chest and I am drowning. I struggled to breathe in the waves of mana pelting me. In an instant, the tempest was over and I stumbled. ¡°Oh dear¡­ When did you make your first circle?¡± ¡°A little over two months ago.¡± I stood straight, the earlier vision still in my thoughts. ¡°When you are still sick¡­ lands above!¡± What was that? The vision... ¡°What''s wrong with Tarion, Uncle...?¡± My uncle''s eyes darkened, looking into mine with pity and rage. ¡°Don''t fight anymore, Tarion. Dont train. Don''t even meditate. Unless you want a worthless death.¡± Chapter 29: Dangerous path ¡°How are you fourth circle? No, how are you even walking?!¡± I sighed. ¡°How did you figure it out?¡± ¡°Your Hue. Its pulse is unsteady.¡± Another issue to correct. Who else has noticed¡­ ¡°With a weak body means fragile, misformed circles. And so quick... Exert more than they can take and it can spell death for you! Please heed my advice before tragedy befalls you,¡± he pleaded. I smiled. ¡°I understand. Thank you for worrying about me.¡± I turned to my recruits. "Ok, sit back down, everyone.¡± ¡°Nephew!-¡± ¡°Die in my bed or die on my feet in battle? What is a better death for a Greystone, Huh?¡± It was like the world had turned silent. ¡°All I did was take my life back. Had I not taken drastic measures, I would not be looking you in the eye right now.¡± Laron stepped back as if hit by an arrow. ¡°I¡­I had given up. My position. The household. My life. Totally without any hope. But I found my light, my drive.¡± I glanced at Vanessa. ¡°My purpose. Should I return to the dark room and be safe once more?¡± ¡°Tarion¡­¡± My brother tried to stand between me and my uncle. I saw that my words did not sway my uncle much and I patted him on the arm. ¡°I know you worry for me but it is in vain, as I devised a way to work around my weak body. A constant flow of mana. Mobile Meditation.¡± I turned back to my students and said, ¡°Which is what I plan to teach all of you and I am a prime example of how well this technique works. So, Uncle Laron, I will be okay.¡± I smiled, hiding my twisting emotions. The old knight bit his lips. ¡°Tarion¡­You are truly of his blood. Stubborn to a fault.¡± My uncle started walking away. ¡°Once your duties are finished for the day, please meet me by the library.¡± ¡°Yes¡­Uncle.¡± I watched him leave, feeling like I had disappointed him again. I had no choice. Get stronger or die writhing in pain in a nice bed. Get stronger or everything my family has attained through the generations goes up in smoke. Get stronger or she dies. Vanessa''s hand, on my back, she consoled me. I gently bring her hand down. ¡°In my haste, I took the dangerous path. But you can''t blame me for trying to be my best for my future wife.¡± As with my uncle, my jokes do not stop her from being worried. Fingers linked together and I felt that strange pitter-patter in my heart. ¡°Don''t-¡± ¡°I will worry about my husband as I like.¡± She patted my chest, hurting my sternum, and sat back in her spot. It¡¯s getting harder to deny. I scanned around and saw faces of concern, staring at me with the same pity that beat old Tarion into a reserved coward. I have to give them no reason to worry. I clapped and the air popped. ¡°Stop with the dower faces and sit the fuck down, recruits!¡± The vision. A city I vaguely recognise. The City of Menne. The Capital. If so, it must be a vision of the cursed invasion set to happen in two or so years. A near-armageddon that left Osberg destroyed. But even before then, Osberg was nothing, as it once was with my brother governing. Standing no chance against the horde of cursed, the guard was squashed, and the military was eviscerated. My knights bravely charged into certain death to save thousands with my uncle at the head. TAPLM tells all this in a short text box. Is that all Osberg was worth? The vision served as another reminder of the importance of my mission. I cannot fail another. I snapped out of my daydream to watch my brother practice a parry and slash combo at half-speed. Using the recently learned mobile meditation, mana flowed through his limbs. ¡°I can feel less of a load on the circles. How did you create this?¡± Joshua swiped upward and a slice of mana flew out. ¡°A lot of research, trial and error and luck. You messed up your form.¡± If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. ¡°Oh bugger.¡± Joshua tried again slower. ¡°Make sure to do this every day for thirty minutes.¡± ¡°Thirty minutes!?¡± ¡°I am being lenient. Two hours is what you need to work up to.¡± He looked at his arm, meridians full of mana. ¡±You do this all the time¡­?¡± ¡°It will become second nature. I just recently got it to where I can sleep with my mana coursing.¡± Joshua''s eyebrows twist. ¡°You have become weird.¡± ¡°Weird? Let''s compare weirdness-¡± ¡°Shhhh,¡± said Joshua with his finger on his lips. I winked, ¡°Back to training.¡± My brother. The cause of my uncle''s death. The cause of countless deaths. I could have snapped his neck and been done with any future troubles. But he had come. The dowager¡¯s filth can be washed off before it contaminates him. I walked around the courtyard grass with two wooden swords under my arm and saw Jen sitting still on the grass with her eyes closed. As average as a person could be in this world, her progress is slow, but she does have determination. It also helps that Kurt was closely observing her progress. I passed her and saw two recruits walking slowly in an oval. For first-circle novices like Vanessa and Charles, slower movements are better for learning the movement of mana around the body. Vanessa strode at a rate of one step every ten seconds, and Charles managed to narrow it to three seconds. I threw a wooden sword at my friend and it bounced off his head. ¡°Haha, Sorry. Mind a spar like the old days?¡± Picking up the weapon, Charles smiled, running to me like a golden retriever. ¡°Slow down before you trip over your fat feet.¡± ¡°No need to worry about me. I ain''t the one fainting in carriages.¡± Charles put his practice sword up and I did the same. ¡°Hey! I had a very exhausting day.¡± ¡°Your Grace. News from Mouve.¡± Beatrice strutted over with a note. Fuck sake. I put my sword by my side ¡°Report,¡± ¡°They have located where the spiders originated from and have found something.¡± Beatrice handed me a note. ¡°Lands above¡­ Get my bath ready and a coach driver ready for travel. Charles, you can come or train, your choice. Everyone! Fantastic first day but I have a pressing issue to deal with.¡± I waved goodbye to Vanessa and read the note again. Runes? There is no end to the bullshit. ¡°Your, Grace. We have found several of these openings all over the slum this one seems the most intact.¡± Jimmy said outside a destroyed four-story inn. With my cloak and sword, I looked up at the broken walls from the ground to the third floor. The cursed must pushed from inside. ¡°Escort me.¡± Jimmy guided me through the wreckage. Charles and Beatrice stayed behind waiting by the carriage. Stepping over the crushed bodies, Jimmy led me to a massive hole about twenty metres wide. Jimmy jumped in first, beaconing me to come. ¡°A little gunk but it''s safe.¡± I dropped alone, mana repulsion slowing my descent. I landed with mana armour around my legs. ¡°The gunk is shit, Jimmy.¡± Jimmy looked at his breeches, dirtied in brown. "Heh, no wonder it smells like a pig¡¯s sty in here.¡± Stepping up on a walkway with armoured hands, I touched the stone tunnel wall. A sewage system seemed out of place in a mediaeval city like Osberg. Maybe they got inspired by other civilizations. Maybe the writer couldn''t stand for shit-filled streets. I examined the tunnel further. From ground to wall, circles were drawn in red with strange lettering. It looks like a shaman spell to invoke a spirit. But it seems twisted. For a different kind of apparition. ¡°You know how to read them, Your Grace?¡± ¡°Somewhat, learned in my spare time.¡± ¡°You have spare time?¡± With no YouTube, a bored man needs hobbies. I squatted for a close look. The circles appeared to be destroyed by an explosion with melted stone in the blast zone. Trying to destroy evidence? ¡°Duke, over here¡­¡± I went over to a dark area of the tunnel. Several bodies lay in a pile seemingly drained of all blood. I searched further and by a ladder leading up to a trap door, a cloaked man sat on the tunnel wall with a hole drilled into his chest. Evidence of a fireball singed his clothes. A helper? I laid the body down to search the contents of his pockets. A note. Prepare the curse at 12 for the mark''s arrival. I didn''t want to be right. Chapter 30: Vigil I leaned back, trying to take it in. A new enemy. With the ability to summon cursed beasts and hide throughout the city''s tunnels. ¡°Your Grace. A chest.¡± I went to Jimmy, who was standing over a wooden grime covered chest. I flipped the lid open with my boot, revealing more empty boxes. ¡°I think I have seen them before. They are meant to keep bugs for transport.¡± I lifted one up. Not as empty as I thought. Our secret helper stopped them before they could unleash the full load. ¡°Jimmy, note this as evidence to pick up.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Grace.¡± I looked closer. From house spiders to venomous arachnids, I recognised them from their supersized form. Drained bodies, runes, and small spiders. ¡°They used the women''s blood in a sacrificial ceremony to make these spiders grow with the curse and attack the city.¡± "Pure evil from beginning to end," Jimmy said with disgust. I placed the box of insects down. ¡°Let''s get out of here.¡± I lept and exited the hole, with Jimmy following me. ¡°Jimmy, assign officers to search through the sewage tunnels. Any signs of red writing, let me know.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Grace.¡± With a salute, my lieutenant sped away in a flash of mana. I made my way to the carriage. I nod for Charles to get back into the driver''s seat. I opened the coach door and chucked my sword in. ¡°Hey!! Watch out! You''ll hurt someone with that thing!¡± Peculiar¡­ I stepped into the carriage and a mysterious hooded figure sat with a nervous headmaid beside them. ¡°Who the fuck are you?¡± ¡°Um, our liaison with horn matters.¡± said Beatrice I sat down on the soft cushions. ¡°The spy. So, you have matters to discuss.¡± ¡°Of course I bloody do, ya nearly made me faint with your sudden appearance. And then you ignore me-¡± Beatrice muffled the stranger''s mouth with her hand. ¡°Please excuse their poor manners!-¡± ¡°Ah. The receptionist.¡± I folded my arms. ¡°Now it makes sense. Such detailed information had to have come from somewhere close.¡± The stranger pulled Beatrice''s hand from her mouth. ¡°You didn''t tell him about me?¡± Beatrice looked away. ¡°Had to keep him separate from such matters¡­¡± I coughed. ¡°Why are you here?¡± The Spy pulled down her hood, revealing a woman a little older than the usual sex workers pimped by The Horn. Her long black hair,unfurled and picked something from her dark green cloak. ¡°An update. I wanted you to see it from me." She handed me a rolled-up piece of parchment. Educated and a go-getter... I read through the list of names, which detailed their locations. A smile grew on my face that disturbed the women. Phase one accomplished. Now I need a figurehead and it seems I am a lucky man. ¡°Well done, my lady. You shall be rewarded.¡± ¡°Thank you, sir.¡± ¡°Your Grace,¡± Beatrice mumbled. ¡°Thank you, Your¡­Grace.¡± and with her hood back on she tried to exit. ¡°When did I say you could leave?¡± The spy looked between me and the scowling Beatrice and sat back down. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. ¡°I haven''t given you your reward yet.¡± I leaned forward and laced my fingers. ¡°You want better for yourself, right? You came over here to this cold wasteland from so far to fulfil some dream or you were taken away, sold to a rich slob.¡± The spy squirmed. ¡°I see¡­ Such a situation wouldn''t suit you. It could not be your fate. I see it. Your eyes burn with fury. You wouldn''t let anything cage you again. So by blood and sweat, you work your way up. But it is never enough. Every step up makes you realise your place in the world should be higher. Up, up, you go. But a ceiling blocked your way out. An outsider has a hard time in these parts. Your enemies have power beyond your understanding and your peers are as stuck as you are. Then Beatrice found you. How fortunate. Or well deserved.¡± She followed my every word. ¡°You have your way out. You can return to your lands with the gold we will give you. Start a new life. Make a family. Leave this treacherous life behind. But I must ask. Are you satisfied?¡± Charles stopped the carriage near an alley and the spy left the vehicle. ¡°I can''t wait to start working together, Beiye.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Grace.¡± She said. With excited eyes under her hood and she bowed deeply before disappearing. ¡°I quite like her.¡± ¡°Her personality makes her hard to work with but she is truly talented. Has a wide network, is personable, and is trusted by the workers. You have picked well, Your grace.¡± Charles stepped off to close the door and I got his attention with a finger wag. ¡°Come in, Charles.¡± Confused, he bent down to enter the carriage, making it bounce. ¡°Beatrice, introduce him to everyone.¡± ¡°Surely you don''t mean...¡± ¡°Yes. The more people under my purview know, the better.¡± ¡°As¡­you wish, Your Grace.¡± ¡°Good. Charles?¡± ¡°Umm?¡± he said, sitting straight. ¡°You will be working with Umbra from now on. Busy times are on the horizon and we need more hands.¡± One last duty. The sun set below the high buildings, casting the clear sky in orange. My carriage made one more stop by Mouve Square, where people gathered in the droves, carrying lit candles. ¡°See you in a bit.¡± Out of the carriage without my blade, I joined the current of lights. I stuck out like a black hole in a sea of stars and deeper into the crowd I walked, the more I felt swallowed by the river of grief. Slowly, people turned their necks as I waded through. Faces change to fear, then surprise. They speak of my name, of a Hero. But there is no such hero here. Just a warrior trying to be a Duke. I reached the front of the crowd, ready to kneel in front of the vigil with laced fingers on my forehead. Oh? To my left, Vanessa kneeled, hands clasped together, praying. The soft orange light glowed on her round cheeks. Her hair shone like a golden amber in the firelight. Her eyes flutter open, surprised by my presence. Then a smile made the stressful day better. Books crammed in dozens of shelves, touching the fifty-metre ceiling of the Greystone library. Many books and tomes containing the vast history of our great house¡ªhistories of this country''s past and lands beyond filled the candle-lit reading space. As I walked through the aisles, I encountered an old geezer sitting by the tall moonlit window, reading a book I knew he didn''t care for. ¡°Finally found you.¡± "What do you mean ¡®found you¡¯?¡± Uncle Laron sputtered, putting his book down. ¡°Why did you take so long?!¡± ¡°You know.¡± I shrugged. ¡°Duties. Why did you ask me here?¡± Uncle groaned from his chair. ¡°Come with me.¡± Down the long corridors of the castle, Uncle Laron regaled the many tales of his battles in the east. Many victories and some failures, my fist clenched as he told of soldiers starving in the cold with no word and little help from Osberg City, from the dowager duchess and from me. Uncle stopped by an unassuming cupboard door and said, ¡°We¡¯re here. Take.¡± From his pocket, he gave me a rusty key and a clean one. ¡°I should have given you this a very long time ago. I¡­ had given up on you. Putting all my hope in your brother, I taught him to be the future patriarch. Spoiling him rotten, I left you alone. I thought you would be fine...¡± I saw his hand quake. I embraced him, feeling tears falling from my eyes. ¡°I am sorry, nephew¡­ I let you down¡­¡± I felt drops on my shoulders. ¡°It''s okay. It''s okay¡­¡± I felt a strange twinge in my heart. I never realised I-no, Tarion felt this kind of bitterness. However, it made me understand a little about the great hatred I experienced whenever I looked at my brother''s face. We parted and I saw my uncle''s smile on his tearful face. "Lands above! You have grown strong! HAHAHA!¡± he said, patting my shoulder. The bitterness I shortly felt was washed away by the care I had for this cranky old man. "Yeah, yeah, let''s get this door open shall we.¡± after wiping my wet eyes on my doublet sleeve, I turned the clean key and several locks clicked. Dust puffed from the open door leading down. ¡°Go on. It''s yours now.¡± I stared into the dark stairway, hearing my uncle''s footsteps down the corridor. With mana around my hand, lighting the spiral staircase, I descended. My last step took me to the opening of a large cave with sharp stalactites hanging high and a round training platform in the middle. I took a step and a ripple of light streamed through lines on the floor around the large room. One by one, crystals lit up revealing a large Obsidian slab on the wall with a large armour display. I crossed the platform to have a closer look at the hundreds of names etched in the black stone. Albert and Mary Greystone. I touched the engraving, feeling one more tear flow. ¡°Sorry, I am late. I have been working hard on restoring Osberg.¡± I felt my words stuck in my throat. ¡°Many of my people died because of my negligence. Every innocent soul¡ªevery husband, wife¡­ child lost¡ªfeels like a mark on my soul. They were my duty and I let them down too many times to count.¡± I looked at the silver armour set in glass and rubbed the rusty key. ¡°I will make it up to the city, to the duchy. I will blacken my soul and wet my sword with red so I will not see another vigil in those streets. I will cleanse Osberg and bring prosperity back to this land. I swear on our household for a thousand years. I shall not shame the name any further.¡± With my hands together on my forehead, I pray. For Success. For help. ¡±Please watch over me from above. Mother, Father.¡± I heard the footsteps of a skilled Umbra. ¡°Beatrice, we start tomorrow.¡± 17 days until the ball. Chapter 31: Zero. The next day. The Duchess Today was weapons training. Lining us up, Tarion gave us each a weapon he thought suited us. A rapier for my brother-in-law, who looked at his weapon disappointed. Double axes for Charles, for a forest dweller, seemed apt. A spear for Jen, easy to learn. And for me, a dagger. I asked Tarion the reason for his choice and he replied nonchalantly, ¡°Easy to hide under a dress.¡± From there, he split us up for individual tutoring. My brother-in-law learned the movement quickly. Charles surprised Tarion with his light feet. Jen struggled as the pole was too heavy for her. Gave me a chuckle. The last was me. He held my forearm, his breath hot on my nape. He bent down low, resting his chest on my back and I felt his low velvet voice as he taught. His warm bear hand guided my blade slowly on a straw doll, showing me points to attack, such as the neck, the chest, the bowels, and the groin. He stressed stabbing the groin. ¡°The dead won''t need to worry about using it.¡± Then he left, leaving me unsated. My back felt empty and I missed his touch. I made mistakes and messed up my form, just for a moment more in his arms... Tarion often gazed into the distance, in deep thought. I wondered what troubles plagued his mind. Can I ask? A contract bonded us but there was a barrier separating us. Should I pick a rock and shatter it or wait for him to break it down himself? With extended training done and drenched in sweat, I walked to a bath the maids had arranged for me and a sore sight came down the corridor. For weeks after the store incident, she evaded me at every chance. Free of her insults, I almost forgot she was still sulking about in the castle. She froze and then continued down the corridor with her chin held high. There is only one reason she would go down here. The Dowager. The former duchess, hiding in her room. How far she had fallen from her former prideful self. Only the maids and brother-in-law entered her room as of late. Tarion would sometimes come to the far corner of the castle to peek, always leaving with a small smile on his face. Curiosity got the better of me and I asked. ¡°When will you leave.?¡± ¡°Excuse me?-¡± ¡°My mother is safe and out of reach. I won''t abide by my father''s instructions. So why are you still here? To monitor me?¡± My sister pursed her lips. ¡°I see. Then tell him in your report, ¡®Your strings have been cut.¡¯¡± ¡°He will get tired of you one day and throw you out just like my father did to your bitch of mother! Maybe he will toss you in one of those brothels to die like your mother deserved!¡± A circle turned around my heart and a strange energy flowed from me. All the anger that has been building for years leaked out in flumes of blue. I remembered the dagger hidden on my leg. Coraline stepped back, trembling. ¡°How¡­¡± ¡°Vanessa!¡± Jen ran to me, huffing. ¡°Unrest in the streets of Mouve." Hands on knees she huffed."By a new gang led by the one they call the Madam.¡± My anger settled. I looked at my quivering sister, imagining how I could have been scared of this garish, simple-minded woman. ¡°Thank the lands above there are more pressing issues than you.¡± 3 days later. The Duke In the dark at night, my two fingers spread dark makeup on my pale moonlight skin. I pulled a hood over my hair, tied in a bun. I settled into a nostalgic feeling¡ªthe jitters before the start of the mission, the tension that weighed me down, the silence that left me alone with my worst thoughts. I checked the short double-edge blade on my back and two daggers on the waist. I addressed my shadows dressed in black as I am. ¡°Five to ten, lookout. Beatrice and the rest, with me.¡± My pendant jingled as I picked a see-through black cloth from my dark doublet pocket. I tied it around my eyes and allotted points to senses. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. ¡°Let''s move.¡± I jumped off a ledge of a building four stories high, flipping with heightened grace on top of a lower roof. Umbra footwork softened my fall with mana on my soles. My steps, quieter than the night breeze, I ran across the rooftops, followed by five others. ¡°To your positions.¡± And like that, my shadows spread out, with Beatrice stalking behind in her Umbra gear. I looked at my pocket watch. Twenty-two hundred hours. A balcony door opened. I took a silent leap from roof to balustrade, and a robed lady met us by the open balcony door. ¡°Kill them painfully.¡± I entered the room and a drowsy, pudgy man of wealth sat up on his bed. ¡°I will try,¡± I replied. The man noticed me. "What is the meaning of this-¡± I grabbed his neck, lifting him so his legs dangled. His robe slipped off in his struggle. ¡°Ah. Poor girl.¡± The pig turned purple in my hands and take my left dagger out with my right hand. ¡°We need a trademark.¡± ¡°Get your damn hands off meAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!¡± Blood gushed on the floor as my knife hacked at his family pebbles. ¡°Is this painful enough?¡± her eyes said no. The pig''s squealing was muted as I choked the neck and I dug my knife from the collar to his bloated belly button. Senses heard bodyguards move behind the door. Firsts and some seconds I can tell, from their speed. I would''ve been surprised if a third was in this building. Upper circles required more coins. The room door flung open. I threw the dying pig to the left on his bed while my dagger made it to a guard''s temple. Flopping back into the candle-lit corridor with a dagger between the guard''s nose, I rushed with a punch, pushing the dagger more until a head exploded and the weapon hit a wall. ¡°You bastard!!¡± A second guard slashed down and a second dagger from my side blocked. Sparks flew as I redirected the sword with my left hand to my five o''clock. I twisted, crushing organs with a mana-infused kick. I stabbed the back of the head for good measure and I retrieved my dagger from the wall. Dagger arts created (lv.7) Shit. I should have brushed up on it. But it should be good enough for second circles. My heightened senses do not hear any more guards on their way and walk down the corridor to our next targets. ¡°Beatrice, go right. I will go left.¡± a nod from her and we go our separate ways. The doors clicked and were left ajar. One by one I enter and leave with my blade bloody. A john came up the stairs after my fifth door and froze at the sight of me. "Ra...RAVENS!!!" Run. And he did with haste. Bring more. And more came. I heard my headmaid cause chaos elsewhere and readied myself. My hue under control, I flipped my blades into a reverse grip and slid under swiping, cutting into a stomach. I stopped a downward strike before it finished its arc with my left., flipped my right blade, stabbing the horn¡¯s man three times before pushing him aside. A stab to my chest from the first was parried to my left. I stepped inward and jabbed right in the guard''s trachea. I pulled the dying to the right and blocked a blade from a second circle with my left. Sword and blade grind and I let his power win. Off balance, his face fell into my dagger¡¯s edge. Mana coated the black weapon, slicing through. First and second circles hesitate. Run. And they did. I take my time down the steps. They can''t escape. Braver men came forth wanting to test their mettle. I evaded swords moving in slow motion. Two daggers pierced two guts and kept descending. The smell of iron was strong downstairs as well. Familiar clangs resonate through these soiled halls. My senses heard harder clings and I sprinted. A john at the brothel foyer. A wild-haired mercenary who likes his women young. The third circle batted my headmaid into the wall. ¡°Look here, ugly. Your death has come.¡± Like an animal, his ear perked up. He saw me and went into a beastly rage. ¡°RAAARGH!¡± The mercenary ran at me with his axe up high. I stepped to the side and let his weapon break the wooden floor. With my short sword unsheathed from my back, I thrust, and mana shot out. The mercenary screamed and held his bloody shoulder. I jabbed. His knee exploded and he kneeled. I stabbed and twisted. My mana shield blocked the rain of blood from his ruptured eye. I cut, leaving a trademark. ¡°One. Are you well?¡± said I, ignoring the mercenary in anguish. A mana armoured stamp ended the noise. Beatrice slowly stood up, holding her sore back. ¡°Well enough, Zero.¡± I nodded. I listened again. No whistle. Four other shadows appeared with dark clothes bloody. One umbra carried the head of the john that ran away and rolled her trophy to me. "It is done." Another success. 13 days untill the ball. Chapter 32: Tea Next day The Duchess I was warned by Kurt. By Tarion. The stench of iron could be smelled from yards outside the brothel. The blood and the gore¡­ A message well received¡­ We won''t underestimate the Ravens again. The girls were the only people left alive. Their mouths stayed shut but their young eyes were resolute. I would help them. Get them situated in a shelter. It''s the least I can do. I watched their cold eyes as the guard helped them. Like my mother, they look a thousand yards in the distance. But every once in a while, I see the little girls they are. Should I just let the Ravens be? Let them bring justice to the scum hiding in the cracks? It was tempting. I stepped back into my carriage with my mind twirling and sat on the cushion, sighing. There wasn''t much I could do about a gang war. Its players are enigmas. Neither leader shows their face. Their troops hide amongst the masses. Having only been mayor for a little over a month, I barely know the city more than a travelling merchant. I should stay in my purview. Fix what I can. Deal with what I must. And my next stop is to do just that. ¡°Are you sure you want to go there? You haven''t been formally introduced to the social scene.¡± Jen asked. ¡°Then it''s about time, isn''t it.¡± I rubbed my head as the carriage drove off. I saw the ravens painted on the side of the wall by neighbouring kids. ¡°But you know how finicky nobles are. Mess with their system, their rules and you¡¯re ostracised.¡± ¡°As the mayor, I am part of the system. As the duchess I make the rules, whether they like it or not. And I was already ostracised. Not one invitation from any of the ladies of Osberg City has come my way." I leaned on the carriage, watching the city transform from dilapidated buildings to tall new constructions. "Frankly, I don''t give a damn anymore.¡± ¡°There¡¯s my Vanessa I missed so! Thought the Hodges had beat her down. Oh, if there are any problems, you can just bring the duke¡¯s tall arse to scare to shit outta them.¡± I seriously considered that. But no. As great as he is at getting results, I actually want to talk to them after today. This was my role. My carriage slowed down to a stop by a pavement on Oakley Street. I stepped out after Jen and with the ladies'' teahouse - The Petal - in view, I sighed out my nervousness. Back straight, I walked into a door opened by Jen. Greeted by stares, I kept moving through the lightly painted store. I passed the counter of a bowing employee and walked straight to my target. Surrounded by women of the same garish ilk, my sister stopped mid-conversation as she saw me. ¡°Ah, sister! What a surprise to see you here!¡± ¡°Y-Yes, a shock, indeed.¡± Her caked face twitched from hiding her anger. Good. Now I know you are up to something. Jen went to order my favourite and Kurt stood to the side. ¡°You ladies don''t mind if I join my dear sister?¡± Not one person has left their seat to bow and they look away in shame. Is it the plain dress I am wearing? My manners? Or my common blood. It matters not as my guard squeaked his boots and the ladies rushed to offer me a seat. ¡°I hope I didn¡¯t interrupt anything.¡± I sat down as softly as could. ¡°No, Your Grace!¡± A middle-aged green-dressed lady said. ¡°We were discussing the recent tragedy at Mouve.¡± A purple bejewelled lady spoke. ¡°So many killings¡­¡± ¡°It took many ages to convince my husband to let me out. But it is not women the Ravens are slaying.¡± The young woman of size joked and the rest of the group burst into laughter but my sister stayed quiet, observing. I received my piping hot tea. It was divine. A slim one piped up. ¡°I heard a woman is running the gang.¡± Gasps spread throughout. ¡°Then she should keep doing as she has.¡± A black hair lady said, making me turn up from my great tea. ¡°But senseless murder is unconscionable!¡± The bejewel exclaimed. ¡°But it is not senseless, is it?¡± The black hair-sharped face noble sipped on her tea. ¡°In the dark of night, targeting specific brothels. Other than the baron, there has not been any innocent blood spilled. And if the baron was in that brothel, he was not innocent either.¡± The group erupted in whispers. ¡°Did you hear how he died? Castetrated and gutted alive!¡± they murmured to themselves. ¡°A fitting ending.¡± I heard the black-haired beauty mumble with mana-enhanced hearing. ¡°Poor Baroness Wold¡­¡± They muttered in agreement. Caroline finally spoke, ¡°There has been so much carnage and death since the Duke arrived on his high horse. Bulldozing through without a care. Spending on city projects without care for proper management of finances.¡± Not very subtle. Trying to get to the husbands through the wives? To rebel? And right in front of me. You can never say my sister wasn''t bold. ¡°I have even heard on the vine that taxes are on the rise to pay for such trivial things.¡± ¡°Trivial? Is working water trivial?¡± I said. The group of nobles mumbled to each other, taking short glances at me. ¡°Yes, Vanessa. Especially at the cost of bankrupting the duchy.¡± The elderly ladies at the table nodded in agreement. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. My sister smiled at me and sipped her tea. I sensed the scathing eyes on me once more. Such a childish power play. ¡°Ever since Dear Lady Lea''s father departed, this city has been on track to destruction under the Beast of Osberg''s rule.¡± Ah, the black-haired lady is from the Trak House. She should hate me the most out of all the ladies with me. But her eyes do not look at me with contempt like my sister''s, whose eyes fall on me. ¡°When he eventually becomes uncontrollable and he finds something disagreeable, will he come after our husbands?¡± ¡°Possibly,¡± I answered. The teahouse went silent. I sipped my tea again. ¡°Then he is a tyrant!¡± ¡°Yes. Your Duke is Tyrant. His judgement is the law. If my husband saw fit to kill, it was right. And I have no cause to disagree with his methods when the slain were linked to people like Baron Wold, a lover of the young.¡± The silence lingered. I was sure they would have known about the baron¡¯s close association. Nobles don''t hide their dealings when there is no one to hide from. ¡°I heard they were close at school.¡± I sipped my delicious tea. I looked up from my cup and saw a small smile from the Trak. I should ask Jen to learn about her. I put my empty cup on the coaster and smiled kindly. ¡°My husband¡¯s blade is sharp. But it is not wielded by a thoughtless brute.¡± I looked pointedly at each lady on the table. ¡°I''m sure each of your husbands exemplifies the best of Osberg, so no harm shall fall on them.¡± Tension was still in the air as I looked at Caroline. ¡°And sister... never knew a merchant''s daughter from Hamber could be so attached to Osberg after only a month. And the talk of husbands, when did you wed?! I hope he was a nice nobleman. Your last rendezvous with the help made Father beet red.¡± Caroline collapsed within herself with embarrassment and tried to smile everything away. The younger ones chuckled amongst themselves. The elders¡¯ mouths twist with disgust. ¡°Never mind the dour news. I did have a reason to come here today. I have received a reply from the southeastern merchants.¡± The group perked up. ¡±From Alar?!¡± A skinny one shouted I nodded and the group jumped with glee. ¡°They will be present at the ball at Greystone Castle with new fabric to showcase.¡± The group was excited. Scorn turned into anticipation. Fear is not the only way to get people on your side. The conversations diverged. The talk of death out of people''s mouths, they went back to the latest Osberg gossip. New births, proposals on the horizon, and recent scandals of the rich and lazy. Surprisingly, I became engrossed in this mindless talk. But I would accept anything to take my mind off the squashed head in the brothel foyer. I pulled out a pocket watch. ¡°Oh, is that the time? Sorry, ladies, I must make my exit. My schedule is quite packed today. But it has been great fun to talk to all of you and it would be splendid to meet you all again.¡± I sat up from my chair and the ladies proceeded to bow and curtsy. How much do they want that invitation? Lea Trak stepped closer with her gloved hands, pinching her black skirt for a deep curtsy. "It has been a privilege, Your Grace. And it would be a greater honour to see you again.¡± The Trak lady¡¯s smile grew. My sister stared daggers at me in her seat, chewing her inner cheek. Father, you married off the wrong daughter. I turned on my heel. Bows following me wherever I stepped, I strolled with my people out of the petal. I whispered to Jen. ¡°Lea Trak.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Grace.¡± ¡°And expect an invite from her soon.¡± Afternoon The Duke Plonk. My greatsword missed its target and I leaned back from a sabre coming to my left. I stepped back with a cut on my left cheek. I slowly dragged my blade across the training platform. My slash to a body was evaded and the fourth circle went low to my knee. My sword spun around my head, and I jumped back while slicing down on the sabre. A palm on my pommel pushed my greatsword for a quick thrust. A sabre parried and riposts with a quick step in which I parried down. Locking the sabre to the ground, I ran towards the enemy and attacked from the left. Ice blue eyes saw my blade and the wind blew his blonde hair as he tilted away. ¡°Damn. I might have to try.¡± ¡°Please do,¡± Kurt replied, with his guard up in a one-handed fencing stance. ¡°You blonde bastard, haha.¡± I slashed and slashed. My blade only hit the air. The bodyguard danced back, with Umbra steps helping him manoeuvre. I increased the speed a bit and our blades finally collided in sparks. Each of my hits pushed him back. I jabbed for it to be parried to the left. Pulling it over to the other side, I cut at a two o¡¯clock. Kurt¡¯s sabre met my greatsword and was forced back again. I thrust at his leading knee and feint for an upward strike from six o¡¯clock. Kurt¡¯s uniform was marked with a line and I see irritation on his stone face. ¡°I will get you a new one.¡± ¡°I liked this one.¡± "Well, I liked my face, and you didn''t care.¡± Kurt went for the attack, attacking my bleeding cheek. I dipped under with heightened sense with a grin on my face and slashed from my three to his body. Like an autumn leaf in the breeze, Kurt vaulted over my large blade. His body spun, nicking me on the right shoulder before landing and slashing again on my ribs. ¡°Nearly,¡± I said as I brought my blade¡¯s point down to block. I kicked the flat of my sword and the great sword lifted Kurt''s sabre up leaving him open. The hilt flipped in my hand and the air cracked as I swung. ¡°I get better as well.¡± Kurt¡¯s sweat dripped from his Adam''s apple to my sword. Kurt dropped his sabre. ¡°I concede.¡± I took my sword off his neck and sheathed it behind me. ¡°Hey! Don''t drop your present. So, how is it?¡± Kurt bent to pick up the silver-guarded saber. ¡°Strong. Flexible. Light.¡± Blue eyes examined the weapon and slotted his new sabre in the sheath on his left thigh. ¡°Very Good. Thank you, Your Grace.¡± He bowed ¡°Wow. High praise.¡± I smiled wide. I wait a moment before asking. ¡°How was she?¡± ¡°Her Grace? A little stunned and under the weather. But she is strong.¡± ¡°I see¡­¡± I thought to myself whether I should tell her. Bring into the fold. Make her understand my plans. She would understand and let me work. But I cannot make her condone the killings. I cannot put that on her conscience. Tomorrow is a rest day¡­ Maybe I could do something with her to soothe her mind. Take away from the daily concerns of the city. ¡°Your Grace,¡± Breatrice said, coming from a different entrance of the Greystone underground training cave with Charles beside her. ¡°How goes his training?¡± Beatrice sighed. ¡°Fast. Too fast. He learns codes and procedures as if he had been with us for years.¡± She said like it was a bad thing. ¡°A big brain with a big body. Well done, Charles. If you''re here, you''ve got news, haven''t you? Night duties? Cleaning the make-up from my beard every night is such a hassle.¡± I should shave my beard. ¡°No, good news. Susan has closed in on Davis. He was where you said he would be. The Duchy of Vioden.¡± The Dowager¡¯s former duchy. Chapter 33: Picnic The Butler My good friend pondered to himself. His face was serious as connections formed in his mind as he thought of new plans, throwing out old ones. Kurt stood at attention with sweat on his brow from what I assumed was training. With my previous spar with Tarion cut short, I felt a pang of jealousy. Every minute of every day, Tarion is on the go. Aiming for the mysterious goal that motivated him to work almost to death. And with the little free time he has, he spends training one-on-one with Kurt. He had even been absent as of late for the morning training. But still took the time to fight with Kurt. I looked down at my white gloves. Should I have declined? Said no to being a butler and became a guard instead? Tarion chose me specifically, I could never say no. Then I remember how we played in the forest with practice swords. Wide smiles were on our faces. When a stable boy and the duke''s son were true friends. ¡°I think I will have to retire to my room early for meditation. See you tomorrow.¡± Tarion spoke with a low tone. Beatrice and I bowed as Tarion withdrew the training platform with Kurt following behind. The Duke has been having problems with forming his first circle. Perhaps I can help him in another way. ¡°Let us go, stable boy. Time to learn the Umbra steps-¡± ¡°Beatrice, have you finished your research into the poison tea that Davis gave to the Duke?¡± Beatrice looked at me suspiciously but gave up and answered. ¡°We haven''t located the producer yet. But we have learnt from our apothecaries that the tea was made using a modified strain of razzorflower mixed with the deadly Torlock¡± ¡°The herb meant to promote training?¡± Beatrice nodded her head. ¡°A lot of medicine is regulated, modified poison. But this strain seem seems to be a thousand times stronger than any razzorflower dose than any that the Duke has been using. And its effect is much different. If Razzorflower helps with the collection of ambient mana, then this strain of mana influencer messes with meridians and the mana heart itself, making them rupture. Torlock was added to wither the body, making it weaken over time. It is famous for the excruciating pain felt by the victim every day, every hour, and every minute. Sleep is the only semblance of peace from the neverending torment.¡± Lands above¡­ For years, my good friend has suffered. Could it be that his meridians and heart are still in a bad state? After all the misery, you still smile brightly. I must learn more. This is how I help. ¡°Can you please send me to the apothecaries you used?¡± I will fulfil my promise. The Duke. Vioden. A duchy and our close southern neighbour. Although smaller in size, with its grassland, it is known for its arable lands, which produce a lot of the wheat that Osberg and Friedland eat. As the food basket of the empire, it has a lot of soft power, with influence spreading through the Friedland. This power has given its nobles gold, only matched by the royal family. Which made my father''s second marriage such a strange affair. Households that had quietly been competing with each other for generations joined together in marriage. Why would an Umbra go straight to them? Maybe on her orders? I walked to the dining room, where several of the knights cheered and clanked beers together. They cheered at my arrival, almost hurting my heightened hearing. My uncle sat a the end of the long table near the patriarch''s seat, leaving it open for someone. ¡°AH, Nepheeew!¡± Said my uncle with a mug of maybe his seventh serving. ¡°JOooin Us!¡± "Sorry, Uncle, I''m not much of a drinker.¡± ¡°FlipPing kiLljOy!¡± The knights shook the rough with laughter. ¡°I do have a question, though.¡± ¡°Go! ASk awAAY!¡± He slouched on his chair, waiting. ¡°It''s about Davis.¡± ¡°OH, the skinNy priCk!?¡± ¡°How long has he been with us?¡± ¡°Let me thINk?¡± He closed his eyes, scratching his salt-and-pepper beard. Seconds passed and he still scratched. ¡°Uncle!¡± He jolted. ¡°OH yEah! As bUtler sINCe YouR dEar mOtHer paSSed. BuT hE hAs bEen WIth us SiNCe befoRe mARy MArriEd iN. HE Is a vAsSEl oF tHe FaMIly afTer aaaalll.¡± How could he betray us so easily? No, maybe he wasn''t on our side to begin with. His family should be investigated. ¡°Thank you. And slow the fuck down. I don''t want you complaining about vomit tomorrow.¡± ¡°FUck YOU! I cAn hAndLe it.¡± Uncle said as he chugged his mug. Chuckling, I walked away from the party. I will have to hold on telling him everything. Let him relax after such a hard campaign. Through the long corridors and the many steps, my mind thought about what my uncle told me until I reached the master bedroom. I looked at the opposite door, wondering how my duchess fared after such a long day. ¡°Take her to a picnic.¡± I jumped ¡°OH SHIT. How long have you been following¡­?¡± ¡°Since underground. Take her to a picnic.¡± ¡°Vanessa?¡± ¡°Yes. I have heard that women like considerate men. Surprise her tomorrow. She has her weekly horseback riding training tomorrow.¡± ¡°Heard from who, Jen?¡± ¡°How did you know¡­?¡± ¡°She¡¯s the only woman other than Her Grace that you would willing to converse with. You barely speak to anyone anyway.¡± Kurt looked to the left in thought. ¡°You''re wise as always, Your Grace. I bid you farewell.¡± He bowed and saluted before leaving in his robot-like manner. Poor Jen. I cannot be as dense as the captain. I should do just that. A little food on the grass might be fun. My spirits high in anticipation for tomorrow, I entered my room. The large, stained-circle window draped the large room in a rainbow of colours. I blew out the already lit candles and noticed several paintings on the floor by the last candle. Should I hang them near the bear or the other wall?¡± I snuffed the candle and proceeded to take my clothes off to my underwear. Crossed on the bed. I relaxed. My tea¡­ On the left bedside table, a teacup steamed with an earthy aroma. Taking a sip, I began to meditate. Gently, with my circles slowly spinning, mana travelled through the meridians to my heart. The same pain. Like glass scraping through my skin. I need to endure. I must make the fifth circle. Many lives depend on me. My people, my household, Osberg. Vanessa. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. Sweat soaked onto my covers. Muscles and veins pulsed and tensed. My teeth grit together as I collect ambient mana. I can''t¡­ I let it go, falling back in a huff. ¡°Fuck me¡­¡± Status¡­ Since fourth circle bronze grade, not much progress has been made other than my skills. Even the free points collected have not increased. Is this my limit? I never remembered any Manhwa MCs having this much trouble getting stronger. But I am not the MC, just another lucky idiot. An idiot with a system¡­ So an MC? I chuckled to myself. At this time of the night, I would''ve been lying in my bed with no frame, reading the fiftieth manhwa I had discovered that month to pass the time. Now I was training with mystical energy in the massive master bedroom I claimed back from the flipping Villainess. This life is madness. But a madness that suits me more than I care to admit. With Tarion''s memories, this world felt more like mine than the concrete pillars I was so used to. Here I have something to strive for. I am not just another grunt. What I did here mattered. I closed my eyes, waiting for rest to come and tomorrow to quickly arrive so I could make more of a change in this strange world. The Receptionist. I knocked on the door. ¡°Finally, you''re here! Come in already!¡± I twisted the doorknob and out of the dark room, a blonde woman and a girl of darker skin rushed out. Holding each other naked in shivering fear, tears stream down their swollen, bloodied faces. Please wait. It will end. ¡°What are you waiting for? COME IN.¡± I hurried in at his order. I walked to the dirty bed where he waited by the candlelight with a robe, surrounded by the broken pieces of the bedside table. With my arm around his waist, I tried to calm the monster down from his rage, lest he harm me next. ¡°Problems outside, my darling?¡± I said as my arms rubbed his belly, slowly descending to relieve him like a bull in heat. ¡°I''m losing gold by the second! This is the third business they have targeted. My men are getting wiped out of their holdings. We may have a leak that needs plugging up. Who are they? My partners? A noble customer? Or¡­¡± I turned him around and slowly pushed him down on the bed. My robe slipped off, revealing my all and he appraised me like a piece of meat on a butcher''s hook. ¡°I must return what they give tenfold. Make them understand why I rule these streets.¡± I pulled his shaved head to my bosom. ¡°I know, I know. I best leave worries for tomorrow. This is why you are my favourite. You understand me. My needs. My wants.¡± He pulled enough force to sprain my shoulder and I have a night I would rather forget. Fjord snored next to me. I could strangle him. My fingers may break trying to squeeze. Poison him and a sixth circle like him may struggle for only a few days. I search the floor, picking through the pieces of wood and find a message. He turned in his sleep and I flinched. I slipped out of the bed and a large hand grabbed my hand. ¡°Where must you go, Beiye?¡± I dropped the paper on the ground. And turned to him with a smile. ¡°I must sleep to open the doors early.¡± ¡°Silly woman, just stop working and stay by my side.¡± He rubbed my palm. ¡°There is no better place.¡± He tried for a kind smile while his cold iris reflected the toy he saw me as. If I stay moment longer, he might require a newer one. I pulled away from his grasp. ¡°The door still needs to be open, sir. And it was you who gave me the position.¡± I picked up my robe from the floor, making my way out and I was pulled again. ¡°Then you will awaken tomorrow in this room.¡± He gave me a look. It wasn''t a request. This will be worth it. The duke will make it so. Beatrice promised. Then one more forgetful night of many continued. The Duchess. I waited by the castle stables in my riding clothes. The sun beats on my skin on a surprisingly sunny day. As I drank my tea, I watched the insects fly among the little flowers sprouting out of the grass. Hard to believe that the city was pummeled by snowstorms two months ago. ¡°Here is your steed, Your Grace.¡± A stable hand gives me the reins of a beautiful white horse. I gave my empty cup to Jen with a silent thank you and started brushing the calm beast''s mane. ¡°How is she, Your Grace?¡± The stable hand asked. ¡°She''s gorgeous¡­ Can you stop with the grace this grace that? Hearing it in your voice is disturbing.¡± "Oh, sorry, Your Grace. I wouldn''t want you to feel uneasy, Your Grace.¡± He said, with a sly smile under his cap. He had kept wearing that stupid hat since arriving in Osberg. I would be sad to hide such beautiful hair. Wouldn''t take him more than a second to get a noble to her bed. ¡°I ain''t taking it off.¡± I huffed and gave him back the brush. ¡°Fine, it''s your life to throw away.¡± Jen tapped me on the shoulder and pointed at a tall figure. My heart started beating as I turned. ¡°Tarion! Why are¡­¡± Beauty, which only the gods were thought to possess, stared back at me. His dark, shiny mane waved in the early spring breeze. His sharp eyes were brighter than any jewel my father had ever adorned. Below his dignified nose, his clean shave showed a jaw as sharp as his favourite sword, which was absent from his cloaked back. He walked with a confident stride, carrying a rolled-up blanket and basket in one hand, with a lovely smile. ¡°Damn, he cleans up well. Stable boy, don''t you remember we have something to do?¡± My capped friend shrugged and bowed to me before he followed Jen back inside. Jen and the Duke exchanged winks and he gave my male friend narrowed eyes. He looked back at me and felt frozen. ¡°Morning, dear.¡± I shuddered from hearing his rumbling voice. ¡°Mind if I interrupt?¡± He held the basket and blanket. ¡°I was thinking we could ride somewhere to relax and have some snacks.¡± Out of the basket, Tarion found a carrot for the horse to eat and rubbed its mane. ¡°S-Sure,¡± I said excitedly. ¡°But where¡¯s your horse?¡± Tarion smiled. ¡°Right here.¡± He bent down until I felt his breath on my cheek. ¡°Hold on.¡± He brought an arm around his shoulder and put the picnic blanket in my left hand. ¡°Okay-WOAH!¡± Scooping me from under my legs, he carried me with one arm. I sat on his forearm, holding onto him for dear life and barely felt the weight on him. ¡°Tarion!¡± He chuckled as he mounted the white horse. Placing me between with my arm on the saddle, he whipped the reins to get the horse to gallop. ¡°There is a little spot I would like to show you.¡± We kept riding through acres of the Greystone Compound, going higher up the hill. The blanket and basket were on my lap while I was on his. He held me close to his chest to prevent me from falling. ¡°That boy with the cap. He was someone you brought with you.¡± I looked up at Tarion, who concentrated on riding. ¡°Yes. George is a childhood friend like Jen.¡± ¡°Mmm.¡± ¡°I did have a crush on him once.¡± ¡°Mmmm?¡± He looked down, met my eyes and I started laughing. ¡°I jest. He''s just a boy from my youth that I met in the same orphanage.¡± ¡°Mm.¡± And his eyes were back on the grass ahead. You have nothing to worry about. As if pulled by strange magic, my eyes can''t escape his lips. ¡°I have got good news. I have received word from the church.¡± I was shaken from my hypnosis. My delusion shattered. I mumbled. ¡°O-oh r-really?¡± "Yes, a letter came as of this morning. They had not given us an answer for the annulment. But they did answer our invitation to the ball.¡± ¡°That''s great news!¡± I tried to sound enthusiastic. It should be good news, but Tarion''s face was flat. He held me tighter. ¡°Are you happy here?¡± he asked. His teeth clenched. Before I noticed, my hands caressed his pale cheek. he flinched. I felt his skin getting hotter the longer I touched. ¡°Stress and work are hard on me. But it''s been the greatest time of my life,¡± I said, smiling with my cheeks full of joy. Tarion bit his lips, swallowing what he wanted to say and sighed deeply. ¡°Great. I am happy.¡± The horse stopped by a tree at the highest point of the hill. ¡°Here we are¡­¡± With ease, he dismounted from the horse. I fetched another carrot from the basket to feed the horse and Tarion chuckled like I had read his mind. Still sitting on his arm, he carried me up to the tree and I saw a spectacular sight. Osberg city from hundreds of metres high in full view. The city I have spent so much time and energy helping. ¡°This was my favourite spot. A great view of everything we are trying to protect.¡± He turned to me, his hair blowing and his ruby eyes shining off the sun. ¡°Thank you. Without you, I would be lost. I would be unable to help the many lives below. Without you¡­ Hopefully, you will stay and work as my mayor.¡± His eyebrows turned upward. These words meant the world and more yet, they broke my heart. ¡°Before I make a decision, I should be on the ground first.¡± ¡°Oh, Sorry! You were so light, I forgot.¡± He bent to put me down gently and I did something brave. With my hand on his shaved chin, I let myself be drawn into those gentle lips. Ecstasy filled my body, and time stretched as our lips touched. I pulled back before I got addicted and I found a stupefied man, eyes wide with shock. I don¡¯t know why you would want us to separate. But I will convince you otherwise. Those eyes show me I have a chance. ¡°I¡¯m getting a bit hungry. I hope you brought cheese.¡± Chapter 34: Falling The Duke Damn¡­ My arms swinging like loose spaghetti, I bent. Frozen in time, I still felt her lips as she went to unroll the blanket. I could not let a single kiss mess me up. Tarion, Mate, lock the fuck in! ¡°Horse!¡± My voice squeaked. Oh geez¡­ ¡°What?¡± Vanessa held her laughter back, smiling at me. I cleared my throat.¡°How¡¯s the horse?¡± I said, fidgeting with my cloak. She watched the horse graze, sitting on the red blanket. ¡°She¡¯s perfect.¡± She looked back at me. ¡°Thank you.¡± Her lips filled my whole vision. I tried to look away but I was drawn back to her streams of golden locks falling down her back like a waterfall. Sitting while holding her knees to her chest, the eyes of spring and fall track me. Never letting me go from its grasp. She knows she has me. But I must endure. For the mission. I walked to the blanket to sit down and ask her. ¡°What will you name her?¡± She thought for a moment. ¡°Divine.¡± On the nose. Do they only speak when she is around? ¡°It is a beautiful name. Matches its owner.¡± ¡°Oh? How so?¡± She inquired with a curious face. ¡°Because that¡¯s how it feels to be around you.¡± The words escaped my mouth. Shut the fuck up, Tarion! ¡°Mmm¡­¡± She said, picking up a wrapped piece of food, placing it on a pewter plate. She unwrapped it and held it up to the sun. ¡°What is this?¡± she said, holding something of modern design. I stood up straight, trying to recover. ¡°A sandwich. I pioneered this ingenious design all by myself in the kitchens. Sliced bread, bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes. Try it.¡± Vanessa examined the triangle from all angles. ¡°You cooked¡­?¡± ¡°If I can slay monsters, I can put some ingredients together. But today made me certain one is easier for me to do.¡± Vanessa giggled. ¡°What a Duke you are. Whenever we speak, it''s like talking to one of the mercenaries at the pub at Hamber.¡± ¡°I hope that''s a compliment, cos¡¯ I am taking it as one.¡± Vanessa continued chuckling and took a bite out of the sandwich. ¡°Wow. It actually tastes good.¡± She said as she chewed with wide eyes on the sandwich. I breathed out in relief and leaned back. ¡°Thank the lands above you like it. The mayonnaise was a pain to make.¡± She looked at me with that inescapable gaze and tapped the blanket beside her. ¡°Why are you sitting so far away? It''s like you want to avoid me for some explicable reason.¡± She grinned, rubbing a place next to her. ¡°Come.¡± ¡°Yes, Milady.¡± Like a drone, my body scooted over to sit beside the duchess. I tried to inch away so I wouldn''t be pulled into the event horizon of her presence. ¡°Stop gawking and eat.¡± I take a sandwich half from her and chew. Oh! She wasn''t lying to spare me. Vanessa took a grape from the basket. ¡°Here,¡± and put it straight in my mouth. Almost staggered forward from laughing too much at my reaction. I can''t fall. I turned to look at the solitary Clouds floating in the sunny blue sky over the city. The view astounded me every time. ¡°How was it? Meeting the socialites at The Petal. Oh, and I made a cheese and ham sandwich if you want.¡± Her eyes beam with excitement while she rummages in the basket after finishing two blt triangles. ¡°It was daunting.¡± She chewed while speaking. Typical ladylike manners were thrown out whenever we were alone. However, it makes me happy to be the one she can let loose with. ¡°A lot of old women who are stuck in their old ways. Trying to convince themselves that their words still have sway. And my sister was trying to make use of their gullibility to get them to betray you.¡± ¡°My stepmother''s idea?¡± ¡°Definitely. My sister¡¯s brain is too filled with audacity to fit any ideas.¡± I laughed, leaning forward to grab a sandwich for me and Vanessa and some grapes. I should cook more, I am a genius. ¡°Do not worry, as I made sure they understood the way of things.¡± I instantly remember the balding with a rattail braid. Cocky, he was. I will make sure to destroy that confident facade. ¡°I have no cause for worry when you are taking the lead.¡± She turned away, trying to hide the smile I loved. Loved¡­Stop with the foolishness. ¡°Umm, I-I think I could sway the younger ladies, several of them seem to be smart girls who may be willing to work with me. Especially the Lady Lea Trak. Interesting woman.¡± ¡°Lea Trak? Or should I call her Countess Trak.¡± I bent over for another sandwich and touched hers. We blushed with smiles, chewing with our cheeks full. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°She has a younger brother, a young preteen, who will assume the role soon.¡± ¡°What do you think of her?¡± She speaks with chewing ¡°She has poise. Very aware of her surroundings. knows How to manage the conversation while knowing when to give her opinion. It''s like she was bred for this.¡± ¡°I mean, it kind of comes with the territory of being a noble. Show dogs bred for flash and little substance.¡± ¡°Show Dogs?¡± ¡°A weird hobby. Don''t worry about it. How did she react to you being there?¡± I asked. ¡°Strangely. She was¡­pleased?¡± My eyebrow went up. ¡°That is strange indeed.¡± I picked a grape from the bunch and before I could notice, Vanessa grabbed my hand and ate my grape. Her lips grazed my fingers and electricity zapped through my body. ¡°Greedy, aren''t you?¡± she said with a cheeky smile. I gulped. Oh, dear¡­ Don''t. Fall. ¡°Lea Trak,¡± she continued, ¡°was the most supportive on the table. She was quite a fan of the Ravens and their work in Mouve. However, after investigating more into her, I understand why.¡± I leaned in. ¡°Explain.¡± ¡°Jen asked around her manor and there were rumours of problems within the Trak home. Former help of the Count¡¯s Manor told stories of harsh punishment used on the lady while a gentle feather was used on the boy. For a man who loved women''s bodies, he hated the mind inside.¡± ¡°Do what you plan to do. I will give you my support.¡± I told her. Stunned for a moment, she''s back to her beautiful smile. ¡°I will.¡± I uncrossed my legs to lie on the blanket with my hands on the back of my head. White clouds above drift slowly in the blue sea and feel peace and quiet that I had never felt. ¡°Wow. I''m so full.¡± ¡°That wasn''t even a fourth of what you eat normally.¡± ¡°Good food makes you feel full.¡± I grinned at Vanessa over my chest. I watched the sky, staring at the cumulus clouds gently floating and minutes of silence went by until Vanessa sighed deeply. ¡°I''m getting impatient.¡± ¡°What''s wrong-woah¡­¡± Vanessa, with her riding trousers, climbed on top of me. With my body between her legs, she put her hands on my chest. ¡°If you want to escape, answer me.¡± The sun shone behind her like a halo, and she looked down with sultry eyes of honey and green. Every bit of my mental fortitude was used to control myself. I was worried about the event horizon, not realising I had already been sucked in. I have fallen. I have fallen in love. ¡°Why must we divorce?¡± The dreaded question. ¡°It is obvious how we feel for one another. So why are you still adamant about throwing it away?¡± I turned away and she brought my face back to hers. ¡°Answer.¡± Can I? Can I tell her that her entire life is predicated by some obscure manwha. That she must proceed to marry the prince and save the world. Should I tell her to let me go and follow her destiny? I ask you, those above. Can I? No answer. Do I want to? ¡°Husband¡­¡± Her eyes pleaded for an answer. ¡°I-I¡­¡± Every second with her on top of me, the control I have is shaken evermore. ¡°I see¡­ Then,¡± Vanessa slowly unclasped the top buttons of my dark doublet and bent down. ¡°Maybe this will provoke an answer¡­¡± Soft lips touched my neck and the last remnant of control I had was gone. The duchess. He spun me around like a pillow of the lightest feathers and we swapped places. The beast¡¯s eyes crave for me. Hunger and reason fought within his mind and hunger prevailed as he launched at me. Our lips are a mess of desire. Tongue locked in dance. I surrendered myself to the beast of luna skin, wrapping my arms around him. From lip to chin, neck to chest, I felt his kiss. Bliss from heaven heated me up as I felt his head on my bosom. Then nothing. I opened my eyes and saw a beast''s chest heaving. Reason has gained control and I lamented. ¡°I am sorry¡­ Please trust me. Please¡­¡± The beast looked to the sky, calming himself down with large breaths. I sat up, arms around the warrior, and I heard his heart going out of control like mine. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. Tell me or not.¡± I looked up at him. ¡°I will be by your side.¡° As Tarion squeezed me tight, I missed the beast whose scarlet eyes yearned for me. Next day. The Butler. Walking down Coddy Lane with Beatrice, I carried numerous different text book about potion formulas and ingredients. On the way to a third apothecary, I heard strange footsteps following from behind. ¡°Beatrice¡­?¡± ¡°Oh? You''re getting good. Don¡¯t worry. It''s a friend.¡± Her cold demeanour immediately softened as she turned to the stranger. ¡°Any updates?¡± The hooded figure stepped up, noticeable hurt on their shoulder. ¡°Here. Location of a slave transport.¡± She said, with a foreign twang to her voice. She gave a folded piece of paper to Beatrice before holding Umbra¡¯s forearm. ¡°Please make it worth it.¡± The hood cannot hide the utter despair. With both hands on the stranger¡¯s face, Beatrice placed her head on theirs. ¡°I swear. On my family''s honour, it will be done. I will make sure you rise above the ash of the horn¡¯s destroyed empire.¡± I heard weeping and turned away from the intimate moment between them. But I cannot ignore a fair lady in distress, I was not raised by wolves. From my breast pocket, I took out a handkerchief. ¡°Here Milady.¡± Eyes bounced from the handkerchief to me with suspicion, and eventually, she swiped it off me. ¡°Thank you, big man.¡± The stranger wiped her eyes. ¡° I better go¡­¡± I saw her eyes notice the books and tomes I carried. ¡°Friedland Medicine? Bleugh.¡± She sniffed. ¡°What''s wrong with it?¡± I enquired. ¡°If you weren''t so racist, you would have healthier people. Come down to Liu town. I will show you where real medicine is made.¡± A new avenue I was unaware of. I was eager to learn. ¡°In fact, we can go there now.¡± The Spare. I wore my Osberg guard uniform under the hot, sweltering sun, thrusting for the hundred and fifty-sixth time, sweating until my breeches and drenched and my foot made a mark on the stone floor. Around fifty other new recruits do the same in the Osberg Guard barrack. When my brother suggested I work for my coin, I thought he would send me to work with the knights and not mingle with the commoner First Circles. To be thrown down to the gutter was already repulsive but to struggle more than them¡­ I looked to my sides and saw boys my age, with passionate eyes, pierce the air. I shook with exhaustion, while my fellow guard kept their form tight from sword arm to foot position. Their mana was stable yet potent, matching their built bodies. I had never seen first circles with this much discipline until my brother came along. Between lunges, I spied on my brother. His senses would have caught me by now but he looked different. More withdrawn. It was as if his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, stopping him from interacting with the real world. After two hundred, the drill was complete and yet my brothers eyes looked into the distance. ¡°Tarion! Your, Grace!!¡± He jolted. ¡°Umm? Done? Good. Proceed with one on one spars.¡± And his eyes glazed over again. ¡°Yes, Your Grace!¡± The commoner shouted with fervour but I only got more irate. How dare he force me to go with stupidity, and he can be bothered to concentrate. I step out of my line. ¡°Where are you going?¡± His glare stopped my tracks, almost making me urinate. He is just my brother. ¡°What going on with you-¡± A guard ran through the barracks courtyard to meet with the Duke. ¡°CURSED! HUMAN CURSED at DESAW!¡± His glazed eyes, now full of life, turned to me with an evil smile that gave me a wave of goosebumps. ¡°Wanna go on a trip?¡± Before I could react, he wrapped his arm around my body. I struggled out of his rock-like grip in vain. With fast fingers, he touched the air with strange motions. ¡°Tired of training? Let''s get you some experience.¡± ¡°What do you-AAAAAAAA¡± The skin of my face was stretched back as he jumped into the sky and the commoner guards were little dots on the ground. Chapter 35: First OSBERG The Duchess On a cloudy day, I stood with my arms folded in a thick jacket. Aware of onlookers, I inspected the last repairs to the Misttide water fountains. A crowd started gathering as we prepared to turn on the water. Giving Jen my notes, I ambled past the crowd to the fountain with Kurt close by. ¡°Fixed, Your Grace. Now for the test.¡± A repairer gestured for me to try. I stepped closer to four wide basins facing each other. I looked around at the interested Mouve residents. Quite the crowd. So many thirsty mouths to quench. Sorry, but this is all I can do on short notice. I turned back to the fountain and flipped the faucet. Freshwater gushed out, splashing me across the face. The repairman hastened to close the bursting fountain and his face turned faint at the sight of my soaked hair and clothes. Gasps sounded off around me and I saw concerned faces, scared of what punishment might befall them. I burst into laughter with my head back, with Jen joining as well, leaving the audience confused. ¡°Haha, I haven''t been pranked like this since I was a child! It''s ok, good sir. It is a little water. Just make sure to lessen the pressure a notch.¡± I patted the worker on the shoulder with a smile, which seemed to ease his nervousness. ¡°Y-y-yes, Your Grace!¡± The repairman trembled. ¡°Let us go to the next assignment. Maybe I will slip on soap at the bathhouse next.¡± Jen chuckled as we walked away. ¡°If George saw that, he would never let you live it down. But it¡¯d be better than Tarion or we would have had a head rolling for embarrassing his darling duchess.¡± She said, with a teasing tone. I heard boots squeaking to a stop while I received a towel from a kind soul. ¡°Who is George?¡± Kurt asked. ¡°A friend,¡± Jen said with a sly smile. ¡°What''s it to you, stoneface?¡± ¡°Knowing details about the people her grace speaks to is of utmost importance to securing her safety.¡± I looked back, watching the fun and drying my hair. ¡°So¡­¡± Jen''s eyes on the ground and fingers laced together, she asked. ¡°What if he talked to me?¡± She looked back at the bodyguard for a reaction. ¡°As Her Grace''s confidant and good friend, many people would go through you to reach her-¡± Jen looked away from the blockhead, trying to hide her sadness. He coughed. ¡°Is he handsome?¡± Huh. Kurt tapped on his sword hilt. Mouth squirming. Jen beamed and her sly smile returned. ¡°Very. Haha! What¡¯s it to you?¡± Although Kurt¡¯s face was unchanged, his ears glowed a bright red. If Tarion was here to see this¡­ The thought of him brought flashes of yesterday. Callused hands that could crush a boulder carried me gently. His body was a furnace on my skin. His kiss sent me into shock as he traced down to my breast. A gaze that wanted me. Needed me. I hate him. Why did he stop? You can''t make a lady fall in love and leave her frustrated. I pulled up a high collar, hiding my healing marks of love. I did not see him at breakfast¡­ I hope he is well. I faced my people. ¡°Jen, stop bullying the feller. We need to hurry. We have three more inspections at Honey Spring to do. ¡± The Duke. Mana repelled from my soles to slow my descent and we landed on the streets of the Desaw Borough with onlookers. ¡°Greystone!¡± Citizens said as they clamoured to see me walk to the officer who was warding away the public. ¡°Excuse me, this is an area off limit- Oh gods¡­ Your Grace! Why might you be here?¡± the third circle asked. ¡°Chaperoning my brother for his first work experience.¡± I let my brother go and he nearly fell on the cobbled street. "Officer, show him the way to the cursed. I will follow behind.¡± ¡°Brother¡­¡± I gave him a look that his younger brother should understand and he reluctantly followed the officer into the wrecked building. A cobbler store with its windows shattered, the damage didn''t look too extensive. I could help them out but finances need to be in mind. ¡°Any runes, magic circles, or strange writings around?¡± ¡°No, Your Grace. Seems to be a typical possession.¡± ¡°Good. Then you won¡¯t have it as hard. Lucky you.¡± I smiled at a pissed-off Joshua. Further into the store, we walked past the shoes on display, and several items piqued my interest. Around the counter and into the back, a stairway leads upward to three stories above. I felt it. The icky feeling that soils your being. ¡°Above?¡± I asked. And the officer replied with a nod. ¡°Alright. Go back and hold back the public. Actually, push them back a few metres. You know how unpredictable cursed humans are.¡± A salute and a loud, ¡°Yes, Your Grace!¡± And he ran back to his post. Joshua''s eyes followed the guard and I pushed him towards the stairs. ¡°Work for your coin.¡± ¡°I AM A NOBLE! ¡± ¡°Useless pride! Where did it come from? The equally useless friends in the gentlemen''s clubs? Happy you¡¯re useless? You can''t do anything? Want mommy to come get you? Get Uncle to spoil you?¡± Red eyes flare with an anger I wish they always had. Left hand on the bannister, the wood broke into splinters from his grip. His body was poised to snap at me. ¡°If you don''t want me to talk down to you, BRING YOURSELF UP!¡± Joshua¡¯s eyes narrowed as he seemed shaken. But the fire in him had not died down. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. I smiled. "You feel that, brother. The disgusting feeling. Of shame. Of anger. Use it. Funnel it. Charge your rapier with it. This is the first start. The beginning of Joshua Greystone. Not the coward who hid with his face in his mother''s bosom but the great knight of our grand house!¡± Those blazing eyes of red that I saw in the brothel are back. ¡°Want me never to repeat such scathing words? Prove me wrong.¡± Joshua turned on his heel, walking towards the stairs. ¡°You do not need to tell me to do something so evident.¡± Blue smoke leaked from his officer garb as he stamped upstairs. To think this was the same lazy cunt that caused Vanessa so many tribulations. Change more. From the one to harm to the one to protect her. I could still smell her hair in my mind. Her soft body felt like cotton candy on my hands and sweet on my tongue. Her lips on mine brought me into a trance that has extended to this day. ¡°Weren¡¯t you coming?¡± Joshua peeked from the top of the flight of stairs. ¡°Um? Oh, yeah, coming.¡± I stepped onto the stairway with my mind still in disarray. I missed her badly. Every waking moment, her smile was on my mind. I needed a distraction. And the lands above afforded me one. However, at the odd moments, I would remember her heart beating as I kissed closer and closer too¡­ Thatcher. Bookcase. Financial reports. BBC Radio 4. I inhaled and exhaled slowly. I needed to think of anything else other than what choice I should make. I cringed as the icky feeling assaulted my senses. Finally, on the third floor, evil pulsed from the barricaded door. This should be enough. I thought. ¡°Open.¡± ¡°Do I have to do everything?¡± Joshua whined. ¡°Huh, yeah. Ain''t that the point of having a younger brother?¡± ¡°Actually it''s to kindly teach life lessons-¡± ¡°Unblock the fucking door.¡± ¡°OKAY, okay. Yeeesh¡­¡± Joshua took a chair and table from The door''s way until there was a path for us to walk through. ¡°Ready, Joshua?¡± My brother stared at the door with sweat dripping on his forehead. With clenched fists, his eyes looked to the floor. ¡°I¡­ I don''t know¡­¡± Mmm¡­ He turned to me. ¡°What if I am as weak and cowardly as you say?¡± I put my arm around my brother. ¡°The pressure can get too much sometimes, right? Expectations levied on us can exceed what we can bear. I feel the weight every time I pull my blade, not knowing If I am strong enough, wise enough.¡± ¡°You do¡­?¡± ¡°Every meeting, every battle. I am a Duke. governor of thousands. I would be inhuman if I felt no pressure at all.¡± Something clicked in my mind and I stared deep into my eyes like my father. ¡°You don''t want to be Duke.¡± Joshua shuddered under my arm. He looked back at the floor and nodded. ¡°Mother¡­is always insisting.¡± ¡°Mmm¡­ I get it. Dying brother, a very ambitious mother and the only other heir around. Uncle would rather drink toilet water than be chained up as a Duke. Expectations from our vassals and subjects wouldn''t have helped with your psyche either. So you just gave up. No more pressure if you gave them nothing to expect. Am I right?.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Joshua sighed. ¡°Unnaturally so.¡± ¡°Older brothers usually are. Sadly, your dear mother would try to make you Duke, whether you liked it or not. So, if not a Duke. What would you rather be? Like Uncle?¡± He nodded his head. ¡°Mmmm. That''s an achievable goal. And it would piss the old bird right off.¡± ¡°You think I can do it?¡± ¡°Brother,¡± I said, holding his shoulders and making him face me. ¡°I would not try this hard if I didn''t.¡± A small smile peeked out from Joshua. I spun him around to face the door. ¡°Is this enough pressure for you to handle?¡± I heard his slim blade shinged from its sheath. ¡°Most definitely, Your Grace.¡± Mana eased off him in a blue haze before condensing ¡°Fine-tune your senses. Hear its movements.¡± ¡°Duke. It''s right outside the door. listening to us.¡± ¡°Creepy bastard.¡± I walked to the side and placed my hand on the door knob. ¡°On my mark, I will open the door and you lunge.¡± Joshua gulped, moved his red hair from his face and nodded. ¡°3.¡± Feet wide and stance low, Joshua went into a fencing position tightening his body like a spring. ¡°2.¡± Mana covered his blade, lighting the corridor in blue. ¡°1.¡± I wonder how Vanessa is doing... The Brother. My brother opened the door and I sped inward. Immediately, I crashed into a decrepit old peasant covered in a swirling black mist. My rapier jabbed right into the cursed shoulder, forcing him back two steps before a disturbing amount of strength pushed my back. From the mist, he formed a drill-like appendage from his hand. Out of my wits, I dodged the snarling monster, rolling to the left of the bedroom. Bumping into a dresser in the way, I narrowly avoided being stabbed two times before I was marked on the arm. ¡°Eye on the cursed. Focus Mana on the eyes. Track its movement and deflect.¡± ¡°EASIER SAID THAN DONE, YOU ARSEHOLE!¡± The cursed swiped from the left, destroying the wall as I bent out of the way. I ran to the left to gain distance away from the cursed. ¡°Missed a good chance there.¡± Annoyed by my brother''s voice, I waved my sword between the monster and me, creating a barrier. ¡°You will exhaust yourself like that. Think, brother. You were able to dodge so far. Why don¡¯t you just, I don''t know, attack after?¡± My battle high almost obscured my senses. I inhaled, calming my nerves. Sword ablaze, I watched the cursed, the sliding of his foot, and the jerk of his arm as it prepared to pounce. I jumped back and parried the drill coming for my body. The black mist weapon was hit to the ground, and days of practice, weeks of drills, and years with my uncle on the training platform triggered in my body. Three blurring thrusts hit the cursed chest and he flew back into the bed in agony. I looked at my hilt with surprise. ¡°Wow.¡± I turned to my brother. His kind smile raised my spirits even more. ¡°See. You can handle it. But it isn''t over yet.¡± The cursed broke the bed as it jumped for me. Noticeably more irate, both arms were drills as he stabbed and jabbed. I parried. Leaned to the right. I shifted my feet to the right and backwards to thrust deep. My blade bounced off the mist-covered chest and I danced back from two drills piercing my head. Close call¡­ I heard a mouth click and saw my brother sitting on the broken bed. ¡°Not enough mana.¡± He moved his gloved finger in a circular motion. ¡°Make them spin.¡± I focused, using the strange technique my brother taught, my circle spins, and used mobile meditation to move the current of mana through my body. My circles spin faster until I feel a whirl in my heart. To my sword. My sword flashed with great light. I have to concentrate! I bring the mana back, controlling the raging storm of mana. Was it always this easy? I looked at my brother from the corner of my eye, leaning forward with a big smile. For years, his eyes looked at me with disdain and anger unrivalled. How long has it been since I saw that smile from him? Since that day in the courtyard? I wanted to see him smile more. I didn''t want to replace you, brother¡­ The curse sprang forth, screeching aloud. A left hand batted away and a right parried, I slashed the cursed body and red spurted. I slashed again and again. Blood dripped the floor and yet the cursed stayed standing ¡°Don''t restrain it. Let it be free.¡± ¡°YES, YOUR GRACE!¡± My circle spun wildly and I felt my chest rattle with power. Hilt to my chin and my stance low, a storm of mana engulfed my rapier, feeling hot to my face. The cursed attacked once again. Now! The wood floor snapped under my feet as I pressed forward. I pushed my sword in full sprint, skewering the cursed on the point. I groaned, pushing deep with my feet, breaking the floor with each step. Die already, you smelly peasant! My mana exploded from my rapier. A beam of blue light shot from my sword¡¯s point through the curse, into the wall, and outward. The cursed fell to the floor, smouldering with a hole in its heart and the mist dispersed from the elder corpse. I collapsed to my knees, exhausted and stressed but feeling accomplished. A familiar hand rubbed my hair. ¡°Not bad for your first cursed,¡± Tarion said. His large, toothy smile, which I thought was long lost, welcomed me. I jumped up and hugged my amazed brother, who embraced me back. ¡°You did well. Joshua.¡± How I missed my older brother¡­ Chapter 36: Decide The butler I had entered an oasis in the north. Bright green leaves of bizarre, robust plants line the dirt pavement and shoddily made shanties. Above the lamp posts, bright colour flowers blossomed high. Just as strange were the people, many of whom were from the Liu States and some were even of a much darker complexion. ¡°A lot of foreigners, right?¡± The stranger named Beiye led Beatrice and me through the muddy streets of Liu Town just outside the south gate. Many eyes stare with suspicion but ease when they see Beiye wave. ¡°Because of war, there''s been an uptick of refugees. But more have poured in after word has gotten out that the revived Duke was a much more tolerant man than that Trak bastard.¡± ¡°Trak wasn''t well-liked by foreigners, I gather,¡± I said. My eyes darted around, looking at the coloured plants. Beiye nodded. ¡°Trak was adamant on keeping out undesirables. But he was just the latest in a long list of arseholes; otherwise, places like Liu Town and Black Shade would not exist. Come, one more turn.¡± Past a wall with Raven graffiti, Beiye stopped by an unassuming door. Her knuckle rapped on the door in a code sequence I could remember and a distinctly foreign elderly voice shouted from beyond the door. ¡°Nobody''s here. Leave!¡± ¡°Not even for your favourite little girl?¡± ¡°Even her! Scram!¡± ¡°Even with gold?¡± The door swung open, giving my big heart a jolt. A woman in her fifties with narrow eyes, white hair tied in a bun and traditional green wraps of her homeland poked out of the building. She scanned around, looking for the new visitors. Her eyes halted. She found me and kept looking up until they found my face. ¡°Why are you so tall? How do your legs get blood to survive¡­?¡± "Grandma, stop being rude to our guests and show them in,¡± said Beiye with a half smile and sorry to me. Pushing the unruly elder inside, she waved us in. ¡°Welcome to Grandma Zhi''s pill shop, owned by the most trusted doctor in Liu Town.¡± The last to enter, I was blown back by the smell of medicine assaulting my senses. Thousands of round clay pots filled the walls, labelled with the block writing of the Liu states. ¡°What is this¡­?¡± I said while opening a pot and finding small round balls. A metal fan hit my hand. ¡°Don''t touch!¡± The elderly woman shouted. I closed the pot and the scent of its contents drifted to my nose. ¡°A pain reliever?¡± ¡°¡­How did you know? ¡°I''ve been smelling a lot of medicine these days,¡± I replied as the meridian chart caught my eye. Dots were drawn on the meridian line on the sketch of the human body, each with its own name. Next to it on the left was an eastern artist''s rendition of a heart. ¡°Ah, of course, a warrior would be interested in Qi charts.¡± Qi¡­ A different name for Mana? I looked down at Doctor, her covering her mouth with her fan. ¡°Sorry, but I am not a warrior.¡± ¡°Waste.¡± She patted my arm. ¡°Waste of a good body. So what are you here for?¡± ¡°I¡¯m here on behalf of my master. He has an ailment that the medicines of Friedland have been unable to resolve.¡± I place my books down and take out a bag to hand over to the curious doctor. She opened the tie and instantly recoiled. ¡°Kuwei!¡± She starts shouting at Beiye in Liuen. The fair foreigner responded in the same manner and the doctor relented, scratching her head with the fan. ¡°Oh dear¡­ Are you sure they are alive?¡± ¡°Of course. He looks well¡­¡± Beatrice answered, unsure of her words. ¡°Looks.¡± She threw the bag back. So the frost knight wasn''t overly cautious. ¡°We came here because our master is having trouble progressing with their meditation.¡± ¡°Cultivation? Of course, he is. It is a lost cause. If there is nothing to buy, you have no reason to be here. Leave.¡± The doctor began to withdraw and like a fool, I held her arm. ¡°Please ma''am! We have gone to countless apothecaries and countless doctors with the same. None other than you have deduced what this medicine was at first glance. Please help-¡± The doctor wrapped her hand around my forearm and pinched between my muscles. My arm spasmed as I released my grasp. I kneeled on the ground, feeling a thousand knives stabbing where her thumb poked. ¡°Interesting. Quite the amount of Qi you have, young one. However, that doesn''t mean you can use your power to make me do as you will.¡± She pinched again. ¡°AAARGH!¡± I searched for Beatrice, who slowly reached for a knife from under her dress. I shook my head. It''s alright. This was my fault. Shaking from the pain, my teeth shuddered as I spoke. ¡°I am very sorry, ma¡¯am. Impatience has caused me to do careless things. But you must understand. My master must be well for the Ravens to succeed in their mission.¡± The agony halted, and my arm flopped to the floor as I gasped for breath. Beiye stood in front of me. ¡°He speaks the truth. My Ravens need my benefactor''s help.¡± The doctor¡¯s fan tapped her chin. ¡°Mmm¡­¡± The old doctor paced on the store floor on wooden sandals, her eyes on the floor as her mind churned. ¡°Make up your mind, you old bi-¡± A swift hit from the fan on the Madam¡¯s head and she cried out in pain. ¡°Shut up.¡± Her cold eyes, which have seen many years, weigh down on me. A hidden master, able to bring me to my knees with a touch and a store full of outworld herbs and medicine outside my understanding. I was beyond intrigued. ¡°Bring him to me to be diagnosed. I need to see the man who moves the flock at his command.¡± The Duke ¡°Did we have to stay there so long? The smell was getting to me.¡± Joshua crossed his arms as he looked out of the carriage window. ¡°Well, you destroyed the heart of a well loved member of the community. It would be poor form to leave as if it were a rat extermination.¡± ¡°Cursed are but a blight to be exterminated.¡± ¡°But the cursed was still a human, with family and loved ones. Who do you think blocked the door? The cursed you slew today was a victim of malign souls tethered to this world. It could have been anyone, but he happened to be weak enough for the spirit to take over and it was too late for the priest to do anything. One day, it could be me. Or it could be you. Wouldn''t you want someone to console your mother?¡± Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. Joshua grunted under his breath. There was another reason I stayed. Drinking tea as I listened to stories, I heard of the numerous clashes our ¡®gang¡¯ has been having. We had inspired quite a number of people to trash the Horn''s establishments, painting a Raven whenever they take over a gambling den or a saloon The Madam¡¯s doing good work. But with more incidents come news of second, third, and even fourth circle mercenaries more protection money. To maintain his hold on the area, the horn was spending quite a bit of coin. But my people won''t give up without a fight. And they found their fighter in me. I listened to all the stories, watching my citizen''s eyes beseech me. They see me as a doer. A person who makes things happen. It pained me that I couldn''t give them a concrete answer. All I said to the many who sat with me as I drank tea was, ¡°It will end.¡± ¡°Tarion.¡± I turn to my brother. His glare gets me to sit straight. ¡°Is it true? That Trak¡­¡± I saw his digits fidgeting. I knew he understood what this could mean. I asked, ¡°When things turn sideways, who will you side with?¡± My brother sat back in his seat. ¡°I will not kill her.¡± His eyes light up - ¡°Yet.¡± Hope shattered in my poor brother''s eyes. ¡°All who have worked with her shall have all they own taken. Their money, jewels, land, people, and then finally their lives.¡± I see the driveway of the Greystone Castle come into view.¡± ¡°Decide.¡± ¡°How¡­ How can I make such a decision?¡± ¡°Easy. Do you want our father¡¯s potential killer to face justice?¡± ¡°Killer?¡± The carriage stopped and Beatrice opened the carriage door. As I crouched to step down, she whispered. ¡°He agreed.¡± I breathed a sigh of relief. Now to the next phase. ¡°Tarion.¡± Joshua held my arm. ¡°What do you mean by killer?¡± I console the confused Greystone by rubbing his hand. ¡°In father¡¯s last days, didn''t he have problems using mana? Ah, maybe you were too young then. So many excuses were made. Exhaustion from cursed killing, injury from the war. I don¡¯t know where they came from. But I do know how his disease felt as each symptom came to me one by one.¡± Joshua let me go and his eyes darken. ¡°Where do you think Davis is?¡± ¡°Davis is in on this too!?¡± ¡°In on this, part of this, the main culprit.¡± I shrug. ¡°There has to be a stooge to do the dirty work for someone. Maybe someone close by.¡± My words had rocked his world and he stood paralysed with a defeated look. I stepped out of the carriage with a large smile and turned back to my brother, still in his seat. ¡°Better make your decision fast. Beatrice put the letter back.¡± With curtsy, she did as I ordered. Exciting days ahead. ¡°Tarion?¡± Her voice washed off the grime from today. I searched for her voice and found a woman running at top speed. She leapt at me, wrangling me in her arms. Her face radiated like the last moments of the sun on a clear afternoon. She brought me close and her kiss on my cheek nearly made my legs buckle. So this is your angle of attack. With her in my arms, I noticed maids staring at me with redness on their faces. My brother walked into the foyer with a disgusted look. She nuzzled her face into my chest and I felt her sweet voice hum on my doublet. ¡°I missed you.¡± My heart danced. How evil of her! Trying to trap me. What else can I say? My hand brought her head closer and I bent to her right ear to whisper. ¡°Missed me? How exactly?¡± My lip grazed her ear to her neck and she backed away as red as an apple into the building. I chuckled while taking my cloak off, passing it to a footman who glanced at me with newfound respect. Two can play that game. 2 hours later. Before dinner had begun, Charles had told me of a doctor in Liu Town who was able to recognise the poison used on me. ¡®Kuwei¡¯ he said it was called. He told me she brought him down with just a pinch and I became interested. Furthermore, he said that she wanted me to be diagnosed by her in person. Could she be a sympathiser for the Ravens? If so this was the second best news of today. There might be a glimmer of hope in getting my fifth circle. ¡°Tarion, are you okay?¡± Vanessa asked. ¡°Yes, just a lot on my mind. Sorry about the early dinner. I am going to be busy tonight and I need the energy.¡± I said to Vanessa on my left, throwing as much food in my mouth as possible at the dinner table. ¡°Where are you going?¡± My brother asked at the far end of the dining table. ¡°None of your fucking business.¡± I grinned, taking a bite of the delicious chicken. ¡°It''s ok, haha. I was hungry as well.¡± Oh, dear¡­ I thought as I went rigid. I looked down with a mouth full of roast chicken and found a hand rubbing the inside of my thigh. Hey! As fast as the flash, I grabbed her hand before it could reach further than I allowed. I finished chewing, staring at my wife, who tried to smile innocently. I leaned towards her to whisper. ¡°We are eating dinner with family.¡± Startling me, from under the table, she brought out our holding hands for the maids, footmen, and brother to see. Charles stood still with a tray in his hand, giving me a knowing smile. Oh¡­ fell for it. ¡°Eew. Save that nonsense for your bedroom.¡± Joshua dropped his fork and his face screwed. ¡°I guess you know a lot about what belongs where.¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± Joshua turned away, giggling. I felt Vanessa¡¯s thumb rub slowly on the veins on the back of my left hand. "Joshua, I heard you killed a cursed today.¡± Joshua side-eyed Vanessa. ¡°Y-Yeah¡­How did you know?¡± ¡°The citizens told me of your bravery. You even gave the corpse back to the victim''s family. I am proud of you.¡± My wife gave him a smile that I thought he didn''t deserve. Joshua continued eating, taking glances at my wife. ¡°It was not a problem. I am a man of the guard; it is my duty,¡± said Joshua as he blushed. I never knew why jealous men acted like they did when they had a woman by their side. But with a woman like Vanessa¡­ I have the urge to be toxic. To not let a soul other than me lay an eye on her golden hair. To cut any ears who hear her siren voice. She is making me a fool. She looked at me and I was a deer in headlights. The Duchess whispered softly into my ears. ¡°Can I bring him along to my inspections?¡± ¡°Mm?! Are you sure...?¡± ¡°He hasn''t bothered me for weeks and I have been seeing changes day by day. I think it would be good for him to fully understand the locals and truly experience this city, without being encased in a vehicle.¡± I took another bite of my food as I thought this over. I shrug. ¡°You¡¯re duchess. Your choice. Plus, Kurt will be there.¡± Joshua stopped mid-chew. ¡°What are you looking at me for?¡± ¡°Haha, nothing. Enjoy your food.¡± ¡°Hmph!¡± ¡°I always told you to keep your manners at the dinner table.¡± I heard a woman croak and saw the homebody, dressed in a frilly black dress. The former duchess''s red and grey hair, neatly tied and her make-up done, she strutted with grace to meet her only child. Hatred-filled eyes watched my hand holding Vanessa''s and the Dowager sneered at what could have been. ¡°Son. Can you come with me to the garden on this fine afternoon?¡± My brother looked at me for approval. I gave a slight smile and he understood. His chair screeched on the floor and Joshua left the dinner table with the witch. A boy of Wolfburn or a man of Greystone. Decide well, brother¡­ A hand wave made the workers take the empty plates out and leave to get ready to complete their other duties. Finally, alone, and Vanessa''s small hand gripping my fingers, she leaned close. ¡°Where are your Ravens going next?¡± I moaned. I like a smart woman but are you fucking kidding me? ¡°A Man of Action, waiting? It''s suspicious.¡± Vanessa held my left hand tight. ¡°Please be safe out there.¡± I pulled her chin to me and euphoria filled my senses as our lips connected. Her body shuddered as we embraced and she clutched onto me as if I would escape. But I pulled back, leaving Vanessa''s eyes to flutter open in my absence. I hung my head down, looking away in shame. ¡°Sorry, it''s just¡­so very hard to bear.¡± Vanessa lifted my head and ravenous eyes raised my heartbeat as she got close, resting her knee on my thigh. Her hands run through my long hair. She pecked me on the mouth and the control I regained started to vanish. ¡°What is there to bear?¡± The thought of losing you. Every kiss is a taste of what I may never have again. The door slammed open and the ever-serious Headmaid appeared. ¡°Your Grace, we need your final appro¡­¡± We froze in our compromising positions, staring back at the intruder with mouths ajar. ¡°Apologies!¡± Beatrice ran back out and we both exploded in laughter. Vanessa¡¯s knee off my leg, she brought me up by my arm. ¡°Hehe, you better get going, people to kill and all. Be safe.¡± Her eyebrows turned upward from worry. ¡°Yes, milady.¡± After kissing her hand goodbye, I left the dining room in a rush, feeling a tug on me to embrace her till morning came. ¡°Beatrice.¡± She stepped out of the shadow. ¡°Here''s the operation plan.¡± she handed me a notebook.¡± I read through it as we walked down the corridors. ¡°Proceed.¡± At my order, Umbra steps sped her along. To the docks for another massacre. 10 Days until the Ball. Chapter 37: Dragonfall The duke I sat on a weathered roof tile by the Dragonfall docks with the breeze tossing my hair about and the scent of the river drifting to my nose. Overlooking the dock from up high, my mind overthought. Thinking of plans due. Thinking of my brother and his important decision. Thinking of Vanessa. I pulled my head down to my knees in embarrassment. I was like a kid with his first girlfriend. Just holding her hand makes my face go cherry red. Since the picnic, it''s been Vanessa''s mission to get me to succumb to her beauty. And it was working too well. I stave off my thirst for her, and I feel as parched as a man stuck in the desert. I shouldn''t keep tethering on the edge. It''s not fair on her. But shame crept up on me. How can I be so insecure about a man I hardly know? But I did know him. The Prince. The true ML. The blue-eyed, blond hero, who arrived galloping on his white, pristine horse to save the day with Vanessa in his arms. From the start, I intended for her to have her own choice and give her a stable position, so she can meet the prince and let her decide her own fate. But the passion I felt in her touch and the care in her eyes were for no other man. She made her choice. Me. But the smallest chance of her leaving¡ªleaving for him¡ªthe thought ripped me apart. So many changes I had made and yet I was scared of a single one not mattering. Afraid that it will snap back to how it''s supposed to be. The prince and the saintess. She''s not Haru yet¡­ I rubbed my forehead. Such a coward I am. I leaned back to see the stars above twinkle. A sight I couldn''t see in the light-polluted city of London. My bear pendant slid down my chest, and I caught it. What is there to bear? Nothing, I thought. I could just let things be. Enjoy our time together, no matter how long we have. I chuckled a bit. ¡°Heh, Bear. Hey Kurt, do you think I am better looking than the prince?¡± Blonde hair hidden in his black hood and his face masked, Kurt stood straight, waiting with me with his arms behind his back. ¡°I have never met the prince, Your Grace,¡± he said, looking at the flowing waters. ¡°You''re supposed to say yes¡­¡± I mumbled to myself. A whistle sounded off in the darkness of night and the hours of waiting were over. A slave ship had docked at Dragonfall to exchange its cargo. Close proximity and easier access to eastern countries have made Osberg a hub for transporting slaves from war-torn lands to be trafficked across the country. And with the sailors leaving the ship unattended, our plan starts. I groaned, sitting up with a sore bum and stretching. My blades, on my back and thighs, jingled and clinked. ¡°Fall in.¡± And from the dark, my ten shadows did. Dressed to kill. Their bright eyes under dark makeup were ready for tonight. ¡°So everyone, as Beatrice proposed, we are going in quick with the aim of rescue. Once targets are rescued, head to rendezvous points where the Madam¡¯s people are parked. Understand Ravens?¡± They saluted in silence. I turned to Kurt. ¡°We have a new member on their first mission tonight, so make sure to show him the ropes.¡± They looked at Kurt with approval. Unlike Charles, it took no convincing to get them to like him. Umbra steps were learned in a day and his senses were abnormal by any standard; he was a perfect Umbra agent candidate. He ignored their appraising stares with the same stone-cold attitude. I walked to the ledge, watching the boat arrive on the dock. I rubbed my pendant again before hiding it under my shirt beneath my dark leather armour and I pulled out a see-through piece of black cloth. I tightened it around my red eyes, tapping points into Senses and intelligence. The world pulsed to me and I heard individual voices among the bustle from the streets below. ¡°Let''s go. The last one there has to do a hundred burpees.¡± My mask pulled up, my feet were silent as I jumped off. The Duchess. Dressed in our nighties, Jen and I fell on my bed, laughing. ¡°Their faces! Hahaha. You¡¯d think you turned into a cursed!¡± Jen rolled around in a laughing fit. Getting sprayed and seeing the looks of fright still made me giggle. ¡°I can¡¯t blame them. They must have thought I was a noble.¡± ¡°You are!¡± Jen exclaimed as if it were fact yet it felt unreal. Jen rolled to face me. ¡°Speaking of frightening nobles, how is it going?¡± She said, in a sing-song tone with a smirk. I grabbed a pillow to hug and stared at the canopy on my bed. ¡°I don¡¯t think it is working¡­ I tried being proactive-¡± ¡°Sage advice from yours truly.¡± ¡°And he seems stuck on divorcing.¡± ¡°Is he-?¡± Jen said, with a Kurt-like face while pointing her index fingers together. ¡°No! Well¡­He does not kiss like he is.¡± ¡°Impotent?¡± ¡°I doubt it very much.¡± ¡°A second lover?¡± I glared at my friend. ¡°This is a sleepover. Not a make Vanessa depressed-over.¡± ¡°Okay Okay! Hehe. Maybe he is just inexperienced. He was sick just before we met him.¡± I turned back to the red canopy. Inexperienced. Just like me. Other than words of advice given by my mother¡¯s rambunctious friends. I knew nothing of relationships. ¡°I shouldn''t have been so forward.¡± Guilt settled in my heart, causing me to ache. ¡°No! Keep going! The man hardly touched you, now can barely get his tongue off you. His walls are cracking, you just need to keep hammering on and breakthrough.¡± ¡°Mmm¡­¡± Jen continued, ¡°If he truly didn¡¯t want you, he would treat you the same as the dumb damsel down the corridor. That day in the carriage still makes me laugh sometimes. Oh, and at the tailor. I remember him saying ¡®belonged¡¯?¡± I hugged my pillow, feeling my cheeks heat up. ¡°It''s finally getting to you, blockhead.¡± Jen reached to pinch my cheeks and spoke with a soft, encouraging smile. ¡°Don¡¯t give up.¡± I smiled back, feeling more reassured than ever. I am so glad Jen is by my side. My best friend, whom I tell all my troubles to. I don¡¯t know how I would''ve dealt with this new life without you. " And I heard men in power like dominating women. So used to having power, they want to let go and have someone else be in charge for once.¡± ¡°More knowledge from my mother''s brothel friends?¡± Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. ¡°Who else knows men better than they?¡± Jen and I chuckled. I scooted closer to my friend on the red cover. "Enough of my problems. How is it going with your blockhead?¡± Jen laid back, staring at the canopy as I did with a large smile. ¡°It¡¯s a secret.¡± I hit her with my pillow. ¡°But I told you everything!¡± Jen hit back with her own. ¡°It''s not my fault you''re naive, hahaha.¡± We took turns hitting each other with glee and jumping on the bed. Pillow feathers puff into the air, covering the silk sheets. We looked down, realising the mess we had made. ¡°Oops,¡± Jen said with wide, innocent eyes. ¡°It is alright. We have maids to clean it up.¡± ¡°¡®We have maids.¡¯ Hahaha, what is our life?!¡± Truly, what a life this is! I jumped back onto the mattress, bouncing on its softness, I was full of joy at the end of such a wonderful day. The Duke As the last to reach the destination, my feet tapped on the deck of the ship and I already felt something strange. A hand motion from me and my ravens scoured the boat for any sign of life. My senses see no sailors in the dark. Intelligence allowed for more focus and I listened for anything in the vicinity. Hearing footsteps down in the hold, I directed the even numbers to be with me and the odds to check the captain''s quarters. With Beatrice and Kurt upstairs, I descended into the lantern-lit, smelly cabin. The six of us tread carefully by Hammocks strung about by empty jail cells. Raven Six went with me as I went further to check the brig while the rest of the even numbers went to the front of the hold. The further into the brig, the worse the smell of rot and human waste got, almost tempting me to lower my senses. I heard people walking about in the gallery room at the far end of the boat and me and six went to investigate. Opening the door was even worse, with refuse covering the walls. Chains of many sizes lay on the shit covered floor. I looked down and a dozen pairs of empty boots lay on the ground. What the fuck? Six bent into the room to touch a lone boat. Like a puppet cut from its strings, he flopped to the ground. A knife poked out of my footman¡¯s head and the air cracked as I unsheathed my sword to block a knife flying at me. The tired voice of a middle-aged man sighed from inside the dirty gallery. ¡°Do you know how horrifying it was to wait for you in this place?¡± ¡°MAN DOWN. A TRAP!¡± I bellowed for all to hear and the brig''s trap door shut closed with a slam. Heightened senses heard clashes of steel above. My evens fight off several first circle men while I hit away another knife that pushed me back. ¡°Staying here in the filth was a task no one other than me would do. So I had to be inventive.¡± Empty boots floated and were stomped on the floor by a strange magic. My mind swirled, trying to take in the situation. A giggling, matted, light brown-haired hobo crept out of the room with a hunchback. Dressed brightly like a jester and his legs and arms spindly, he sulked to me and adjusted his bycocket. His smile missed several teeth and knives floating by like hovering flies. I inspected him. He was weak in all attributes for the fourth circle except his absurdly high intelligence. A trap. The horn? He knew. How? Since the beginning? How? Beiye. I heard my ravens kill and I shouted with all my strength. ¡°RETREAT!!¡± To the madam. The spare. I walked into the coal-heated conservatory with my mother shuffling over to a seat. A footman placed a tray of tea and snacks, looking snidely at my mother as she sat down. When once the servants trembled at the sight of her, her presence now brought anger. Do they know? "Come, come; we need to talk.¡± My mother gestured with her dainty, ruby-adorned hand to the chair opposite her. I sat, hands sweaty, eyes looking everywhere, nervous about what was about to be said. ¡°I am thinking of leaving soon.¡± She sipped her tea nonchalantly, not worrying if the servants had done anything to it. ¡°Where, mother? How long?¡± I dreaded the answer. Her teacup clinked on the plate. ¡°Vioden. And for good.¡± I felt sick. Immediately wanting to vomit out the uneasiness in me, I tried my best to keep a straight face. ¡°How come, Mother? Is something the matter?¡± I asked a withdrawn Dowager. ¡°Grandfather has called us back.¡± Grandfather¡­ Duke Wolfburn. A name I hadn¡¯t heard in a while. I had always believed I was the least favourite of his numerous grandchildren. ¡°I would leave as soon as possible. But I understand that my son would have¡­ ties to this place, making it hard to leave this drab, rocky land." She sipped her tea, looking at the plants that flourished under the glass house. ¡°I can wait. I will give you time to end things.¡± I couldn''t stand it any more. ¡°Mother.¡± ¡°Um? Yes, sweety? ¡°Did you do it?¡± My heart beat out of my ribcage, and my breathing became laboured like I had run for miles. My mother''s head slowly turned to me and her hypnotic eyes made me turn inward like a child staring directly at me. ¡°You are to be Duke.¡± My body trembled to hear this again after years of it being repeated. ¡°You were born to be Duke and it is always what you will always be. We will leave. Yes. But with Vioden on our side, we will come back stronger and more prepared. Play brothers all you want, child. But only one brother can inherit everything.¡± She sipped her tea and clanked it hard on the table, making me flinch. ¡°Oh look! Here comes the brother who lost.¡± I turned back to see my uncle grinning at me and the fear that had filled me disappeared. ¡°Hey, nephew. With your brother suddenly not a drinker, I was wondering if you would like to come along with me and some of the knights.¡± I was ready to jump at the chance until I remembered my mother sipping tea. ¡°Ah, interrupting mother-son time? Sorry, I will come another time-¡± I pushed away my fear and shouted. ¡°Wait, I am coming!¡± ¡°Son.¡± I looked out of the corner of my eye at my mother, tapping her cup handle. ¡°I am waiting.¡± Her glass gaze found the flowers again. I ran to my uncle with a smile to hide my anxiety, and he wrapped his large arm around me as I tried to forget the choice I needed to make. ¡°I hope you can handle your liquor.¡± Uncle Laron chuckled with a belly full of laughter and my heart felt warm again. Like with my brother. I looked back at the bejewelled doll sitting alone. The closest people in my world wanted me to make an impossible decision and what scared me the most was that it was not a hard choice at all. The Duke I leaned away from another knife with my fingers in a blur. Swapping points from intelligence to agility with Umbra steps, I glided past three knives homing at me. A single glance at the body left behind and I parried a sword from behind me to chop into an ambusher¡¯s trachea. Rocking my body back, I escaped with a cut from a levitating knife to my left tricep. Mana''s repulsion kicked the dead off me. And I ran for the cabin door with haste, speeding past the fighting. A third circle waited for me and died with a dagger to the back. ¡°We will give you way, zero!¡± RavenTwo hit away a dagger, with four and eight fighting off the attackers. ¡°Hehehe! Running away, coward?!¡± Ignoring the ugly man''s words, and I thrust with mana, breaking the door into chunks of wood. I leapt out into chaos. The world slowed with my senses on high and I saw my people bleeding and sliced, fighting the assault by the skin of their teeth. I slash the air, casting out a mana slice at Kurt''s enemy. ¡°Retreat!-¡± Four of my Ravens flew out of the cabin, crashing and rolling on the deck above. Alive! Thank the heavens... ¡°Good.¡± The jester walked out slowly, his dozen knives spinning around him. ¡°You didn''t run too far. I can''t have my waiting be for nothing.¡± Knives coated in mana move to block a mana slice. I turned to see the origin and found Kurt''s sword steaming blue. ¡°Go. We will hold them back.¡± Kurt''s eyes looked at his enemy. The will to complete his duty burned his sword and eyes and he went into a fencing stance. ¡°GO!¡± Fingers dance and I put my all into agility. ¡°Don¡¯t die.¡± I crouched, cracking the wood floor and burst forward with the wind pulling on my face. Enemies sprung forth to get in my way but were blocked by Beatrice and her ravens, clawing an attacker in the face and her mana-imbued fingers piercing into another''s chest. ¡°The Madam?¡± Beatrice said her eyes strained with fear. I nodded and kept running, jumping over the ship''s railing and the sound of arrows made me alert. Energy repulsed off my sole and I flipped over five arrows. I landed with a roll on the dock and kept speed, cutting the hail of arrows coming my way. Does he know already? Has he already got her? Is she¡­ No time to think about this. I just had to run. Mana pulsed off my boots and flew to the rooftops, away from the archers. Five second circles found us on the roof and I heard my ravens struggle to increase the speed behind me. ¡°Fuck this.¡± Arm and steel a blur, a dozen slim mana slices shoot out my blade. The problems dealt with, four ravens follow me. ¡°I¡¯m pulling ahead. One and four, find my uncle. Tell him I need his help. The rest, try your best to follow.¡± I heard tiles crack as my Umbra move. Like a tiger on the hunt, I curled my body and mana like a spring and exploded forward, blowing tiles far and wide. I crossed blocks in a single bound and took several more to reach South Mouve. I should have given her a guard or taken her away... I stopped thinking to leap further and the brothel was in view. The wind flapped my clothing as I fell, scanning the area for more enemies and finding only one. A shaved head looked up at me with glee, with a left fist full of long black hair still on a person''s head. I crashed on the stone road before my brother¡¯s favourite brothel. With a disturbing smile, Fjord lifted Bieye by her hair, tears rolled down her face. ¡°Not fast enough, Raven.¡± Chapter 38: Dragonfall Part 2. The bodyguard Knives dart and I danced around. My blade would hit one away and another would get a cut on me. My raven uniform was full of tears as I backed away, swatting the giggling man''s flying weapon to the floor. ¡°HoHo! I thought you would fare better than your runner of a leader.¡± As the rest of the ravens went off to follow my master, I learned. My tired eyes examined the feeble warrior, watching how his blades moved around in a hypnotising bobbing motion. I watched where he chose to attack as a knife flew at me. I brought my sword up to guard, metal tinged, and I was pushed back. ¡°You are so silent! It''s disturbing.¡± My stomach. Two knives aimed at my stomach were sliced, mana collected on my blade and I launched myself forward to surprise the enemy. Four of the floating knives cross each other to block. I go low to jab, and the four move accordingly. A faint tricked the jester, and a mana slice from below cut into the horn¡¯s man. The now scared ambusher¡¯s skinny chest was marked with red, six knives were shot to the ground, missing me while I escaped with Umbra steps. Mana slid me across the ground as I nicked the toothy man on his rib. ¡°YA SLIMY BASTARD! COME HERE!¡± The enemy''s blade broke the deck to home on me again. Destroy. Circles turned and my chest pounded with energy. My sword burst with blue mana like a rushing wave. I leaned back from a knife of blue mana, trying for my throat and shattered it. My sword moved to the right to break a second and I lifted my leg from the third. My free hand caught the fourth by the edge and mana armour crushed it. Eyes wide, the jester pulled his arm back and pushed the air. The air popped as two blades broke through with insane speed. Not as fast as His Grace. One skimmed off my sabre¡¯s edge and another was broken, and I thrust deep with all my strength. An arrow of blue light fired out, blowing the one giggling warrior backwards and rolling to the ship''s railing. Wood fell into the river and I charged at the huffing, hunched man. Frail arms reached out at his last two knives from afar and I sidestepped out of the way. Clutching the hole in his left shoulder, he grunted as he jumped on the dual daggers. ¡°It''s been fun. But a fella has to know when to bow out. AHA, ergh. Fucking hurts. I wonder if my boss has killed her yet.¡± Grinning as he hovered above the deck, the jester glided through the hole in the railing, coasting over the water as he escaped. My sabre clicked into my sheath. Kill her? I need to hurry. The duke. With tears flowing from her eyes and rips on her green dress, Bieye tried her hardest to hit Fjord¡¯s arm, but to no effect. I inspected him. Outclassed in everything but heightened speed. Waste time. ¡°How?¡± I asked hoarsely, seeing lantern light glint off arrow points from all around me. I willed my allocation box near my empty hand. ¡°Ah, you know¡­¡± The horn grinned as he shook the madam by her hair. ¡°Leave a crumb for the rats, they are bound to come scurrying.¡± Twenty-five to agility, five to body, five to strength, fifteen to senses, five to intelligence, and Five to Mana Capacity. No half measures. All four circles spun at maximum speed. The grinding pain filled my chest. ¡°Nice work getting past Seba-¡± Stone crushed under my feet as I smashed through the air, which Mana shield funnelled me through. I ran, the wind ruffling my hood, past mana-imbued arrows. Pulling back my mana blade to my jaw, coiling my muscles back and snapping it forward. Fjord formed a shield of blue on his right arm. Pushed back only a few inches, the horn withstood. ¡°Impressive! Wait¡­¡± My free hand grabbed my dagger on my left and a mana slice cut Bieye''s hair short. My sword shattered on the power and with my sword hand free, I caught Beiye while she fell, flinging out a mana slice as I evaded a hammer punch of flames. Umbra steps glided me away while I backed away from the superheated stone. In the middle of a crater of melted rock. A pimp laughed with pure joy. His ponytail flopping has his chuckle to the sky. ¡°Never would I have guessed I¡¯d see you so soon, You Grace.¡± My Hue¡­ I guess it''s over. Points back to Agility, I leapt away, narrowly eluding an arrow of fire. The road exploded at its impact and I felt Beiye shake on my shoulder in fear. ¡°It''s going to be okay,¡± I whisper. ¡°Beatrice will come with help.¡± ¡°FANTASTIC! But I have need of the bitch you hold. Her punishment is not over. Arrows!¡± He called out. No one came, as my people have come to work. ¡°Sorry baldy. But she has found a new employer.¡± I smiled as I took a step back before detecting more enemies running through the streets to block my way. Screams of dying men cried out from the crowd and a stone-faced guard ran through the dozen with his sword red. ¡°Your Grace.¡± With a wrist cut and a neck sliced by his sabre, Kurt ran to me, huffing. ¡°I will take care of her.¡± I put down the madam and said to her. ¡°Thank you and sorry.¡± I turned, walking towards Fjord and his apple-sized balls of fire. ¡°Kurt. Get me a sword.¡± My bodyguard swerved from a blade from a first-circle gangster. A swing up sliced an arm and he kicked it to me. I caught it, throwing the dead appendage away. Thirty points into agility and strength each, I crouched, getting ready to sprint. I need to hold on till Uncle comes. Need to get close. Distract him. "Umm, it should be about time. On second thought, why don''t I just kill you all right now?¡± Fire rained upon all, enemy and ally alike. Believing Kurt could handle it. I burst forward, weaving through the hail of fire. Cut through a fireball and was scored by its explosion. Mana slices from the stolen sword destroyed the rest that were aiming for me. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°Time to learn the difference between fourth and sixth.¡± All I saw was a gold-ringed fist and my world turned off. I come to and find myself tumbling, rolling, and bouncing across the red light district. Crashing into a wall, Fjord¡¯s left fist caved in my gut and stomach juice and blood vomited out of my bruised mouth into my mask. My eye band slipped off, revealing my ruby eyes. I saw his right hand ball into a blue fist and I attempted to stab it with my dagger before it could punch me. Mana armour broke it and the momentum continued to my chest, forcing me back to the wall. I need to move! I dipped under a left and a brick wall turned into ruin behind me. I slashed up and Fjord¡¯s mana armoured palm cracked my new weapon in half. The horn¡¯s freed his left from the rubble to strike me. My left hand, free of weapons, reached up to guard and my knees and air shook from the pressure. I roared, kicking him away with all my heightened strength, making the sixth circle¡¯s feet scrape the gravel road. I removed my dirty mask and spit out blood. A smile crossed the brothel owner¡¯s face. He looked down at his body unscathed and his golden threaded clothes scuffed with dirt. ¡°Still haven''t learned?¡± Fjord raised his arm and three arrows of fire spun into form. ¡°Alright, Duke. I''ll give you credit where it is due. You messed everything up. Had me twisting and turning in my sleep.¡± One more arrow of fire spun into existence. Feeling excruciating pain, I took time to rest and think as he monologued. ¡°So, as a prize for a job well done, I will offer you the position again.¡± They are taking too long. They should have found him by now. ¡°Submit.¡± What should I increase? Senses? But I will sacrifice too much to react to something I can''t stop. Speed? I couldn''t react to his punch. ¡°I will let you play the hero of mouve if you¡¯d like. I could hide for a bit and you will get your precious subjects to love you. ¡± Intelligence? I can¡¯t use any element to make it viable. ¡°Look at you in those garments. You thought you were different from me. But you like it, don¡¯t you? You like roughing it in the muck like the rest of us. Taking power on your own is satisfying, isn''t it?¡± ¡°Is this the same conman speech your backer said to you?¡± Fjord''s shit-eating smile fell. Another arrow formed and his pronounced eyebrows darkened his eyes. The sounds of swords clashing are getting louder. The guard? "The huge bounty of five thousand gold was the clue. Seba, you say his name was. Quite expensive, ain''t he? As are the many mercenaries you have hired. You ain''t got the gold to afford this much. Flashy with your clothes, jewellery, and lies all to hide who you truly are. Not a kingpin or lord of the land but a manager. Just a pawn who has got it in his head that he matters.¡± The arrows of flame burned brighter as the brothel owner scowled. Where are they? ¡°With your boss dead from my blade, his coin in my hand and his treasurer in my jail, I had learned of his businesses in other towns. Many of them like yours, in fact. Some managers are even paid better.¡± Fjord''s eyebrow twitched. ¡°I tried to play the game. Take you out bit by bit. Wait for your new fundee to come into the spotlight. Avoid a hole in the underworld from your¡­ welcomed absence by setting up my own manager. Alas, a schemer I am not.¡± WHERE ARE THEY? My feet sifted through the ground covered in debris. Feeling the heat from his arrows, I dropped the hilt of my broken blade, took out my last dagger and assumed a pugilist stance with my fist and knife shining blue. ¡°If I can¡¯t trick them out, I will force their names out of you. The plan''s fucked anyway.¡± I grinned as I faced my demise. I waited for a retort but the manager stood frozen with fire burning around him. I allocated my points to Body. I will wait. For as long as it takes. Fjord sighed and his head slouched down. ¡°Poor Joshua. Having to bury both uncle and brother so soon¡­¡± The world was silent. My fighting stance slowly dropped and my circles slowed. What? ¡°In this ¡®game¡¯, the best play is to take out the strongest piece on the board first.¡± A high-pitched tone filled my mind. The brothel manager¡¯s voice muffled while my mind overthought. ¡°You should learn more about your knights and their penchant for debauchery. Hahahaha.¡± A sixth arrow burned brightly above, illuminating the street. ¡°I¡¯ll send the new Duke a few good whores next time he visits my business. On the house.¡± The horn raised his hand. Six fire arrows shot at me as my mind broke by madness. The spare In a knight¡¯s home in Misttide, I, my uncle, and three other Osberg knights drank the hours away. Armourless, the built warriors drank with the swords by their sides and with laughter and merriness. It had been a long time since I had had such innocent fun. Not once since that day have I been inclined to sleep the horn¡¯s whores. Although sometimes I thought back to the day Tarion found me in my robes and smiled to myself, wondering how those two were. I missed our chats. A mug slammed on the table. "Finally, ale worthy of my tastebuds! Aha! Gregory, send me more of this elixir to my manor!¡± Uncle Laron wiped his mouth and he turned to me. ¡°Come youngin, try!¡± He picked up the quarter-full mug to try and hand it to me. ¡°Woah, Milord.¡± Gregory, a knight of Osberg with blonde hair and a goatee, blocked the drink from getting to me. ¡°Tis too strong for the lad.¡± Drunker than a rat fallen in a barrel of wine, Uncle kissed his teeth. ¡°Nothing''s too strong for the Greystones!¡± ¡°Let''s drink to that!¡± Tim, a brown-haired full-bearded knight, shouted. ¡°To the Greystones, Freaks of Nature!.¡± Alan, a silver-haired knight with a cow''s lick, quipped. The four warriors clinked their mugs in laughter while I sipped on my watered-down ale. I need to wake up early for training. I can''t be like my uncle and operate on being half sober all day. ¡°Uncle¡­¡± he turned to me while the others continued to chat. ¡°What''s got you in a sour mood?¡± I sipped on ale for bravery. ¡°After the ball, will you leave for your land?¡± ¡°Ha! Missed me that badly?¡± I gave him a face that made his mirth lessen. ¡°Although there are fun times to be had in this city, ale to drink, women to meet, war stories to tell, battle calls for me. I am not one to stay put and live the good life.¡± I looked at my mug, barely one-eighth drunk. Uncle saw me sulk and moved himself and his mug closer to me on the table. ¡°Want to come along?¡± These were words I could never imagine but somehow hope uncle would say. ¡°I think I can manage to fit a snobby kid from the city in my regiment. I need some fodder to bait the barbarians with. Hahaha!¡± My smile couldn''t leave my face. Then I remember my mother and her ultimatum. ¡°Uncle. Did you fight over the inheritance with father? Over being the duke.¡± My uncle narrowed his eyes, ¡°Why spoil the mood with such a glum question?¡± He looked at me again and his face turned serious. ¡°Not at all.¡± Surprised, I pressed. ¡°Really?¡± Uncle nodded. "Never cared in the slightest. No one pressured or persuaded me. All I cared about was my sword and the next battle. And-¡± Uncle pointed to his brown eyes. ¡°With these, I wouldn''t have had a chance anyway. Why, nephew?¡± My uncle coughed. ¡°People in your ear?¡± I fidgeted with my mug. ¡°No, no¡­¡± I lied. ¡°Do you want the title?¡± I ignored the question and exhaled. ¡°It''s just my brother¡­¡± ¡°Umm. How he feels is not wholly on you. I played a part in his disdain for you.¡± Uncle leaned back on his chair. ¡°I brought you out to hunt, to train, to horseback riding. All while he hid, ignored by the world. By me.¡± Uncle gripped his drink handle with a look of regret. Was he¡­ envious of me? But I finally understood. I had the health, the ability, and my mother. Opportunities, he would think I was throwing away. I did throw them away. I was stealing away his place all while playing about without a care in the world. The guilt and regret I had shouldered became heavier and my shoulders slackened. ¡°Heard about the cursed you killed.¡± My uncle continued. ¡°Mighty fine work.¡± ¡°It was just an old man,¡± I said quietly. ¡°There is no ¡®just¡¯ when it comes to the cursed, my boy.¡± Uncle drank until the empty mug hit the table. ¡°I have lost many young men like you to such curseds. I am grateful that I didn''t lose you too.¡± I nodded in agreement but my brother¡¯s smile was still in my thoughts. The fact he could still smile¡­ I don''t deserve a brother like him. Uncle put his large hand on my shoulder. ¡°Wanna make up to him?¡± I nodded, holding back my emotions. ¡°Keep going. Get better. Stronger. Grow. He already offered the olive branch, just grasp it.¡± His smile filled his cheeks, making his kind brown eyes squint. "Finally, you are becoming the man I knew you could be.¡± My heart warmed with happiness as blood trickled down Uncle''s nose. ¡°Uncle¡­?¡± He wavered in his chair. His hand looked for something to grab as his skin became pallid. ¡°UNCLE!!¡± I jumped out of my seat to hold the sickly man. Tears obstructed my vision as I screamed. ¡°HELP!! MY UNCLE! UNCLE!!¡± The three knights calmly walked around the table. The blonde unsheathed his blade. ¡°Fuck me! The bastard took way too long. Bison of a man.¡± The grey knight looked at me with gross pity as I held a dying man. ¡°Move aside, My lord.¡± Chapter 39: Dragon Arise. The spare ¡°What are you doing¡­? Get help!!¡± I shouted as I checked my uncle''s shallow breath. ¡± ¡°I said,¡± Gregory brandished his sword, ¡°Move aside, boy.¡± Alan slapped the sword away. ¡°He is our lord; give him respect! Sorry, milord but this needs doing. Move along and let us do our job.¡± ¡°Whose orders!? Mother''s?!¡± Tim laughed, ¡°Lands above, no. We have a partner you''re very familiar with. Flashy man, shaved head like his barbarian people.¡± Fjord¡­? ¡°We have come to an understanding you, see? We can as well. With this bastard out of the way, the fall of your brother is soon enough. Imagine how proud your mother would be.¡± Alan wagged his sword. ¡°Please, milord. Don''t do something you¡¯ll regret.¡± I looked at my uncle, hunched on the table, his nose and mouth dribbling blood. Easy choice. I pulled my Rapier, gifted to me by my brother. I waved its point at two fifth circles and a sixth. My three circles whirred in my chest. ¡°Regret? I would rather die with a blade in my hand than work with you scoundrels.¡± I need to get help. Mana burst from Alan. Before I could notice, a hand held my neck. I dangled off the ground and attempted to slash at the sixth circle. Two fingers grabbed the rapier''s edge and threw away the weapon. ¡°You always did piss me off.¡± Alan choked harder. ¡°Always got the best whores. Lazying around as you get our coin.¡± The knight slammed me on the table beside my uncle. ¡°What about this, men? He slipped on some spilt ale and bashed his head. Don¡¯t worry, Milord. You¡¯ll only be out for a few hours.¡± A hand grabbed Alan''s forearm. Good excuse.¡± a hoarse voice said. The knight''s sleeve crinkled and cracked. Uncle squeezed, and an arm shattered into shards of blood, muscle, and bone. Alan ran backwards, screaming and holding his shattered arm. ¡°Get him!!¡± Two fifth circles slash at the sickly man with swords flowing with mana. A wave of the old greystone hand and two icicles shot out from the air to stab Gregory''s knees. From his sheath, Uncle Laron decapitated the kneeling knight. ¡°I liked your stories.¡± Uncle¡¯s long sword blocked a strike from his left. His freehand aimed and ice tunnelled through Tim. ¡°You were kind of funny.¡± A corpse fell and a tornado hit a barrier of ice. A subtle push fired the block of ice at the one-armed knight, forcing him into the wall with a thud. Off the wall, the knight kneeled with shards hovering above him. The old knight exhaled as he accepted his death. ¡°Why¡­¡± Uncle asked. Alan smiled. ¡°After so many battles, I wished for a good life.¡± ¡°Idiot¡­¡± Uncle mumbled. Shards rained on Uncle¡¯s friend. I cringed away from the sight and the nightmare-inducing cries. The noise ended and my uncle stumbled again. I slipped under his arm to hold him up. ¡°My meridians, my circles...¡± Uncle coughed blood. ¡°I will have to thank Tarion. That mobile whatsitcalled is pretty useful.¡± He kept watching my training¡­ The door slammed open and an exhausted woman clothed in bloody dark robes ran to us, carrying a large sword. Tarion¡¯s sword. Before I could react, she removed her hood. ¡°The headmaid?¡± ¡°My lords. His Grace needs your help.¡± She said, struggling for breath Brother? In danger? Is that even possible? We need to go. But uncle... Uncle rose from my shoulder. ¡°Where the fuck is he?¡± The Duke Heated stone and gravel fell from the sky. The street was poked with holes a metre deep. A cloud of earth and dust flowed and bobbed in the gentle wind and a little gust revealed a figure standing in the ruins of the road. I walked forward, stepping out of the crater. My dark clothes burned, and my power blew away my burning hood. The horn, surprised a fourth circle still stood, took a step back, gathering flames around him. I stepped forward with his body burnt, skin peeling, and red. My murderous glare sent shivers through the manager. A fireball grew to the size of a football and the sphere swirled brightly in the pimp''s palm as he pitched it. I was hit squarely and a hand wave cleared the fire and smoke. Uncle¡­Dead? The chest of the burned man raged. My circles spun out of control. A cloud of blue billowed from my ripped clothes and injured, I lifted his finger to press the air. ¡°Gotta give it to you, noble, Fucking ama-¡± A mana-covered knife marked Fjord¡¯s neck. Instinct saved the horn by instantly forming armour of blue and the dagger broke. ¡°Have to do better-¡± My Fingers glowed and jabbed at his eyes. ¡°ARHHGGH!!¡± Holding his eyes with his right the horn¡¯s left fist reflexively backfisted me with flaming knuckles into a nearby building. Uncle... A pulse of blue energy blew away wreckage and I paced forward with a finger in the air like a madman. The horn shook his head as he regained his sight. ¡°Come on! You started this war! Hundreds are dying but an old man passes and you can''t handle it?¡± The air became still and The horn went low with dread. His brow was wet with sweat as he watched scarlet eyes glow in the shadow of the ruins. Three arrows of flame spun into form and shot out immediately. Heat and explosions destroyed the two-story building and leaving nothing to chance, Fjord shot out two more. I stepped forward with my clothes in tatters. Out of the wreckage and into the street, a blue light towered from me to the heavens. Long black hair rippled, submerged in blue mana. My eyes felt hot. Flames aiding his speed, the brothel owner charged with a fire-imbued fist and pulled back. Right straight careened for my head. I vanished, leaving a hole in the atmosphere. Propelled by jets of mana repulsion from my back, I struck the horn¡¯s face with his left raging with mana. Armour of blue blocked and shattered, dividing the two. Eyebrow bleeding, the shaved-headed man slammed down on my head. I lifted his head back up, blood leaked down my hair, and I stared coldly, feeling an absence of all emotion pure wrath. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. A fist charged with mana bent the large man and an elbow cut the face of the slaver. A scream echoed as the red light district watched. My left hand formed a blade with rushing mana and slashed at the neck of the hurting Fjord. The horn backhand met the mana saw and the wind rushed out of the way. Fjord¡¯s southpaw left my bleeding face to jab. Nose crushed, my face bounced off gold rings. Like a branch in the breeze, I leaned back, weaving from the second jab and landing right straight. A right uppercut of flame cracked my jaw. Charred boots left the ground for a second before a left hook brought me down. A right hook to the body was caught. Left hand burning, my right fist flicked to the horn¡¯s face, messing Fjord''s new scar more. I shot out mana from a kick to the large man''s knee and the unbalanced pimp was showered in a barrage of punches. ¡°Enough!¡± A hand-raised, fire burst outward, blowing me away. My vision and world spun and I crashed through several buildings. Weakened, the gangster fired more balls for fire. From a burning home, I crawled out covered in soot, my eyes mad with grief. A kick to the face sprayed my blood on the floor. ¡°This is your fault.¡± A kick to the stomach and I vomited blood. ¡°Should''ve given in!¡± Fjord went low and pummelled me. His fist painted more red the more he struck. His smile crept to his ears with every punch. ¡°Thought you could mess with my Mouve and leave alive!?! Destroy what I¡¯ve worked years to build!?¡± The pimp¡¯s punches hit heavy. His bald head, sweating, glee filled his eyes. ¡°The duke thinks this is a game?! You wade in waters too treacherous for you.¡± Every strike was more satisfying than any whore the pimp had ever bedded. ¡°I¡¯ve got to say.¡± Fjord hit me again. ¡°You fella have the worst luck.¡± Fjord patted away my reaching arm and struck again. ¡°Mama died. The new mother hates ya. You become useless.¡± The horn hit again, and blood squirted. ¡°Father dies too. You finally get better, and-¡± Fjord punched me three more times, and blood dripped on my face from the long cut on the horn¡¯s face. ¡°AHAHA.¡± Lying in rubble and blood, all I felt was humiliation as Fjord struck again ¡°Let''s hope your brother isn''t as foolish as you or the glorious bloodline might end in a single day. Fjord huffed over me. Arm wound back, flame swallowed his fist for one last punch ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll get with that bitch you hold so dear. Bring her back to my home. Is she as good in bed as her mother?¡± Plonk. Four circles spun until they fissured and cracked. Plonk. Plonk. A younger tarion A midday sun shone from above and I recognised a figure bent over me. His face full of anger and distress, he called for help. ¡°A DOCTOR, PRIEST, A MAGE, BRING ANYONE!¡± He turned back to me, threading his fingers down my hair. "Son, it''s going to be okay. It''s over. The pain will end.¡± Tears filled his eyes. I feel blood on my mouth, an ache my young body can barely take, and the stare of the witch. My brother looked on from afar in her arms. His smiling mouth whispers comforting words to the new red headed heir. I looked back at my father''s kind eyes that my brother shared. Duller than I remembered. The Duke. Plonk. I regained my reason. My palm stopped a punch and Fjord''s limb was flung aside. The surprised pimp¡¯s chest concaved as mysterious black energy burst from my knuckle. Pushing him through two ceilings, fire from the pimp''s back paused him in the air. Bloody and pained, both palms touch the floor, exploding in black mana under me. Jetting through the holes Fjord made, I flew out into the night to meet him above the rooftops. He waited with spinning arrows flying at speed to burn me. My right hand straightened into a knife shape and I slashed. Black crescents destroyed the flames and I thrust through the sky. Fjord growled in annoyance, with fire moving him through the air to me for a clash of fists. I weaved to the left, evading a right straight. A right kick armoured with black mana snapped into the side of the horn¡¯s temple. The air shuddered from my power. I weaved from a left burning with fervour and I grabbed the horn''s face. Mana repelled off my back to carry him down. Other worldly energy charged my muscles and I threw the horn into the gravel road. Gravel and stone parted as a crater formed. From the air, I burst forward for a wide left strike and fire manoeuvred the bald man away from danger. ¡°YOUR GRACE!¡± A friendly voice alerted me and I realised we were back in the middle of battle. I turned to the left and my captain fought with my ravens and several fighters by his side. Their garments are those not of guards but of peasants. Jimmy also fought among the crowd, with Alpha, Beta, and Gamma moving in his direction. A circleless woman, bruised and tired, directed the commoners with stern instruction. She caught me at the corner of her eyes and with a smile, she mouthed. ¡°My people.¡± But no Beatrice. ¡°SWORD.¡± ¡°YES, YOUR GRACE.¡± Picked from the ground, the bodyguard chucked a double-edged blade. The sword caught in my hand, black miasma slithered over my new weapon. I looked at this new energy, feeling the rush that battle high can never compare to. Not a true black. A red, darker than dried blood. I looked up at the horn getting his own weapon from his hired men. A Warhammer. ¡°Osberg Guard.¡± ¡°YES, YOUR GRACE.¡± They shout. ¡°CORDON THE AREA. LET NO MERCENARY, NO MAN OF THE HORN ESCAPE THE MOUVE ALIVE.¡± No more half-measures. Mobile mediation flowed the current of new energy and mana gushed out of the blade to form the long blade I am acquainted with. I pointed the black greatsword at the panicked enemy. ¡°I will do as promised. It will end. TODAY.¡± I saw terror twist his face as he slowly retreated backwards. ¡°Where¡¯s Sebastion!?¡± The ugly jester glided down with less mirth and an injured shoulder. ¡°Bring the bloody priest. And you lot. EARN YOUR PAYROLL! ATTACK HIM!¡± Holding his hand to his scar, the horn limped away as his goons abandoned the attack on the red-light district locals to bombard me. My dark sword struck up. And a mana slice cut up the ground and three first circles. The sword feels too light. A horizontal slash divided five first circles and higher circles jump over the black wave. A warrior of third slashed down. I turned sideways and the mana blade missed me. A man thrust and his brain exploded on the road. I duck under a gangster of second and my black blade sliced through mana armour like cheese. Feels off balance. A parry to the left and a short slash to the neck killed. A kick back and to the right destroyed organs. I leaned back, flinging out a mana slice and the hornman died. I guarded an attack to my knee with an obsidian blade and my head with an obsidian-covered arm. I twisted their weapons away to shoot black mana at both enemies. I lift my blade to guard against an enemy and they fall with icicles sticking from their back. Tears fell as I searched around untill I found a carriage with a long-haired geezer grinning next to a maid robed in stealth black. Near him, a young Greystone¡¯s eyes darted around the battlefield, his eyes wide with interest and his rapier out. I wiped tears away, feeling relief beyond what I thought was possible. ¡°Sorry, I am late.¡± Uncle smiled and coughed into his hand. I studied his skin and eyes, which appeared sickly. Kuwei? ¡°I will get this settled. Knights, eliminate threats to His Grace.¡± ¡°Yes, Milord!¡± On horseback, knights of gleaming armour join the Osberg Guard, slicing the hundreds on their steeds. Uncle continues coughing as he creates metre-long shards to piece the mercenaries. A raven kneeled, and orange lantern light reflected off my family''s prized possession she offered. ¡°Well done, Beatrice.¡± throwing the short blade away, I grasped on the greatsword''s hilt. Feeling its perfect weight and balance, I swing it around with the sounds of death around me. ¡°Where is-¡± ¡°Fallen.¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡± Failure, all around. Plonk. ¡°Your Grace!¡± Bieye walked out of the chaos with Kurt by her side. ¡°He hides at Black Shade. through the tunnels under the brothel.¡± I rested the sword of Osberg on my shoulder. ¡°Lead the way.¡± Chapter 40: The Horn While the battle goes on in Mouve... Liu Town The butler ¡°Faster, fatty. You in the way!¡± "Sorry, Granny Zhi,¡± I said as I carried a chest full of pungent pills and put it at the edge of the store. ¡°Getting awfully familiar, aren''t you?¡± The doctor rushed through the store, picking different ingredients to use. ¡°It''s because of your amiable personality.¡± I chuckled. The doctor kissed her teeth with a small smile. ¡°Get me that over there.¡± She pointed to the shelf above me and took the jar from the high shelf to give to her.¡± ¡°So, big man.¡± ¡°Charles.¡± I picked up another chest of ingredients. ¡°Who cares.¡± Adding water to the grided materials, she ground some more. ¡°Your boss not coming?¡± ¡°He is very interested. But he has some business to attend to.¡± ¡°Mmm. So you came alone... You¡¯re curious, about my skills?¡± ¡°Very.¡± Zhi put down her grinding bowl to look at me. ¡°You''re smart; you learned the code after one look. You listen well and respond well. Obedient, which I like very much. You know how to read, which is a huge addition in this idiotic city. But you can''t read liuen.¡± So close so far. ¡°Are you willing to learn?¡± I brought my head up, feeling ecstatic. ¡°Willing and able.¡± Zhi hit her thighs and grinned. ¡°Good! Cos¡¯ I sense your boss has aloooooot money to spend.¡± Mouve The receptionist ¡°Get the wounded away and let the guard do their thing,¡± I ordered my people. ¡°Understood, Ma¡¯am,¡± Scuffy and sweaty from battle, they walked away, glimpsing at the statuesque Duke with awe. Once outmanned, the battle had completely turned on his side with the guard. The frost knight and his band of warriors overran the horn¡¯s man. Seeing their men slaughtered and their leader running, the mercs retreated with their one way out, the black shade. ¡°GREYSTON! GREYSTONE! GREYSTON! GREYSTONE!¡± rang through the red light district. Voices of every creed and age shouted from the windows and street afar. But those cheers fall on deaf ears as their recipient''s focus is elsewhere. Eyes full of longing, he looked at his family from afar. Tears made marks on his bloody face as he decided. He saluted his brother and uncle across the battlefield and there was a change. The Duke I met in the carriage appeared again. The man who unscrolled my life with such detail. I quivered in his presence, feeling the intense energy emanating from the Duke. Burnt and bruised to hell, he stood as confident as ever, commanding the guard to do his bidding. ¡°TO THE BLACK SHADE. TAKEOVER FROM ABOVE AS I GO BELOW.¡± He bellowed to the crowd of warriors. ¡°Jimmy, bring Beta with you and don''t leave Vanessa alone. Kurt, Beatrice, with me.¡± He looked at me. ¡°Let''s go and end this. Once and for all.¡± Ominous ruby eyes stared at me as we walked. The whites of his eyes had turned as black as night. His irises had become slits. His lizard-like glare bored into me as if a god had descended into our realm. With his greatsword strapped to his back, the duke scanned for threats in the brothel and found them scared to death. With their swords up, the duke took the challenge and brought hell to the brothel halls. Black power cut and cut. With his weapon, he sliced down weeds with no issue. We ventured down the bar, leaving ten bodies behind to stain the brothel floor and the duke¡¯s bodyguard hardly having to lift his sword. ¡°Over here,¡± I said, pointing to a wall with a candle stand mounted to it. I pulled the candle stand, locks clanked and I pushed a wall in. I pointed to the cellar door inside. Four of us descend, the three ravens obviously disturbed by the smell. Lanterns lit our way and we were greeted by cages along the sides, full of prisoners too weak to move and too young to escape. A gust blew and I turned around to see a man enraged. Black mana brought my hair up straight and I nearly kneeled out of fear. ¡°Under my nose. This whole time¡­¡± His power raged. The stone floor under him was chiselled by his mana, and the ground crumbled. Like the quiet after the storm, his power ceased. The man was stone cold, yet his eyes burned with a fire the hells would be envious of. ¡°Kurt. Get help. Free them and escort them out safely.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Grace!¡± While the blue eyes saw to the locks, my eyes lay on prisoners hiding in the corner. ¡°I would sneak in here with whatever food I could scrounge up, feeling guilty every time I went back to my desk. I was doing it to survive. But that just wasn''t enough¡­¡± The duke closed his eyes with great pain in his expression. Never I would never thought a man with power close to a king and the strength of an army could be so sympathetic. ¡°Your Grace,¡± I said to him. ¡°You''re helping now and that''s all that matters.¡± Eyes of black and red looked down at me and, with a short nod, smiled at me. His sword moved in a flash of black light and the cages were slashed on both sides. Metal poles fall into chopped pieces. Prisoners tepidly stepped out of the filth-covered stalls but two women rushed to hug me. ¡°Bieye!¡± A dark-skinned girl squeezed me tight with tears in my eyes. The blonde wipes her tears, praying. Kissing the girls¡¯ heads, I said, ¡°I told you.¡± Ana cried more and I let go of Sian. ¡°Come with me and the stone-faced guard will protect you.¡± I faced my boss. ¡°Walk down the tunnel and it will go straight to his bunker under his residence.¡± ¡°You are coming with us.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Knife.¡± Beatrice appeared from behind to hand me a dagger with a peculiar smile. ¡°The madam needs revenge.¡± Black Shade The Pimp. I rested in my room with my rare wares and collectables around me, aching from sores and pains all over my body. It should be the perfect place to stay put while I rest. They should be almost done with the traps. They have to work. They have to¡­ ¡°Boss.¡± An old priest was pushed to the floor to kneel. ¡°Here¡¯s the bastard.¡± Sebastian''s shoulder healed in his short time away. Did he drink some? "Fjord! What''s going on? I thought you would have ended it by now.¡± The priest pleads on the floor. ¡°Ran into the duke. Priest.The water.¡± I demanded. My hired man had given me the satchel. Gugging until the satchel was completed, I wiped my mouth off the delicious nectar of the gods. ¡°That was all we have for the month¡­¡± the Priest cried. To think the church could be keeping this elixir all to themselves. Loaded with a flurry of energy, I felt power fill my veins and my pain lessened. This is the boost I needed to deal with the cocky noble. That strange power¡­ Just another noble getting what he doesn¡¯t deserve. But that changes tonight. Aghast, the priest slouched on the floor. ¡°S-surely you w-won?¡± I stayed silent and I weighed my options as one of the men burst into my room to give news. ¡°An army is approaching! They have surrounded all exits! Lord Laron has taken charge.¡± It''s all over. ¡°Priest! Any word from them?¡± The priest shook his head. I wobbled to a chair to sit, rubbing my tattoo. thoughts rushed into my mind. ¡°The duke?¡± The hired merc points to the ground. ¡°I will hold him back.¡± I looked up with my head between my hands and Sebastian slyly smiled. ¡°For extra coin.¡± I rushed up and picked up a coin purse from a drawer and threw it to the checkered teeth man. With a tip of the hat, he left the room with new knives and swords hovering around him. I hoped he would at least give me a few more minutes. Lands above¡­ Why did I accept his deal¡­? In the tunnels. The Duke. The last man in my way split in two as me, Beatrice, and Bieye walked down the dark tunnel. I could feel malice and hatred of years of abuse and torture clinging to the wall. Status. Nothing. The pimp was right. This was my fault. I was too hasty to prove myself. Too impatient to get stronger. Although full of power, my chest felt empty. All my work, training, and meditation. All were thrown away because of my foolishness. Only by the grace of literal gods, I am alive. But for how long? I kept remembering the notification. Time is limited. What did it mean by bloodline? Thank you. I pray to the lands above. Walking through the tunnels, I asked, ¡°How far?¡± My voice resonated like a thousand stacked together; what else had changed? ¡°No more than two more minutes to walk. We just need to follow the wires on the walls.¡± Beiye said, with her arms linked to Beatrice, who carried a lantern. I sensed something more going on with them than just a snitch and her assigned Umbra. ¡°That¡¯s what you pulled before. An Alarm?¡± Beiye nodded but turned away as she looked into my eyes. ¡±They should lead us to the right-¡± ¡°Stay Back.¡± I unsheathed my blade, enveloped in black. I heard the many footsteps of foolish men racing through the tunnel. Their speed told me they were seconds and thirds. Out of the dark, the screams reverberated underground and like flies they died without me moving my blade. They hit the stone with blades and knives behind the backs that wiggle and float back to the master. An ugly face grinned with his slim hands in his pockets in the middle. Swords and knives bob around him. ¡°Fancy meeting you again.¡± He bowed exaggeratedly. ¡°Your Grace.¡± I stepped forward for battle and the jester backed away. ¡±Woah, woah, woah there! I ain''t here to fight. Just tryna do you a favour.¡± I kept walking. ¡°I am just a mercenary! Killer for pay. I have no allegiance to the bald fool.¡± He stepped to the side, gesturing for us to pass. ¡°He is that way-¡± I swung and a crescent of black mana shot out of my greatsword¡¯s edge. The jester collapsed to the ground, his bycocket slipped off his matted head, and weapons fell from the air, clattering on the floor. ¡°What¡­¡± He said, bewildered. The mercenary looked at calves separated from his knee, gushing. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. ¡°Thank you for killing your mates for me.¡± ¡°AAaAAAaAhHGH!¡± Seba holds his legs in agony. ¡°WHY! ARGH. WHY!¡± His voice squeaked. ¡°But I need more than a favour. I need payback.¡± I went to him and kneeled down to pick up one of his knives. ¡°It was here, right?¡± I grabbed his hair and pointed the knife to his temple. ¡°For Anton, for Six¡± I pushed the blade slowly into the mercenary¡¯s forehead ¡°Please! PLEASE!!!¡± The black mana-coated knife pierced through blue armour and into skin. The merc hyperventilated, trying to hold my arm back. ¡°NO NO NO.¡± The jester''s face became even uglier and wet with tears as I felt bone and pushed further. ¡°AAAaaAaaaHHH.¡± With one more push, Seba¡¯s arms went limp, then silence. With his knife deep into his skull from point to hilt, I drop his head, leaving the dead to rot in the tunnels. ¡°Let¡¯s move.¡± How long do I have? We walked further into the tunnel with no more distractions on the way and we reached the door where the wires and pulleys end. An enormous amount of energy was felt behind the door. ¡°Move back.¡± At my order, Beatrice took the madam out of the way with haste. Fireballs shot from the wooden door like hail. I raised my hand to create a mana shield wide enough for all three of us. A war hammer slammed onto the floor and a wave of flame flowed outward. Beatrice carried the madam away, and I coated myself in the mysterious black mana. ¡°DIE!!¡± The pimp rushed forward, swinging his mighty hammer from the right. Sword and hammer met and the air boomed from the impact. His incredible strength is nothing but tap with this new power of mine. His hammer glowed brightly and exploded, pushing me an inch to the side. His injuries. Holy water? I used my greatsword to bring his hammer up around me and down to my right to slash at his open body. Fjord brought up his warhammer pole to block and he was hit back into his bunker. I rest my blade on my shoulder. ¡°I need answers. Who gave you Kuwei?¡± ¡°Why ask me and not that bitch in the castle?!¡± ¡°Umm¡­Good Idea. Then maybe I won''t have to let you leave alive.¡± I closed the distance in a moment, and my greatsword scraped on the stone floor as I slashed up. The pole of Fjord protected him and his weapon rang like a bell. I slashed down, and the horn intercepted. My power brought him to his knees. His arm trembled to hold me back. Mana repulsed from the sole of my boot as I kicked the horn in the chest. Vomit and blood spurted from his damaged lungs and he rebounded off the wall. I thrust and felt bound. ¡°HAHAHA. Finally!¡± Veins of purple wrap around me. I looked up. Runes glowed with the spell Entangle and the vine descended to tie around my body. I looked down to meet eyes with the confident fool. ¡°Why does a foreigner like you traffic your people?¡± ¡°MY PEOPLE?¡± The pimp spit his words out like venom. ¡°HAHAHA, maybe to a noble we are all the same. But the toys I buy, sell, and collect are not of my people. This right here-¡± The trafficker pointed to his tattoo on his head. ¡°Should''ve told you that I am unlike them. I am a Horn! Thee horn of Mouve! Why would a horse tamer care about the foals he sells? Now¡­¡± Fjord¡¯s wahammer heated up while I was stuck. Mana coursed in his veins enough to be visible through his skin. He pulled his weapon back, so sure that this was the last blow. ¡°Good try. Would have enough for a fifth circle.¡± I snapped the purple vines of mana with ease, leaving the pimp shocked. ¡°I have none.¡± The pimp smashed the floor in a panic. The ground, covered in hidden runes, exploded. Mana armour of black left me unscathed. I watched the flames around me. My head got woozy and drenched with sweat. My breath became laboured. I looked around for an exit. I feel trapped and constricted, my heart beats uncontrollably. ¡°Greystone!¡± Bieye held my arm. ¡°Are you¡­?¡± She said, with concern. I shook my head to straighten my mind. I pulsed my mana and the flames died down. ¡°I am alright. Thank you.¡± ¡°I told you it is ¡®Your Grace¡¯!¡± Beatrice chided. ¡°I don''t think he cares! By the way, He''s gone up the stairs.¡± I looked around and saw that the big bastard had left. I exhaled. ¡°Right, Right¡­¡± I burst forward, leaving a gust behind me. Up the stairs in a step, I broke the door into a room so gaudy the tiger king would call it repugnant. Full of furs and horns, necklaces of gold, and rare stones. I see a few skulls among the ¡®treasures¡¯ and a scared man holding his weapon like a whipped child. ¡°Okay, OKAY!!¡± Every step I took, Fjord took one back. I twitched my sword hand. ¡°HODGE!¡± I stopped. ¡°HODGE HIRED ME TO GET RID OF YOU. GAVE ME THE POISON TO HURT YOUR UNCLE TOO!¡± Ah¡­ Did he give it to the Dowager too? If so, how long have they been working together? ¡°I didn''t want to involve myself in this-¡± I swung down. Hammer broken, the pimp¡¯s eyes widened as blood squirted from his belly to his left shoulder. ¡°I NEED ANSWERS.¡± I swung again. And the horn bled again as he flew to the wall, destroying the priceless things he so carefully hung and dropped his hammer. He peeled off the wall to fall on his face. With my sword jabbed into the floor and with my left hand, I picked him up by his only braid. His grimy hand tried to pry me off as I pelted him. One, two, three, seven, sixteen, twenty-four punches, and the pimp''s feet drag on the nice carpet with no strength. I avoided too much damage to his mouth so he could speak. ¡°Who did you sell women to a few weeks ago?¡± ¡°How can remember-¡± I add more to the twenty-four to fix his memory straight. ¡°One man wanted all the stock that I held!¡± He muffled with broken teeth. ¡°Said he needed them urgently and they should be young.¡± Fjord''s left fist blazed as he struck. I caught the attack by his forearm and gripped. As easy to crack as bamboo, I let his broken arm flop so I could enjoy the screaming. I turned back to two women climbing up the stairs. ¡°Enjoying this, Bieye.¡± The madam''s smile could disturb the most evil man and I saw Fjord and knew it did. ¡°Name.¡± ¡°Hymir!¡± He rushed to say. ¡°That is what he called himself. Although from a different clan, he is a shaved one like myself.¡± I let the braid go. ¡°Hallowed eyes. A scarf?¡± Fjord crawled on the floor, mumbling. I kicked his ribs. ¡°UURRGH!¡± Fjord hacked blood. ¡°YES, YES!.¡± ¡°Was he injured?¡± ¡°When he first came to me he limped-¡± I stomped. Feeling his spine on my boot, I stomped again with mana. With that his ability to move and manipulate mana was destroyed. His cry, like a bawling wolf, blood-curdling scream came from a cocky fool. Such delight. Such satisfaction. All the pent-up frustration I had broiling deep in me exploded in orgasmic sadism. I leaned down to look at the pimp''s face and laughed. ¡°Is that¡­ tears I see? HAHAHA HAHAHA¡± I saw more tears flow and laughed some more. I walked over to the madam, brought her over by her arm and pointed at the bastard as I jokingly goaded her. Her kicking began soft, then harder, until thumps could be heard. I heard an old man crying in the corner with a full view of our madness. With my eyes gesturing, Beatrice took the hint to restrain the priest. Back to laughing at the pimp, Bieye found the hammer. ¡°Please, Bieye please¡­¡± Bieye thrashed him again and again and in a mix of glee and madness, she laughed with me. Our loud joy could be heard for a while, as were the pimp''s screams and curses. I stomped again. I got a lead. Bloody finally¡­The man in the avalanche and the spiders. Both connected. It was not for nothing. In the middle of my euphoria, a shiny shield caught my attention. I faced my reflection, and I saw that my eyes had become peculiar. Black, eyes like a lizard. Bloodline¡­ I turned away. "Okay, haha, okay,¡± I said, stopping the madam from kicking. ¡°This is fun and all but it''s time to end this. Bieye. Your turn. Time to sever his head.¡± The Receptionist ¡°Are you fucking kidding?¡± ¡°HAHA, nope.¡± The duke did not jest despite his eerie smile. ¡°WHAT DO MEAN, NO!?!?!¡± The pale duke, covered in his old blood, looked down at Fjord, pretending to weigh options. He went around to kneel and break another arm, then two legs. "FUCKING BASTAAAARD!!!!!" ¡°He can''t hurt me but you''re as fragile as wheat. So-¡± The demon smiled at me with his hand showing me where to cut. With a cutting motion, he moved the edge of his hand on the back of Fjord''s neck. I turned back to Beatrice, who held the priest, and with a sombre voice, she said, ¡°First blood is always the hardest. But it''s the only blood you will need to take.¡± One life for the prosperity of all in Mouve... I thought about the numerous names I gave away. Most of them died the next day. It was easier when their names were struck out on a piece of paper. Today brought me back to reality. ¡°You don''t need to.¡± The duke¡¯s hand glowed black. ¡°But do you want it? Are you satisfied?¡± I slid the knife from my back and gulped. ¡°NO.¡± The duke backed away, leaving me space. I kneeled before my owner. Broken like his many toys. As broken as my soul felt. I looked at his wet and bloodshot eyes, hoping to see regret. I saw a sad, weak man. ¡°BIEYE!! BIEYE!!!! Please remember all the good times we had!! The cosy night¡¯s together!!¡± I started cutting. 20 minutes later. The duke. I chose the right woman. Her arm bloody and her face full of pride, Bieye held up the head of her capturer. The streets cheer her name, scream her title, and shout for the ravens. Empathy and ruthlessness. Respect brought by glory. She won''t be a simple underboss I had planned to control, but an underdog hero, of whom songs will be written. I leaned on the door of the brothel, which my brother loved so much, looking out to the men and women celebrating while the blood was still wet on the stone. The last of the prisoners were carried out to be helped and the priest followed them with his hand tied behind his back My guard finished the last remnants of the mercenaries and the survivors who surrendered were tied and escorted to prison to wait for their sentence and to be questioned. I hear my brother inside, speaking words of concern for the couple I met before. After a hug goodbye, he walked up to me in his uniform, which fitted him better than this morning. ¡°Joshua. Uncle?¡± ¡°Poison wrecked him. But he is being sent back home to take the medicine you recommended. Stubborn as hell but he listened.¡± ¡°Good. He always listened to you, you were his favourite.¡± ¡°Fuck off, haha.¡± In the middle of his chuckle, Joshua saw my changes. ¡°Your eyes¡­¡± ¡°I know.¡± I came off the wall and hugged my brother. ¡°Thank you, Joshua. Thank you so much.¡± I embraced him harder, feeling tears well up. ¡°If you weren''t there¡­¡± ¡°It is my duty as an officer of the guard and man of Greystone.¡± Joshua pushed me back softly, with the face of a soldier. A swift unsheath of his rapier and I felt no threat but curiosity. Weapon out, Joshua stabbed it into the ground. Kneeling on the brothel floor, a hand rested on his chest in a salute. ¡°As a man raised by Osberg and a man born of Greystone, I solemnly swear fealty to you. Duke Tarion Greystone, first of his name, my sword is with you forever to use and abandon as you wish, my brother.¡± My heart pounded, and my tears almost fell. Kneeling with resolution burning in his eyes, I never felt so proud as now to have him as my brother. ¡°Wise choice.¡± My smile reached my ears, cheeks full and teeth shining with joy. I felt heavy. The vast power suddenly left. Every single pain it held back flooded through my senses. Blood dripped from my mouth, nose, and eyes by the cup full and my weak legs tumbled me over. The voice of my brother shouting was muted. I felt his warmth as he held me as my last comfort before the dark came for me for the second time. Location Unknown. The Reincarnator. I scrolled and scrolled. My boredom brought me to the fiftieth page of my favourite manga site. I tapped on the thumbnails; none interested me. None filled this hole in me. I scrolled more. I needed to do something. I threw away my phone on my bed and it bounced off my mattress in a pile of empty cans by the windows. I swore numerous bad words too distasteful to repeat, and with an aching back, I slid off the bed. I stood up, kicking trash in my way. The open curtains of my flat show the starless view of the bright London night, cars rushing outside my double-glazed windows and the occasional annoying ambulance. The skyscrapers of the city hurt my eyes from the harsh lights. Orange streetlights shone on the pedestrians waiting below at the bus station. I sometimes missed the overbearing heat I felt as gunfire rained around me. I cast aside those thoughts and bent down to pick up my phone, swearing some more. Phone, a little cracked, but in my hand, I stood straight, and a giant eye looked at me from the window. "AAAAAAAH!!!" I jumped back "WHAT THE FUCK, MAN!?¡±, every instinct telling me to run. But my mind realised. Where am I? GLORY WILL COME SOON ENOUGH. WAIT AND PREPARE. The red-slitted eye peered at me with scales as dark as obsidian. Darkness washed over me again. A while later... Zhi''s store. The duke. My weary eyes fluttered open and a warm hand grasped my mine. Light Focusing in my eyes, I saw a figure. A woman. Her tears fill me with such guilt. ¡°DOCTOR. HE''S AWAKE.¡± My wife shouted. Another hand cupped my face; my swollen skin sensitive to her touch, stung but being in her company I endured the discomfort. I tried moving my body. I sigh with relief that things still move as they should, although with a lot of pain. ¡°Why¡­ Why did you have to frighten me like this?¡± Looking at her longer, I noticed her wearing an officer¡¯s coat, she only wore her pyjamas. ¡°Because I am a fool. Sorry I lied.¡± I whisper. I look behind the crying duchess above me and see pills and jars along the multiple shelves. ¡°Brother¡­?¡± Joshua froze by the door with no navy blue officer coat and ran to my side as I lay down. ¡°Tarion!!¡± Vanessa paused him before he could hurt me even more. ¡°Heh, sorry.¡± He apologised with his hand on my weak arm, covered in needles. ¡°Got me worried there. Glad you awake, Your Grace.¡± Seeing his smile, I ask. ¡°Did I miss anything.¡± with a rough voice ¡°A lot!¡± An old lady pushed past pots and chests to stand at the end of the bed. The Doctor Charles mentioned? ¡°Your circles are completely destroyed. Your meridians and mana heart are mangled. You may never ever be able to fight again.¡± I closed my eyes and gripped Vanessa''s hand. Fuck me. ¡°But there is still a chance for a full recovery and more." My eyes sprung open and I saw a smiling foreigner with greed in her eyes. "As long as you bring the coin, Mr. Duke. Oh and congratulations on killing the horn bastard but I don''t know why you gave credit to the little child. She is not worth it.¡± Chapter 41: Cultivation? Zhi''s store The Duke ¡°Say you can really heal me; how would you go on about it? Holy water has its limits too.¡± ¡°You can''t be taking the old lady seriously, Your Grace!¡± Joshua exclaimed. ¡°She is the only reason Tarion is still alive. Give her a chance.¡± Vanessa responded. Her nervous hand shook around my fingers. ¡°Ahem.¡± The doctor coughed with her arms on her hips. ¡°It will hurt a lot. But seeing the state of your body, you are probably very used to that.¡± ¡°What I will prescribe for you is the destruction and rebuilding of your meridians and heart by using the very poison that made you this way.¡± ¡°Kuwei¡­?¡± Zhi nodded. ¡°Sad state of affairs. Even this country is infested by the Cult.¡± I perked up, almost sitting up, before remembering the pain and the needles stuck in my flesh. ¡°The what?¡± ¡°The cursed men of the northern lands. Responsible for the increase in people fleeing my country. Never in my years here have I seen so many of my people arrive.¡± She looked to the ground with a sombre expression. A cult sold its poison to my father-in-law? A Cult¡­ sounds familiar. ¡°A Demon Cult?¡± I asked. ¡°One of their many names. How did you know¡­?¡± ¡°I''m a learned man.¡± A switch in genres? This world fascinates me more and more. And this war in the Liu states was never mentioned in TAPLM. I need to learn more. ¡°So, how do I rebuild my meridians?¡± ¡°By teaching you a technique unheard by you backwards Friedmen, cultivation.¡± I simply smiled. ¡°Set your price.¡± "Brother, you must be kidding!¡± ¡°When do we start?¡± I asked, ignoring my brother. ¡°Now that you have woken up, right away. You already wasted two days of my precious time.¡± How many days? 40minutes later. 8 days until the ball. Midday, in a Liuen''s store, I laid on a mat with my shirt off on the ground. Needles poked me as I grew bored. In bouts of boredom, I think back to when I saw Vanessa still wearing her pyjamas. Did she stay with me? This whole time¡­? And the coat? Disgusting feelings of jealousy wiggled within me. I put down the stupid emotion and I thought about what had gone on since I fell in the brothel. Shocked by my sudden fall, many ran to aid me. The most helpful was my dear madam, who recommended Zhi¡¯s Store as a place to heal. In the past two days that I have been asleep, celebrations have continued until a day and a half later. Black Shade had been completely taken over, with a lot of the mercenary survivors being locked up top for now. I am still deciding their punishment. Execution would be harsh but I don¡¯t have the money to feed them or the patience to keep them alive for long. As for the madam herself, she worked hard and fast, taking control of the horn''s former businesses with her commoner ravens and Beatrice by her side. My uncle had been sleeping off the poison, as expected of a seventh. After a short rest, he should be right as rain. My name is still shouted and cheered in the streets, but my presence at the battle for the red light district is still treated as a rumour. I mean, why would a Duke fight a pimp? He has more important stuff to do. After shooing away everyone, only Charles sat far to the side, observing. Old fingers pinched some candles and the room darkened with the curtains blocked. Zhi sat on her calves with her metal fan pointing to my body. I couldn''t flipping believe it. I was learning how to cultivate. What''s next? Flying on a sword? ¡°You know the problem you Westerners have is that you rely too much on one Dantian to regulate and create energy, ignoring a vital organ.¡± Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Zhi¡¯s fan tapped my heart. ¡°Quick lesson. The Middle Dantian or what you call the mana heart moves Qi through the meridians like a real heart does with blood.¡± ¡°Qi is Mana?¡± I said, feeling like a medical school¡¯s cadaver. ¡°Not quite. The mana you Friedmen use has almost no change from the mana found in the air and food. Qi we easterners use is born from within us.¡± The granny tapped just below my navel with her fan. ¡°The Lower Dantian. Just like how your intestines take food and creates the energy needed for life, the lower Dantian transforms the useless ''mana¡¯ collected from breathing and eating and turns it into life essence. Qi.¡± Zhi saw Charles writing her words down and smiled. ¡°The Lower Dantian stores and creates its own energy with a special quality.¡± ¡°So the Lower Dantian is the reason we can use mana to create a circle?¡± Charles asked from the corner. Zhi was intrigued by the question. ¡°Yes. But with untrained Dantian, you might as well put water from one cup into the other.¡± Zhi held her finger up and a white mist aura glowed from her finger. Calm like floating fog in the early dawn, unlike the raging storm of mana. ¡°The Lower Dantian transforms the unwieldy energy flowing around us into something we can better use.¡± ¡°Meaning we can use more qi than mana?¡± Charles probed. Zhi smiled as she nodded. ¡°In theory.¡± ¡°Fascinating¡­¡± I watched her energy bop like a wave on a beach''s shore, imagining what kind of combinations and uses Qi could be used for. ¡°If there is a lower and middle, then there is an upper?¡± I inquired with curiosity. ¡°Exactly. But that is more of a mage''s domain. Martial artists practice in the use of their Mid and Low Dantians for battle.¡± The doctor held up two cups. Kuwei and the Zhenxing. ¡°Carl brought back the revitalising brew you were making to mend yourself. Tried to replicate our Zhenxing? Horrible attempt. But I will praise you for your tenacity.¡± With the white cup placed down, ¡°With Kuwei, we will destroy the meridians and unlock the lower Dantian to heal them back to a healthy state with Zhenxing¡¯s help.¡± The doctor''s face turned grave. ¡°Are you ready, Your Grace?¡± I sighed. ¡°Just give it to me.¡± Zhi carefully lifted my head up to drink from the black clay mug. This familiar taste made me almost hurl. Once my only hope of getting better, it is now the bane of all my troubles. But I must drink, no matter how much I feel like vomiting. The cup was lifted from my mouth, and the doctor brought me back to my pillow. ¡°Brace yourself.¡± I closed my eyes, bringing my mind to different places and people. I thought of the cult and how much influence they must have, the Hodges and their plan to kill me, the dowager and her hawkish glare, and my brother kneeling. Venessa and how much I want to apologise. Pain exploded from every capillary. Agony pulled me apart as if every cell wall was cut off by a laser. My body jerked and twisted out of my control but a gentle hand on my chest, exuding strength beyond my imaginings, pushed me back on the mat. Her right hand glows white, as do the needles on my body and the pain goes on. An hour passed, the pain simmered down and I opened my eyes. ¡°Easy¡­..work¡­..Heh.¡± I huffed, sweat dripping on my pillow. ¡°Um. You dealt better than I thought you would, even without pain relief. Well done. Your Grace. I thought the nobles in this country were pansies. Alright, around twenty-two more times. Give or take." My head was picked up again, and I sipped on the poison that destroyed my life. 6 more days until the ball. The Duchess Back from Desaw For two days, I stayed by his side. And for two more, I worked, worked, and worked some more. Inspections, planning, and exhausting meetings with the main topics, my husband''s exploits, and the criminal underground that is under new management. Such a workload would be hard to bear if I didn''t have my people, Jen, Kurt, and the new addition, Joshua, by my side. But the long days helped take my mind away from how I missed him. The castle filled with maids and footmen felt lonely for the first time. I remembered his eyes when he woke up. His eyes asked me why. Why did I wait? The answer was obvious. After the last inspection of the day, I sat in the carriage, and as it bounced, I looked at the city I tried to fix to help. My eyes were unfocused. In a daze, I remember running to Liuen¡¯s store and finding Tarion lying unconscious. The blood stains on tattered clothes could have broken apart with a small breeze. His moonlight skin. Purple with bruises and black and red with charred skin. My scream strained my voice to this day. Jen held my forearm. ¡°He is going to be okay. Right, Kurt? He can pull through?¡± ¡°I do not know. I am not a doctor.¡± ¡°HAHA,¡± Joshua laughed, ¡°never ask a guard about emotional matters. They don''t even know what emotions are.¡± I turned opposite me and found Joushua with a kind, encouraging smile. Strange. He has done a good job escorting me, despite the constant bickering between Kurt and him. But he has come a long way from the horny boy he was on the journey to Osberg. And his former disdain for commoners was now just annoyance, which was better than nothing, I guess. ¡°Sister-in-law, my brother is stronger than you can imagine. He has been through worse and with fewer people by his side.¡± The carriage shook violently. I tried to hold something while I bounced like a juggler''s ball. ¡°What the hell¡­Driver! What''s going on out there?!¡± The carriage flipped, giving everyone a whiplash. Crashing to the road on the vehicle''s right side, windows smashed and cut Jen as Kurt moved with mana-aided speed to protect her. The arm of my brother-in-law protected me before my head hit the door that had become the floor. ¡°Phew, lucky.¡± I hear him whisper and groan. I heard the cries of battle. Swords clanged and tinged and I was transported back to the blizzard. I shook and froze. My mind raced to a conclusion that scared me. Tarion won¡¯t come¡­ I pushed my brother-in-law aside and slipped out my weapon from under my skirt as Kurt and Joshua unsheathed their own. My one circle spun in my chest and I crouched with my knife out. Explosions vibrated the wood and we waited, looking up at the door above. Cries of the dying, the squelching of bodies being ripped apart. Thuds from stone broken shook the earth and someone landed on the carriage. My hand sweated on the grip of my knife as I prepared myself. A knock on the carriage door and our weapons sprung out. I looked upward and instantly calmed as I saw a dumb hat on a dumber man. The carriage door opened and George brought his arm down. His garments were dusty, and his hat was clean of dirt. ¡°More are coming! The guards are holding them off! We better hurry!¡± Chapter 42: Easy. Zhi¡¯s store The Duke. It fucking hurt. Two flipping days. Lying down in pain, with these damn needles stuck in every goddamn pore. I puffed in and out after Kuwei wrecked my meridians and stretched my hands to Charles for help ¡°Come, man¡­ Give me the pain relief!¡± I begged my butler. Charles shook his head, grinding the ingredients for Zhenxing. ¡°Can¡¯t have that mix of potions. Could end very badly for you.¡± ¡°Better that than enduring this torture any longer.¡± Two days of constant pain and healing is enough to make anyone go crazy. But the pain was more than worth it. The little glimpses of power I felt in my healing process healed my broken body as if I had not gone to war two days prior. Qi is more than mana; it is life itself. The body welcomes it gladly, giving an adept practitioner of Qixing vitality beyond a person''s imagination. Zhi, a woman resembling a healthy fifty-year-old, celebrated her hundred and two year birthday last winter. With such power and knowledge at their disposal, you would wonder why Friedland was not under Liu rule. That came from the simple fact that using the Lower Dantian required talent¡ªa talent I luckily have. Unlocking the lower Dantian is a rare aptitude sought after by the rich with medicine such as Zhenxing but only one out of a thousand will be gifted enough to use their Dantain. It''s even rarer to be proficient at it and a master is as unique as a wyvern sighting. Less common than a circle user, Qi users make up for their lack of numbers with their absurd strength, which has allowed the Liu states to be unconquerable for generations. Until the Cult struck. As I learned more about Qi, Zhi would sprinkle stories heard from refugees about how the Cult started its assault on the farmland of north Liu. Bringing every town to the ground in a blaze of fire. leaving nothing unscathed. The Cult recruited and killed as they advanced down to where there is currently a standstill between the cult and government forces near the city of rivers, the Liu state¡¯s capital. This chaotic world is so similar to my own. Where war ends, another begins. To think this could have been happening beyond the pages of a romance manhwa. ¡°Please??¡± I begged again. Charles ground away, only giving me a simple nod. ¡°Pansy.¡± The doctor arrived to sit beside me with her weathered hand holding a hot cup of brew. ¡°You will be glad to know that you healed enough to start with the process of Lower Dantian activation.¡± Is it finally time to get back what I lost? Zhi¡¯s left hand hovered over me and her right hand below my bell button, her Qi glowed like a white lantern in a dense fog. Watching her Qi slowly twitch the needles calmed me as her energy matched mine. ¡°I will direct your ¡®mana¡¯ down to lower Dantian.¡± Zhi gave me a kind smile that didn''t suit the rude doctor. ¡°We are almost there, thanks to your hard work.¡± ¡°I was getting used to the bad bedside manner. Your smile makes me miss the scowl..¡± Zhi flicked a needle with Qi ¡°Hey!¡± ¡°Do not insult the doctor saving your life, boy-You Grace..¡± ¡°Doctor? Where is she? All I see is a torturer.¡± The doctor shut her eyes and concentrated, her qi glowed with a small smile. Two days had softened the old woman¡¯s attitude towards me. Maybe it was bringing her a new student or perhaps helping her favourite customer. It sure wasn''t the coin because, since her introduction, she hadn''t mentioned a price even once. ¡°Still. Well done. Not many people would survive to this point.¡± I reposition my head on my pillow. ¡°All I did was lie down and suffer.¡± A short chuckle from the doctor and she went to bring my head up by habit, although I have healed enough to do it myself. Cup to mouth, I drink the mint-tasting brew. A chill washed over my body. ¡°Now.¡± Qi pushed from the palm of her right hand and rippled my flesh. My veins were on fire with potent energy. I felt the energy reach my stomach. ¡°Do you feel it? The vast reservoir. The untapped potential. Well¡­ Wow¡­I thought Charles Dantain was large. This¡­¡± ¡°What-AAHRGH!¡± My gut burned. I felt my Dantian bubble; its lining was inflamed and swollen. ¡°There you go, Your Grace! The Lower Dantian is yours to control. To grow. To cultivate. Now, control it as I do!¡± The doctor helped me divert the Qi to my organs. The ache gone, I eased the cleansing energy into every part of my body. My mana heart healed with this new power and beat proudly. Energy flowed in clean and mended Meridians without the pain I was so used to. I smiled to myself, absorbing myself in Qi. I tried something rash. Pushing my Qi further into my middle Dantian, my heart beat with joy. In my mind''s eye, I floated in the void. Finding a cloud of foamless Qi, I forged with all my might. ¡°Hey, hey HEY! What are you doing?!¡± Pulling and pushing, I mould the cloud and hammer it into shape. My body exploded brightly, with mana essence shimmering. A ring of mana shone around the core of my Middle Dantian. My mana heart pulsed. ¡°That was¡­ easy.¡± This was how it was supposed to be. Memories floated in my mind of my father, meditating with me as I forged my first circle. He leaned over to ruffle my unruly hair with pride in his loving gaze. I laughed aloud in disbelief and a tear fell. Plonk I had not ever been this glad to see a notification since my Justeats order came twenty minutes earlier than usual. ¡°Haha, let''s try again!¡± ¡°Hold your horses, boy!¡± I ignored Zhi''s worrying, closed my teary eyes and I was rash again. Needles were pulled off me with Zhi¡¯s Qi as I forged a second circle smoother than polished steel. An eye in the storm, wind blew paper and pots to the ground around me. My heart pulsed twice. ¡°Umm¡­Making a circle is more violent than I thought.¡± Charles put his bowl down. His tawny hair waved in the wind. ¡°It''s only the case for him.¡± A door slammed against the wood wall and I recognised the smooth gait of Beatrice. ¡°Problem, Your Grace!¡° Already at golden grade, I concentrated more as I forged a third circle. ¡°Speak.¡± ¡°SOS.¡± My eyes snapped open. I pushed off the mat in a rush with a single hand and stood. I will forge on the way there. ¡°Where?¡± The Duchess. George''s arm dangled from the door. ¡°Why? How?!¡± I asked. Kurt inhaled. ¡°It''s you, back in Mouve... Why couldn¡¯t I remember?¡± ¡°Just take my hand!¡± ¡°Peasant. Move out of the fucking way.¡± Joshua spat out and George moved from the door. ¡°Hey! Don''t talk to him the waaaaaaaa-¡± Joshua swept me under my feet and carried me up with a giant leap through the door. Landing by the turned-over carriage, Joshua put my scared self down. My annoyance quickly turned to horror as the exploding bit of body smeared the road. Holes in the stone glowed hot red with spray marks that could have been a person. I kneeled closer to a piece of the attacker''s clothing that was blown off. Animal hide, similar to what the bandits used in the blizzard. A twip of an arrow and ting of Joshua''s blade brought me back out of my thoughts. Quicker than my eyes could track, Joshua''s rapier cut several arrows that were aiming straight at me. Blue lit his sword and my brother-in-law thrust to shoot mana at our attacker. Someone dropped down behind me, and all the training with my husband possessed me as it struck. I felt bound for a split moment before I saw my friend''s face and I was free again. ¡°Wow¡­ No hesitation. At least that bastard of a husband taught you some things.¡± I had never seen him this angry or this tense. His travels have changed this once affable boy. ¡°I told you the man¡¯s no use and look where he is. Letting you out with only two weak men to guard you!?¡± Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Let? ¡°The lack of guards was my preference.¡± I angrily defended my husband. ¡°Which I now regret.¡± I looked down at Geoge¡¯s hand and saw no sword. His stupid cap shimmered and I thought I could see a bit of his silver hair. ¡°I will follow my Husband''s advice next time, dear friend.¡± I turn away from the bastard and search for my friend. Kurt held Jen¡¯s hand as she trembled like a lost lamb. His sword glowed, shining on a face that had been waiting for this day for a long time. ¡°This way.¡± The captain pointed to the left at the alley with his sabre. ¡°We can lose them in the maze of buildings.¡± A smell more rotten than cat litter flowed in the breeze. Seven men trudged towards us from all sides. Black mist swirled around them and their swords. George sighed. His hand, cold to the touch, stroked my face and I felt a tingle and my body cringed. ¡°What are you doing!?¡± I slapped his hand away. ¡°Vanessa. Find your dense husband.¡± Before I could say anything back, he clicked his finger. All four of us found ourselves enclosed by terraced houses on every side. Children stared as if they had seen ghosts in the grassy area in the middle. I looked around frantically, trying to find... who? ¡°How did we¡­ Where is the carriage?¡± ¡°Sorry about this, ladies, but we must move fast.¡± The guards swept us off our feet again and carried me and Jen like sacks. A bandit appeared from a corner. A sword from Joshua''s left cut at him and his rapier diverted it down. The skinny sword jabbed into the tendon connecting the bicep and forearm and between the shoulder and collar bone. The lord deftly stepped back from a frantic horizontal slash and riposted at the bandit''s head before the swing could be completed. Joshua charged his blade and the head exploded. The Greystone stared at his blade with pride. ¡°Uh.¡± ¡°First kill?¡± Kurt decapitated a crawling bandit with no legs. ¡°Deal with it quickly, we have more to kill.¡± And he rushed off with Jen bopping on his shoulder. ¡°Not my first kill. The curse was. Just an interest feeling¡­¡± Joshua whipped his rapier to clean his blade and with a deep step, he ran again with a grin like his brothers. I watched the windows whizz by on Joshua''s shoulder. An arrow was shot from a crossbow from behind Joshua and flew to his head. My spinning circle gave energy to my senses. My knife bounced the arrow away. Its force rattled my bone as I blocked against two more. Joshua looked back. ¡°Ha! You saved-¡± ¡°KEEP RUNNING.¡± I hit away an arrow coming for his back. ¡°Yes, your grace!¡± Joshua ran up a brick wall to evade a group of old peasants. ¡°Kurt, how many do you figure.¡± Joshua jumped over a washing line. ¡°Hundreds.They surround us.¡± Kurt skipped through the alleys like a gazelle, scanning the environment with his eyes and ears. ¡°I don''t hear the mist.¡± ¡°Then we might survive.¡± Joshua cut the air and Mana sliced a first circle in front. ¡°We will see.¡± Kurt found a corner in the maze of buildings. ¡°I think we have run far enough.¡± Sabre alighted with blue, Kurt fired mana in the sky three times, then thrice again. ¡°What the hell are you doing, you simpleton!?¡± Joshua screamed at Kurt. ¡°They will be alerted to our exact location!¡± ¡°Exactly.¡±Kurt placed Jen down by the corner gently, his care for her obvious in his every movement and every touch. Joshua''s eyebrows pinched as he looked around and lifted with sudden awareness. ¡°Ah, we are near Liutown. I took a date out here once. Nice Liuen food in these parts. Gorgeous date too but talk too much for my tastes.¡± Adrenaline sped his words out of his grinning mouth but his eyes narrowed with worry. ¡°Hope the Ravens come soon. I would like to eat here again.¡± Kurt studied the attackers, annoyance showing on his lips and his free hand to his back as he squared low in his fencing stance. Liu Town? How did we get her from Desaw? ¡°To the corner, Your Grace, Jen...¡° Kurt shot off more mana thrusts into the sky. A crowd of footsteps headed for us. Bandits arrived with madness in their bloodshot eyes. My irritated brother-in-law threw me off his shoulder like a useless load and I ran to Jen. ¡°Are you alright?!¡± shaking in my embrace, she looked at me and calmed. ¡°Yes. Just shocked having gone through this twice¡­¡± ¡°The last stand, huh?¡± Rolling his shoulders, Joshua¡¯s sword pointed to the roaring horde coming for them. ¡°Whoever kills the most has to obey the other for the day.¡± ¡°Milord. Please just kill them.¡± Kurt responded coldly. The horde, with their snarling, approached the brave warriors. With Jen in my arms, I wished more than anything to be able to fight among them. To feel less useless. The 2nd Son of Greystone. I wanted to bolt. Run with my tail tucked behind my legs. But three pairs of judging eyes watched me. What if they told my brother? I shook my head like a rabid dog. I watched in front and picked a man to kill. A second, scraggly beard, I could smell him here. A foot moved back. ¡°Officer. What is your duty?¡± I heard my fellow guard say on the right of me. I kneeled. Sworn my name, honour, my sword. I couldn''t let those words be lies. ¡°Protect Her Grace!¡± I parried an axe coming from my left, a swipe to the right cut through a neck; and the smelly man died by my feet. I struck first at the head of a third circle who tried to dodge the faint and I moved my blade to the right to slash down at an attacker''s shoulder. Circles spun. My mana blade grew and I cut down to the ground. A third circle struck with a sword from my three o¡¯clock. My sword clashed, I tried to bring it up but the golden grade outpowered me and my rapier. The wild man attacked again from my eight and I leaned away. The attacker finished his swing and I saw an opportunity. I bobbed back in with speed and I extended my reach to thrust. A shield bashed into me from my left. Bone on my arm crack and I nearly stumble to the floor. A sword burned blue it fell on me. My rapier ground on the weapon, my strength can barely keep the blade from grazing my cheek. ¡°Lands above! Take a bloody bath before you ambush us!¡± I covered my left fist in mana. Mana imbued my muscles, quickly giving me the strength to push the enemy''s blade back. Solar plexus open, my fist caved it in. Blood from the peasant''s lungs spit into my face and I stabbed his neck for revenge. I felt warm blood on my back. I turned and an exhausted Kurt sliced into an attacker''s bowels as an arm whirled in the air. ¡°Don''t let a single man through!!¡± Kurt shouted while he ran back into the chaos. My charges stood by the corner, huddled together with a body by them. Her Grace¡¯s dagger dripped red. Failure. Coward. Disappointment Circles spun out of control. My chest hot with power, I pounced into the crowd. An arm, shoulder, and head were pierced, and a man flopped back with a bleeding hole in his forehead. I slashed two times and a cross of mana crashed into a second circle. I intercepted the sword of a skilled man. Our swords pushed and pulled as they scraped and sparked along each other. I flicked my wrist to the right. The attacker''s sword bounced off as I went to lunge deep into the man¡¯s right shoulder. I pulled up to cut through meat and slashed to my four o''clock at his head. The fourth circle guarded his neck with a shield of blue. He stepped in and I fled with only a cut to my chest. His brutal assault persisted and I put my sword up to receive his heavy strikes. An attack on my leading leg was a faint to my arm and another swift cut me again on my ribs. I huffed, stepping back. My tired arms gripped harder on my rapier. Full of arrogance, the fourth smiled. ¡°Bastard!¡± I thrust mana and the fourth circle leaned away and blitzed at me in a moment. A guard with my rapier proved useless as I fell to the ground Run away. The peasant stood above, his sword colliding into mine. His attacks passed through my guard, cutting me bit by bit. The ambusher hit my blade from my fingers. My mana formed a shield in my hand saving me from death. ¡°First you die, then the saintess too.¡± The ambusher pressed his sword deeper. His mana was a furnace on my skin as it seared my collarbone. A kick snapped my leg. And his sword went deeper. "AaahRGh!¡± I screamed as my mana shield held the blade back from giving me my death. A thud and blood sprayed on me and the ambusher''s strength lessened. ¡°Bitch!!¡± A dagger stuck out of the pimpled man¡¯s left breast. A kick to the chest broke bones. ¡°If you are so impatient, I will kill you first!!¡± The ambusher limped over me with his sword alight. His blood dripped as he slowly made his way to the duchess. I looked around and screamed for Kurt, who faced off against sixr men. Chest crushed, I cried out with pain, ¡°ANYONE HELP!!! Please¡­PLEASE!!!!¡± Coward. My hands grabbed the ground and I pulled myself forward. ¡°Fight me, peasant!!¡± My fingers dug into the stone and I pulled myself forward again as the injured enemy got further away from me and closer to Her Grace. ¡°I¡¯M HERE! FIGHT ME!¡± Venessa pushed Jen behind her. Hands empty of weapons, her grace did not cower as she faced her death head-on. The attacker lifted his sword. Failure. Veins burst with energy as I pushed off my arm to grab the back of the attacker''s leather garment. I pulled him to the ground, rolling in the dust and filth. I brought him below me and my fist became a blur. The air cracked as my fists beat into the ambusher''s face and I let the madness, the anger, and my shame consume me. I slapped his hand and his sword bounced and clanged on the ground and started raining blows again. Desperate hands held my bloody fist back and a headbutt released me from the ambusher''s grip. Coward. I pound and pound. The man''s face softened like dough. His cheekbone cracked and shattered under my mana-imbued knuckles. His nose disappeared into the mush of blood, cartilage, and muscle. His eyes burst and I continued my barrage. Brain dirtied my broken hands and continued. The dead did not fight back and I continued. A shadow cast over me. I looked up at an azure blue sky. A rusty sword pointed up to it, with a scruffy peasant holding it. The second¡¯s mana merged with steel and I prepared myself for the end. Swords far to the side, I kneel over the dead with no hope but in my power. Coward. ¡°COME ON THEN! STRIKE ME DOWN!¡± Circle forced mana on my hand and amour grew of red hands. ¡°I AM NOT LEAVING THE MORTAL REALM WITHOUT A FRIEND!¡± My mana shone on my face as my hand went up to block and its blue light disappeared as soon as it came. ¡°Ah¡­ Damn it all to hell.¡± Sorry brother. I will get to join Father earlier than I thought. The ambusher brought his weapon down for the kill. Teeth flicked in my face. A sword too long split through the attacker''s face, breaking through teeth and jaw to stop the ambusher¡¯s weapon by the pommel. The sword pointed at my nose. I recognised the way the greatsword steel was folded. Nary a blemish on its double side edge. The ambusher¡¯s eyes twist and cry as the sword slowly cut up like a butcher cleaving muscle from bone. A carcass slumped to the ground as the famed greatsword of legends floated back to its owner. ¡°Kurt, my wife.¡± A deep but warm voice boomed through the alleys of terraced houses. Every eye faced the new arrival above. Kurt saluted with a smile. "YES, YOUR GRACE!¡± Kurt skipped back with lightning speed to closely protect the Duchess. ¡°Vermin.¡± The air became heavy on my wrecked body. I looked across the battlefield as enemies cowered under the freighting glare of red eyes. A shirtless beast of a man scarred on his pale skin but his picturesque clean-shaven face, his hue beat proudly in twos. Standing barefoot on cold roof tiles, long hair waving on a windless day, shadows stepped beside the proud figure. A duke snatched his blade from the air. ¡°Ravens, evacuate everyone.¡± At his word, shadows split in every direction. Between a blink, the pale man disappeared. Mud, stone, and rock exploded as three heads spun, and blood rained in the cloud of dust. The raven-haired man vanished in the cloud. Two more men''s chests blossomed with ribs sticking outward as the duke''s fist broke through them open with a punch. A Raven kneeled by me. Her garments were dark, like her expression. ¡°May I, milord?¡± Beatrice asked. I nodded and she picked me up by the shoulder with ease. My brother wiped his hand off a body and looked back at me. His kind smile could heal all my wounds. ¡°Rest, dear little brother. I will take care of everything.¡± Tarion said, strolling towards the army of ambushers. His greatsword on his shoulder ignited, swallowed in an azure blue flame, and condensed to a soft haze of white. Two fingers teased the hundreds of wild-haired leather armoured men. ¡°To me, scum. Face your demise with whatever semblance of honour you have left.¡± Chapter 43: Here we go. By Liutown The Duke I have a minute until more help comes. I let my greatsword fall and kicked it with Qi before it touched the ground. My greatsword, flying at supersonic speed, pierced four mangy men. Their organs and ribs were sprayed on their friends. I yanked back my blade back through their chests and a line of mana brought my blade back. Plonk Plonk Dantian? In my status window, Points had been changed to Dantain and Body had changed to Vitality. I inspected a second circle running at me. Unchanged with the same attribute names. It must have been the consequence of unlocking my Dantian. I looked down at the blue screen. Could this mean my free points were the result of the system using my Dantian to add more points to my attributes? I tilted my body to the right and swiped upward to fire off a blue mana slice, cutting through two bandits. I looked closely at my status. All my points are green now. My mana blade became a soft white haze and I deflected three strikes and responded with a stab to the stomach. Let''s see. I willed the allocation window to my hand while ending lives and I took a point off strength. The unused points increased. I grinned to my ears as my smoke coated blade smashed a head into chunks. Wiggly my blade free, it tried a slash with Qi. An arch of white flew out and hit a bandit across the body, giving them a mark on their armour. Interesting. Without my mana circles, the speed and output are decreased. It is like my circles are the engine, while my lower Dantian is my fuel source. I put up my left and guarded with Qi. My skin turned tough, stopping the blade from cutting further into the bone. So sick. I clenched my fist and the blade bounced on my forearm. A corpse fell from my slash as I studied my arm. Mana for attacking and long-range, Qi for defence and short-range. The applications¡­ ¡°Would you like to learn?¡± My eyes snapped upward. A hundred and two year old, dressed in Liuen traditional clothes, stood in front of me. Arm behind her back, a cheeky smile crossed her younger face. Dark eyes twinkled with greed again. ¡°How?¡± I slashed to my right, killing a man out of my sight. ¡°No, why are you here?¡± ¡°Mmm¡­¡± An axe from behind Zhi missed her and the air popped from her back as the bandit flew back into the crowd. ¡°I wanted to know who was causing a ruckus so close to my people.¡± A third-circle bandit rushed at her with his blade shining. My mouth moved to warn her and she shook her head. Steel pinged off her and the bandit fell back in confusion as his blade broke into shards. ¡°And I came to tell you my price.¡± A Raven finished the bandit off while my mind was full of questions. I saw her skin shimmer like gold. ¡°What is it? Five thousand? Ten thousand gold?¡± ¡°Aahaha. It''s worth much more.¡± On wooden sandals, The five-foot-something woman strolled on the blood-sprayed ground before stopping close. ¡°Duke Greystone of Osberg. Become my student.¡± I bent under an arrow. ¡°What!¡± ¡°Teaching a Freidman goes against all my values. But I can''t let such a chance go-¡± I thrust over the old woman. A cone of my mana twisted into men. From thrust, I pulled my great sword to the right to fling mana at five. ¡°Very rude to interrupt your teacher when she is talking.¡± ¡°Teacher? Since when?!¡± I stabbed behind me and a burst of energy killed two. ¡°Come on.¡± A weapon broke off her back and she grinned. ¡°You won''t let an opportunity to get stronger vanish, would you?¡± I thought about it for a second. ¡°Teach my ravens.¡± ¡°Only your very close circle. Although what matters is talent in the end, my knowledge is not for the commoners to use. My focus is on you only.¡± ¡°And I will hire you as the Greystone Castle Doctor.¡± ¡°More work!?¡± Zhi spun from an attack, her right leg tripped a bandit over and a kick snapped a neck. ¡°Pay better be good.¡± I grabbed a hammer before it smashed my face. Qi crumpled it and threw the mound of iron back into the second circle''s face. ¡°It will be competitive and I will send doctors to Liutown.¡± ¡°No, ingredients are what I need.¡± ¡°Done.¡± ¡°Done, what?¡± Zhi Said waited for me to complete a sentence. ¡°It will be done, Master Zhi.¡± As bloody battles persisted around me, I bowed. My arms were by my side in deference to my new teacher, my saviour. ¡°Oh my! Where did you learn Liuen etiquette from?¡± I stood straight, avoiding a decapitation. I cut up and split a face in half. ¡°I am a learned man.¡± Manga can teach you a lot about culture. Heightened senses heard heavy footsteps of armour-clad warriors, and I put my guard down. ¡°I will ask again. Why?¡± Master Zhi looked to the left, remembering. ¡°Let''s just say, I admire your type of justice. A man like you is what Liutown needs.¡± With one last smile, the master turned around. ¡°Go, student. Your wife needs you. I will take care of this.¡± She sped off, leaving dust behind; her shadow danced across the battlefield and bodies flew into walls mangled. Stange lady. Master, huh¡­ I turned around and I was surprised by Vanessa running to me. Arms around me, her face was buried in my scarred chest. ¡°Vanessa, long time. Did I miss any-.¡± ¡°Stop trying to be funny.¡± She pulled away to check on me. Her fingers touch old wounds and bruises that have long disappeared, tickling me. "Hey, hey, ahaha, I am fine! The doctor flying about over there healed me to my meridians. I am more than fine, I am in the best state of my life.¡± I smiled wide until my canines showed. Her eyes became teary and I brought her close. I need to tell her. ¡°I''m sorry about getting hurt. About today. About everything. Tonight, I will explain everything.¡± I felt Vanessa nod while we held each other. Feeling her warmth after days apart gave me a feeling of happiness I couldn''t ever express. I noticed blood in her dress and gritted my teeth. ¡°Yuck.¡± the injured Joshua, held by Beatrice, screwed his face in disgust. I mouthed a thank you to my brother and he answered with tsk and red cheeks. ¡°Here, Your Grace.¡± Kurt chucked his uniform jacket at me. ¡°Ah, it did feel a bit chilly. Good job, Kurt.¡± Vanessa blushed like she had never seen my bare body before. Her smile, her¡­everything made me forget that people were getting murdered behind me. ¡°Oh yes, I nearly forgot! We were travelling in Desaw when we got attacked! I buttoned up the jacket. ¡°You ran all the way here?¡± ¡°I think we were teleported.¡± I picked up my wife from her legs off the ground with an arm. Propelling myself up with jets of mana, my mana shield protected her from the wind. Hundreds of metres above the city, my wife smiled, awestruck by the view. ¡°Show me where.¡± A Mage. The helper is Mage. And a very powerful one too. I suspected they were a ninth circle given the ability to teleport four people. But to erase memories now¡ªthat''s something new and terrifying. From old memories, I recalled learning about Mages. With their rarity and godlike power, any country would dream of having them in their army. And for many years, they did in centuries past. Old kings and queens would order the regiments of mages to bring down neighbouring countries. Destroying entire civilisations with the magic might until the Tower of Magic was established. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. A group of the most powerful mages came together in the great Sau Lake to make a pact, swearing no mage would harm the realm of Mesial. With their great world-changing powers, they forced each of their home countries to sign on to the Pact that, in exchange for a world free of mages, every mage born would be sent to the tower to live the rest of their days selling and making runes, other limited magic items and pursuing knowledge. A Mage breaking the Mage Pact¡­ A ninth-circle mage wandering out of the mage tower is a walking natural disaster. No, the right example would be an autonomous nuke. I examined the destroyed road. Bodies were pulled apart by bombs. There was evidence of blades of fire used to cut enemies into bits. Ice froze dozens until they cracked. Hundreds were pulled apart by purpled vines of Tangle. A Mage skilled in combat. Shit. ¡°While I do not remember their face, I remember they were facing several of the cursed humans.¡± And survived. Although Teleport must have exhausted the hell out of them. What could their motives be? Are they like me, chosen to protect the saintess? They are following her like her. Can they track her? Can they track her enemies? I breathed in. ¡°Work with me and she will be safer!!¡± I shouted into the street. ¡°Who are you calling for?¡± Vanessa asked. I looked at the twenty-metre-deep smouldering pit. ¡°Hopefully a friend.¡± Are they close by? If they can manipulate memories, what else could they do¡­? Many of the same kinds of questions fire off in my mind, bouncing in my skull with no answers. But there was one thing I was clear about: I hope our goals align. In a battle with them, I surely will not survive. Hours later. Greystone castle. The Duke The bandits are mad. As their number dwindled and they saw no way out, they started offing themselves with a little prayer before they went to the great dark. Mad, suicidal, and super religious? A combination of spawns of hell. My brother, getting help from my master and the situation mostly dealt with, I walk down the corridor after a quick bathe, frightened, but determined. It was about time. My brother managed to change. Why couldn''t I stop being the coward this time? Dressed in black breeches and a simple white shirt, I knock on the door. The Duchess opened, her simple green frock did not hide her curves and her beauty. ¡°Come in, Tarion.¡± I followed to her desk full of papers and dirtied with sploshes of dried ink. I grab her hand and bring her to the bed to sit. ¡°Made sure to dress appropriately this time.¡± Vanessa jest as she looked at her garment. ¡°Haha. So much has changed since. You have changed spectacularly, Mrs Mayor.¡± ¡°We have changed as well,¡± Vanessa interjected. I looked away, knowing that my shyness showed on my pale face. ¡°Yes¡­ It was unexpected, you see. Falling in love with you this quick.¡± Shit. My big fucking mouth. ¡°Heh, I mean huuuh.¡± My mind twirled, trying to think. ¡°I too found myself thinking the same.¡± She gripped harder on my hand, looking deep into my eyes. ¡°How this crass, pirate-tongued man could make me fall for him so hard.¡± I could keel over right now I feel satisfied with a life well lived. My healthy heart pumped with joy. ¡°But I know you didn''t come here to confess to the obvious.¡± She''s perfect. Too perfect. ¡°Yes, Vanessa.¡± I sit properly on her bed. ¡°Certain revelations. Questions have been answered that may cause you some distress.¡± Vanessa inhaled with her eyes closed. I watch her chest rise and fall, missing the robe from months ago. ¡°Tell me.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± I cleared my throat. ¡°You have heard of the bounty put on my head in the underworld, right?¡± ¡°I heard rumours of it. Your warning was quite rousing.¡± Vanessa grinned a bit. ¡°Sometimes you have to say stuff to scare the dummies. ANYWAYS. Although Fjord was the assumed bankroller, I questioned the source of the money. After stabbing, cutting, and a lot of punching I got an admission of the true funder.¡± ¡°My father.¡± "Yep, the git- What did you just say?¡± Vanessa pulled her hand from me and I brought it back. Looking away from me and sighing. ¡°I was right. My father wants this land more than you could ever imagine.¡± Vanessa nodded as tears came out. ¡°I had realised you were a spy. A chess piece to do his bidding. Your mother is still safe.¡± I tried to reassure her with a smile. ¡°You knew?!¡± ¡°Yes. I have been weary of Sebastian and his Grandi company since I discovered our marriage and took precautions along the way. And that means letting you be free from his clutches. Without you, he would not be as successful in his Osberg endeavour and that''s why he got your sister tailing and pestering you. The bounty and poison were desperate plays from a man who is losing all his cards.¡± ¡°Poison?¡± "Yes, that''s another thing I need to tell you.¡± I clasped her hand, making sure I didn¡¯t lose her. ¡°Me. My recently poisoned uncle. My late father. All sufferers of the same poison. Kuwei. And your father, Sabsitian Hodge, may be linked to it.¡± I saw her face turn gloomy. ¡°I-I am so sorry!¡± I brought her hand down from her face ¡°Never put this on yourself. You are not your father.¡± I stressed to her. ¡°How can I not? I am¡­ a Hodge! The daughter of your father''s killer!¡± I sat closer to her on the bed. Looking into her eyes, I spoke. ¡°I don''t care who your damn father is. The moment you came into my life, on that snowy road, you were no longer a Hodge. You became my wife, my duchess, and the madam of this family. A Greystone.¡± She searched my eyes for a lie; she gave up on the fruitless pursuit and smiled the sadness away. ¡°We both hate the bastard. From stealing your ideas to treating your mother like dirt, we have been allies from the start. So no need to ever say sorry. You understand? ¡°Yes, I understand.¡± ¡°Good. Then the next plan for the bastard you have first say. Up for revenge?¡± Vanessa thought to herself, and her green eyes were full of resolve. ¡°I am ¡®Up of it¡¯¡± She said with a wicked smile. ¡°Haha! Finally a partner in crime!¡± Is it time? I asked lands above. No answer? I need to do this anyway. ¡°There is something else I need to tell you.¡± ¡°More!? What is it? More mind-shattering news?¡± Vanessa joked. I nodded. ¡°Lands above. Okay, I am ready.¡± Here we go. ¡°You have noticed bandits attacking you during the blizzard.¡± She nodded. ¡°And the spiders.¡± Her eyebrows twisted but she bopped her head. ¡°Yes, they followed us through the streets¡­¡± ¡°And today.¡± ¡°I am the duchess. You have a lot of enemies; I am a liability they can target.¡± ¡°NO. You are not my weakness, never have been, and never will be. You are more important than you could ever imagine.¡± With a swallow and cough, I remembered the manhwa¡¯s words and finally confessed. ¡°Every few centuries, when dire times are ahead, a figure of holy power arises. A demi-god given the power of the lands above to do their bidding and to protect all of their creation.¡± ¡°Huuh¡­¡± Vanessa straightened with questioning eyes. ¡°Cursed are increasing in number. War is ravaging the realm so the gods have found their incarnation. You.¡± Vanessa searched my eyes again and left perturbed. Her words spewed out, "You are lying. Are you not? This is how you court women, is it? Call them special-¡± ¡°Vanessa. You are the Saint.¡± The duchess jumped off the bed. ¡°Your Lying!¡± She paced in a circle. ¡°It can''t be true¡­ Why me?!¡± A question I have often asked myself. ¡°Who knows why the gods do as they do¡­ But I do know you are the best woman they could have ever chosen.¡± ¡°Then¡­¡± Tears streamed out of her sorrowful eyes. I run up, hugging her close. ¡°Then all those people? For me?¡± What I dreaded about the most. I can''t let her think it''s her fault. ¡°It seems so. This group of murderers, shamans of sacrifice, are determined to lead this world down a dark path and you are the only person in their way. You are not the cause of this but a victim, just like the many victims of Mouve.¡± Her grief-stricken face became crestfallen, and she wobbled on her feet. ¡°VANESSA!¡± I caught her before she fell, and I escorted her to the bed to lie down. Kneeling by the bed, I held her hand, making sure she was okay. Still aware of her surroundings, she peeked at me between weary eyes. ¡°Is that why you protect me so tirelessly?¡± I rubbed her tears away, realising what I was truly afraid of. I wasn''t scared of the prince taking her, and it wasn''t a simple insecurity. Was it love for her or was it love for my purpose? This world had given me many gifts and the greatest was a cause that filled me with joy every day and kept me moving. I was worried that once she knew, once she was safe, my value would be over. My role would be done. Back to the sidelines. Away from her. I kissed her hand, thinking how foolish I had been. More than the monsters, cursed, battles, and glory, being with her meant more to me. ¡°I protect you because you are the one I love. And the one I love happens to be the most important woman on the planet.¡± She looked at me fondly, searched my eyes once more and joy sparkled from hers. ¡°To be honest, I''m afraid you will get tired of me and find a handsome king or something.¡± Vanessa chuckled. ¡°If you have ever looked in the mirror, you would have nothing to worry about.¡± ¡°Mmm, that''s true.¡± Vanessa laughed aloud. Her happiness was contagious, and I joined in. Our chuckling filled the red room and destroyed the depressing atmosphere. I should have told her earlier. This feels relieving. "So, husband, when do I get my special powers?¡± ¡°In a little more than a year. There is a ceremony we will need to attend in the capital.¡± ¡°A very long time. Why are they attacking me this early?¡± ¡°I inferred that they got word from someone of your real identity.¡± ¡°And you know how?¡± I pointed upwards. Vanessa smiled nervously. ¡°Of course. The gods told you.¡± ¡°I am special in my own way but that''s for another time. Now you see you are too important-¡± ¡°I will bring an army with me wherever I go, so don¡¯t worry, Tarion.¡± ¡°Right, right, Haha.¡± The revelations lingered in the air as both of us thought of the ramifications of all this, The consequence for us. For the world. Hymir and his bandits are my next target. No more sly plans. Locate and eliminate. ¡°Thank you. Tarion. " Her soft voice hummed in my soul. "Thank you for telling me.¡± ¡°I...I don''t know why I hesitated so much.¡± ¡°Because you cared,¡± Vanessa replied, her tone so sure, she smiled adorely at me. I rubbed my head in frustration. Frustration at myself for wasting time. For not trusting her. ¡°It''s about time I leave. We have dance practice tomorrow, right?¡± I stood up from my knees and Vanessa pulled me to her from my shirt. ¡°I am not leaving.¡± Sitting up, she tugged me by my shirt. I was close enough to smell her hypnotising scent. ¡°I will not leave you. Ever. So stay. Stay for the night.¡± Her sultry gaze has me trapped. She has me. Totally. No more words needed to be said as I climbed over to the bed to kiss her. Chapter 44: Love? Morning Tarion Greystone. A touch on my chest woke me up. Deep red hung from the canopy above, except for deep blue. ¡°Morning.¡± Vanessa¡¯s voice sang to me and a kiss to the cheek awakened me fully. My wife lay on my right, supple breasts in full display, playing with my hair. What a life. ¡°Morning, dear. Are you okay?¡± She fiddled with the ends of my black hair. ¡°I am well, thanks to you being so careful.¡± ¡°I tried my best. How long have you been awake?¡± She smiled. ¡°Not too long. Watching sleeping beauty helped me pass the time.¡± ¡°Please.¡± I brought her round chin to me for a kiss. ¡°Don''t say anymore or I might continue from last night.¡± Vanessa giggled. ¡°Is that a challenge and a request?¡± A heavy knock on the duchess room door interrupted us. We looked at each other in a our momentary shock as if we were caught by our parents and continued our lovemaking. More knocks came and an unfamiliar voice spoke from the corridor. ¡°Vanessa! Are you there?! I heard about yesterday!!¡± The male voice knocked again. Vanessa drew her lips away. ¡°George¡­?Why is he¡­?¡± George, the old childhood friend that I am totally not jealous of in any way, shape, or form? That fella? ¡°Sorry, Tarion-¡± ¡°Go. He has to be worried.¡± A peck to my forehead and she leaves the covers. I watched my wife¡¯s voluptuous breasts bounce as she stood up from the bed. She bent down to get a green dress from the floor and the view tested my restraint. I¡¯m a gentleman. I calm myself with breathing and mobile meditation. Plonk Nice. The door creaked open and the stablehand smiled wide, seeing my wife. He grabbed her arm with force. ¡°Vanessa!! You¡¯re okay!! Oh, thank the lands above! I didn''t see you come to the stables as usual to feed your horse treats¡­¡± Wearing regularly worn peasant attire, he wore a dumb cap I would see on only fools and horses. I couldn¡¯t tell any features of his face other than that he could be light-skinned Friedman like me. I inspected his stats. Bang average for a strong worker. ¡°George¡­As you can see, I am doing well. Well, much better than others, like my driver. Couldn¡¯t find a body but his clothes were among the debris.¡± ¡°Umm, that''s unfortunate. I will send a prayer to him. But you are safe. That''s what matters for now.¡± He still held on to my wife''s arms. ¡°Thanks to the mysterious mage who saved me and my people. And of course, my dear husband.¡± I saw her cheeky smile which made me fall for her. The stablehand twitched. His smile stayed on his lips as his eyebrows contorted. ¡°That''s great~¡­ But he should have been there the whole time. He left you alone when you were most vulnerable. When are you going to the divorce the fool!?¡± She told him? His grimy, skinny hands held my arms too tight. ¡°George!¡± Vanessa shouted down at him and he cowered. ¡°How do you...¡± Vanessa yanked her arms away. ¡°Don''t speak of it again.¡± ¡°Sorry. I was just so worried about you so many times I wanted to come here to check if you were okay.¡± His mouth gushed bullshit as if on a time limit. ¡°Bring me with you next time you go on the road so I can protect you whenever he isn¡¯t there-¡± If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¡°She''s fine.¡± I finally spoke and I saw despair in George''s weasly eyes. ¡°Ta-Your Grace!¡± he bowed with no heart in it. I scooted off the bed, not minding how bare I was. ¡°You seem to remember formalities with me.¡± I strolled to the door, observing despair and anger building in the childhood friend. ¡°But completely forget it when around the duchess.¡± ¡°I apologise, Your Grace¡¯s! I was so beside myself with worry that I- sorry for my rudeness!¡± He bowed again. I stepped behind my wife. ¡°I understand. You are friends. Friends tell secrets, and friends worry about each other. But friend or not, NOONE holds my wife like that.¡± Glaring down with murder at the fool, I still can''t see his face properly. Vanessa patted my chest to calm me down. ¡°Tarion, it''s okay. He is just as concerned as I would be for him or Jen.¡± Too easy to forgive, as always. ¡°Then he should be happy to know I will be escorting you everywhere until further notice.¡± Vanessa turned around and smiled lovingly at me. In the corner of my eye, I caught George staring at me with utter disdain. ¡°I won''t be a fool any longer.¡± George bit his lips. ¡°Your issue is solved. Back to your station before I decide whether or not to hire new employees.¡± A half-hearted salute, bow, and ¡°YES, YOUR GRACE.¡± and the stable worker scampered down the corridor. ¡°Bye, George! Oh¡­Tarion, you didn¡¯t need to speak to him like that.¡± I shrugged. He bugs me too much. Why? "But did you mean it!?¡± Vanessa asked with unbridled joy. ¡°You did tell me you would bring an army along, so I am volunteering.¡± ¡°Getting arrogant nowadays, hehe.¡± ¡°I wanted to look good in front of my wife.¡± I grabbed her soft behind, feeling my control waning with every whiff of her aroma, I wanted to take her dress off right there and then. ¡°Vanessa, It will be hard to pull me away from you. Bring me with you.¡± ¡°Umm.¡± She closed her eyes in thought. ¡°Okay. Only if you are good.¡± ¡°In what way?¡± I kicked the door close and scooped Vanessa up. ¡°Tarion! again?! I can walk, you know, hahahaha!¡± My wife weighed as light as a feather as I twirled her around. Her gold curls bounced all the way to the soft red silk sheets and we continued what we left off. Later. Joshua Greystone. I lay on my bed, feeling pain, and torment my adrenaline contained healing with my broken leg in a special cast, poked with needles made by some foreigner my brother brought in. I relaxed while my uncle talked my head off. More stories of the barbarians and their strange ways. ¡°-good drinkers they were. But they liked to brawl a bit too much. Dealt with a handful of hangovers and concussions.¡± A bit too much for this battle-loving madman? A maid knocked and announced. ¡°His and Her Grace are here to meet with you, milord!¡± ¡°Ah, the hero has arrived.¡± My uncle squeaked off the bedside chair to pat me on the cast. ¡°AAAH!! What the fuck, uncle!¡± ¡°Heh, still awake. You swear, too! I will come back later.¡± ¡°Fucking old man!¡± He walked away with a grin, knowing I was waiting for another visit to hear his stories again. My uncle and brother welcomed each other with a hug at the door, laughing loudly. Probably at my lame state. A door closed and my Duke and Duchess stood worried on the side of my bed. I crossed my strained arms. ¡°Why''d you run away? I thought I was the coward of the family.¡± ¡°Hahaha,¡± His long, black cloak waved as he laughed. ¡°I apologise. Vanessa told me about something interesting. Curiosity blinded me.¡± My brother leaned and looked at my injuries. ¡°It hurts, huh?¡± ¡°What a dumb question,¡± I grumbled. Vanessa giggled with her mouth covered. Dress in a red flowing dress Showing off her bosom, the Duchess was different. She radiated with an afterglow, a lingering happiness¡­Ew. ¡°What are you here for except to gawk at a suffering man?¡± Tarion chuckled. ¡°Calm down, grouchy.¡± The Duchess held my right hand and said, ¡°We are here to say thank you to the bravest man I have ever seen. Thanks to you, I was able to return home to my husband''s side.¡± Vanessa''s thoughtful eyes looked deep into my soul and I couldn''t help blushing from her praise. ¡°And you are being promoted.¡± His Grace said as he threw a key between my legs on the bed. ¡°Once Master Zhi has you up and walking, find Charles. Show him the key and let him show you the way.¡± I picked up the key and rolled it around my hand. Umbra¡­ ¡°Ye-Yes, Your Grace!¡± ¡°I was wrong.¡± My head snapped to Tarion, smiling with love and pride. ¡°Wha¡­¡± ¡°I was wrong about you.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Tears rushed out like a broken dam. My emotions, unrestrained, I cried in my hands. Water dripped on my covers through my fingers. At my most vulnerable, I feel something covering me, giving my soul warmth. I opened my wet eyes and saw my brother and his wife''s arms around me. ¡°Thank you¡­ for giving me¡­ a chance.¡± I sobbed, my sniffling hampering my words. Tarion rubbed my back. ¡°You''re my brother. I will give you more.¡± Chapter 45: The petal. Two days untill the ball Vanessa Greystone. Tarion is one of the funniest men I have ever known. The way he makes his boredom known as we discuss how to get stone for road works. Any show of sadness, he tried to alleviate the mood with one of his dumb jokes. His purposeful scaring of any child within a metre of him. These past days with him by my side had been heaven. Our hands held each other on any occasion, even where and when it may have seemed inappropriate for nobles of our peerage. His red eyes followed me, studying my daily life. He asked questions that delved deeper into the topics than time allowed. Hands linked, with every eye on me and him, scarlet gems never broke the gaze from me. I can¡¯t believe I was ever worried about marrying this man. After meeting with our Alar visitors at the dock, we rode our carriage and arrived at Oakley Street. The door of The Petal swung open and Jen rushed to get my favourite tea as usual. The lady¡¯s curtsies were closer to the floor as I brought a new visitor to the teashop. ¡°Good morning, ladies.¡± My newly acquired group of haughty friends looked downright terrified. But what can you expect when you bring the tyrant of Osberg to a gathering of women? ¡°I would like to introduce you to someone very dear to me.¡± Tarion bowed and the women of Osberg¡¯s elite jerked in the seats. I understand them. I am still not used to courteous Tarion. No, Caroline. Good. ¡°Duke Greystone of Osberg, please to make your acquaintance. I have heard a lot about you ladies, especially you, Marquess Bradshaw.¡± Lady Bradsaw''s plump face glowed a deep red and her loud mouth was still for a heaven-sent moment. Lady Lea Trak was the first to come up. Curtsying in a deep blue dress, in front of her father''s killer, she gave my husband a gracious smile. ¡°It has been a while, hasn¡¯t it, Your Grace?¡± ¡°Indeed. Still as strange as always, I see.¡± Tarion looked down on her with no change in his sharp face. ¡°We would have made an eccentric couple.¡± I tapped my husband. ¡°Couple?¡± I said, through grating teeth and a smile. ¡°The weird woman was to be set up as a potential bride, as our families are - were close. Hated her, though. Too many pranks for my liking.¡± ¡°I thought you liked them.¡± She jokingly wondered with a smirk. ¡°I would be a sadist to like fleas in my undergarments.¡± He turned to me and whispered. ¡°Crazy bitch. Be careful. ¡° I couldn''t stop my chuckle. Lady spoke in the middle of my laughing fit. ¡°Your Graces, it is wonderful weather outside; why don''t we have to leave for the tables outside?¡± Tarion shrugged. I replied, saying, ¡°That''s a great idea. Kurt, please tell Jen where we have gone.¡± A salute and the bodyguard left. ¡°Ooh, we can get the servants to bring the tea there!¡± Bradshaw said. ¡°No.¡± Lady Trak¡¯s voice was stern. ¡°Just us.¡± ¡°One minute. I must say something to the women of the court.¡± The teashop went silent by the end of his sentence. ¡°I would like to give my utmost gratitude to you all for making my wife feel welcomed in this city and for that I am grateful. If only the men in your lives had the same¡­courage.¡± The teashop was so quiet, I could hear my heartbeat. ¡°Staying put in their country manors, what are they afraid of? That I would kill them as I did Milady''s father?¡± No answers from the frightened noble ladies. ¡°No, no, no. It is not fear, I think. Maybe arrogance. Unheard confidence. Because if they really thought I was the tyrant of rumours,¡± Tarion flicked the hilt of his magnificent blade on his back. ¡°They would be more worried about her wife''s lives.¡± Fear washed over the crowd. A young lady fainted in the corner. ¡°My wife has sent you invitations to the ball and I expect your husband''s brothers and fathers to be there. I hope they understand, I can only be so patient. Trak, lead us outside.¡± ¡°Yes, just through that door, Your Grace.¡± I looked at the frozen crowd while we left and they were scared, as Tarion said they would be. I didn''t know what he meant by ¡®his madman reputation would be put to good use¡¯. But seeing their faces made me understand why he uses it. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. A door in the back led into an open garden area where shop workers set up a white table and three white flower-carved chairs on the grass. I watched how Lady Trak sat down on her seat with elegance, her considerate smile that could be hiding thousands of thoughts. I sat down while Jen put my tea in front of me and Tarion fell on his chair with no grace. He looked around, interested in the pink and white flowers arranged around us. ¡°Done well for yourself. How did you start this place under his nose?¡± Tarion enquired. I thought I saw a chink in the intelligent lady''s armour. ¡°Give or take five years ago. The owner was old and needed to retire. I need a place to hear rumours.¡± ¡°Mmm.¡± Tarion crossed his arms, hinting he was bored once again. ¡°Thank you for the invitation. I''ve always desired to be companions since the last time we talked.¡± ¡°And I, you, Your Grace.¡± I sipped my tea. ¡°But there are many who are your friends. What do you need from your Duchess?¡± Lady Trak fiddled with her gloved hands. ¡°I want¡­I need to be the Count.¡± Tarion leaned in without saying a word. I drink my calming tea, placing it on the coaster as my mind churns. ¡°That is something only my husband can conceivably provide. But I must ask. Why?¡± Drinking her tea, Trak sighed, preparing herself. ¡°My father is dead. My mother went mad, grieving for a serial adulterer. My brother¡­he is too young. I need to take over. Steer the ship right, no matter how tainted the Trak name is.¡± I looked over to my husband, he nodded and we went through with my plan. ¡°You''re friendly with my sister, isn''t that right?¡± ¡°Ah, yes¡­¡± ¡°No, no. I am not upset. No, we are glad.¡± Lea turned her head in confusion. ¡°Keep being friends. More than friends. She needs guidance and you are smart enough to point her in the right direction. She will be leaving soon, back to Hamber. Perhaps you could join her as well.¡± Gloved hands held her chin as Lady Trak thought. ¡°How will I get word to you?¡± Tarion answered, ¡°One of my people will apply for a job under you.¡± ¡°Your Ravens, I presume.¡± Tarion smiled and leaned back into his chair. ¡°And my brother?¡± ¡°Safe and well taken care of.¡± A sigh of relief from the noble lady and I could see the weight fall off her shoulders. ¡°Countess Trak,¡± Tarion ordered. ¡°Your mission is to watch over Caroline Hodge, infiltrate the Grandi company and send any information that may be of help to us. Do you accept this order?¡± Hand on chest, the countess¡¯s smile beamed. ¡°Yes, Your Grace!¡± *** Holding hands as we walked down Oakley, my husband''s hands gripped me tight. ¡°I''m sad.¡± ¡°Umm? What about dear?¡± Tarion looked down with puppy dog eyes. ¡°I thought you would be more jealous.¡± ¡°I was.¡± I saw his ears perk up. ¡°Jealous of her dress. Did you see how the seams were tailored? Exquisite!¡± ¡°Ha. Ha. Ha. Very hilarious-¡± Tarion paused. I looked at Tarion and the normally aloof man was aghast. I followed his eyes and found that he was staring at a priest, dressed in a long gold and white cassock. Hair like wheat, he looked much closer to our age than any priest I have ever seen. ¡°Your Graces! I have been lost for a while in this large city. Mind if I borrow a ride in your carriage?¡± Later in the evening. Tarion Greystone I sat on my office chair, twirling a quill around my fingers and staring daggers at the boyishly handsome man. ¡°Why no word of your arrival, Cardinal?¡± ¡°Wanted to see the sights. Beautiful city you run.¡± the cardinal crossed his legs. ¡°Thank you. My wife does her best.¡± ¡°She does¡­¡± As polite as he was in the manhwa, a good friend to my wife and someone who helped her with her powers, his kind smile irked me. As the third love interest, Samuel was a flirty bastard. Celibate my ass. The motherfucker had probably slept with half of the red-light district by now. ¡°We in the capital have heard of your circumstances.¡± ¡°Me killing the count?¡± I said, knowing they couldn''t do anything about it. ¡°Yes, that has been on our minds, as we were worried that you would not abide by the taxes set.¡± ¡°Mines are up, running, and well protected. You will get your minerals soon enough.¡± ¡°I see. Very well, Your Grace. We have also heard about a priest under your arrest.¡± ¡°A corrupt fool who was caught selling holy water to criminals.¡± ¡°Is that true¡­!?¡± ¡°He is underground in the holding; you can ask him there. It would help if you gave me a replacement. Mouve cathedral can''t be empty for too long.¡± ¡°I will procure one. As an apology.¡± ¡°Good.¡± After several moments of silence in my office, the cardinal spoke up with a high-brow city accent ¡°About the issue, you have been pressing us about~¡± I sat up straight, dropping the quill as I waited for his answer. ¡°The king''s orders are resolute. The annulment is refused. The marriage will go on.¡± I jumped up from my seat. I walked to face the bookcase to hide my smile. ¡°Fuck sake... Then a maid will escort you to your room.¡± Far away from the duchess''s. ¡°Yes, Your Grace.¡± I heard a chair creak behind me. ¡°Many blessings and may you keep her safe.¡± The door closed and I ran with joy to my desk. I pulled the right drawer out, pushing papers and my pocket watch aside and I found my father''s and mother''s keepsakes. Two rune-engraved gold rings jingle in my hand. I will give her the ceremony she deserves. Two days until the ball. Chapter 46: lesson. 20 minutes before talking with the cardinal. Tarions office. The Duke. I fiddled with my quill while Beatrice came inside with news. ¡°Our traitor has arrived And has been sent to the underground jail.¡± ¡°Great! Perhaps I can see how worse for wear he has become after Susan''s torture.¡± ¡°And lastly, Your Grace, the lawyer, has been brought up.¡± ¡°Bring him in,¡± I said, relaxing on my large chair. The once chubby balding man had lost quite a bit of weight, clothes no longer bursting, bags dropped from eyes from rapid weight loss. ¡°Sit.¡± Ordered the nervous noble. ¡°You¡¯re looking good.¡± I lied. ¡°Thank¡­you, Your Grace.¡± a tired man said. ¡°I wish to speak to you about the trouble you brought on to me.¡± I could see his brow sweat. ¡°After much asking the king and church may definitely refuse any possible annulment. So I need your advice, Viscount Fabern. How can I change the terms of my marriage contract? Specifically, I want to remove any mention of my assets going to anyone else after my death.¡± The slim man was silent. ¡°If you help I will not care about your dealings with the crown and your old position will be yours again. You will be free.¡± The viscount lifted his head. The life in his eyes returned. ¡°Free under me. So tell me, lawyer. Advice on my predicament?¡± The old man thought to himself. ¡°...One way is to convince a Priest of significant influence to help.¡± ¡°A cardinal?¡± ¡°Yes. But you need a concession as they have many other voices in the church''s chamber to outvoice him. The second way is to get the witnesses to void the contract.¡± ¡°Ah, most of the witnesses are after my head.¡± ¡°T-Then the third option is ceremony¡± ¡°A wedding ceremony?¡± I juggled rings in my hands. ¡°Yes¡­ In this country, a Vow in front of the gods, the church and a crowd of witnesses supersede any legal document.¡± ¡°Then It''s decided.¡± I declared with a large smile. ¡°Beatrice, get the viscount, a quick bath and send him home.¡± Fabern fell to the ground near where I had slain Trak, kneeling in a pool of tears. ¡°Thank you, Your Grace!! Oh, Thank you!!¡± ¡°Charles,¡± I called while Fabern was escorted out of my office. My friend stepped into the office and gave me a bow. ¡°Yes, Your Grace.¡± ¡°Tell the cardinal I am available and tell my uncle I will drink with him if only he does me a very huge favour.¡± Next day. One day until the ball Underground training room The Duke. Zhi smirked at me from across the training platform. Her feet shuffled across the floor and, in an instant, crossed metres. Instinctively, I employed Umbra steps and with a bad hangover, I backed away from her grabbing hand. Her loose clothes flapped, whipping the air as she closed the distance once again. I grabbed her reach hand by her arm and a pulse of qi rebounded my hold. I flew away using mana repulsion, yet she caught up to me with those strange, shuffling steps. My senses allowed me to lean away from her approaching hand and Qi changed its direction. I stumbled, falling on my backside, losing our game of tag for the fourth time. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. ¡°Amazing! Your movements were so abrupt, that I couldn''t catch the timing of them. The explosion of momentum! Yet you were so light.¡± I picked myself off the floor admiring the demonstration. ¡°Qinggong,¡± Zhi explained. ¡°The basis of martial arts is footwork. How you traverse the battlefield, escape enemies, and even how to manoeuvre around the opponent to gain a hit. All can be decided by how well your Qinggong is trained.¡± Her feet shuffled on the ground without bending her knees. As if moving on rails, she left behind an afterimage, she appeared far to the left, where my brother, Kurt, Charles, a few trusted Umbra, and Vanessa watched. The doctor¡¯s feet shuffled and she was in front of me, the wind blew my hair at her sudden reappearance. ¡°What I have shown you is a variation of Qinggong. My speciality: Flash steps.¡± Doctor Zhi jumped and her feet scuffed my shoulder before she jumped again, reaching high enough to touch the hanging stalactites. I held my shoulder. I couldn''t feel any weight at all. The doctor''s wooden clogs tapped stalactites, bouncing between. A leaf floating in the wind, she sank down from the ceiling arms behind her back. I smiled until the edges of my mouth were sore. ¡°With Qinggong, even a branch can bear your weight and with enough training, you can run along the rivers and lakes, making the waters ripple under your feet.¡± Master clicked her fingers and Umbra brought in a tub of water and pieces of paper. ¡°First exercise. Step off the paper without falling into the water.¡± ¡°Yes, Master.¡± Hours later After many tries and soaked breeches, I meditated. Fourth circle and golden grade. Back to where I had been. But it is much different this time. My body felt free of burden. Free to get stronger. Training Mobile meditation has been worth it as it translated very easily into Qi meditation. The more I learned from Master Zhi the more underdeveloped the Western use of circles was. Qi is easily the most efficient way to use energy. However, the inefficiency makes sense when the origin came from trying to emulate the circles of a Mage. Circles do have their own advantages as a jack of all trades, giving the user a burst of quick strength and the ability to fire off a flurry of damaging mana attacks at the cost of stamina and at fifth circle the ability to use an element is granted. The combination of both strength and magic bore many magic swordsmen, men like my uncle and late father. But to be a jack of trades, the tradeoff was an inferior version of both disciplines. But with Qi in my arsenal, I could deal with the weakness that circles had. With my eyes still closed, I sat on a cold stone. Sit and attune your Qi to your body. You still use it like mana. Throwing it about like it is endless. Meld it with your body, let the qi fill every meridian, every vein, and every cell. In my mind''s eyes, I saw the formless white energy. The Qi I have collected is waiting for me. Its essence sparkled around my middle dandtain. Time to forge. Using all my focus, Qi bent to my will. Not as unwieldy as mana, it did require mould or I felt the stable energy crumble away. I take my time. Pulling. Squeezing. Shaping. My mana heart beat five times. Finally¡­ lands above, FINALLY! At Fifth Circle bronze grade, I didn''t feel much of a change. No surging power. No pain. Just calm. I opened my eyes. Status. Plonk. Attributes increased as they should and the Dantian points have increased by five. Something on the skills menu caught my attention. BLOODLINE 2MINS So that''s what saved my arse. I click on the skill to read the description of the skill. Well¡­that is terrifyingly awesome. How do I upgrade it- Muffled voices call to me. I forgot where I was. I looked beyond the status screen and saw a wall of wind. ¡°What the fuck?!¡± ¡°TURN IT OFF!¡± shouted a peeved Joshua behind the raging hurricane. His rapier was stuck in the ground, and he erected a shield to protect his sister-in-law. Zhi strolled through the storm, hardly minding its power. ¡°Intriguing.¡± She examined my power, reaching out. ¡°Do you have any control over it?¡± ¡°I don''t know... Let me see.¡± I slowed my circles and the wind settled. My umbra stopped hanging from doors and fell down from walls. ¡°Lands above, Tarion!¡± Joshua limped over to the centre of the training platform with his casted leg. ¡°You were already bloody strong, now you can control the wind?!¡± ¡°Wind?¡± Vanessa said as she brought me up from the floor. ¡°Isn¡¯t that supposed to be the rarest-¡± ¡°The rarest fucking element in the bloody world!! It''s not fair, you know, being your brother.¡± ¡°We all have our lot in life. Should have spent less time in the brothel, brother-in-law.¡± Vanessa jokes. ¡°Hey! Only my brother can say that to me!¡± ¡°She''s my wife; what she says, I say,¡± I said absently while looking at my status. I found a new elements tab. Elements? Plural. Fucking hell, Tarion... Did you get offed to balance the field? Chapter 47: Meeting again. One day before the ball. The duke. Afternoon In the underground training room. I flipped my pocket watch close as I sat on the hard floor. Almost time. I breathed slowly, calming my body with a piece of paper lying in my hand. Circles turned and I felt my chest hum. Qi flowed through my circle and into my hand and the paper hovered an inch above my palm. Master Zhi watched me with observing eyes glinting with qi as she studied me. ¡°Easy does it,¡± I said to myself, with beads of sweat dripping down my forehead. I had spent an hour focusing, making sure I didn''t create a second hurricane. But my control was lacking. Calm as it may be at times, the wind is unruly and needs time to master properly. I revved my circle a little faster and the paper flew to the ceiling. ¡°Damn it¡­¡± ¡°Better luck next time,¡± said Vanessa. Crosslegged on the floor in front of me in her training uniform, her left eye was open. ¡°You''re supposed to be meditating.¡± I took a piece of paper from a pile and placed it on my palm. ¡°I can¡¯t when I get to see your hair fly about all funny-like.¡± Vanessa giggled, stood up, and walked behind me. ¡°Let me tie it back for you.¡± ¡°Thanks.¡± I tried to concentrate on the floating paper. ¡°How¡¯s your training?¡± I asked. ¡°About to forge a second circle.¡± ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± A gush blew the paper away from my excitement. ¡°Ehh¡­I would¡¯ve been a third circle if I didn''t have this ball to manage. Thank you for that, by the way. I really like being busy.¡± ¡°No problem.¡± I laughed as she tightened my hair. Vanessa dropped to the ground next to me. Her face was troubled. The stress showed signs on her beautiful face. ¡°Food menus, flowers, wine¡­ so much to prepare. Such much¡­ I need to make sure it goes well.¡± ¡°Take a day off.¡± She turned to me. ¡°But the ball-¡± ¡°I will handle everything. Take today and tomorrow off.¡± ¡°Why¡­¡± I shrug. I can¡¯t tell her about the surprise. ¡°I will take it from where you left off.¡± My wife held my hand and my third paper was cut to pieces by Gale. ¡°Hey, Lovebirds! No flirting in training,¡± shouted Master Zhi from the other side of the training room. Her hand smoked with white energy as she messaged my brother''s bare stomach. ¡°Yeah. Keep that shit in the bedroom, will you!¡± Joshua added. I flapped my hand at them. ¡°Yeah, yeah.¡± I leaned towards Vanessa and whispered. ¡°Go to the courtyard at 7 pm.¡± I quickly give a her a kiss on the cheek and bolted of the ground. ¡°Where are you going? What for?!¡± I turned back, smiling as I ran to the stairs. ¡°To meet a former staff and a gift.¡± Underground jail. The duke. Stink surrounded me. It filled my nose until I thought I couldn¡¯t breathe. A good punishment for those who wrong me. I will expect a new resident here in these smelly halls. But my recent excursion has reminded me to pick my battles. A fourth circle against a sixth was enough of a challenge. But to fight another duchy¡ªthat is a whole different match. If I want to bring her down here, I will need to be prepared. I will need to plan for all eventualities. I will have to get stronger. Let''s hope my brother can hold her back from leaving. I strutted down the corridor of steel bars strong enough to stop a fourth circle and I saw a auburn-haired maid waiting for me. I could see a semblance of a smile on her usually prim face. I looked at the door she waited in front of at the end of the corridor. ¡°Susan?¡± If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. She nodded, her happiness apparent, it sparkled off her. ¡°Alright, stop fangirling and get to work. I need a report on your findings in the horn¡¯s home.¡± ¡°Fangirling¡­? Uh, yes, Your Grace. I pushed in and saw an elderly woman punching the lights out of a bastard. ¡°WHO DARES INTER- Oh! Your Grace!¡± She rushed to kneel and I lifted her up to give her a hug. The shocked umbra could hardly control her breath as I hugged her. ¡°Glad you''re back and safe.¡± I let her go. Tears streamed down her tired face. Weeks of travel had frayed her. Her clothes barely changed from her Umbra night work garment, she looked rough. What a loyal servant. ¡°You have done what I have asked for and more. I will reward you handsomely.¡± ¡°Gaining your trust back is already enough for me!¡± ¡°You will be rewarded. Now leave and rest.¡± A salute from the old Umbra and I am left alone with my killer. I walked over to the swollen and engorged former butler with glee. ¡°Hello there, Davis. Have a comfortable trip.¡± The Duchess Six in the afternoon Nervous Hodge servants waited on the outside of a bratty girl''s door. Scared by my sudden appearance, they moved out of the way with the respect they had always forgone in the past. My eyes peered at them with disgust and I shooed them away. I knocked on the guest room. ¡°Leave me be, I say!¡± ¡°I will not knock a second time,¡± I said. Footsteps ran inside and a door opened to reveal a dishevelled girl. Dark eye bags were uncovered by her makeup. Bloodshot and swollen eyes from crying herself to sleep. Dressed in a nighty worn for many days by the smell, she covered her teeth-gnashed fingernails. ¡°W-what do you want!?¡± ¡°For you to be safe.¡± I brace myself against her smell and push into the room. Clothes scattered about, disorderly, could barely describe the room. ¡°Safe? Safe from what!?¡± She searched outside, finding no one. She sighed with ease as she slammed the door. I sat down on her messy bed. ¡°You have a servant sending The Horn father''s words.¡± The girl went grey. ¡°If I was still under his control, it is what I would do.¡± She trembled like a bush in a storm. ¡°My husband does not know.¡± ¡°How can you be so sure!?¡± I leaned on my arms on the soft bed. ¡°Because you are alive.¡± She understood. ¡°I want to keep it that way.¡± ¡°Why!? Out of anyone in this building, why would you¡­ How I have treated you¡­¡± I chuckled. ¡°So you are self-aware? She bent her head down in shame and I chuckled again. ¡°Your anger towards me was¡­understandable. I threaten your peaceful family life. An abnormality to be cleansed. A blight on your family''s name and you¡¯re father''s reputation. Those are the worries of a child. But we have both grown up. Haven¡¯t we?¡± Caroline slowly nodded whilst twiddling her chipped fingers. I resumed. ¡°My anger. My rage at you had transformed into understanding. Understanding that you were the best to me in the family.¡± I lied. ¡°I had come to understand that you have the potential to be much better than those creeps you call brothers.¡± I lied some more and I stood up to walk to my sister. I rubbed the sides of her arms to calm her down. ¡°With you, I see hope. Hope the Hodges can change.¡± No longer trembling, she looked directly into my eyes. ¡°I want you to go back to Hamber. My husband may not know as of now. But he has his terrible ways of figuring things out.¡± ¡°But Father!!-¡± I brought her close, feeling her heart beat out of control. ¡°He won''t let his favourite daughter die here,¡± I declared. Caroline swallowed and spoke. ¡°How? How do I leave?¡± I smiled. ¡°I have a friend.¡± The Duchess Leaving Caroline''s room. Quarter past seven in the afternoon Talking to her always gave me a headache. It was like talking to a toddler in the body of a woman in her late twenties. But that makes her just as easy to manipulate. Soon she will packed and ready to leave with Countess Trak and our counterattack will begin. My husband walked down with long legs extending in haste. His determined face gleamed with happiness at the sight of me and he ran like a happy dog to me. ¡°What the hell have you been!?¡± He looked behind me. ¡°Ugh, that girl. I guess the plan is going forward.¡± ¡°This is my sister; it was always going to work.¡± ¡°Hah, true! Wait! You late.¡± Tarion pulled me by the arm. If it wasn¡¯t for my mana, my arm would have dislocated. I laughed while running with the inelegant fool down many a corridor and hall. After a few minutes of jogging, we reached the courtyard. The sky turned from orange to dark purple, and stars pierced with their holy light in the clear sky. In the middle. Tarion pulled me further. ¡°Over here!¡± By the castle wall, a middle-aged woman watched the city below. I froze midstep as I couldn''t believe what my eyes were seeing. Crow''s feet were beautifully aligned on her weathered skin. Age did not detract from her loveliness. Her brown hair flowed with the breeze, and serenely she smiled. ¡°Sorry, we are late.¡± Tarion interweaved our fingers and, with a noble bow, paid respects. The woman turned and her homely face exploded with joy. On her little legs, she ran to me. Giving me one the best hugs I have ever had, we cried out every feeling of longing we had for each other. ¡°Honoured to meet you finally, mother-in-law.¡± Chapter 48: The Ball. The duke. One day until the ball. Eight in the evening The love of a mother and child. A wonderful sight to see. Chatting away without giving their mouths a break, they bunched together as if they were about to disappear. For a nanosecond, I imagined if my stepmother and I could have had this kind of loving relationship. Nah. I still wanna kill the bitch. I saw they had forgotten I was there and I quietly left them by the fireplace. By the door, Jen ran past me. ¡°Got the dresses.¡± She whispered before running again to meet Vanessa''s mother. My smile fell as a stableboy walked inside my home again, tracking dirt on the wood floors. No, I can ask him. I hung my arm around the skinny man, and I brought him around the corner. ¡°Known Vanessa for some time, yeah?¡± ¡°Yes, Your Grace, since we were little tikes.¡± Under my arm, George looked peeved. ¡°Let''s say I propose and say my vows to her on the same night as a surprise. Would she like that?¡± George slowly slipped under my arm. His cap hid his expression. ¡°I¡­don¡¯t know, Your Grace. Are you sure about this?¡± With cold eyes, he questioned me. ¡°What do you mean?¡± I didn¡¯t like his tone one bit. ¡°A Vow with that cardinal present is more than law. It will be permanent. Protected by the gods, for if you break it¡­¡± ¡°It is why I must do it,¡± I said. ¡°For her.¡± George bit his lip. ¡°You¡­worthy.¡± the stable hand said under his breath. ¡°What did you say?¡± I asked, cupping my ear. ¡°May I leave, Your Grace? I have stables to keep before resting.¡± ¡°Sure¡­on your way.¡± George walked with tensed shoulders, his fingers twitching and turning. ¡°What the fuck is his problem?¡± I need to keep an eye on him. Now where is the flirty priest? **** The fuck is this? The cardinal leaned over a poor maid, trying to use his charming smile. Her face clearly disagreed with his approach. I stepped up to him using Qinggong and my hand whipped the air to wrap my hand around the horny holy man''s throat. ¡°Leave,¡± I tell the maid. I heard her light footballs and squeezed harder. ¡°Hey, what''s the meaning of this!!¡± The cardinal screamed. ¡°My maids are off limits.¡± ¡°How was I supposed to know that!?¡± ¡°Common etiquette.¡± The cardinal hit my arm with pillow-light punches. ¡°Calm yourself, Zeb, before I kill you.¡± He obeyed. ¡°Wait, how do you¡­know¡­my name-¡± ¡°Punishment is in order.¡± I unclenched from his red neck and the cardinal huffed on the floor, much to my enjoyment. ¡°I need a witness from the church tomorrow.¡± The duke. Day of the ball. Eight in the evening I watched carriage after carriage coming down the road from a guestroom window. I hold hands with a nervous Duchess. Her hair was done up high, and her makeup was applied perfectly on her already perfect face. She squirmed in a form-fitting, bosom-revealing white dress. Sewn as if petals were interwoven with each other, crystals shine on the helm. Sapphire jewels were inlaid in her white shoes. ¡°It''s going to be fine. I will be with you the whole way. You look beautiful, by the way.¡± She smiled adoringly and couldn''t help adoring back. ¡°How do I look? Snazzy?¡± Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. She checked my gold-embroidered black doublet, black breeches and dark leather shoes, my favourite cloak, and. ¡°Could be better. What does snazzy mean?¡± ¡°W-What! I actually tried.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know if you did. I remember you making fun of my clothing choices. I guess we have something in common.¡± ¡°Wait a minute¡ªmaybe you''re right. I like black, alright!¡± I both chuckled till our chests hurt as I heard my brother¡¯s name announced. ¡°It''s time.¡± Vanessa put on a courageous face. We locked arms and I escorted her out of the room. A footman guided us to the opening before the stairs started downward. ¡°I can smell the meat already,¡± my uncle said from behind. He winked at me and I gave him a thumbs-up behind my back. I nodded to the footman. ¡°Hear ye, hear ye!! Attention to all who attend! Presenting; Governor of our great Osberg duchy, THE HERO OF MOUVE, DUKE GREYSTONE! And his wife, mayor of Osberg city- DUCHESS GREYSTONE!¡± My wife and I walked to the railing looking above the hundreds celebrating below. On circle tables beside cheeses, fruits and breads the various tables of meat from roast pig to turkey, ale and wine flow in every cup. The band of musicians stopped as I touched the railing looking down. I watched the gaping guests, finding the Alar with the exotic clothing and headdresses, lords and ladies from far across the duchy, knights of great skill and even some vessel family members I remember from memories almost forgotten. There was an eerie silence as the audience below gawked and stared. I project my voice out with mana. ¡°Welcome.¡± An explosion of cheer filled the foray. My name was cheered with a fervency that their voices mixed in a deafening roar. ¡°GREYSTONE! GREYSTONE! GREYSTONE! GREYSTONE!¡± I glimpsed my brother joining in the cheering next to Jen and Kurt. Vanessa held me close, our arms wreathed. The results of my blood and sweat. Fuck''s sake¡­ I could have cried at that moment. To see it all in that room was too much for my worn soul to bear. I looked to the left, spotting my old room at the far end. I exhaled, gained control of myself and accompanied my wife down to the foray steps to meet the guests. ¡°Hear ye, hear ye!!¡± *** An hour later. I fiddled with rings in my pocket, feeling nerves I hadn''t felt since my battle with the beast above my office mantlepiece. A lot has changed since then. Powers beyond my imagination. Land and people were finally under my control. Crowds of people calling my name in the streets. I am so very close to realising my promise to them. I just needed to get through these damn boring conversations. "Hello, Marquess Bradshaw. Finally stopped hiding away.¡± A meaty hand grabbed mine. ¡°Running away? HAHAHA!¡± The gingerheaded man chortled with a great, boisterous smile. ¡°I got here as fast as possible to meet the legend himself! The man who-¡± I let the man drone on about how great I was but all I could do was stare at her. How her dress flowed around like a fairy. Her hair twisted like gorgeous golden vines. Vanessa saw me gazing and smiled back knowingly. My body moved before I did. ¡°I think we''re on track to produce a seven per cent increase in wheat yield this year- You, Grace?¡± ¡°Sorry, I have to do something.¡± I moved past Marquess, grabbing Vanessa''s hand as she chatted with her friends. ¡°Please, come with me.¡± She looked back at her friend and then at me with a worried smile. ¡°O-okay.¡± Holding her white-gloved hand, I brought her up to the front of the foray, a cardinal awaited my signal and I gave a nod to him. ¡°What''s going on, Tarion?¡± Vanessa said as she greeted guests while escorting her along to the front. ¡°A second surprise.¡± A tingle raised the little hair on my entire body. Something is coming. Instinct put up a shield of mana for me and I feel something, invisible, collapsing onto it. I let go of Vanessa¡¯s hand. ¡°Get back.¡± I spun all five circles, keeping my shield up under tremendous pressure. ¡°Kurt! Sword!¡± Hands stretched out, I saw my guard speed in a blue flash to retrieve my weapon. A notification fuzzed and fizzled before changing its letters. Shit. Better than dying, I guess. Surrounded by a terrified crowd, one person yelled for me. Vanessa, held back by Jen and my brother, scrambled for me. "TARION!" Impressive strength pushed my brother off. He reached out again with mana to stop her from getting caught in the spell. ¡°Please don''t cry.¡± The spell squeezed in on me and my shield cracked and shattered before I put another one up. My name was called by my uncle''s gravelly old voice among the noise and mayhem. Face wrenching, sweat dripping, I struggled against the spell with all my power. I tried to smile under duress. ¡°Do not fret, I''m just leaving for a bit.¡± I turned to my little brother. ¡°Keep her safe until I come back.¡± A committed nod from him relaxed me I fetched a ring from my pocket and I threw It to Vanessa. ¡°Think of me and the ring will point you to my location, no matter how far I am.¡± I kneeled as the shield got compacted. I slipped a second rune on my ring finger ¡°Your Grace!¡± Catching the sword of Osberg and its spinning hilt, I readied myself. Why today of all days¡­? Vanessa and my eyes locked, and I said what I had been holding back. ¡°I love you.¡± As my uncle pushed through the chaotic crowd, my mana shield broke, and nothingness covered me whole. *** Under my boots, I felt grass under my soles. The cold night air chilled my face as the wind blew over me with a hint of wood. Eyes blinked open and hundreds of eyes stared back. Hungry, ravenous eyes. Animalistic and barbaric, the bandits glared like they had seen the next meal. Where the hell am I¡­? ¡°Duke.¡± That voice from the blizzard. The coward. The shaved man. Hymir. ¡°Didn''t think we would meet so soon.¡± I looked straight ahead and saw a man marked with ceremonial blood on his body, and he smiled with malice. ¡°Did the mage bring you here as a sacrifice?¡± The fucking helper. Well, I asked for help. I should have told them to do it at a more convenient time. ¡°No. To slay you.¡± I allocated Dantian points to senses and speed, standing in a guarding stance with my greatsword. Circles revved and my blade hummed with great, bright, azure-blue mana. Hymir laughed to the moon above, madness echoing. Bandits with feverish eyes stalked closer to me, brandishing their blue-lit blades and shields. ¡°You can certainly try, arrogant noble.¡± Chapter 49: Battle far from home The DUKE In the woods. Heightened senses brought me back to the reality before me. Several hundred on all sides. Swords, spears, and shields glow in the dark wood, bringing the stars to earth. I heard boots on bark. Archers getting a good view of their target. Four heavies guard the bastard. Greataxes flared with the fourth and third circle manas. And Hymir himself sat in the middle of a summoning rune circle inscribed with blood. Shamans worked with their sickly fingers, twisting the mana taken from poor souls. Were they creating a cursed using Hymir? I spun my blade to deflect an arrow from behind. With one came many. Arrows rained, and my sword moulineted in a figure of eight, cutting down any arrow coming my way. I heard the wind being ruptured by a fast arrow. I flared my mana and strengthened myself with Qi to block and my feet dragged up dirt. ¡°Had my bow replaced! You still owe me for that!¡± Hymir shouted as he nocked another arrow. Will the woodland be my grave? I must think. There has to be a way out of this, a way to survive. I searched for exits. Where can I run- I stomped my right boot on the ground with enough force to make a crater. RUN!!? Have you gone soft?! I thought to myself. I crouched down, my muscles tensing like a spring. A little humiliation got you scared!? Scared because the bald horn man beat you to almost death!? Pristine circles spun faster than ever before. My sword, a bonfire of blue aura, I trained my eyes on Hymir. Afraid of losing all you gained? A hypocrite should never call others cowards! I beat my chest red, my adrenaline rose, and my battle high returned. This is your chance to take back the pride they stole from you! The chance to prove yourself once more! ¡°Haha, have you gone mad?¡± Tarion, you had your fun. But your way wastes time. Wastes lives. No more hesitation. Let me be free. Let me kill. ¡°Yes. Mad. I have gone mad. Maybe your head on my wall will sort me out.¡± Hymir shot his arrow. The soil, rock, and grass below were destroyed as I leapt with all my speed. Hymir''s arrow made a shallow cut on my cheek and I continued flying towards him like the wind. The bandit leader brought his arms to block. Mana repulsion gave me extra motion as I thrust with all the might I could muster. My greatsword priced Hymir''s right shoulder several inches deep before it was hit upward through his muscle. ¡°Haha, at least I tried!!!¡± I said, laughing maniacally in mid-air. Hymir''s wide eyes gazed at mine with delicious fright. I react to an axe slicing at me. My sword rang like a bell. The heavy bodyguard power reverberated from to me and I flew metres back into a crowd of dirty bandits. Before I touched the ground, I spun and cut a head. Rolling on the grass, a handstand brought me up to receive three-second circle attacks. Flash Step moved me right to evade the three swords and three lives end with a mana slice. I grabbed a spear coming from my heart. I weaved away, pulling on the owner to stab their chest. Qi strengthened me, and my greatsword cut through my heart, lungs, and ribs to smash into a second man. Ears heard an enemy and my open hand glowed blue to repulse a strike. A spin backwards disembowelled a shocked man. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Heightened eyes search for my enemy. Receiving help from his shamans, he continued with the ceremony. ¡°KILL HIM! GET HIM AWAY!¡± I parried a charging sword down. My sword arched up, slicing into a chin and nose. I shot mana from my sword point to push away the dead and as my sword curved, my momentum continued to slash another assailant from ear to ear. I dipped under an attacking wood axe and the pommel of my sword ruptured the bandit''s chest. ¡°Don''t get in my way!¡± Swordpoint at my seven, I slashed with burning mana, lacerating a dozen on the wave''s path. Slice after Mana slice shot out the sword of Osberg, killing and maiming dozens. I missed this. Soil burst as I ran for the baldy. Swift jabbed and killed weak first circles in my way. ¡°I hope you don''t run away again!¡± I zigged and zagged past bandits, crushing throats, pounding heads inward, and pruning off limbs. I bent down an inch to let an arrow kill its fellow bandits and resumed slicing. I bathed in blood, my smile tight on the corners of my face. I engrossed myself in the thrill. A sword caught me on my right rib and I returned the kind gesture and thrust a hole in the enemy''s skull with mana. A flash step quickened me close, delimbing five with super senses and speed. The ground crumbled under my feet, and Qinggong saved me by floating me onto a bandit''s shoulder. I wound back my mana armour leg and kicked the poor soul''s face. His neck opened up like a chest, squirting his red juice like a fountain. The back of his head hit his back and I jumped off with light steps to find the origin of the earthquake. There''s the fat fucker. A heavy-set axe-wielding brute yanked his weapon from the crushed ground to swing at me. The axe of glowing blue missed as I leaned back, the wind unfurling my tied hair. Axe waiting to fall, I sped forward to piece his feet. The large bandit roared in pain, swinging down with all his strength. My free hand fired a mana tether at the mana-free handle of the axe, redirecting it away with a tug. The axe crashed beside me. Greatsword, still in his right boot, I slice up, making a line of blood from his right leg to his left shoulder. With another swipe, an ugly head fell to the ground. ¡°BASTARD!!!¡± Another heavy fourth circle roared, running with two of his friends of similar stature and power. I avoided two giant axes with a flash step. Instinct warned me too late, as a spear punctured through a few centimetres of skin and muscle before my Mana armour saved my back. I spun on the spear''s pole to open up a neck. The attacker gurgled on the ground as I flash-stepped away from three axes. My sword ground with an axe above and another aimed at my open stomach. A half step lets one weapon miss and another fall. I mana thrust with blurring speed and two men fell with searing holes in their chests. ¡°B-BROTHEEEEERS!!!¡± The last fourth circle flared a blue mana flame around his hefty mass, launching a shark-finned mana slice at me. With flash steps, I dodged with ease, throwing my own mana slice from my nine o''clock. The crescent blue energy killed several of the mob as the guard saved himself with a blocking axe. I charged my sword and slashed again. Two mana slices were too much for the brute and his body was diced along with his fellow bandits. I searched for Hymir and moved. I need to kill him before they finish what they are planning Qinggong floated me metres high with a single hop. Mana jetted out of my back and soles. From above, I saw the movement of troops. They run to protect their master. How loyal. Around three hundred men huddled with weapons glowing, guarding Hymir with hastily made mana shields. I should change my strategy. I need weapons. I reallocated some points from speed and senses into intelligence. From a free hand, a tether of mana reaches down and splits into dozens of magical strands. I felt the tug of heavy steel as my mana tether brought the many blades of my fallen enemies to me. Saw this in an anime once. I hovered above, light with Qinggong and with jets of mana repulsion. I I put speed points in mana capacity and engulfed my new blades in my fifth circle mana. I primed my radiant weapons to point at the horde below. ¡°For wasting my time and interrupting a joyful day, none of you will leave this forest alive.¡± I pointed with a finger and a meteor shower of metal shot at the huddling mass. Chapter 50: One against all. The Duchess All around me, men and women of the noble class whispered. ¡°A Teleport spell!? Is a mage in our midst?!¡± ¡°But the pact!¡± "There''s bound to be a few crazies that hide away.¡± ¡°Duke Greystone! He fought back a Ninth Circle teleport spell¡­Bloody monster! I thought he was only a fifth circle now.¡± ¡°Fought back a sixth as a fourth and survived. It¡¯s to be expected of the beast.¡± ¡°Are you sure he was sick before-¡± ¡°SILENCE!¡± Tarion¡¯s uncle yelled out. And the crowd became as quiet as church on a Tuesday morning. ¡°Fucking, bloody arseholes talking~¡± He mumbled quietly. My mother held me tight as I kneeled on the floor, drowning in terrible thoughts. Where had he gone, who took him, and was he safe? Is he¡­ My mother stroked my head, trying to calm me down, but with no effect. Tears didn¡¯t flow. But my anger erupted. ¡°Uncle in law!¡± I showed him the ring. ¡°How does it work?¡± Tarion¡¯s uncle examined the ring on my pam with a doubtful face. ¡°Not sure, niece. All I know is that they are wedding bands. Once worn by my brother and his first wife.¡± Wedding bands¡­? I slipped the ring on as fast as I could. Think of him? Easy. I twisted the ring, looking at the engraving, which subtly glowed. ¡°A rune?¡± ¡°Focus your mana not on the metal but the lettering.¡± Out of the crowd, an Alarian of mahogany skin walked out. Wrapped in the traditional attire of the tropical country of Alar, he stepped to me, folding his long, lanky arms. Green eyes full of wisdom peered down at me. Long, pointed ears wiggled as his round-eared friends of the same skin colour advised him. He shooed them away and continued to step towards me. He bowed. ¡°Rydel Jassin, Your Grace. Merchant, and rune seller at your service.¡± The audience gasped as he kept bowing. And Elf Rune Seller was a spectacular sight but was not the issue as of now. "Lettering, you said?¡± He nodded, showing his bracelet glowing. I turned my two circles. I focused the mana from my heart to my finger and I felt a tingle from the ring. The elf stood straight. ¡°Think of your husband.¡± I did, and information undiscernible to me flashed in my mind, images of trees, dry grass, weapons, and the dead pile on the ground. ¡°Keep the connection and will it,¡± Rydel said. Find him. Find Tarion! My ring tingled again and I could feel their presence, as if they were standing close by. The presence was hurt and tired but still charged on. He faced an army alone. I fell out of the connection, feeling a bit light-headed. ¡°For a second circle, you did fantastic.¡± The elf complimented me. ¡°He is miles away¡­¡± My mind worked quickly to make a decision. ¡°Joshua!¡± ¡°Yes, Your Grace!¡± He straightened at my call. ¡°Find Jimmy; get the Osberg regiments fitted with weapons and ready to ride.¡± My brother-in-law stamped his cast on the floor, breaking it into bits and ran for the door. I found the cardinal trying to hide away. "Come, uncle. Bring him along. My husband needs some healing.¡± ¡°Good idea, niece.¡± I heard my uncle-in-law trudge away as I ordered Kurt. ¡°Get my horse ready.¡± Mother pulled on my arms. ¡°Please, Vanessa! you can¡¯t! It''s too dangerous. Please tell her, Jen!¡± ¡°Sorry. She already decided.¡± ¡°But-¡± I hugged my mother tight. Calming her as he did with me. ¡°My husband is lost and has asked for my help. This would only pay back a tenth of what I owe him. I will be back safe. Tarion taught me and taught everyone well.¡± I let go of my trembling mother. ¡°Jen, bring me better-suited clothes before the horse arrives.¡± The Alarian elf came forward. ¡°I would like to come along.¡± His bracelet hummed and snapped into a long spear etched in radiant runes. ¡°I am quite proficient.¡± ¡°As will I!¡± Marquess Bradshaw bellowed. Some other nobles shout out their willingness to come along. I gave a simple nod and rushed to the stairs. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°What about the ball!?¡± Lady Bradshaw. I shrugged. ¡°You take over.¡± My circle¡¯s spun, and I ran with my dress waving up the stairs. The Duke My finger hummed. Did she figure it out already? I thought with a big smile, looking down at the dead below. Shields of blue mana wobbled as my hail of swords bounced off the upper levels while the lower died, pierced with their comrade''s swords. I sent down my tethers again to pick more swords and shoot again. I fired mana thrust at the still-healing Hymir, which was blocked by bandits below. My senses alerted me to an attack from the rear and I erected a mana shield of my own. A mysterious acid melted the shield and I looked to the trees. ¡°Spitters? You must be kidding me¡­¡± More acid was flung at me from a distance. My shield prevented acid from touching and I improvised. Two fingers pointed on my empty left at a spider. Mana hummed as I charged and I fired a small bullet of mana. In an instant, the bug exploded into a green mess. Plonk. In quick succession, I blasted seven spiders off the trees. Out of view, a sword whipped and my blade sparked off the attacker''s weapon. A third circle leapt up, slashing with no care for defence. My steel met his at every strike and I moved to parry an upward slash. Three more assailants leapt above me from behind. The blue weapons broke my shield, forcing me to guard high. My chest pulsed. ¡°Fuck¡­ you smart bastards¡­¡± I said, struggling with a new stomach wound from the third circle. My mana armour jammed the blade, stopping it from going further in. My right boot, powered by Qi, splintered the sword arm of my attacker. With his grip weak, I repulsed the mana out of my stomach, hitting him in the chest with the pommel. ¡°I will come back to you later!!¡± I let myself fall and the three men fell with me. I slid three blades of mine, spinning with unnatural acrobatic prowess. A mana bullet exploded a falling bandit''s chest, my sword decapitated another and I tagged the last with many tethers. Become my step. A flailing bandit crunched on the ground under my weight. I flew up to meet the bastard who stabbed me, cutting his torso from his legs. Arrows cut through the air, shredding me while I was unaware as Body parts fell to the earth. Hitting arrows away, I tried to find Hymir. My breath became heavy. The pain halted by adrenaline started to surface and Tethers gently put me down to rest. Points to Vitaity eased my pain and gave me increased regeneration of my stamina. I must hold on. Endure in until she comes with help. ¡°HEY MAGE! CAN''T YOU HELP A LITTLE!?!¡± Silence as the roars of mad-eyed bandits came closer. I looked at my status. Plonk. My senses will save me. Vitality is a must. I can do without technique as of now. Keep mana capacity the same. Strength and agility are needed. I inhaled as deeply as possible, trying to absorb as much mana from the air as possible. My circle whirred and churned, converting the mana and thumping it through meridians. With an azure light cast on my tired and worn face, I rested my greatsword on my right shoulder. A flash step and a slash eviscerated dozens in the blue crescent lights way. With Qinggong, my greatsword smashed through ribs. I evaded death with a flash step, leaving a sword to cut my afterimage. I slice from my six o''clock, cutting into arms and another bandit''s chest with one move. I weaved to the right, gave three stabs to a man''s torso, and moved on from the dead. I parried, two weapons shattered, shot two mana bullets and moved on again. Slash, dodge, kill, flash step, punch to the liver, mana sawed into the bone and I carried on. A rusty blade caught me on the right thigh. The same sword narrowly missed my head and I retreated a step to gain my bearings. My bones creaked under the power of the new attacker. Muscles tighten with Qi as they absorb every bone-shattering blow. With an exchange of jabs, we judge the distance from each other. He dealt with the length of my great sword well, knowing when to advance, to pull back. Our swords were locked in a battle of strength as we tried to force our enemy''s blade down. A slight push on the fourth circle¡¯s sword to the left and I lunged deep, penetrating his right shoulder. Mad like the rest of his friends, he sacrificed his shoulder to cut my arm. I mana repulsed my blade from my hand, boring a large hole and I saved my arm with a flash step backwards. I pulled on a tether and the fourth circle''s head rolled on the ground. The sword of Osberg returned to me and I finally saw fear in the bandits'' eyes. The slight fear was immediately replaced with wrath. ¡°Oh dear¡­¡± My chest pounded. My ring finger hummed and I gripped my hilt, awaiting the horde. I charged forward in a tail stance, intercepting hundreds of blades. Every kill drained me, and every sword blocked disturbed my wounds while I received new ones. I flipped my greatsword to hold it by the edge, breaking bone with the heavy pommel like a berserker. Spinning my circles, let a hurricane form, blowing away stragglers. Little by little, I am getting closer. Each step and each kill got me closer to Hymir. His head is all I need and my promise was fulfilled. I broke through a sword, bursting brains on the forest floor. Three arrows soared at me and I only blocked two. I yanked the third from my arm and carried on, repaying the archers with bullets of mana to the heads. Almost. There. ¡°Too late, Duke.¡± The bandits writhed around me, shaking and foaming at the mouth, Hundreds of men collapsed as black mist floated out of their mouths, converging into one being. The survivors waited with swords at rest. Hyrim smiled whimsically, cross-legged with scarred-over injuries. He opened his mouth, sucking in the black fog. With a big gulp, he swallowed. Blackened eyes stared at me with arrogance. His summoners gave him two gold-hilted swords with red tassels on the ends. Touching the shiny finish on his swords, Hymir smiled thoughtfully. ¡°Ahead of schedule but with you gone, this will all be worth it.¡± My chest thumped. My eyes saw a sitting, shaved man, but instinct swung my blade. My radius cracked as I guarded against a black mana coated blade. My feet left the grass as I flew back into the forest, crashing into a tree. I rolled off broken wood, splitters stinging my back and a blade of black hit the ground, forcing me back with the shock wave. I flipped, finding the forest floor again below my feet and instinct leaned me back to avoid death by a double slash. I titled back, counterattacking with an upward strike. My sword was thwarted by a Hymir''s left blade and the right stabbed into my doublet. ¡°Shit¡­¡± The point of his weapon scalded me. And with death close, instinct took over. Plonk I woke up, lying in a pile of rock and soil. My skin burned and sizzled on my chest. I looked back at the forest I flew from, a great canyon was burrowed by Hymir''s power. I survived. A familiar energy filled me. I spun my circles, and reddish black ebbed from me. I felt sharpness in my mouth, and my eyes peered yards into the distance, seeing the bald bastard''s disgruntled face. My finger hummed and I rose from the dirt to fight once more. Two minutes. Chapter: 51: 2 minutes. I stumbled forward, a bloodied cloak flowing in the wind. Stanceless with this vigorous energy coursing in me, three fourth-circle charged with mana blades light the dark forest. I crouched, clawing the earth, and I pounced after the attacker. Swifter than the wind, my blade of black diced the three before my feet felt the soil. Status. Plonk. No change to my attributes. Then why do I feel invigorated? A broad machete pierced my status screen and instinct protected my head again with a thick armour of black mana. ¡°It''s always you.¡± The wind finally rushed into the vacuum created by Hymir''s weapon. I batted his right-hand blade aside and swung my sword from the side. Hyrims left sword deflected and zagged to my head. I bowed my head to the right, dodging the deafening black energy discharging by my ear ¡°The blizzard.¡± His left blade zigged, and the air popped as he sliced at my neck. I crouched under the black fog. A right-handed blade jabbed low. My greatsword blocked on the flat side and the force carried me yards backward. ¡°The pimp. Desaw. Mouve.¡± Hymir cut into the air, and a flurry of black crescents homed in on me. With a flash step, I narrowly escaped as the mana slice demolished the ground. Hymir burst through the cloud of dust and soil, striking down. I received his attack, feeling my muscles tear under the stress. Hymir pushed his swords to cut into my traps. I gritted my teeth from the pain and slowly pushed the blade off with great trouble. The ground gave way, fissuring from the battle of mana and steel. I inspected the smiling bandit leader. Nothing. I couldn¡¯t read anything. ¡°I see your eyes. Working ideas in your head?¡± I felt the weight on my sword lessen. I focused mana armour on my chest and blocked a kick that launched me further into the thick forests. I rolled on the ground, spitting blood as my chest pained. My ring hummed. ¡°Not again. NOT AGAIN!¡± (01:30) I clamoured off the floor, spinning my circles till my heart roared. With a howl into the sky, Reddish black energy towered into the sky. All or nothing. No more hesitation. My body flared in great black blaze and the enemy vanished. I twisted to my left. Our swords popped the atmosphere from their loud clash of powers. I mana repulsed a right blade, pulling my sword down to parry the left. Hymir¡¯s body open, I ludged into an afterimage. Machete dug its edge into my belly and flash sidestepped, saving my intestines from dropping to the grass. I grew a large mana blade and slammed down the crouching bandit leader. My black mana blade missed, creating a canyon metres deep. Spinning my greatsword around to deflect a strike from behind, my feet pivoted, and I slashed empty air. My reflexes lifted my hand to catch Hymir''s machete. Mana armour shattered on my palm and steel tore into my hand between my ring and middle finger. My ring hummed and I clamped on his sword. ¡°I¡¯LL HAVE YOUR HEAD TODAY!!¡± Concentrating my mana on my greatsword¡¯s tip, I pulled the bandit bastard to me with Qi. Hymir got ready to guard his face with his left weapon and I redirected my sword to stab through his thigh. ¡°AAAAARGH!!!¡± Mana saw shredded muscle and bone as I punctured the screaming man. I released his weapon as Hymir threw out wild mana sliced in my direction. I lept over the slashes, repulsing away to restructure my points with my lacerated hand. (1:09) His speed moves him like a phantom but he wields his mana harshly and with little technique. Mana saw can penetrate his defences but it requires my defence to be lowered. My hand blurred as I reallocated my points. (1:07) Status. Plonk. Good enough. I heard metal break the air on my left and I stepped back. The heat of the black crescent fog passed me, trailing with a disgusting smell. I shot out a bullet of mana under my armpit, Hyrmir''s blades sizzled as they guarded him with a cross. Qinggong broke the earth as I jumped back and spun with my sword. Hymir''s blades blocked my flaring greatsword. Repulsing at impact, I pushed the shaved man a step. Hymir retaliated with a great wave of mana and I vaulted over, my sword scorching black mana. I fell, as did my sword, with jets of mana from my back. With a shockwave, soil and rock rippled like an ocean before breaking. Hymir endured with twin blades above his head in the middle of a crater. He smiled arrogantly as the black mist slowly enveloped him. My greatsword bounced off, my left hand shot a bullet at his injured leg and the smile disappeared. (00:47) I let go of my great sword and pounced at his thigh. Twin blades strike down and I tug on my mana tether. Hymir weaved to my right, and a red line marked his shoulder. Twin blades broke the broken soil as I slid away with Umbra steps, pulling my greatsword back in my hand. (00:45) More fog covered Hymirs. With a step to the right, he disappeared, zipping around the battlefield. I held my greatsword with one good hand as my left hand leaked blood on the grass. Heightened hearing listened to the changes in the wind as he bulldozed through the air. The crunch of grass under Hymir''s boots. The shing of metal splitting the air as he flung mana slices from all directions. I calmed my circles, and Qi rose up to feel my meridians. I skipped back and forth and danced in the storm of mana. Batting away some, twisting away others, my eyes tracked the bald man. The left. I shot where I predicted he would run, shooting at his face to obscure his vision. Blades covering his face, I rush in with a flash step. I flared my blade again, slashing from my nine o¡¯clock. (00:40) Hymir yelled, pulsing with a mana it hurled me back. ¡°It''s done! It''s completed!!¡± The silent mob of bandits shouted his name. ¡°HYMIR! HYMIR! HYMIR! HYMIR!¡± Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. Arms spread wide, the cursed fog consumed the warrior¡¯s blade, which exploded with mist. Head to toe, black swirled around him. Fog slithered off his face to reveal that shit-eating grin. ¡°Months after that humiliation, I will get my revenge.¡± (00:35) Swinging with abandon, waves of mana pelt me as I braced with a tight shield around my greatsword. My ring vibrated on my finger. ENDURE! While I took hits from misty mana, I heard grass crunch as dirt-covered bandits approached with freaky grins. ¡°FALL! FALL! FALL!¡± they shout together in almost religious fervour. Striking my back, their weapons spark off and transparent black shields. Trying to chip at my defences, a dozen men bash my defence. ¡°Getting your goons to attack me!? What''s got you so angry!? Need hair growth tips?!¡± Hymir stopped swinging. His blades, black and fuzzy with cursed energy, he pulled his arms back for a double thrust. ¡°I don''t want you to run away.¡± Hymir''s thrust created a hole in the air. Shooting enormous amounts of mana, The beam of mana destroyed everything in its way. The bandits continue their hacking as if waiting to die. Crazy fools¡­ I flared my blade, walking towards the fifty something metre tall bullet of deathly energy with a smile growing on my sweaty face. (00:25) She is still too far away. I sighed. I squared my feet wide and raised my sword to the moon. Two hands squeezed tight on the hilt as Hymir mana filled my vision. Circles spun till my chest was hot. I slashed. I checked my torn hand to checked if I was not dreaming. I balled a fist. Still pained. (00:18) I looked up to find my enemy''s deliciously dismayed look on his ugly, hallowed mug. My heart hummed five times with more energy than I knew what to do with. The black mana¡­ It absorbs. Plonk. ¡°WHO ARE YOU, DUKE?!! WHAT ARE YOU!?!?! (00:16) I blitzed, breaching the air. Several sonic booms followed me as twin blades hastily guarded Hymir¡¯s right. ¡°Duke Tarion Greystone of Osberg.¡± Mana repulsion batted him to the ground. Hyrim rolled on the ground evading my greatsword. My weapon followed him, stabbing the ground. Back his feet with mana, he furiously poked, his two weapons blurring into hundreds. And my blade catches them all. ¡°Many would rather call me a beast.¡± Parried a left machete to his right, a slice again making a mark on Hymir''s chest. ¡°And today I will show you why.¡± I shot at his injured leg, blowing away the mist. A flash step dipped me under an unbalanced swing of mana and Umbra slid me low to cut Hymir¡¯s curse-covered torso. ¡°I WILL KILL YOU, DUKE!!¡± Madness took the bandit leader, his blade hacking an afterimage of me. A lean to the right, a weave back, and I blocked a left-handed sword. A little twist, my steel sparked along the enemy''s false edge and I returned a favour by chopping a thumb off then the rest of the left hand because I felt petty. Hymir shrieked at a dog whistle frequency. ¡°You can still run, you know.¡± Grunting and yelling, I slipped past his swords. Only blowing my hair about a mad Hymir formed a false hand from the mist to claw me. Hitting my blade, I diverged the claw down, stepped in, and slashed through Hymir''s left knee. More howling in pain and the curse grew again to replace what was lost. I skipped out of range of Hymir''s attack and followed his example. I zipped around Hymir, goading the bastard with a smile and slashes of black mana pelted him from 360 degrees. (00:10) ¡°FOR THE MASTER!! FOR THE PROPHECY!!¡± FOR THE PROPHECY!!¡± the bandits repeat after Hymir and make a suicide charge with swords and shields alight with blue mana. Hymir looked for exits. ¡°COWARD TILL THE END!!¡± I ran after the bandit, producing a shockwave to push his hundred men to the grass. I raised my sword high and slammed. The earth parted like a ship through water and I smashed at him with my greatsword. ¡°YOU DARE ATTACK MY CITY!!¡± I smashed again and again. With each strike burrowing us deeper into the soil, Hymir¡¯s remaining sword broke ¡°KILL THE PEOPLE OF MY LAND; SACRIFICE THEM FOR YOUR FOOLISH GOALS!!¡± A blast of mist spewed from Hymir¡¯s mouth. Black mana sheathed my left hand and I plugged the bandit''s hand. I gripped hard and the bones in his hand were ground to bits. I beat the bkack mist away untill it evaporated into the air. ¡°YOU COME AFTER MY WIFE!!¡± I pushed my blade into Hymir''s heart. ¡°AND YOU RUN?!?!¡± Hands-on hilt and pommel, I pushed the sword deeper into his body. ¡°Before I end your life, tell me who told you about her.¡± I blocked his spit of flem and blood. ¡°The saintess will meet her end. The master will make sure of that. So enjoy that little dream of yours! HAHAHAHAHAH. FOR THE PROPHEfCY!!¡± I sighed. ¡°No reasoning with the mad.¡± Tearing flesh and bone, I finished the job with a slice from the chest to head. Deep in a hole of my making, I roared and laughed to a cloudless sky. Victory was mine and I wanted it known to all. (00:03) Dirt fell from above the hole as hundreds of the leftover bandits stood by the edge, staring down, stricken with grief at the leader¡¯s passing. (00:02) Bows were nocked and strings pulled. Swords burned bright. (00:01) I breathed slowly, and my battle high rose again. The sword of Osberg lit my cheek blue. (00:00) ¡°Goddamnit¡­¡± My ring finger hummed. Fatigue weighed me down and I kneeled by the dead. Tears welled up in my eyes as every injury, wound, and burn was felt all at once. Bandits roared, sliding down the hole as arrows soared for my head. Arrows lost their energy and fell to the ground. Shouting warriors slammed into a dome of blue. ¡°It makes sense why you were chosen.¡± In pain, I turned to the voice. ¡°Geo-¡± Coughing blood, my voice box was like gravel rubbing against meat and my lungs were on fire. The stranger sauntered to me as bandits screamed and shouted outside his shield. ¡°Quite a unique specimen you are.¡± Boots were still dirty from horse shit, and peasant clothes were old and dirty brown. Looking like he never held a bale of hay in his life, mana leaked off enough to strengthen a thousand men. His hat glitched, revealing his true face and hair. I felt like such a fool. ¡°Vel¡­¡± Oh, lands above what a terrible day. The mage tapped his head and the hat returned to its normal state of a gold rune crown. His short, fluffy white hair shimmered under the moonlight, and his beautifully clear face could compare to the boyish stars of my old world. Sliver eyes condescend through his long, unkempt bangs. ¡°Ah¡­ You¡¯re like Haru, aren''t you, friend from another world?¡± The creepiest character in TAPLM. Vel, Ninth circle mage and the second male lead. The mage crouched and rubbed my head with a kind smile. ¡°Understand your place yet, big boy?¡± TO BE CONTINUED. Chapter 52: Mage (Volume 1 END) The Duchess. Divine galloping at the head of hundreds of warriors, I rode fast, travelling the country roads using my ring as a guide. On my tail, a portly marquess, a brother-in-law, a bodyguard, a butler and an elf rode tirelessly west of Osberg city ¡°How far!?¡± Joshua shouted in the rushing wind. ¡°A few minutes at top speed!¡± I replied. ¡°Master! Can you sense anything!¡± Charles asked the doctor, who stood effortlessly on the horse''s backside. ¡°The duke is a lantern in a dark cavern wherever he goes but I can''t tell him from all the other hundreds!¡± ¡°Shit¡­!¡± My finger hummed. Tarion¡¯s in danger! I spurred Tarion¡¯s gift to ride faster. Approaching a forest, men bearing swords run out of the trees, yelling with madness in their scary eyes. Uncle yelled from behind. ¡°SWORDS OUT, MAKE YOUR MANA STRONG! KILL THEM ALL!!¡± The Duke In the forest within a dome. ¡°Understand your place yet, big boy?¡± I lunged with my blade in hand. With a slap, my sword was hit away, and my arm felt wrong. Bone sticking out of my skin, my arm bent the other way. I wailed, wanting to strangle Vel to death. Vel pointed at me. ¡°Fifth Circle¡± and then at himself. ¡°Ninth circle¡± I held my arm in agony. ¡°Why?! Why bring me here?!?¡± Vel looked at the horde of screaming bandits behind his dome of mana. ¡°Very loud, are they not?¡± Vel¡¯s crown of runes glowed. Something got a hold of my entire body and I started hovering in the air with Vel. The bandits became smaller, Vel levitated us above the trees, close to the clouds and the moonlight cast its silvery light on us. ¡°Better.¡± Any struggle was futile under his power. Vel glanced at my sword hand, still gripping my weapon. ¡°Very tenacious.¡± He spread two fingers out and my arms spread wide with them. He ripped my doublet and my pendant blew in the wind. His face was full of disgust, he snatched it. A furnace burned in his hand, and he melted the bear, dripping liquid through his fingers. He found my ring. ¡°No¡­she will notice¡­¡± He muttered. His cold palm touched my chest and a ripple of mana flowed through me. ¡°Oh¡­OH, wow! A descendant of dragons! I should bring you somewhere clean and dissect you.¡± Vel examined me more. Bouncing within my aching body, his mana prodded me like a cadaver. ¡°Hands off me and answer my damn question?!?!¡± The mage looked up with silver eyes that could bewitch any woman or man. While his right was still prodding with mana, he slapped me across the face with a left. ¡°Are you stupid? I have no expectations of a warrior¡¯s intelligence but you''re disappointing me right now.¡± ¡°SHOVE YOUR DISAPPOINTMENT UP YOUR ARSE!¡± Two fingers spread and I was pulled from each limb. My scream was guttural, and my rage rose to new limits. ¡°For months, I have fought your battles, saving your behind from numerous sieges. And you cannot say one thank you?¡± I spit blood, breathing hard as my diaphragm moved my injury. ¡°Thank you for what? With your power, thousands less would have died in Mouve! With your strength, fewer men would have been slaughtered in the Blizzard!¡± ¡°That''s my problem, how?¡± From his palm, I was electrified and I convulsed under his touch. ¡°Vanessa is my concern. My only one,¡± he stated with no emotion on his pretty face. As if it were a matter of how the world worked. Only Venessa matters. ¡°Did¡­you teleport me here to get rid of me.¡± The mage grinned. ¡°Just having a little fun. And you yelled out that you wanted to work together.¡± Psychopathic bastard. ¡°Don''t look at me like that. It''s your fault for goading me. For forcing my hand. By the way, how long have you been in the world?¡± I ignored the question. ¡°Not that long, I suppose. Probably when your reputation as the sickly Duke started changing.¡± He prodded my body more with his mana. ¡°The Dragon blood is diluted to hell but you have access to it. A gift from the fools above? Talent? You are just fascinating¡­¡± Needing answers, I calmed myself. My body was stuck under his power, but at least I had my mouth. ¡°If you needed a thank you so much, why don¡¯t you tell her then? Tell her you are the helper!¡± ¡°Oh, she will know.¡± His eyes probed my chest, trying to find something. ¡°But with the pact, keeping my identity incognito is a must. But I will get stronger. Stronger enough that no one-¡± I stared directly into my eyes with a cold gaze. ¡°No one can come between us.¡± He took off his palm, floating back with an angelic smile. ¡°I care not that you bedded her.¡± He cares. He cares a lot. ¡°You can¡¯t make a whore out of a goddess.¡± Ugh. ¡°And I can always remove every memory of you.¡± The mage floated back to grab my face. ¡°Should I just kill you here? Save the trouble?¡± I spat out my words between his dainty, soft fingers. ¡°Afraid to tell her cos¡¯ you''re worried she still won''t like your skinny arse?!¡± He grabbed my hair and shouted in my face, ¡°YOU ARE ONLY A PLACEHOLDER! AN INSIGNIFICANT CHARACTER! A BURDEN TO BE ENDURED FOR OUR TRUE LOVE WILL ALWAYS PREVAIL!!!¡± What the fuck¡­ Vel threw my head back, clearing his throat as his gentlemanly manners came back. ¡°Sorry. Vanessa makes me go wild sometimes.¡± A typical ¡®nice guy¡¯ he always seemed to be the most in tune with what Vanessa wanted. Or what he thought she wanted. But Vel had never been this obsessive about Vanessa. Everything about this was bizarre. Vel should be at the mage tower, making their meeting at the ceremony their first. Arriving with her as her childhood friend? This Vel knew about Haru when she was supposed to tell him near the final chapters of TAPLM. Oh, my fucking gods... ¡°When did you come back in time¡­?¡± The mage burst out laughing in the sky. His maniacal laugh echoed off the clouds. ¡°I take back what I said about warriors. Very impressive!¡± ¡°What''s your goal, mage?¡± ¡°To put things back how they were where they were supposed to be!! No interruptions! No princes and GODS in our way!!¡± He yelled to the starry sky. Remembering himself, Vel backed away and cleared his throat and the madman mumbled to himself. ¡°The prince is the only obstacle between us and our happy ending. The only one in our way¡­¡± He revealed the scorn he had for me in his silver eyes, shaking my soul with his stare. ¡°No, not anymore¡­¡± Mana essence swirls in Vel''s hand, binding and spinning in a bright, hot sphere. ¡°You know too much. She likes you too much. I don''t like it.¡± He aimed his ball of mana at my head. He is actually going to do it! The creep will kill me for sleeping with a girl he likes! ¡°Granted, she might miss you, for a little while. Till I make her not.¡± ¡°Wait!! Wait, wait, wait a goddamn minute! You need me!¡± Vel''s eyebrow lifted. ¡°Mm? Explain,¡± he said as his mana charged. ¡°You want to stop the prince from taking her away from you, right?¡± The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Should I burn you as well?¡± More mana from the air flowed to his sphere. ¡°The ceremony! If Vanessa and I are together, the prince, try as he may, will not seduce her. I am a placeholder. But a powerful one. A Duke that the prince cannot intimidate. Use me to protect her when you can''t!¡± Vel looked away, thinking to himself. ¡°Stick to the original plan? Mmmm¡­I am itching to incinerate every part of your hybrid flesh.¡± He rubbed his face from forehead to chin, pressing out all the stress he felt. Vel wiped the mana blast off his hand. ¡°Fine, fine. You have convinced me. Congratulations on saving yourself.¡± I didn''t feel saved. Yet again, under the clutches of an extremely powerful being, I had no choice but to beg. Just when I had defeated my demons, a god came and toyed with me. TARION. My wife called me. She was close. ¡°Tell me about her pursuers so I can help! Who hunts for her!?¡± ¡°Look to the east.¡± ¡°How do they know about her destiny?" I asked again. ¡°The same way I know.¡± He didn''t explain any further, scratching his chin as he changed his crazy mind. ¡°No. I will remove all of that. You can''t get credit for that, smart duke.¡± "Haru, what happened to her!?¡± ¡°Oh, the whore? I made sure she would never taint Vanessa''s mind ever again.¡± His hand snapped onto my temple and I felt a tingle in my mind. ¡°Do your job well, loverboy. But exchange vows and I will teleport you into the deep depths of Sau Lake to drown again and again.¡± Mana hummed from his hand, wiggling my brain. ¡°As your memories of me disappear to the wind, know deep in your soul-¡± Vel smiled close to my face. ¡°I own you.¡± Like a light switched on, I opened my eyes. Lying on the ground, my blood soaked into the grass and soil. I lifted myself up to survey my strange surroundings. Holding my broken arm, I found myself by a road. The faint clash of war was heard in the distance. Bushes rustled. Two first circles and a second walked out of the forest sweaty and tired. ¡°Come this way! We could steal a carriage coming though.¡± ¡°We can''t leave them!¡± ¡°Then stay! But you came with us anyway- Look... quite the lucky ones we are!¡± Three swords glow. ¡°Cut off his head for the master, and we will never feel famished again.¡± The second circle said. ¡°First to kill presents the duke to him!¡± Like wolves after their prey, they rushed in a frenzy. I pried my weapon off my broken arm¡¯s vice grip and prepared to fight southpaw. I could barely hold the sword of Osberg up as a second circle bandit''s blade struck. A first circle tripped me, and I put up a weak shield while I lay on the ground. The first circles chipped my barrier, laughing like hyenas. The second circle raised his blade high with a chuckle, revealing his brown teeth. TARION!! The brown-teethed bandit jerked forward, screaming obscenities. He turned behind and I saw an arrow sticking out of his leather-clad back. ¡°GET THE BITCH!!¡± Two moved at his order. I sat up as the second groaned and saw a sight that brought hope back to my heart. Jumping off her white horse, a uniformed warrior tossed her bow at the first circle as she unsheathed out her dagger to parry the blade of the other. As I taught her, she jabbed like a piston into the bandit''s stomach and chest with two powerful stabs. A kick pushed off the dead and she moved on to the last first circle. My ring felt her rage and she sprinted after my attacker with her curls of gold waving in the wind. She slipped under a horizontal strike, the close shave scaring me to death. Flipping her glowing azure blade into a reverse grip, she cut deep into her opponent''s bowels. YES! The second circle pulled out the arrow and ran for the warrior''s back. With little strength, I reached for the man, screaming. ¡°VANESSA!! WATCH OUT!!¡± Vanessa deflected an incoming strike, deflecting several more by the skin of her teeth. I crawled to them with my good arm. I need to help her! I NEED TO- I CAN DO THIS. Vanessa weaved, evading the bandit''s attack from the left and then right. Flipping her blade to a normal grip, she jabbed at the bandit''s face. As the opponent''s sword arched to guard, she went low. Her dagger plunged deep into the groin, releasing a satisfying wail. She twisted the dagger before pulling it out to stab the chest. Heart and privates gushed blood, and the bandit fell dead. Gasping with her chest and her head steaming with sweat, the duchess hastened to me. ¡°Tarrion!!¡± She hugged me, forgetting how injured I was. But I too forgot my pain in a loving hold. "Ah, my dame, finally here to rescue me. You were fucking amazing.¡± The tears she had been holding cascaded down on my bloody cheeks. ¡°I love you too.¡± ¡°Phew, I was worried confessing too soon would make me look like a fool.¡± I joked. ¡°Haha! You''re already a fool for making me plan my own surprise wedding!¡± She caressed my face, cleaning my face of dirt. ¡°My¡­bad¡­¡± I was beginning to tire, eyes were too heavy to open. ¡°How do¡­ I make it up¡­ to you?¡± Her warm lips on mine brought a little life back to me. ¡°When everything is done, we will do it properly.¡± her sugary voice said fondly. ¡°Yes, my duchess¡­¡± I did it. I defeated the terror that has wrought death in my city. But I don¡¯t feel peace. My anger was still unsated. Danger still came for Vanessa. A bigger threat was on the horizon. Heavy eyes closed without the black mana and I felt everything. Bleeding belly, sliced traps, holes and scratches from arrows, charred chest, a split hand, my broken arm, and many more. I was halfway dead. But I smiled. I did it, mother. I fulfilled my oath, father. I didn¡¯t fail you. I did not fail Osberg. And I will continue not to. Feeling myself drift to sleep, I hear more hoofs and feet scraping on the grass. ¡°Please move aside, Your Grace.¡± a man voiced as he ran. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have run off like that, Your Grace.¡± A voice of a larger man spoke to my wife, with a kind tone. Hands lay on my torso as a man muttered a prayer. Warmth spread within me. My eyelids became lighter and I saw a cardinal kneel over me. Eyes glowing, he prayed to the gods above. ¡°Constellations above, please lend me your power! I beg you to heal your dear servant!¡± Golden light illuminated his veins as holy energy flowed into me. Slowly, bones twisted back in place and fused, muscles knotted, healing with my skin. My woozy mind was now clear, I sat back up. I touched my left hand, looking for any scars, forgetting that I could move my right. I turned to Venessa with a smile to my ears. Vanessa will have the power to do this for thousands¡­ The cardinal fainted, burdened by a power too great for him. Charles caught him in his large arms. ¡°Please warn us when you leave on an excursion next time, Your Grace.¡± Charles jest while a Cardinal slept in his arms. ¡°Fuck off, Charles, hahaha!¡± My captain saluted me and I gave him a nod back. ¡°Tarion! Still alive, thank the lands above!¡± Joshua dropped off his horse, jogging to me. ¡°I was frightened that I would actually need to be responsible.¡± I stand on my healed leg to hug my brother. ¡°I saw what you did back there, Tarion. You freak of nature. Why are you so far away from the battlefield?¡± ¡°The helper¡­ brought me here.¡± ¡°Your flash steps need a lot of work, student.¡± A master fell from the sky, landing a leaf on a pond. ¡°I saw evidence of its use all over the battlefield. There should be none.¡± ¡°Sorry, Master Zhi.¡± ¡°He just killed like two hundred men on his own. Give him some slack!¡± Said my brother. Master Zhi put a finger up to interrupt. ¡°Which is why your punishment will be lessened. An hour extra each morning.¡± I smiled earnestly. ¡°Yes, master.¡± Master kissed her teeth with a small smile. I heard the cheers of warriors in the forest. Joshua smiled. ¡°Uncle must be done cleaning.¡± Dozens froze like frostbitten statues. Many bandits died in the last stance they took. Bodies were cut cleanly in half with ice with a mirror shine. Several men skewed to the ground with large icicles. In the middle of the snowstorm¡¯s aftermath, surrounded by adoring soldiers and knights, a seventh-circle sheathed his blade. The Frost Knight glowered down at the corpse brought from the hole. ¡°Yo, Uncle. Why the glum face?¡± Faster than any old man should ever move, he caught me. Carrying me from the ground, he spun me around in his arms. ¡°GREYSTONE, GREYSTONE, GREYSTONE, GREYSTONE!!!¡± my Osberg guard and knights sang together with hundreds of fists and swords waving in the air. ¡°You¡¯re making the kid dizzy, you dolt! Haha!¡± ¡°Bradshaw...¡± Uncle dropped me and I saw blood wet the Marquess'' blade. He bowed with his hand on his chest. ¡°Your vassal will be loyal to the Greystones, to you, Your Grace. Always.¡± I patted the auburn-haired man''s shoulder. ¡°I will take good care of Beatrice.¡± The marquess bowed deeper. ¡°Your, Grace!¡± A tall, long-eared man of dark skin divided the still cheering crowd, carrying a rune-engraved spear. With long, coily, black hair braided to his shoulders, green hunter eyes appraised me. Sharp-jawed and youthful, the elf spoke from thick, two-toned lips. ¡°When you are available, I would like to talk. One on one.¡± I pondered on his request. An Alarian elf wanted to talk with me? It could have been great for Osberg or a sign of more hardships to come. ¡°Talk with my butler; he will arrange a meeting with you in due time. As long as you are willing to stay in Osberg for a while.¡± ¡°It would be a pleasure to stay in your beautiful city, Your Grace.¡± Gotcha. Ain''t no way I am letting this opportunity go. Bloody spear to his chest in salute, he bowed. He smiled at me as if my intentions were obvious to his wise eyes. ¡°But before all that,¡± Vanessa hugged me tight from behind. ¡°We have a ball to attend!¡± My men''s voices shook the forest with their cheer. Day after the ball. Morning. The Duke. I played with Goldilock''s hair as she slept peacefully under my navy blue covers. For an hour, I watched her. All night, I worried for her. I let her hands be stained with smelly bandit blood. It tortured me to see her kill, yet I could have been more proud. I watched her face longer while a guard kneeled by my bed, awaiting my order. ¡°I have called you this morning because I have unfortunate news,¡± I whispered. "I have come to a decision.¡± I turned to Joshua. He understood. ¡°Tell your mother you would like to leave soon.¡± Tears fall from my dear brother¡¯s brave eyes. Brave like our fathers. He let him quietly weep. ¡°As you¡­command, Your Grace.¡± Joshua left and I was alone with my love again. I held her hand, mourning Haru with a silent prayer. I remembered the words the mage failed to steal. Look to the east. The same way I know. Vanessa surprised me with a kiss on my cheek. ¡°Morning dear. What are you thinking so hard about?¡± ¡°Breakfast, training, how to kill a ninth circle mage. Normal stuff.¡± Volume 1 - My city - Completed. Next: War of Duchies. Chapter 53: Time moves on. (Volume 2 Start) The Duke The wind whistled through the leaves above. Sunlight shifting, blocked by green, our shade from the sun ever-changing. My dame sat between my legs; her head warmed my chest. On the red blanket, our bottoms sit on with snacks by our side. I rest my chin on my wife''s fluffy hair, watching the flowers bloom on a wonderful day. ¡°Heavy head you got.¡± Vanessa bit into a sandwich I made with a smile on her face. ¡°Cos¡¯ of the schemes I got inside.¡± I tapped my head. ¡°No, it''s just enormous.¡± I chuckled with my chin on her head as she went for another slice of my sandwich. ¡°Wait, do I actually have a-¡± ¡°Speaking of schemes, are you finally doing it?¡± she asked. ¡°Mm.¡± ¡°I see. Never liked the woman.¡± ¡°No one ever likes her.¡± Vanessa''s voice turned sombre. ¡°No one but Joshua.¡± ¡°Yes¡­¡± I still saw his weeping when I closed my eyelids. I was asking him for something impossible. Ashamedly, a little bit of me hoped he would be like his mother. Unchanging in their corruption. It would have been easier on my soul. ¡°When will you arrest her?¡± ¡°Today.¡± I reclined on the tree that shaded us. ¡°I know it¡¯s sudden, but-¡± Vanessa held my hand, and our rings scraped each other. Consoling me with her touch, I spoke again. ¡°I have waited years; a day more will destroy me.¡± Vanessa laid down on me, her eyes on the city rooftops. ¡°Then wait no longer.¡± ¡°Going ahead will bring more consequences I may not be equipped to handle. The effects of my revenge will ripple across our dukedom in ways I cannot predict¡± Stress trickled into my voice. ¡°And you have followers, friends, and family who are.¡± Vanessa reminded me ¡°If I arrest her,¡± I resumed. ¡°If I execute her, the Wolfburns will never let this go. And if the king disagrees and aids them?¡± I tapped the back of my head on the tree trunk. ¡°Tarion.¡± She turned to me. ¡°What are you truly afraid of?¡± I looked to the side, hiding the shame in my eyes. My face turned to the left, I checked the corner of my sight and Vanessa observed me with her green, enchanting eyes. Fuck me. ¡°I¡­lord¡­I don''t want what happened at Mouve to happen again! A beating so humiliating, I still feel knuckles denting my skull.¡± I cupped the duchess''s face, tracing the freckles on her soft cheeks. ¡°If I lose again, not just my pride will be lost this time.¡± Vanessa held my face in her hand. I felt the months of training in her calloused hand. ¡°Is this how warriors think? Every little setback is a loss? Surprisingly ordinary of you.¡± She said. ¡°Hey! I was pouring my heart out!¡± I said, half laughing. Vanessa''s ringed hand felt my heart, pumping faster with every second I smelled her captivating bouquet. ¡°Who is alive, the pimp or you?¡± ¡°Me¡­¡± I answered slowly. ¡°Good. You are here. Well. By my side, enjoying the sun. That''s the only win that matters.¡± Vanessa spun around, swiped a sandwich from the basket and laid back on my chest. ¡°Oh my goodness, what do you put in these?¡± she said with her mouth full. ¡°Love.¡± ¡°Ew.¡± I felt her chuckle. Her left hand returned to hold mine. The only win that matters. Huh. Never thought of it that way. ¡°I will win forever more,¡± I promised her and she replied with a rub on my hand. From my wife''s curls, my gaze moved to the city bustling below my favourite hill. There lay a city I have protected, I have failed, I loved and I would hurt. ¡°Lea and my sister left during the commotion last night with an elderly maid.¡± I hope Susan likes my gift. ¡°Thanks the gods she¡¯s gone. Having her stalking around the castle and running away from me was losing its charm.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t lie. Never saw you smile less whenever she ran down the corridors.¡± ¡°Ha, True.¡± I steal an uneaten slice from her hand.¡± ¡°Both our revenges are finally beginning. If you need my help¡­¡± ¡°I will ask. And when you need my help?¡± I pulled her hand to kiss her ring. ¡°You''re the smart one; I always will.¡± ¡°Hehehe, then what are you in this partnership?¡± Vanessa giggled. ¡°The murdery one.¡± As we both laughed, hoofs clopped in the distance. We turned to the right, watching a capped stablehand ride uphill on an old horse. Vel¡­ ¡°George!¡± Vanessa called for her friend. ¡°What brings you here!¡± ¡°Apologies for interrupting your picnic, Your Graces. I have come to alert his grace of the young lord and the dowager duchess¡¯s departing.¡± Could have told a footman but he chose to come himself. Envy is not attractive, Mage. ¡°Alright! Time to fucking do this.¡± I stood up and Vanessa stood with me. ¡°But before I go, I have a request.¡± ¡°Anything, dear.¡± She looked into my eyes with curiosity ¡°My pendant. It was lost in battle. I am in need of another to give me luck in battle.¡± ¡°That cheap thing. I can get another.¡± ¡°It was the first gift you gave me, there will not be another¡­ I sor-¡± She interrupted my apology with sweet lips. Birds chirped in the branches, wind floated our hair as we held each other under the beating spring sun. I opened my eyes as she broke away, surprised I could be more enamoured by her than I already was. ¡°My gift until I think of something better.¡± She said with a sly smile. In love, I still felt the heat from Vel¡¯s murderous glare. ¡°Umm, we ain''t alone." Freckles reddened as she hid her face from Vel. ¡°I am a servant. Please ignore as you wish.¡± Although Vel¡¯s face was as stiff as Kurt''s, he could not use his strange magic to hide the rage in his quivering voice. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. Please leave as I wish. ¡°George,¡° I ordered. ¡°Escort my wife down to the castle.¡± I walked out of the shade, leaving Vanessa behind with an envious simp. He may be mad for my wife but she is still somewhat safe with him. Until he decides, he cannot be patient with her love. I sighed to myself, unsure what to do. I wish I could tell her everything. But that creep will notice the change in how Vanessa approaches him. To him, I did not remember our talk, giving me a little bit of an advantage over the mage. So if she knew, he would know that I knew. Confusing, I know. Mana tethers emerged like tendrils, stabbing into the grass. The tethers compress, stress building in the wire of magic. Tension was released and I was hurled through the air. A burst of mana repulsion jets out of my back as I rocket above the green in clear blue skies. Feeling the wind on my face and my cloak waving in the draft, I focused. I will fret another day. For now, I fly to Kurt. Joshua. Bouncing on rough roads, I sat across a happy woman. Full of glee, my mother smiled as she thought of her homeland. ¡°Don''t look so glum, child. You will come back soon. You will return to this drab hellscape as its new Duke.¡± She grabbed my hand with chilly fingers. ¡°Just be patient, dear.¡± ¡°What if¡­¡± ¡°Speak up, Joshua, dear.¡± Mother said with mirth still on her red lips. I sulked in my seat, grabbing the carriage seat cushion with trembling fingers. ¡°What if I didn''t want to be the duke?¡± A slap ricocheted my brain. ¡°Then a waste of a delivery you will be.¡± Her calm voice terrified me. ¡°I waste my good years laying with a limp-dicked man. Endure him, suffer in this nightmare for years and you don''t want it?¡± Her voice was pitched high. ¡°It has never been about what you want! So throw away such stupid notions, and OBEY.¡± ¡°Yes, mother.¡± I sulked deep in my seat. Her anger did not cease and she smacked me again. ¡°You had to ruin my mood, stupid boy!¡± ¡°Sorry Mother¡­¡± ¡°The blood I spilt to get you this chance and you dare¡­!!!¡± She raised her brittle hand for a slap and the carriage jolted to a stop. ¡°Umm? Driver! What is happening!?¡± No answer. The carriage wobbled as the driver jumped off his seat. A tall man walked around to the door and opened it. ¡°Driver, tell me what stops our journey!¡± She shouted at the servant, not remembering Charles¡¯ face. The Bulter backed away, giving as a view of a slightly shorter, but built man, walking with a swagger in his confident walk. Long, black hair bobbing as he walked to the carriage, he wore his favourite blacks like a uniform ¡°Good afternoon, Stepmother,¡± Tarion said, grinning. A little worry showed on my mother''s face. "What is the meaning of this?! Driver, get this carriage moving!¡± ¡°My friend only listens to my orders.¡± ¡°Only when they make sense," Charles said beside my brother like a henchman. ¡°And they always do arsehole! Wait, stop distracting me. Charles, Kurt. grab them.¡± Slick like a shadow, the guard sprinted from out of view, grabbing my mother with force. ¡°UNHAND ME! LET ME GO!¡± She screamed in the middle of Oakley Street. Thousands clamoured to look at us, their eyes googling at us to learn what the new gossip of the week would be. Charles walked to me with a blocky steel handcuff in his hands. ¡°Sir, if you would.¡± I hold my hands out. ¡°Here you go. Do not be too rough. I might mistake your intentions, Handsome.¡± Charles smiled slightly as he clasped the handcuffs on me. ¡°DON¡¯T TOUCH MY BOY, YOU DIRTY PEASANT!!¡± She struggled like a madwoman as Kurt bound her with his arms. ¡°WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS!?!?¡± Beatrice quickly snapped cuffs on the Dowager Duchess. ¡°Beatrice! You too!? WHAT IS GOING ON?! ¡°You are under arrest.¡± Tarion grinned to his cheeks, ¡°For the attempted murder of I, Duke Greystone, and the murder of Albert Greystone.¡± Shock reverberated among the increasing crowd. My mother shook with anger as a handcuff shackled her. ¡°PROPESTUROUS. YOU HAVE NO PROOF!¡± She looked around at the audience. ¡°IT¡¯S A RUSE TO GET RID OF US!¡± The crowd whispered to themselves, choosing who to believe. My brother kept smiling. ¡°Bring him over,¡± said Tarion. A footman brought a limping and bruised man to the front of the crowd. With his hair matted, Davis looked up at us. ¡°I am sorry!¡± He cried. ¡°I am sorry! My family¡­¡± I turned to my right and my mother was white like a ghost. Her legs lost strength, and her once rageful eyes flickered with hopelessness. Bliss still on his statuesque face, Tarion spoke. ¡°Ah, I forgot! One more charge to add. The murder of my mother, Mary Greystone.¡± Metal cuffs clanked on the stone road as my mother collapsed to the floor. Her eyes bounced between the former butler and Tarion. ¡°DAMN YOU DAVIS! WHAT DID YOU TELL HIM?! WHAT HAVE LIES HAVE YOU SPUN!¡± ¡°Dowager¡­I cannot lie anymore for you. Our punishment has come.¡± She turned to my brother. Head on the floor, she begged the Duke. ¡°Please, Your Grace! Let your brother go! He has nothing to do with this!¡± ¡°He is a Wolfburn; he has everything to do with this!¡± My brother stared at me and I nodded to him. ¡°Take them to the dungeons!¡± ¡°Yes, Your Grace!¡± Tarion¡¯s people answered. ¡°YOU WILL REGRET THIS!! ONCE MY FATHER HEARS ABOUT THIS, OSBERG WILL BURN UNTIL THERE IS NOTHING BUT ASHES!! HE WILL HAVE YOUR HEAD, YOU SON OF A WHORE!!¡± My brother crouched down to her level. To her face, his grin transformed. Petrifying all who saw. ¡°Oh, man! I really hope he does come. It will make things so much easier. Till then, relax in your new home. Heard it''s chilly down there and stinks to high heaven. TAKE THEM AWAY! NOW!!¡± Kurt pulled up my screaming mother and Charles escorted me along to a windowless carriage. I looked back at my brother. Arm crossed, he smiled kindly as I endured embarrassment. I hope your plan works, brother. The Duke 3 months later. Southern Osberg ¡°MY GUARD! STAY AND PROTECT! I WILL HANDLE THE BIG BASTARD!¡± My southern guard cheered with swords, spears, and shields high, retreating to the civilian''s side. I unsheathed my sword of Osberg, polished to a glossy shine. Six circles spun in my pounding chest. Azure mana flowed to my greatsword as I stared down my enemy. Enemies? Five heads twisted around their long snake-like necks from their stocky dinosaur-like body. Stomping on four legs, it squashed the grass with its toes like an elephant. The beast''s short tail stuck upward in anger as his ten eyes leaked black mist. Five necks pulled retracted and the air exploded from their roars shooting out. Their breath moved across the meadow, destroying and ripping the ground apart. As the air blast came straight for me I stood still and held my hand up. Redirecting the air, a deafening current passed around me. In calm, I crouched. A pause. I snapped into action. Running across the grass like an arrow, I skipped metres with every step. Light with Qinggong, I zinged left and zagged right, dodging blasts of air with comfort. The five-headed beast alternated its shooting while the other heads charged. I disappeared with a flash step and my sword emerged in the middle Hydra¡¯s head. I pull my sword, plunging deep into the snake''s brain. I sensed the air shifting on my left and right. Two snake heads attacked me with sharp teeth. The air became solid under my boot and I flash-stepped up, yanking my blade through the skull. Two snack heads broke their snouts below, crashing into each other. Metres above the hydra, I swing my sword and Mana-infused wind cut two broken-nosed heads off. Flash stepping from the air and a spin, I evaded gusts of air from the last two. Turning in the air, I saw the hydra body beneath. My wind helped me to face down and with fingers hooked on the pommel of my glowing blade, I pitched my sword down. Hitting the cursed beast with a booming thud, its thick hide stopped the blade from going through. ¡°Nothing can be easy, can it?¡± I flash-stepped on solid air and fell for the sword. Landing on it with a handstand, I drove the sword forty centimetres deeper. I heard inhaling through long necks and two snakes with decapitated three necks between them opened their mouths wide. I revved my circles at full speed and my blade breached the Hydra¡¯s back and a black mist burst from within. Qi flowed from my lower dantian, giving power to my body. Hands holding on to a sword still stuck in the beast, I lowered my stance. Now. I flash-stepped forward, just avoiding the air blast. My sword carved into the back of the screeching monster while I ran. I skidded to stop, pulling my blade out of muscle tissue and scally skin. Sword pointed to the sky, I arched my sword to my left. Another flash step. SHING my blade sounded as it went through hard monster meat and bone. My sword arm stretched out, landing on an opaque floor of wind, two hydra heads whirled behind me from my horizontal slash. I put my empty hand up to the sky, blocking the squirting blood rain with a shield as the beast¡¯s body deflated with mist puffing out of the cursed monster''s corpse. I stood above all, guard and civilian alike, cheering my name on a platform of air. Scratching my beard, I felt my ring hum. I will be back soon, dear. Do not worry. I looked down. ¡°Marquess! I guess you know what to do with the mess I made, haha.¡± Bradshaw nodded his head among the cheers. ¡°I apologise for ending your visit on a sour note, Your Grace!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Bradshaw. It was plenty of fun. I will meet you again soon!¡± Air rose me up while my marquess bowed. Higher and higher until the clouds became close. Floating on a draft made by my mana, I searched the miles of green that surrounded me. Everything looked the same to me. Mmmm¡­ I connected to my ring. Vanessa, I am lost again. Help, please. Chapter 54: Sentencing. (Rewrite) Map of Freidland. The Duke. The past: 2 weeks after the ball. ¡°Bring the prisoners in.¡± I sat on the judge''s chair in the city hall I barely visited. Glowering down at the two chained Wolfburns. Shooting malice with her eyes, the witch was pulled by chains to the middle to kneel with my brother ¡°Joshua Greystone.¡± I laced my fingers, hiding my grin on my thumbs. ¡°Gwen Wolfburn, welcome-¡± ¡°THIS A SHAM TRIAL! A SHAM I SAY!¡± A red-headed lord pushed through the pews, running to his younger sister. I shook my head telling the guard to let him. ¡°You are mistaken, Lord Harold. The trial has long passed. The verdict has been decided and the GUILTY will have their sentence heard.¡± ¡°But he crown-!¡± ¡°Is not on your side.¡± Thanks to Zeb''s word. They didn''t want me to divorce and I needed something in return. ¡°I have been given the right to preside over their judgement. Sit your skinny arse down before I throw away the decorum I barely have.¡± The cowering Wolfburn tched and looked at his dear sister regretfully. ¡°Gwen Wolfburn. For the crime of fraud and misuse of funds, land afforded by the death of my father will return back to the Greystone house. Bank holdings are to be emptied and given to the Greystones as restitution. Titles are to be revoked. Gwen Wolfburn, for Two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder, your sentence: Execution by hanging. Joshua Greystone, for the crime of abetting: Execution by hanging.¡± The audience exploded with chatter as the former queen of the duchy was reduced to a simpering mess. My brother faces his sentence as a proud Greystone should. Almost foaming, the former dowager floundered in the city hall guard''s arms "Please, not my boy! Anyone but my boy!!¡± Let''s see if you truly mean that. My chair screeched as I stood. ¡°Take them to their cells to await the deaths.¡± I started walking to the judge''s exit and paused, feeling Harold¡¯s staring. ¡°Lord Harold. My office. Be there.¡± Hours later. Throwing my cloak over my chair, I fell onto its soft cushion, resting my boots on my wooden desk. ¡°I apologise for my lateness,¡± I said to the impatient Wolfburn. ¡°It was no problem, Your Grace,¡± Harold said, sliding a book into a bookcase. ¡°I had a lot of time to peruse your splendid book collection. May I ask what took you so long, Your Grace?¡± ¡°I had more pressing issues to deal with,¡± I said coldly, perturbing the Lord. ¡°You want her and your nephew back in your duchy?¡± I asked. ¡°Yes-¡± ¡°Then I will have something from you.¡± I reclined in my chair. ¡°Farmland,¡± I said. ¡°What¡­?¡± ¡°Eighty thousand acres of farmland.¡± ¡°WHAT!¡± ¡°Are you Wolfburns deaf? Let me be clear, then. All along the border. Its towns. Its people. it''s wheat. It will be mine.¡± ¡°The Head would never agree to such a request!¡± ¡°Oh! Oh no, no, no! Mistaken again.¡± I put my boots back on the floor, striding towards Lord Harold. ¡°A Request? Don''t make me fucking laugh. I am telling you what will happen if you surrender peacefully.¡± I held him by the shoulder. ¡°Say no to my demands and all of Vioden becomes mine.¡± This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Blue eyes thought as he looked at my grasping hand. ¡°You understand what this means, Your Grace? Would you want to bring war to your city¡­?¡± I gripped his shoulder hard, and the elderly Wolfburn yelled in pain. ¡°By taking your sweet time to come, you missed some illuminating information during the ¡°sham¡± trial. My father wasn''t the first victim of your family''s meddling.¡± My anger controlled my hand and it reached for the lord''s neck. ¡°Please! Let¡­go!¡± Lord Harold said as I squeezed the breath out of his throat. ¡°Did the witch want to marry my father so much that an innocent woman had to die?!¡± His face turned purple, and Harold''s eyes bulged as he felt death close. I discard him into the shelves, knocking books on his head. ¡°YOUR FAMILY STARTED THIS WAR!¡± Flaring my nostrils and breathing hard with rage clouding my mind, mana swirls to the tip of my index finger. I pointed to the wide-eyed Wolfburn. I exhaled, finally noticing the mana flowing around and my circles spinning with a pounding heart. Calm down. I still need him. I STILL NEED HIM. ¡°You only live to relay what was said. Beatrice!¡± My mana dissipated. My head maid rushed in at my call, her stoic face unchanged as she assessed the situation. ¡°Take him to his carriage,¡± I said, walking to my chair, and rubbing my face to calm myself. Standing and brushing his clothes of dust and dirt, Lord Harold huffed. Pushing Beatrice away, the Lord turned back to me. ¡°You will regret this, boy,¡± he said, throwing away any pretence of formality. ¡°Young and alone, you know nothing of true war.¡± I sat on my chair, resting my elbows. ¡°Yes, I know nothing of war in this world, but I am a quick learner,¡± I said, grinning. ¡°And just so you know, I will kill you first. I like to work my way from the weak first.¡± Not losing his unearned noble confidence, Wolfburn strode out of office. Under the noble''s breath, I heard, ¡°Childish.¡± The office door closed and I asked Beatrice, ¡°Is he right?¡± Standing straight like an arrow, she looked at me, saying, ¡°You were your mother''s and father''s child. It is not childish to want retribution, Your Grace. It is right.¡± ¡°Mm.¡± I flipped my pocket watch. ¡°Beatrice, send my umbra out.¡± Bowing, she placed her hand on her chest. ¡°Yes, Your Grace.¡± Right or wrong, I will fight for the child in me who still misses them.
The Duke. Present Day: 3 months after ball Use¡­ ring¡­ Vanessa said with a weak connection. I tapped my head in frustration. ¡°Dummy.¡± A dolphin in the sky, I swam in the winds. I pulled my sword through the air currents, cleaning my blade of blood and monster flesh. Following the ring¡¯s link, I flew above mountains, taking in the view as I glided. Less than a year till the ceremony¡­ Damn¡­ Less than a year until Vanessa gets her powers and finally vanquishes the mist from the world, but as the number of attacks across my land increased, I prayed to the gods that the ceremony could happen earlier. I was stretched thin, flying several miles daily to where I needed to go. From the west and east, I flew to check my mines and met with my fellow lords and ladies. From north to south, I killed cursed, upgrading my skills. When I reached Sixth Circle and gained flight, I couldn''t have imagined how burdened I would feel. I no longer have an excuse to stay in my city. No excuse to stay with my wife. Passing over bears catching fish in a stream, an eagle swerved close and I waved a hand, giving it a draft to glide on. Flying with an eagle now. Jealous yet? My guard was stretched as thin as me, sometimes arriving too late, resulting in thousands abandoning their farms and small villages to seek refuge in larger towns. The toll is already high and will get worse as the months go by. So I must fly to where I am needed because I am the only one who can. Or wants to. I hoped the silence from our adversaries was because Vel had started caring a bit more. But who was I fooling but myself? An hour later. I floated down on a breeze on the steps of my castle. My servants waited with refreshments and a footman took my cloak before a surprise froze me in my place. ¡°Husband.¡± Hands crossed, Vanessa tapped her cute feet on the floor with impatience. ¡°You¡¯re late again.¡± Qinggong brought me to her before she could blink. ¡°If I knew you would miss me this much,¡° I said, going close to her neck, smelling her sweet sweat from the day''s work. ¡°I would have left the beast for the Bradshaw¡¯s to handle.¡± I kissed her neck and she shivered. I looked up and her freckles were red with shyness. ¡°Come on, I know you. You wouldn''t want to miss a good battle!¡± Her voice pitched as I kissed her on the collarbone. ¡°Umm, the new¡­batch of swords and have sent-¡± ¡°Leave the business talk for tomorrow. Today, it''s just us.¡± I said with my most cringy suave voice. ¡°EEEWWWW!!¡± My lips popped off Vanessa''s shoulder and we both turned to the loud bastard watching from the stairs, chomping on an apple.¡°You are in the bloody foyer, you nasties!¡± ¡°For the twentieth time, go to your room,¡± I shouted. ¡°OKAY! Okay, I just came out to ask for some-¡± ¡°FUCK OFF!!¡± Chapter 55: First strike. (Rewrite) The Duke. Next day A punch to the stomach forced Joshua back. His training boots skidded on the stone as light from the illuminating crystals lit the vast training cavern. ¡°Come on,¡± I taunt my brother with my finger. ¡°I have hardly had any time to train, so try your best.¡± ¡°I am!¡± With his rapier glowing, Joshua thurst Shooting out a bullet of mana. A white aura hazed off my left hand and hit away the blast to the side. He thrust again, with his form sharper than ever and seven more mana bullets came my way. ¡°Fantastic! At least your sabbatical wasn''t wasted.¡± Blasts slid off my fog-covered hands as I deflected all seven. I smiled and moved my head closer to my right shoulder and Joshua''s blade nearly pierced my ear. ¡°Should I keep you in hiding longer?¡± ¡°Want to make me go mad?¡± Joshua said as he slashed at my head. My presence gone, Joshua hit the air. ¡°Maybe,¡± I whispered behind him in his right ear. ¡°AAH!¡± Joshua slashed the air behind him. ¡°Even in the midst of battle,¡± I said in his left ear. My left palm hit Joshua''s ribs and he fell to the ground. ¡°Keep your senses alert.¡± Joshua rolled back up with a broken hexagonal mana shield. I nodded with approval, which brought a smile to Joshua''s tired face. ¡°Brother, how long will this last? I am ready.¡± Joshua concentrated and a flame burned on his sword. Gorgeous yet terrifying, I looked upon my Brother¡¯s flame with unease. Goosebump popped All.over my body as I was hypnotised by that awful fire. ¡°Brother.¡± I looked into my brother''s eye to regain my wherewithal. ¡°How long?¡± Joshua Asked again. ¡°Not¡­ahem, not too long. Although your mother has sung like a bird, I am still coaxing your as part of the family. Let''s end the training here. I have a meeting to attend.¡± As I was walking to get some water and a towel, I saw a fourth circle meditating as she taught Jen to use her first. Vanessa''s progress has been spectacular. So much so that I wondered why she didn''t do much warrior training when she got her divinity powers. Then I remembered the prince and his Opness was enough. Walking some more across The training cave, an old master taught two guinea pigs. Practising their forms, Kurt and Charles were probed like Roswell Aliens as Master Zhi touched, nicked and poked them every day. For today''s experiment, she was learning how her forms could be implemented with elements. Arms flowing like flags in the breeze, moisture from Master Zhi¡¯s form, Kurt collected a blob of clear water. In a blink, Kurt''s arm moved like a whip and the water became one as well, cutting a straw doll in half. l Very cool. I noticed my brother staring at Charles with the same dazed look. During his time stuck in his room, his mood became sour every day. Without friends, without companions, he looked lost. He did this for me. I couldn''t let him suffer alone. So I assigned my dear friend to him as his butler. It has been more than two months since then and the sour demeanour has disappeared completely, replaced by brightness. Happiness bloomed from his soul whenever he was with Charles. His eyes sparkled even as Charles talked about medicine. Joshua would even sneak to the servant''s quarters just to talk to him some more. Charles pulled up shirt to wiped his face of sweat, showing his stable built abs wet from training. Joshua''s jaw dropped like a Looney Tunes character and I cringed from deep within. Sheesh¡­ Is that how I looked with Vanessa? Charles noticed my brother gawking and smiled back with a thumbs up. ¡°Tarion.¡± Joshua¡¯s attention went back to me. ¡°I still don''t quite understand. Getting me to hand myself in. Going through the trial, lying about my stay in the dungeons to my mother.¡± ¡°To everyone. Including your grandpapa.¡± I corrected. ¡°Why must I go through this charade, you mean to ask?¡± I threw my brother his sheath. His rapier clicked in. ¡°Because two is better than one.¡± I took back my Greatsword from a maid and My brother still looked confused. ¡°Joshua. Let''s be honest. No one cares for the bitch. I don''t. The city and its nobles don''t. Not even her damn family. Why do you think she''s in Osberg to begin with? Cos¡¯ a weak woman is useless in your granddad''s eyes. A woman''s worth, to him, is to be sold. an object to be bargained with. A tool to get what he wants. Which is you.¡± Joshua stood dumbfounded, ¡°I can''t be of use to him. The last time I was sent to visit him, disgust didn''t leave his eyes whenever he saw mine¡­ I can''t be important¡­¡± ¡°You are as important as their greed is large.¡± I said ¡°You are heir to the Osberg duchy. In line to inherit gold, coal and military strength to rival countries. You were their nineteen-year project to steal this duchy from the greystones.¡± ¡°From you.¡± Said Joshua. I nodded. ¡°From us.¡± ¡°I am a hostage?¡± ¡°Nope,¡± I said happily. ¡°You¡¯re bait.¡± Fingers scratching his chin, Joshua came to a conclusion. ¡°You¡­ no that would be¡­ but of course you''d do that! Bloody bastard, you want them to invade. You wanted justification!¡± I grinned. ¡°And did. Not even a week later, Viodian troops came up to southern border towns. We managed to fend them off with little skirmishes here and there but there bigger battles are on the horizon.¡± ¡°I guess they''re trying to frighten you. Thinking your reputation is unearned.¡± ¡°Perhaps. Umm, you should be celibate more. Less sex in your brain got you thinking more.¡± I joked. ¡°Can''t you say ¡®Amazing! you''re so smart!¡¯ like a normal person.¡± ¡°Haha, Nah mate.¡± I waved to my wife. ¡°Vanessa, let''s go. We can¡¯t keep Jimmy waiting.¡± 2 hours later. Vanessa guided her finger on the map of Friedland, pointing at the Hamber and Osberg Border. ¡°Word had come back from a friend that Vioden troops have been seen going through Hamber into our lands.¡± Susan is doing her job well. ¡°How many?¡± Jimmy asked with his helm under his arm. ¡°Two thousand give or take.¡± Vanessa. ¡°So they are finally making their big move. It''s smart. The closest route to us, while we are distracted with border disputes, they can strike while we are unaware. Is any information on their exact location? Their talent?¡± I ask. ¡°To could be camping near a town called Pirn. Their talent is unknown but I reckon there would be a lot of sixths since having sevens and eights disappear would look peculiar.¡± ¡°Alright then. I will leave when the meeting has ended, bring in Bradshaw and his men and do a little reconnaissance from the air.¡± I said, watching Vanessa''s anxious face. ¡°Rydel.¡± I attempted to switch topics, ¡°Welcome back. How was my uncle as a travel companion?¡± I grasped the dark-skinned elf, as he stood up. ¡°The best drinking partner I have had in generations,¡± he said cheerfully. ¡°Other than to give a report on the ships, I have a gift to give you.¡± My eyebrows climbed with curiosity as I held a small box. FINALLY! ¡°Is this?! REALLY?!¡± Rydel nodded. Vanessa and Jimmy looked around my shoulder as I ripped the packaging and opened the lid. A gold band reflected rune light as it slightly hummed. ¡°I thought it would be tough to convince the mages to construct an inventory. As you can guess, a lot of not-so-good men could use it for distasteful reasons. But it seems your reputation precedes you.¡± I saw a second band hiding under. Someone up in the tower must love me. One by one, I slid the bands onto my wrists. The gold retracted to fit the width and my nerves felt a tingle as they linked with the device. ¡°Woah¡­¡± I looked up from my band and the wise elf was smiling like a proud grandpa. My hand reached to my back and unsheathed my greatsword. ¡°It works the same as the rings. With intent.¡± Store! Plonk In my mind''s eye, I remembered the greatsword and it materialised in my right hand again. Nice. Very Nice ¡°Thank you. Walking with the thing was a pain.¡± 10 minutes later Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! ¡°Your Grace,¡± Jen called with Kurt by her side as I exited the meeting room. ¡°One moment, Vanessa.¡± I moved to the side to meet them. ¡°So?¡± ¡°You were right. George has been acting quite peculiarly. Trying to get closer to her. Knocking at her room door whenever you weren''t there. Always trying to drive her coaches and be her escort.¡± Kurt just nodded in agreement. ¡°Mmmm.¡± Can¡¯t keep it in, Mage? Thank the lands above. At least Jen was there to watch her back. I couldn''t tell Vanessa but I could tell her best friend to watch out for him. ¡°She has ignored him most of the time. Even got stern, warning him when he would stop showing up at her door.¡± I shook my head. ¡°I am not worried about her. But him. Keep an extra eye, Jen. Monitor everything. The things he says. The things he does. Kurt, sleep in the guest room beside my wife while I go to Pirn.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Grace.¡± I paced back to Vanessa and Jen spoke apologetically. ¡°Sorry about George. I¡­I don''t know why-¡± ¡°It''s okay. Never apologise for a creep¡¯s actions.¡± I said as I walked to apologise to Vanessa for leaving again. The Duke Next day. Above the dense trees, I make my third fly about. Tracking where roads lead to find this elusive village, I heard someone wail in the wind. To the left. I dipped, following the subtle vibration in the air. A child. A girl. I fell towards the grassland, witnessing a group of warriors encircling a dark-haired tike scrambling on the ground with nothing but a knife to protect her. I broke through the air. Emerging from blue segmented light, my greatsword formed out of nothing. Swinging my blade with no hesitation, an ugly head somersaulted. ¡°Girl,¡± I said as I landed softly in front of her. ¡°Are you alright?¡± Distrusting eyes wide open, she levelled her dagger at me. I smiled, admiring the kid''s tenacity. ¡°Calm. It will be okay.¡± I moved my shoulder away from a striking sword. Spinning on my heel, my left Elbow destroyed the second-circle warrior''s Jaw. Well kept sword¡­ Fighters for hire? The warrior with the busted jaw regained his balance and swung with anger at my neck. On my heel again, I pivoted and bent my knees as a sword passed over my head. I should have used Qi. Twirling from the momentum, my sword separated the fighter in half from his mana armoured torso. Shocking his friends, they brandished the weapons, positioning themselves around me. Well trained¡­ I focused and Qi warmed my eyes. Colour was sapped from the world and my vision saw every direction at once. Life glowed white from twelve bodies. Scared fighters gripped their hilts. Shouldn''t take too long. I took the initiative, flash-stepping side to side, confusing my opponents with afterimages. A third circle was tricked and I raced into his range. A greatsword stabbed through mana armour, plunging deep into the third circle''s heart. I looked to the left at my new target. Qi imbued my muscles, and I sliced through a lung, ribs, and right arm. A flash step moved my blade closer to the new target''s neck and I cut off the warrior''s scream. I rocked back, evading a thrust from a glowing blade at my three o¡¯clock. Back nearly parallel to the grass, I examined the child. She¡¯s bruised. Hungry. With two hands on my greatsword in a tail stance, I umbra stepped, erasing my presence. Appearing close, my sword slammed heavily on the assailant''s head. Twisting my sword, the first-circle corpse dropped to the floor as four men with spears poked from four directions. Head leaned away from a point to my right shoulder, my left leg avoided a jab, my left hand parried and my sword guarded my back. Army¡­ Like hitting a flower petal with a fan, I glide with their attacks, weaving myself in a dance around their weapons. I looked for the child as I dodged. She lowered her blade as she watched me with awe. A spear missed my head for the fifth time and my left hand got a hold of its shaft. I yanked and pulled the spear from the unsuspecting warrior. My great sword scratched the second''s throat, and the lad choked on his blood. ¡°ENOUGH!¡± A steel armour warrior dropped from his horse. His brown beard waved side to side as he plodded to the middle of the battle. ¡°No more lives need to be wasted!¡± The new arrival said with hands up and a nervous smile. ¡°Why not?¡± I ask the fourth circle. ¡°W-w-why not¡­? Ahem! This is a problem between us and the child over there. Perhaps some gold-¡± I turned to the child. ¡°What do they need you for?¡± ¡°I ran away! They were capturing everyone from my village, my family too!¡± My shield of mana repelled an arrow. Coated in a liquid. Poison? I sighed. ¡°Foolish.¡± ¡°Shoot again!!¡± The leader yelled. My greatsword hummed azure blue. ¡°I only need one alive.¡± My fingers moved fast as I sorted my points. Tendrils of mana shot out, linking with the chests of nine warriors. The leader glanced down at his chest. ¡°What is¡­this?¡± I yanked. Nine men yelled as they were sucked towards me, and my greatsword became a tornado of steel, slicing and dicing helpless bodies. WIt great slam.My sword hit the ground and a gust pulsed outward, blowing blood and body parts far and wide. Wind twirled around my sword and my blade was clean. Not a drop of blood touched the poor child. Frightened but she looks okay. I think. ¡°Hey, archer.¡± I pulled the remaining warrior hiding in the tall grass to my feet. I lifted his chin by the point of my blade and the young man wept. ¡°What the fuck is going on here?¡± The young warrior trembled with dread. A bead of sweat dripped onto my sword as I threatened him. ¡°My regiment was ordered to camp here till we got further orders!¡± ¡°Vioden,¡± I said and the warrior''s shoulder went slack. My smile terrified the soldier more. ¡°And she,¡± I pointed to the dusty, malnourished child, ¡°was a witness to be silenced?¡± ¡°Please! I was just following orders!¡± ¡°Foolish orders should be ignored.¡± I aimed a bit to the left, burning a hole in the soil with a mana thrust. ¡°Don''t run.¡± I put my greatsword back into my inventory. He nodded rapidly, blurring his blubbering face. The child gawked at the corpses and I clicked my fingers to get her attention. ¡°Child, come to me.¡± ¡°Not a child, sir. Kelly.¡± Timidly, she stood up and walked to me. From my inventory, I retrieved a small bag and a water skin. From the small bag, I pulled out a pill made by Charles. I kneeled, and the child flinched when I offered the items. ¡°Okay, Kelly. Here. Water and medicine. Take.¡± Grey eyes looked at both with apprehension. ¡°You saw what I could do. Why would I choose such an inefficient method?¡± I chucked the items for her to catch. She doesn''t look any older than nine¡­ Should''ve been less bloody. ¡°Family, friends. Where are they?¡± ¡°Parents were in the village. My brother... he was taken, sir.¡± she sniffed the satchel. After passing her test, she immediately started jugging. ¡°Slow down and bite into the pill with water before you swallow.¡± ¡°Okay, sir¡­¡± She ate the pill with water in her chubby cheeks, making a hilarious retching face. ¡°How long have you been running?¡± ¡°Umm¡­¡± Kelly counted on her fingers. ¡°Two days have passed, I think.¡± ¡°Damnit. How long has it been since your brother was taken?¡± ¡°Hours, I think- ooh!¡± Kelly looked at the bruises on her arms, going from purple to its normal pink. ¡°Neat right? But next time, don''t take strange pills from strangers. Not everyone is as kind as me.¡± She nodded. ¡°Listen, Kelly. I could save your brother.¡± For her parents, it may be too late. Hope sparkled in her young eyes. I stood up from my knee, surprising Kelly as my breeze drifted her to my arm. ¡°But I need you somewhere safe and protected.¡± I stretched my hand out and mana tethers wrapped around the Vioden soldier. Grass waved and we floated. ¡°Hold tight. I am not used to passengers.¡± I blasted off the ground. ¡°Where are you taking me - AAAAAAAA~¡± I blasted off the ground. Viodian shrieked as his mouth stretched by the wind. Finding my place amongst the clouds, I remembered my path back to Bradshaw''s manor. The duke Pirn The sun fell below the treeline. Standing on a branch, I watched the Vioden army patrol the mud roads of Pirn. Tents littered the town. Plain clothes. They''re planning on staying here for quite a long time. Covered by thick voluminous vegetation, as well as being at the right spot between the city and the Vioden border, Pirn was the perfect strategic spot to strike from. Like a virus, the hidden army could have fed off my duchy, slowly infecting other towns until it was time for the killing blow. I calmed myself, circles slowed to a standstill and my hue faded away. Qi flowed through my body and I became one with the invigorating energy, I hopped off the branch feeling weightless. My greatsword and borrowed daggers jangled on my back and landed on a straw roof. I observed soldier patrols below. Two thousand as the report said. I leapt from rooftop to rooftop, jumping over drunken men and lazy guards. Landing on a former lord''s home, Life Sight illuminated the world. Through thick stone walls, I see bright signs of life. Three men, one dressed in a long cloak, appraised the boy The cloaked nodded, pointing below. She said Kieth was his name. I checked my pocket clock, watching it tick. I snuck in through a bedroom window, with faint Umbra steps. Life Sight saw two guards racing down the corridor. I opened a bedroom door and cut the neck as it passed. The companion skidded to stop as they noticed their falling mate. With quiet Qinggong, I pounced, twisting my dagger into the soldier''s liver. My empty hand closed a mouth before the dying screamed. I laid the body down and moved on downstairs. Life Sight saw two fifth circles standing at the foray with shields and swords ready. I dashed in with Umbra stepps cloaking my presence and covered a mouth from behind. Penetrating armour, my dagger stabbed four times in the shieldman''s chest. A soldier turned around and I dragged the body behind a pillar. A dagger thrown to the corner redirected the soldier''s attention and my second knife perforated the side of the Viodian¡¯s head. A tether recovered the thrown dagger and I searched again with Life Sight. In a basement below, Keith banged on the locked door. To my left, a man argued with loud gestures with the cloaked individual while a bulky, armoured warrior leaned on a desk with arms folded. The young Viodian said the villagers had been moved here yet there were no life signs. Dozens of people, a whole village wiped out to hide a base? Fuck¡¯s sake. I shook my head. Lament later. First, the boy. Instinct moved me and I danced back away from a massive slice of mana. Heavy brown boots kicked through the shredded wall, and a brutish brown-haired veteran walked over the rubble. Round nose scrunched in anger. His deep frown dragged down his dark moustache. ¡°I thought I heard a mouse; I found a coward instead!¡± Red surcoat fluttering about over a steel breastplate, a Viodian red-hilted sword erupted in a blaze of blue flame. ¡°Coward? Hahaha!¡± I spun my six circles. ¡°Is killing villagers what you idiots at Vioden call brave? Is kidnapping children honourable to you?¡± I checked my pocket clock, watching it tick. Now. A horn alerted all. ¡°An attack?¡± He looked at me and my smile made him furious. Vioden soldiers chanted outside as they took their weapons to defend their captured village. ¡°OSBERG BASTARD!! The sword of Osberg formed in my hand and blue brightened my right cheek. In a two-handed stance, the swordpoint facing the ground, I meditated. The noise of war was hushed. My full concentration was on the opponent across me. A strength type. Good senses. No elements but a good amount of mana. Slow as fuck. I can do it. ¡°Pick. The army outside your gates or my sword. I promise you will have more of a chance on the former.¡± The Viodian¡¯s anger reached its limit. Manifesting his rage into strength, the seventh circle scored the floor with his powerful mana and slashed. ¡°Wrong choice,¡± Behind him, my greatsword divided the air to cut the Vioden warrior''s neck. Chapter 56: The Battle of Pirn The Duke Pirn Fighting an Old Man. My sword rebounded off a thick dome of mana. I stepped back with a flash step as the Vioden warrior spun backwards to slash. ¡°Old man.¡± I rested my great sword on my shoulder. ¡°Name.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not worthy of my name, scoundrel!!¡± The warrior''s sword flared and swung with a crescent blue wave of mana. Keeping my feet still I point my toward the mana slice. Azure was replaced by white on my Greatsword. Stable Qi hummed as I inhaled. Rushing water. Sword and mana slice touch. Mana grazed my blade and with subtle movements, I redirected the attack to the side. The old warrior flung mana flew at me with intensity, slicing dozens of times in the air. With each slice I diverted, I took a step forward to the storm. I punctured the air, leaping with flash. I slashed, colliding into the Viodian¡¯s mana shield. I mana sawed into the shield and the wall shattered. The warrior guarded high with his blade and my strength Forced him down on his knees with a sore arm. Distressed, the Vioden asked ¡°Sixth circle! Who are you?!¡± He pushed me off to stand in a two-handed defensive stance. I smiled, ¡°I asked first.¡± The warrior spread his feet on the debris-covered floor and lowered his stance. ¡°Sir Givens. Seventh circle knight of Vioden.¡± The quivering fellow behind the wall must be important for such a man to abandon his army. ¡°And you.¡± I chuckled to myself, as I sent my greatsword back to my inventory and a jian replaced it. Arm behind my back, I waved my sword forward. ¡°Sir Givens. Look into my eyes.¡± Eyebrows scrunched in confusion, lift in shock. The elder''s whole body erupted with blue mana. ¡°Greystone¡­¡± ¡°It''s fun being famous. Always gets Me the greatest reactions.¡± a flick of the wrist and cut in the air, shooting out a small mana slice. Givens guarded his face with a mana shield and with veteran''s experience he arched his sword to protect his left thigh. A diagonal slice from him almost cut my chest before I leaned. In the compromised position, I attacked back with a glowing stab to Givens'' face. My Jian bounced off the shield and the veteran advanced to strike again from my left side. Parrying away the strike with my Jian, I lunged into Givens¡¯ armoured shoulder and felt my sword pierce through flesh. I stepped back as a heavy slash destroyed the ground. I flicked my blade again and Sir Givens¡¯ blocked the mana aimed at his face. Givens¡¯ collected a mass of bright mana, carving a wide groove as he sliced. Open. With a flash I disappeared, moving faster than Givens¡¯ eyes could sense, a strike broke through steel and mana amour. As his blood sprayed from his abdomen on the floor, the injured knight lifted his sword high. A loud tired roar and a sword blazing blue, Givens made a desperate attack, his man cut into the ceiling as he slashed. A rock, sturdy and still, braces against the washing waters. Qi on my Jian parried the manor destroying slice to my right. My enhanced strength lodged the Viodian''s blade into the ground. From my back, knuckles whitened. No shield. A flicker Jab imbued with Qi broke Givens¡¯ chest plate. Passing through metal, Givens¡¯ sternum turned to powder and the old warrior flew into the hole into an office and crashed into a trophy wall. ¡°Weak for a seventh but a great battle-¡± ¡°GIVENS!!¡± Climbing over the broken wall, I turned to the right and a terrified Redhead noblely dressed shouted next to a mysterious, cloaked pale man. Is that¡­ HA! ¡°The lands above have given me a great gift today. And you brought me a summoner too!¡± Coughing blood and his chest concave, the knight held his hand up. ¡°Run¡­RUN!!¡± He said using the lawst of his strength ¡°Shit!! Hold him back!¡± Hearing footsteps, I glimpsed a redhead running away, leaving his cloaked friend behind. ¡°Come back, Harold! I must thank you-Shit.¡± The Vioden¡¯s cold eyes stare at the ground as I watched Harold with Life-Sight through the walls and something winds around my legs. Looking down, a black mist tangled around my legs. ¡°So you can use it that way¡­¡± I ran, exploding the floor with my charge. Slipping past tendrils of mist coming to me. ¡°I have been searching for you a lot since you ran away in that forest.¡± Cutting more mist tentacles with my sword I pressed forward till I was less than a metre away. My Jian put away into my inventory, I grasped the summoner''s arms as he controlled the mist. Like a wet towel, I whipped hard enough to pull his arms from his shoulder sockets. As the summoner screamed I twisted both arms until his shoulder tissue ripped. Enhanced with qi, my kick devastated the summoner¡¯s knees. Letting his useless arms go, a quick jab knocked out the summoner before he fell to the ground. ¡°Stay put, Okay?¡± The allocation window near my fingers, I concentrated my points into speed and ran through the corridors following Harold''s life pulse. I shot a mana pulse at the basement door and down a flight of stairs an underground winery had been altered to have space for a summoning circle painted in blood. Flies buzzed about the dead that lay on the corners of the room. Just like Mouve¡­ Out of a small room, Harold pulled a dirty, roughed-up boy by his arm. I summoned the sword of Osberg and levelled it at the redhead. ¡°Release the boy.¡± Standing still under my glare, Harold''s eyes looked between me, Keith and a strange ball of condensed mist the size of a jawbreaker. An exasperated sigh came from his mouth as he made a judgment. Throwing away the boy, Harold swallowed the ball of mist. Not wanting to deal with any fuckery, I shot multiple mana bullets as the Wolfburn heaved and trembled from what he consumed. The Third circle blocked the energy blast with a weakening shield. ¡°Kieth! GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!! Kelly¡¯s waiting for you!!¡± I pointed to the exit with my thumb. At the mention of his sister''s name, the boy sprinted away. Still shooting my bullets, Harold¡¯s shield regeneration at a faster rate. Its transparent blue changed to greyish black. ¡°Fuck me.¡± Fast fingers twitched as I reorganised my stat points to be strength and mana-capacity focused. I dashed in and I flared my greatsword brighter than the candles that lit the underground winery. Jumping high, my glowing sword fell on the shield and a hand grabbed it instead. Harold smiled wide with blackened eyes. I felt my greatsword being pulled towards him and instinct used the wind to drift my head bacon from his punch of black mist. I dematerialised my blade and danced off the air. Not again. ¡°Do you like, Greystone?¡± The Wolfburn hunched like a beast. A black mist covered his blade. ¡°So many lives¡­The Wolfburns haven¡¯t fallen far enough to depend on the sacrifices of innocent people. If your father hears of this.¡± ¡°He won''t ever, boy. All witnesses will die.¡± Launching from the ground with newfound strength, I veered away from a lunge that switched into a downward slash. My greatsword materialised to protect my left shoulder, bending my knees while I held back against Harold''s power. He is not as strong as Hymir. Not enough sacrifices? Is the quality of the souls not high enough? I spun, letting the mist blade slide down my sword to the floor. I revved all six circles and my mana blade grew until its tip pierced the winery¡¯s ceiling. I swung down on the stone, missing a fleeing Harold. I flash-stepped out of the several metre deep crater, to follow. Skipping backwards, Harold jabbed into the air, shooting out a thrust of energy. Three flash steps allowed me to evade each blast. I thrust with my own energy and sparks of mana essence burst into the air as our blasts met each other. The angry Wolfburn halted his retreat. ¡°Since our last meeting, your hand on my neck has plagued my nightmare. Today you pay for that humiliation!¡± ¡°Hey, man. Ain¡¯t normal to think of another man like that. Unless you swing that way. I don¡¯t mind, I have family members-¡± ¡°CEASE YOUR CHATTER, CHILD AND DIE!¡± A furious Harold burst through the air leaving a white atmosphere in his wake, lunging with a mass of black on his blade. I angled my blade to the floor on my right. Oh. I sidestepped with my back to the left and I lifted my greatsword up with great speed and Qi-imbued muscles. Harold stood befuddled as he gawked at his sword stuck in the ceiling. ¡°Information was right about you.¡± Harold slowly looked down at his chest. Despair still showed in his dark eyes as I pushed my greatsword deeper. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°You can¡¯t fight at all. Now it makes sense that the 2nd born child was treated far worse than his younger brothers. Makes me almost feel sorry for you. I can relate too well.¡± I yanked my blade, pulling blood and pieces of bone from the hole. Still living, Harold collapsed to his hands and knees, wheezing on ruined lungs. I crouched with him. ¡°I understand feeling weak. Feeling useless. But resort to¡­ Tell me. What are the cult''s aims and maybe I won''t tell your father of this.¡± ¡°Haha¡­¡± Laughing? ¡°To think it would end like this. I am sorry, little sister, father¡­¡± Tears fall from the middle-aged Wolfburn''s eyes. How is he still talking? Nay, how is he still alive? Fuck answers. I stood up and raised my blade high. Harold kneeled with his back straight, and with a crazed smile he stared directly at me. ¡°I just have to kill you. No matter the cost¡± Mist slithered from the cavity in his chest and a pulse of energy pushed my mana shield. Dust obstructed my vision but l Life-Sight saw a clouded man''s life pulse flicker as he stood up. My wind blew the dust away and a tendril of mist sonic boomed in my direction. I weaved to the right, cutting up the mist vine with a mana saw. A two-handed guard deflected three vines as they targeted my head, chest, and belly. The misty vines retracted into a large blob of flowing black fog. Always moving and mixing, the cursed monster could not retain a shape resembling anything living. I assessed the situation with Life-Sight. The mist does not doesn''t register on my system but is invisible to Life-Sight. Although his life pulse was weak, I noticed Harold floating, still alive in the blob. It is sustaining him, as the curse still needs a body to tether to. But that also means it has a weak point. I tapped the air again. Agility, some on the senses. Umm¡­ capacity too. I hit away a mist tendril and a grin crossed my face as I crouched low. Grabbing the floor with my empty hand while my greatsword was to my right with a tail stance. I coiled my body like a spring. Qi settled deep in my bone and muscle tissue in a warm, refreshing bath. Life-Sight saw my target in the guggling mass. My mana essence extended outward, binding and resonating with the air around me. My clothes, cloak, and hair billow in the soft wind. My ring hummed. I am safe. Mana repulsing from my soles, I lunched spritely like a gazelle. I made my own slipstream as I rocketed ahead with jets of mana. The cursed blob wiggled as if it sensed my approach and hundreds of vines zoned in on me. I jumped above one, hitting away second. Air spun away from a third while I sliced into seven tendrils with rapid slashes. I twirled in the air as a tendril cut into my nose, and mana jets propelled me closer to the mass of curses. Hundreds more grow out, hungry for new body There is a gap. Concentrating my energy into a large mana blade, I threw my greatsword up twenty or so centimetres and hooked my index and middle fingers on my pommel. I judged the distance as the mist closed in. Throwing with mana repulsing from my fingertips, I threw my greatsword with Qi-enhanced strength, blowing a hole in the air. Producing a sonic boom, the greatsword just passed through the hole plunging into the swirling curse. Although stuck to its hilt, it failed to touch the barely alive body floating. ¡°Ah, shit.¡± Qi hardening my skin, I protected my face with the back of my gloved right hand. My left flicked up at a tendril dissipating the mist with repulsion. Like swatting away mosquitoes, my hands blur into thousands. I flipped forward in the air, evade a vine, and kicked it to the ceiling. Hundreds more come from behind as a thousand mist tendrils surround me. With no escape in sight, I set my eyes on the stuck sword. I need to push it in. I inhaled untill my chest was full of air and I yelled. The air shook with my mana essence as it pushed away the thousands of tendrils. With a blast of mana and the guidance of the wind, my vision stretched. Light-Sight saw the target I soared for. I called Daggers from my inventory into my hands and I hacked at the mist vines like a blender. ¡°Hmph, closer¡­¡± arms swung as a thousand more tendrils attacked me. Just a few metres of cutting. ¡°MISTER! HELP!¡± Light Sight saw behind me a boy pulled by invisible tentacles around his legs. Why didn''t he... "Bloody kids.¡± A sphere of mana encased me and I hovered in the air. As tendrils poked against the shield, I pulled my hands to my waist, forming vacuums in my palm, sucking in the air. With the atmosphere condensed to two points, I let my shield down. ¡°WHEN I SAY I RUN, I MEAN RUN, DAMMIT!¡± A big push and two tornadoes unleashed from my hands drill through, puncturing through the wall of mist. Mana propelled me into the hole and my greatsword waited for me. Right fist hardened by Qi, my knuckles met the end of the greatsword''s pommel. The mist poofed, vanishing back to the ether, unveiling from the fog the Sword of Osberg impaled in Harold''s neck. Deadeyes stared at the ceiling, a single tear fell as I ripped out my sword, decapitating the Wolfburn. I sighed "Geez, a bit tough but got there in the end!¡± From the floor, I picked up my prize by his hair. ¡°Sir!¡± Keith ran up with a big smile on his sooty face. ¡°Thank you so much-¡± ¡°You were watching, weren''t you?¡± The boy twiddled his fingers and his eyes shied away. Can''t blame him. I would too. I sent my sword back to my inventory. ¡°If you can still listen to instructions, follow me out of here.¡± Walking for the exit, the boy scurried behind,d taking quick looks at the headless body. ¡°Keith,¡± I said on the stairs. ¡°Eyes straight¡± ¡°Are you a mercenary? A knight?¡± ¡°Better. I own an army of them.¡± From the basement stairs, the sound of war became louder as we went to the front gate. Opening the gate, I saw five of my men fight off a group of eleven with spears. ¡°Wait a bit, Keith.¡± I pounced with Harold in my hand. I swung, materialising my greatsword midswing into a second circle''s arms. I flash stepped to the right, cutting through metal amour with a razor-sharp mana blade. I parried a third¡¯s sword and gifted him with a mana thrust that shocked his comrades into running away. ¡°Guard.¡± ¡°Orders, Your Grace!¡± ¡° Protect the boy.¡± My sword pointed at Keith. ¡°I take him to a safe place. Also, you will find a maimed occultist inside the premises. Bind him and keep an eye on him.¡± ¡°YES, YOU GRACE!¡± I stabbed my blade into the dirt road to take a Charles-made stamina pill. Gonna be a long night. I waited for an answer. Be¡­well¡­See¡­ tomorrow. A step moved me metres in less than a second. Two heads twirled around as I sliced wind, killing four in a single swing. Viodians flee on fast feet. But mine were faster. One two three spines cut. ¡°Whew.¡± I rolled my shoulder, already feeling the effects of the pills i pulled my sword out and flew for war. Head dripping red on the roofs, I land on a roof by the village gates where my men battle with fervour. I breathed in, infusing the air in my lungs with mana. ¡°LISTEN ALL!!¡± I yelled with mana projecting my voice. I lifted the head in my left hand by its red hair. ¡°YOUR LEADER DEFEATED. YOUR LORD¡¯S HEAD, I HOLD. YOU HAVE NOTHING!¡± The fighting stilled. All eyes look up to me. ¡°I would, as is the norm, order for your surrender, be patient and take the time to integrate you into my corps. But the thought of it DISGUSTS me.¡± I placed the head on the roof and my sword burned blue. I raised my greatsword point to the dark cloudy sky above. ¡°THIS VILLAGE ONCE BUSY WITH LIFE, WITH HUMOUR WITH, JOY IS AS DEAD YOUR SOULS.¡± Wind floated me above the army while I allocated points from Strength to Agility Mana Capacity and Senses. ¡°YOU SERVED MEN WILLING TO SCARIFICE MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN FOR FLEETING POWER.¡± My sword illuminated the area with its azure light. ¡°POWER I DEFEATED WITH EASE.¡± Videos look upon me with despair spread around the leaderless army. ¡°THERE IS NO RUNNING OR HIDING FROM YOUR SINS. FOR THE MOMENT YOU PICKED A SWORD AGAINST THE INNOCENT WAS THE DAY YOUR FATE WAS SEALED!¡± I shifted my greatsword to my left thigh, letting my mana hum as it charged. ¡°Men. No Vioden soldier leaves here breathing.¡± To a thousand eyes I disappeared. My Greatsword wrecked bodies before the air boomed. Slicing and dicing, my sword ripped apart men. First, second or even fifth my sword would cut them all down as I zipped around the battlefield like a blue and black bullet. Arms and legs flopped to the ground with entrails. Dancing past attacks with flash, my blade smashed into mana shields and armours crushing bone faces, ribs and legs. I heard the yell of my men joining the fight and continued with the slaughter. I skidded to a stop, and my sword flared like a dozen blue bonfires. ¡°GO DOWN!¡± I swung. A wave of blue incinerated all it cuts through. A hundred torsos fall with the other halves smoking. I glanced down at a frightened young Vioden soldier hugging the ground. Trembling, his piss ran down his breeches. A mana bullet to the head saved the boy from a worse death. My men stand up. Uninjured as they followed my orders. Proud faces revered me. I punched the air. ¡°FOR PIRN!¡± ¡°GREYSTONE!! GREYSTONE!! GREYSTONE!! GREYSTONE!!¡± Their cheer shook the ground underneath me and with every stomp and clap, it slowly filled me with more drive. The passion of war. The danger of death at every cut. The all-encompassing feeling of triumph felt by all as we lived to see another day. I squeezed my fist with uncontainable happiness. This world fits me too well. ¡°GREYSTONE!! GREYSTONE!! GREYSTONE!! GREYSTONE!!¡± A while later. Sitting by a blazing fire, I poured water on my beautiful blade, rinsing off today¡¯s blood and human remains. With Keith sent to his sister, I watched over the disposal of the bodies while an unconscious summoner lay bound on the ground next to me. ¡°Your Grace.¡± Marquess Bradshaw the Marshal of today''s battle paced up to me holding his helm in the arm. He bowed. ¡°I have apologies. I questioned your reasoning for eliminating all the Viodens. But¡­¡± ¡°You saw the winery.¡± ¡°I saw. I wish I didn¡¯t.¡± ¡°But you had to. Or more will suffer the same way.¡± Bradshaw solemnly nodded in agreement. From my inventory, I took out my blade sharpener. ¡°Marquess Bradshaw. We go to war. Prepare your main troops to leave for the border.¡± Bradshaw stomped and saluted. ¡°Yes, Your Grace!¡± The marquess left and I returned to wiping off the water with a towel as I sense for my wife. Dear? Use the ravens to spread the news of the sacrifices in Pirn. Two witnesses will be sent to your orphanages. Tell James to head to Kirgfield with Alpha, Beta, and Ceta to join Bradshaw. I waited for an answer. Tell¡­Rydel¡­Ships? I gazed at my gleaming blade, reflecting red eyes unsated by the gory battle. Yes. Tell him to bring Uncle and his men. Sleep well, Vanessa. You...too... Back to my inventory, my greatsword went. I hung my head as I rested my arms on my knees feeling the recoil of stress from the night. War¡­At last. I slapped the summoner''s face. Blinking as he awoke, the tattooed man looked around and made a muffled scream into his gag. "Tell me." A dagger from my inventory cut a line in the summoner''s face. "Tell me everything." VOLUME 2 WAR OF DUCHIES. A few days later. Wolfburn manor. The Wolf. "Your Grace," a butler held up a suspicious package. "I have checked its contents... I am so sorry." "On the table." My father ordered. He stared coldly out of his window. Box placed on the table, the butler squirmed away leaving only me and Father in his lonely office. "Open it, Kellen." Following his order, I lifted the lid up. I slumped to my knees, tears leaking down uncontrollably, I wailed. "No, no, NOOOO!" I held the box close to my chest, remembering times hunting in the woods, and dinners full of laughter. "Brother, no...!" "Failure." The Greying red-haired duke turned to me. "He was a failure from start to finish. He should have been born a woman if he was going to disappoint me this much. Then maybe I could have sold him like that little girl." He sat in his office chair twirling his three braids on his reddish-brown beard like he had heard the daily reports. "FATHER!" I felt his frightening blue eyes stare. "They..." "Continue, Son." I backed down under his glare, holding my brother''s head tighter. "How do we proceed, Your Grace." He twirled his braids again. "Bring the summoners here. They want people? We will give them plenty." Chapter 57: A king. The Duchess 8 days later An orphanage. ¡°And the holy beings brought down their power upon the demons, bringing the evil beings to their knees. But their strength was as great as their evil. On our world, the battle wrought. With each blow, an ocean formed. With each strike, a continent rose. With every struggle, a mountain rose to the sky. As the angels brought life, the fallen turned it all into dust. Life, death, and rebirth. Again and again, the cycle of existence turned as they fought for aeons. Till one day out of trillions, one angel thought of a plan. A plan to cage the demons once and for all. A plan much hated by the proud angels. And so the rebellious angel worked in secret to enact his plan. Modelled after the Costeliation''s servants, the wise angels work day after day, ignoring the forever war. There were many failed experiments and successes but there was only one truly perfected.¡± ¡°The saint!!¡± A child shouts. The cardinal smiled. ¡°The wise angel snuck out as war waged, descending into our world for a moment to bring the demons a single gift.¡± ¡°Interesting lore you have.¡± A deep voice said by the door and I turned around and a tall warrior smirked, leaning on the door frame with arms crossed. ¡°Tarion¡­¡± My heart went pitter-patter like the first time I met him. Kelly ran from my lap to hug the duke. ¡°How''s my little survivor!¡± A gale picked up the giggling girl. Juggling kids around in air currents, his eyes land on me. ¡°Sorry, kids didn''t come to play this time. I am in need of the duchess''s help with work and stuff.¡± The children moaned. ¡°But you''re a duke. Just say no.¡± Kelly said, stubbornly. ¡°Even a Duke has responsibilities he can''t shove away. Vanessa?¡± Floating the children down, he put out a hand. With no hesitation, I took the hand of the man I hadn''t seen in a week. ¡°Apologies for interrupting your, lecture, Cardinal.¡± ¡°Mm.¡± He grunted. Still not on good terms? Tarion did blackmail him into officiating a vow. "Mother, can you-?¡± ¡°Sure, darling.¡± She said with a sleeping toddler in her arms. She winked and smiled. ¡°Have fun!¡± ¡°Fun?¡± Tarion pulled me to his hot chest. Beating with such strength. My legs feel weightless, dangling on nothing. ¡°Oh¡­¡± Metres in the air I watched the children gawk at us from below. ¡°Much smoother flight, huh.¡± Scarlet Eyes looked directly into mine as we Flew higher. Above the clouds with still rose. ¡°It''s astounding.¡± His eyes traced to my lips and to my eyes again. "How do you become more beautiful every time I see you.¡± I sank into his lips as we swam in the deep blue sky. ***** ¡°Did they talk?¡± In commoner clothes I wore for comfort, I walked down a field of pink, white, and yellow flowers in full bloom. ¡°Yes. But not as much as I would have liked.¡± The Duke bent down to pick flowers. ¡°These white ones would suit you well.¡± ¡°Anything about their goals? About why they would want me so." I joined in the flower picking. ¡°The summoners were forest dwellers, it seems.¡± ¡°Forest dwellers? The people of the spirits?¡± ¡°Yes. Once thought of as almost extinct, they simply changed into a more vengeful form.¡± I picked up more flowers. ¡°For what the old kings did to their kind, I do sympathise with their anger for Friedland.¡± Tarion nodded. ¡°Their anger is understandable but their actions are detestable. Doing as the old kings would do, and to innocents doesn''t make it right.¡± Tarion indelicately twisted the picked flower into a crown. ¡°Based on their old ways, the summoners have also somehow figured out a way to take souls and make them into an ingestible pill. Harold brought him there in a desperate attempt to increase his power by using the village''s people as fuel.¡± Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. ¡°Ingestible¡­They could be out there, doing the same thing in an unnamed village and we would know a thing.¡± Tarion''s hands paused and he looked to the ground. Tarion rubbed his head. ¡°Countless lives¡­ Unable to ascend. How can they just¡­¡± I pulled his hand from his forehead before he made his face sore. ¡°When you kill a curse, you don''t kill a curse, you kill the body it possessed. They could have returned back to the state they already were. ¡± ¡°Yeah, yes, that could be.¡± Tarion returned to make his crown. ¡°Instead of stressing about what you can''t control, you can use it as motivation to utterly destroy the bastards.¡± "Oh? Who is teaching you such rude words, young lady? I smiled at Tarion with an eyebrow raised. ¡°Hahahaha!¡± He inspected his art. ¡°Ah, shit. That looks terrible.¡± Gently, he placed a crown of lilies on my hair. ¡°But you make everything you wear stunning.¡± A smiling Tarion looked down at the crown I made and chuckled to himself. ¡°If my old self could see what I am doing, he would flip.¡± ¡°Old self doesn''t like pink?¡± ¡°I was more used to red.¡± He bent his head, letting me put on the crown peony. Cheeks plumped by his innocent smile laughed cheerily. ¡°Do I look cute?¡± He jest. Recently shaved, his sharp angle popped. Pale shone In the midday sun. Womanising eyes flirt with me. The most beautiful man I have ever seen. "Why are you smiling? Another man in your thoughts?" I hit Tarion softly "Of course not! I..." Tarion''s smirked, awaiting my answer. "I... Heard you got a summons of the king." Tarion eyes widen as if a secret was found out. "Did I...? Totally forgot." He chuckled as ran to pick me up from the flower bed. In his embrace, his red eye captured me as we spun around in the breeze and flower petals danced around us like fairies. "But fuck him. He can wait a little while." The duke. 2 weeks later The capital. Surrounded by golden banners and golden men, I bowed to the king. ¡°I flew here the moment I saw your letter. Your Majesty.¡± ¡°As you should, Duke.¡± The King of Friedland lounged on his golden throne. Leaning his chin on his left bejewel hand, crystal blue bore down, a subject sought to control. ¡°I allow my subjects some leeway. Disputes and petty wars are to be solved quickly. Even with your problem with your stepmother, I turned my eye. But the bullshit you ingrates are causing up north is stretching my patience.¡± The King leaned forward and his white beard hung to his chest from a wrinkly face. ¡°Return your armies to Osberg at once.¡± I stood up straight. Turning around, I swished my cloak and began walking out. The audience of advisors chattered amongst themselves as they watched me go to the throne room door. ¡°What-Where are you going!?¡± I stop, still facing the door. ¡°I have decided I have heard enough and will go back to my men. I see that you would rather side with the enemy than cleanse your country clean of evil.¡± ¡°Guards!¡± ¡°Father.¡± A flirty voice spoke from the crowd. ¡°Let us hear the Duke out. Perhaps there is a reason for his insolent actions.¡± A blond man adorned in red, white, and gold sat by a colourful glass window with wine in his hand and several women around his arms. ¡°I have followed your numerous incidents with great interest, Duke Greystone. A determined man such as yourself would never waste manpower on something he is not confident about.¡± On the page and in real life, the wry grin still pisses me off. ¡°I appreciate the praise, Your Highness." I bowed slightly. Pushing women aside and off his chair, he walked to me, peering into my eyes. ¡°Talk.¡± Feeling a fear I hadn''t felt since the horn, I took one step towards the ninth circle. ¡°You know the rumours. Why talk when you will ignore the warnings anyway?¡± The ninth circle smiled arrogantly as he sipped his wine. ¡°You came anyway.¡± ¡°Cos¡¯ there has to be someone with balls in the court. And I saw the king did not possess any.¡± ¡°Bast-¡± ¡°Father.¡± He sipped his wine as he assessed me. At the sound of his son''s voice, he calmed his rage and leaned back on his throne. Just like his father in many ways yet so full of high-spirited youth. At the age of twenty-eight, his fit build and height almost matched mine. The mother must have been a strong lady for a strong son to come from that heap of bones on the gold throne. ¡°I acknowledge the position you are in,¡± I said. ¡°Vioden is in control of our nation''s food basket. With a single order, the Wolfburns could cripple us. Cripple Freidland. We are at their beck and call yet they partner with cultists and work strange magic on your subjects?¡± The Crown Prince sipped his wine. Seeing that his cup was empty, he held it out for a lady to fill it up. I stepped closer, my hands trembling. He is even more handsome than in the manhwa. I thought to distract myself from feeling the pressure from his hue. "Kyros, do you think they will stop at Osberg?¡± The audience around me shouted in uproar as I spoke the prince¡¯s name. The prince burst out laughing, quieting the crowd. ¡°Tell me! Tell me what you want.¡± He said with a smile, showing his white teeth. Got him. I stepped closer until I could smell his grape wine breath. ¡°Let me run free. Let me destroy the parasite that sucks Freidland dry!¡± ¡°Heh.¡± After taking one last sip and a glance at his father, he strolled back to his chair and his waiting ladies. I turned to the weak king. ¡°Your Majesty.¡± King Tiu sighed and said, ¡°Back to your siege. Duke Greystone.¡± I bowed as low as I could. ¡°Thank you. Your Majesty.¡± A gust from my hand blew the doors open. Hearing the prince laugh joyfully, I saw my job as done. And with a gust of wind, I soar out of the royal palace and back to war. Chapter 58: Kirgfield Siege The Duke. Flying to Kirgfield. They will leave us alone for now. My fingers cut through a cloud as I rode the currents. With the sun shining above me, my shadow flew over the green pastures of Vioden. Such fertile land yet its rulers want more. How¡­ convince¡­. I lowered my altitude. The prince, despite his tender, greenhouse upbringing, loves bold individuals. People with balls that can talk back, especially to him. He wants for nothing, and people want him, so he craves something he can''t easily grasp. A hunter, Kyros wants to be challenged. And Vanessa was the perfect girl to give him one. I remembered his chiselled face and was irritated once again. I just gave him some entertainment. If I wasn''t a Duke, it would have been a harder task. The connection wobbled as Venessa struggled from her end, with fewer circles. With a burst of strength, the link became stronger than ever before. Why don''t you tell him¡­ about Grandi? I descended further. Grandi is too interwoven in court. Any advisor watching could tell all to them, bringing us back two steps. Until Countess Trak and Susan supply us with information on their people, we should keep our cards close. My men point up at me. Calling others from their tents. I have arrived at the tents. Please make sure the bastard doesn''t sneak out again. I landed amongst, bowing men. Can''t¡­promise¡­that. Take care. The link dropped and I walked past more bowing men as I entered a large tent. ¡°We can proceed.¡± Jimmy smiled excitedly, rushing to me. Although he is inexperienced in the way of war, he is a quick learner. He is quick to follow commands while also bringing his ideas forward. If strength increases as time goes on, I could see a bright future ahead for the soldier. With long hair tied in a knot, the sixth circle lieutenant picked up his helm. ¡°I shall get Ceta ready for deployment.¡± ¡°Go on. I will meet you there.¡± I said while Jimmy saluted as he left my tent. In the corner of my eye, something glinted in the dark tent. I touched my cloak and it was sent to my inventory. Mana tethers pull the shining metal to me. One by one, I slid on armour pieces. Greaves snap onto boots. I fastened silver cuisses on my thighs. Lifting my leg up, I tested the flexibility of the poleyn on my knee. I could wait. Starve them out. Thin gloves in my inventory, tethers float gauntlets to my hands. I make a fist in the tough leather that has survived centuries. I flicker jabbed the air, popping the air with My metal fist. But weeks or months could pass with the amount of food they have stored. ¡°Nice.¡± Vambraces and rerebraces latch on, my muscles barely fit in the moulded metal. Coulters connect the pieces together on the elbow. But I can''t afford to waste time. I must meet my uncle at Durum. From the front and back, halves of a cuirass connected, and it felt snug against my doublet. Grabbing the gorget from the air, I wrap the metal neck guard around my throat. Pauldrons fused to my shoulders and one thought I brought my cloak back to hang on my back. ¡°One last piece.¡± Mana Tethers slowly slid a helm onto my head. It clicked into a gorget and the old armour reverberated. Runes shallowly engraved on armour glowed subtly with mana from the last time it was used. ¡°Father¡­ I wish you could have seen me put it on.¡± I give mana to the armour. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. Plonk Plonk A thought and the armour flickered away into my inventory. Another thought and the armour equipped itself on me. I''m ready. Jimmy My Duke trudged down the muddy pathways through the tents, dividing men in his way with his sheer presence. Soldiers revered him with eyes locked on the tall sauntering figure as if they were witnesses to history in the making. Inside the gleaming helm, the duke bellowed. ¡°Guard. IN FORMATION!¡± Boots stomped on mud, and soldiers ran to the position. With a gentle, soundless leap, His Grace landed on the makeshift podium, joining me with the rest of his earls and barons. For many of the uptight nobles, this will be their debut battle. But as soon as His Grace''s helm disappeared in a flash of blue light, calm showed in their expressions as they saw the duke''s confident face. Under the leadership of a man who had gone against hundreds and survived to tell the story, there was no need to worry about a simple siege. Mana carried His Grace''s voice in the wind. ¡°Today we fight for Pirn. Today we fight so that another Pirn that can never happen again. Protect yourself. Watch your comrades back. For this is the first of many castles to fall to Osbeg.¡± His Grace dropped down from the podium. ¡°Follow me.¡± A blue light flashed and his helm was equipped. His speech was quick and he began to stroll in his heavy armour towards the castle. Ceta, in their lightweight armour, followed near, and I walk in tandem with the Duke soaking up the atmosphere with a thousand foot soldiers at our back. The flags of our duchy wave the sword and the moon emblem of His Grace¡¯s great house. ¡°First proper siege, Your Grace. You nervous?¡± ¡°Haha, not at all.¡± His voice was muffled under his intricately designed silver helm. ¡°Stop trying to sike me out, you fucker.¡± Kellen Wolfburn. Kirgfield Castle After two weeks, the ground rumbled, and the enemy advanced on our wall. I held on to my sword and shield, waiting on top of the battlements of Kirgfield Castle. A moat between our base and the approaching army, all eyes are on the draw bridge. ¡°What could they be planning, brother?¡± I asked. "Intimidation, I reckon. They know we have enough food to last a while. Bringing ladders would be futile because they would have to swim across our large moat and they would be easy to pick for our archers.¡± Thorn leaned on the merlon dress in his red surcoat of our house colours. ¡°Help will come from Durum and the pill would be of no use. I hope.¡± I stood beside my older brother in a red surcoat and chain mail armour, observing my brother''s dejected look as he stared at the army below. As the seventh child of the head, he has used his invisible status to do as he wishes. Not wanting more than was needed, he only took what he thought was expected by doing the least of what was expected of a man of Wolfburn. He was wise. Our dirt is deep and once stuck in it, there is no climbing out. I am glad he didn''t make the same mistake I did. But with the rumour spreading around of our family''s discretion, the dirt has caught up to him. ¡°Kellen¡­¡± Thorn leaned on the wall, looking closer at the army. ¡°What are they doing?¡± I follow his pointing finger. A line of light armoured men put on the helmet and crouch into position. A full suit of armour walked to the front. A flash of blue and a large, beautiful greatsword appeared in his hand. ¡°That cloak. It''s that¡­¡± ¡°Yes.¡± My gauntlets crack the stone. ¡°He is planning something.¡± Mana erupted from a hundred boots and the dark blue army flew high above the moat. ¡°What the¡­¡± ¡°ARCHERS!¡± Thorn screamed his orders to the bowmen, drawing the mana-imbued arrows. ¡°FIRE!¡± Blue mana streaked into the sky and the armoured man held out his hand in flight. Mana-infused wind pulsed, shielding the hundred flying soldiers. What the¡­ ¡°RING THE BELL!¡± ¡°Thorn!¡± From my pocket, I brought out a bag. ¡°From father.¡± From the bag to my eyes, disappointment was all I saw In his blues. ¡°Kellen¡­You give me something you''re not willing to take yourself.¡± My brother''s longsword swished out of his sheath. ¡°Sword out. We have a duke to kill.¡± ¡°Yes, brother.¡± I ran with Thorn down the stairs into the courtyard. The last of the Osberg soldiers crashed on the stone ground, unsheathing the blades while they were surrounded. ¡°SOLDIERS! PROTECT THE BRIDGE!¡± ¡°Ceta.¡± My sword flared brilliantly with rage at the sound of the armoured man''s deep, booming voice. Harold¡¯s killer. So close yet seemed untouchable. Falling down like an angel of myth, his hair floated weightlessly from his glossy helm. His black cloak, rippling like waves, spread out like crow wings. His boots touch the earth, and a heavy aura surges from the invaders. Faith in the duke showed in the trained movements. Faced with hundreds of our soldiers, they do not buckle under pressure and await his order. ¡°Bridge.¡± ¡°YES, YOUR GRACE!!¡± Invaders sprinted for the bridge pulley system. A wave of mana stopped us in our tracks and a sword of legend taunted us as its owner''s men ran behind. ¡°Come forth.¡± Chapter 59: Who is this? Ceta: An experimental regiment where I teach talented members of my guard a few of the mana tricks I had picked up or created. Recently tested a new method of infiltration where they use mana repulsion to fly above castle walls. Note to self: They will need my wind to lift them as they are still shit at it. The duke. Kirgfield Castle ¡°Come forth.¡± Hundreds of red-surcoated men stampeded. Chainmail jingled and clanked as they sprinted with swords, shields, and spears. Their shouts, loud and deafening, I focused within myself. The world slowed down as my adrenaline spiked. A deep breath in through my metal helmet and the smell of sweat, blood, and the refuse of terrified men assaulted my senses. Slowly, my circles began to churn until my chest vibrated. I exhaled and my mobile meditation halted. From my lower Daitian, the breath of life I had saved spread through my body. Muscles felt robust, being fed rich and stable energy. Bones toughen as Qi infused in the marrow. Veins pumped Qi-rich blood around my vessel from a beating mana heart. My eyes warmed with energy and my vision could see a rushing crowd of white, glowing figures through the helm. A white aura simmered from the gaps of my armour. Time to try all I have learned. I flash-stepped towards the charging soldiers, shocking them with my sudden arrival. A soldier attacked as he was drilled to and before the full arc of the man¡¯s downward strike, his head exploded onto his comrades. From the thrust, I sliced to the right and three fell to my blade. I coated Viodens in their comrades¡¯ blood as I swung through six with a qi-infused strike. I swung up, and the wind tore through several. Sword to the blue sky, I mould my stable qi around my sword of Osberg. Assaulted by an army of blazing blue swords, my sword of smoke quietly hummed sweetly. Qi sharpened, and I slashed through the mana-shielding third circle. Feeling resistance from his lower ribs, I pull my sword out of the gushing soldier to mana thrust to the right. A long sword, flaring with blue mana, saved a second circle with a parry down. The cobbled ground below the relieved soldier exploded as my mana destroyed the ground. The skilled stranger slid his blade up the edge of mine. Leaning back, I dodged a mana slice. A flash step backwards gave me distance. ¡°Suppress.¡± Group B of Ceta faced their knuckles at the enemy, suppressing them with mana bullets. ¡°Shields! Put up mana shields!¡± The voice. Lord Thorn Wolfburn. Commander of the castle. My target. Ceta can hold back the soldiers while they put down the bridge. But Thorn is my problem to deal with. Out of the shielding mob, a red-headed man¡ªmiddle-aged and widow-peaked, pushed through the crowd. His vibrant hue pulsed as the seventh-circle golden grade unsheathed his sword. I saw five swings of his sword and he cut into the flying mana bullets. As his men guarded against mana bullets, he called for me. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. ¡°Let us-¡± ¡°MURDERER!¡± A figure zipped out the mana shields. Blue electricity covered the blitzing fool as his lightning-coated sword arched from his left. Can''t let the lightning touch me. My left-hand controls the wind, creating a swirling mini hurricane as a shield. The stranger''s sword bashed against the shield of wind. A young man, blonde-haired, parted in the middle and ending at his shoulders, stared at me with crazed eyes. His hue¡­ A second seventh. And a silver grade at that. ¡°Who the fuck are you?¡± I sent more Qi to my hurricane. Although his feet dragged across the stone, he stood strong, bracing against the full force of the wind. ¡°HAROLD¡¯S AVENGER!¡± Absurd strength broke through the wind. Rivalling my speed, the stranger zipped with lightning, thrusting at my head. I redirected his sword to left and riposted with a lung that was sleekly evaded. Oh¡­He is good. Too good. A man other than me who is better than his circles. My senses felt heat on my left side and I stepped back in heavy armour. A fireball from Thorn hit one of my men, engulfing them in his tormenting, hot flame. I blew a gale their way to end his screaming and an electric blade fell from the sky to interrupt. A qi blade met it from above and cobbled ground beneath me concave from the pressure of the stranger''s strength. ¡°You¡­!¡± I struggle under his blade. Only my qi saved me from being electrified. I had seen lightning but I had never seen such an efficient transfer of mana to element. Even as he fought with rage, little mana was wasted. ¡°What is your¡­name?!¡± Fingers rush to reallocate points to strength, agility and sense. I felt heat once more, and I saw a long sword superheated until bright red, striking at the left side of my body. So this is how you lot are going to be. I guided the stranger''s sword to my left to collide with Thorn''s weapon. A flash step put more distance between me and them as I shot Qi bullets. Bullets of smoky white were sliced with ease by both warriors. Why didn¡¯t Umbra alert me about this man? As the bullets raged beside me and my opponents, my stance went low. Spreading my feet wide, I angled my blade downward with the hilt by my ear. With my empty left hand held out, I called for Master Zhi¡¯s gift, a Jian. ¡°I will ask again, you rude bastard. What is your name?¡± ¡°I WILL-¡± Thorn put a hand on the angry fella¡¯s chest. ¡°We work together. Or not at all. You understand, brother?¡± Brother? Wolfburns have a lot of children but unknown ones? The receding hairline successfully calmed down the lightning lad. Eyes bright with purpose, the stranger stared straight at my eyes with no hesitation. ¡°Kellen Wolfburn. Bastard of Duke Wolfburn.¡± The young man, probably in his late twenties, assumed a perfect orthodox stance. My qi flowed into my Jian as I smiled inside my helmet. ¡°Why mention you are a bastard, Lord Kellen? I thought it was a prerequisite to being a Wolfburn.¡± I watched them carefully. Two seventh circles fell for my taunt, they breaking through the air as they raced at full speed, wondering how to survive. I must hold on. Come on James¡­ Do your fucking job. Four blades sparked and I am pressed backward. My Jian pushed the golden grade away as my greatsword was still locked with Kellen''s sword. He pushed my greatswords hilt to my chest, looking deep into my eyes. "For Harold, I will have your head!" Kellen''s crossguard pulled my blade down and my head flew back from the bastard''s fist. Chapter 60: Challege A prisoner wobbled on the stage. Scared out of his mind, the drugged, scruffy criminal was forced to kneel on the blood-soaked deck. His neck fit into the brace, locking him down. Wide eyes stare out at a spectator. No audience to see this man¡¯s last second but a single woman. A noble dress in the finest frilled green silk. Golden hair like his mother''s and eyes that saw through to his soul. He should have felt angry. Rage against the woman who put him here. But under those eyes, he felt no weight. No judgement. A tear leaked from his dry, crusty corners as he accepted his fate for he would not see the prophecy come true. Maybe his soul would help. The wood creaked beside him as the executioner brought his mana blade upward. Vanessa, the Duchess. The fifth head flopped on the floor and I felt numbed. Although my term at the infirmary had hardened my heart, it still softened for these poor souls. Mercenaries and bandits that dare to conspire against Tarion die by an executioner''s blade weekly. Once my husband''s duty was now my responsibility to see through. Jen comforted me with a hand on my shoulder the first few weeks. But even my tough friend had a limit to how many deaths she could witness. After the first week, I let her work on other responsibilities whilst Kurt soothed me in her stead. Although in a role my husband is absent to fill, I watch each death with curiosity. I studied each man who brought up those rickety steps wondering what circumstances, and conditions could have brought him here. Was I that special? I dare not think that. I have not yet gotten used to holding a title that makes countesses bow at my feet. But a saint? No. I barely gave it much thought. Why would I when it is the most absurd thing I have ever heard. Men would fight - wage war just to see my head like that man on stage? Made by the constellations¡­ If there needs to be a saint¡­ Why me? I pushed off my viewing chair and stood up abruptly. ¡°Your Grace¡­?¡± Kurt looked me up and down with concern. ¡°End the executions. I will be off for the rest of the day. I must rest¡­¡± Kurt bowed. ¡°Yes, Your Grace.¡± As Kurt skipped off to do my bidding, my eyes were pulled to the stage as it was mopped of the man¡¯s blood and excrement. More blood will flow and I fear for it. I exited the gallows with my trusted guard by my side. His dark blue uniform was clean and ironed as if new; my guard''s perfectness sometimes unnerved me. As he walked me down to the waiting carriage, his eyes started scanning everywhere. His hue of six circles leaked while mana reached outward to sense the environment for threats. I halted. ¡°Kurt.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Grace.¡± He gave one last scan before putting his full attention on me. ¡°Ever thought of following your duke.¡± ¡°No.¡± Too quick, but so sure as he replied with a strict and rigid stance with arms at his back. ¡°Your Duke wages war. He must need his best warriors by his side.¡± Kurt waited for a moment. ¡°His grace ordered me to protect you. And I shall.¡± I walked up to him. ¡°And what if I order you? What if I order your leave as soon as possible to your duke¡¯s side?¡± ¡°I shall refuse. The master¡¯s word takes precedence over all. Even the kings.¡± There was neither hesitation nor trembling in his smooth, cold voice. I turned away and continued walking to the carriage, disappointed. ¡°And-¡± Kurt coughed in his gloved hand. ¡°I would not want to¡­leave¡­¡± Cheeks redden on the cold man''s embarrassed face. Icy blue eyes look way in shame. ¡°I¡¯ll tell her about this, you know,¡± I said, smiling. Kurt strode next to me with a pleading face I walked to the carriage again. ¡°Please if could not¡­¡± ¡°Hehe, how could I not when I could see more of that dumb face.¡± Kurt tried to regain his poise as his angular cheeks blushed. I pat my guard''s left arm like my husband would. ¡°Tell her, Kurt. Don¡¯t pull her along. That¡¯s if you truly want her.¡± ¡°I do!¡± I almost tripped from the shock of seeing emotion from the golem. ¡°I do want¡­No, I need her.¡± ¡°Back early?¡± George spoke from the driver''s seat. After many weeks of persistent begging, I appointed my old friend as the carriage driver while Charles was busy waiting on my brother-in-law. Why his need to be by my side was so strong in him, I was still unsure. But as the days passed, my patience thinned. ¡°The captain wants to see his beloved as soon as possible,¡± I teased Kurt as he opened the door. ¡°Take us home, George.¡± ¡°Yes, Vanessa.¡± George grabbed the reins, forgoing titles and addressing me casually again. A habit that ceases only when Tarion is around. I hold up a hand to stop Kurt from brandishing his blade. I shook my head at the irate captain and put one leg into the carriage, non surprised to see a cloaked visitor waiting for me. ¡°Madam. Pleased to finally meet.¡± I scooted over to the right side to sit opposite her. The guest pulled down her hood, revealing voluminous black hair. Sharp eyes peer through the tufts of her shiny hair. She bowed in her seat. ¡°Apologies for an abrupt meeting, your grace.¡± Kurt closed the door and knocked on the window for the carriage to move. I looked at her thoroughly. Slim, long neck. Skinny frame. Her bosom was obvious even in the large cloak. I was told she was an older lady of the night but her youthful, supple skin could put those rumours to rest. ¡°You visit my husband like this regularly?¡± ¡°When I can.¡± From out of her cloak, she gave me a letter. ¡°From Susan, Your Grace.¡± From Lea. Ripping the seal off immediately, I read the letter. Dear Duchess Greystone, I bring good news. I have gained the attention of the son of a Hodge. Which? Robert has been susceptible to my advances. The horniest one. She picked well. He would do anything for a woman of Lea¡¯s beauty. Some flirting with the dull fellow has invited me to more balls and parties than Caroline could. And in one of those illustrious parties, the reason for this letter appeared. Foreign agents, possibly from the east, with their skin with a yellowish undertone and almond eyes. They spoke with the guest as if it was not their first stint at the establishment. I asked your brother to move closer to the conversation. But only a few words could be picked. And so I decide my temporary maid to would do their job in the dark of night. Susan¡¯s Report: Three Luiens dressed in Friedland fashion. Two males and one female. Staying at a baron¡¯s lodgings. With very few guards and staff who were not needed the three were skilled in a strange application of mana. Using my mana-enhanced senses, a conversation was sparsely heard. ¡°The black dust has been sent to their destination.¡± ¡°Ship will reach Osberg by the end of the month.¡± was the last I could hear before the ear turned the roof where I hid. I will continue to survey the three liuens, Your Grace. And I will work my way into the Hodges. For Osberg. For Greystone. It seemed they had not given up. Black dust? Now that has me curious. ¡°How long did this letter take to get to you? ¡° I asked the Madam. "Weeks, if by horse. By bird, a few days. A secret code that can fit by the breast of a pigeon can be translated to what you hold.¡± ¡°I see.¡± He brought her in to fold¡­ He trusts her this well? ¡°Then we have time. Kurt, Umbra.¡± I gave it to Kurt. His eyes scanned the page. ¡°Yes, Your Grace, right away.¡± Wind rushed into the vehicle as Kurt opened the left carriage door. With Qinggong, the captain lept out of the carriage as it sped. I closed the door after him with the lady of the night staring at me intently. ¡°You have something to ask, Madam?¡±. ¡°Beiye, Your grace. I dare not have the duchess call me that.¡± ¡°But it is the name he chose.¡± I straightened on the carriage seat trying to relax. ¡°Ask away, Beiye.¡± Like a nervous girl, Bieye rubbed her elbows, looking out into the city passing by. ¡°Is he¡­? The Duke. Is His Grace faring well?¡± I rubbed my ring. His presence always keeping me company even from afar. But I dare not check his well-being. I can¡¯t distract him from his battle. I smiled to myself, feeling the rune engraved on the cold metal. ¡°What else could we expect from him.¡± I saw an expression of relief on the raven leader''s face and I became interested. ¡°Stay. Come to the castle with me. I want to learn how you met Tarion. But first I would like to meet a cardinal on the way.¡± Joshua, the spare ¡°The distance in which how mana reaches outward is called Field. Most mana user learn to use control the mana field within the body to enhance its strength endurance and durability.¡± ¡°Very similar to qi in that regard.¡± The grouchy doctor interjected for the thousandth time. ¡°¡®Though with much much much less control.¡± Stolen story; please report. ¡°...So the more circles a user can forge, the farther the reach of the field extends. With five or more a skill practitioner can transform the mana or control element in their environment.¡± ¡°Mana emitters can transform their mana into various forms of energy like fire. Your lightning and controllers like Tar- His Grace can control air. And Your uncle is a rare case of both with his Ice.¡± ¡°Precisely¡­ Elements are preferred among the elite as they are a much more efficient use of mana than pure mana attacks.¡± ¡°Mana blades, slices and the such, right? So you Westerners just brute force everything, don¡¯t you?¡± I stabbed my rapier on the platform as the crystal light shone down on me. ¡°Fuck! Why did you ask me to explain when won''t let me anyway!?¡± ¡°Because I''m trying to teach you something, little boy.¡± From crossed legs, the old lady jumped to her feet and a haze of smoke eased off her green cloak. Her arm moved slowly in a liuen form, leaving a trail of white haze. Two hands open their palms in front of her. The left slightly in front at twelfth o¡¯clock and the right hand at six. Reality seemed to curve around her hands. I took a step forward in astonishment. ¡°Perhaps it comes from the way you control mana or just your personalities but Westerners wrestle mana. Sucking it in a spit it out. There is no form. Just throw stuff out and hope it works on the enemies.¡± Zhi looked at me and Qi rippled the mana in the air. ¡°Over the past two months, you down well to cultivate and grow your basin. But now it''s time to put it into practice.¡± Excited, I picked up my rapier, ready to learn. ¡°Put that down.¡± I threw my blade to the floor. ¡°Do exactly as I do.¡± I study her relaxed posture and her wide foot placement. Palms up, I flared my mana. ¡°No. Qi.¡± I sighed. ¡°Fine.¡± I reached deep in my gut, trying to find that strange energy that laid within. The exciting rush of mana was replaced by a calm refreshing stillness of Qi. I hated it. ¡°With the aid of circles, how would we control how mana?¡± Zhi asked me. ¡°I have no clue.¡± Zhi''s palms swirl in circles. ¡°Oneness. With the mana that surrounds us and the Qi within.¡± Zhi whipped the air with her right hand and a gust followed. With the same hand, the palm pushes down and the dust of the training platform pulsed out. ¡°Wind¡­! How!?¡± Zhi assumed her stance again. ¡°From my studies and experiments on you and Kurt, i have surmised that by your fifth circle, you mana users begin having an element that your circle naturally resonates with.¡± ¡°Resonate¡­¡± ¡°For His Grace it¡¯s air. Due to its need for precise control, it needs well-forged circle and talent. And for you¡­ Boy, make your Qi reach over over there.¡± Zhi points to a square stone tile on the floor Ten metres away. ¡°There?! But my field can¡¯tt reach all the way there?!¡± ¡°Watch with sharp eyes and do as I do.¡± From her left palm, a string of white Qi flowed through the air. ¡°Like Tarion¡¯s tethers,¡± I said as my eyes were stuck on the turn qi. The qi tether reached the tile and fire burned from her palm following the twisting line of qi to the tile.¡± ¡°Lands above¡­¡± ¡°There is more,¡± Zhi said before flames exploded from the end of the tether. ¡°Funi. The art of matching Qi¡¯s wave to the mana around you to be able to control or transform as you do.¡± I grinned. ¡°If I learn this, I could summon my lightning anywhere in battle!¡± Zhi gave me a short smile. ¡°Your brother said a similar thing.¡± Palms up and try to create a tether out of Qi. Only a few inches came from the hand. The sheer effort was causing me to sweat. With her hands behind her back, she inspected my form. ¡°You didn''t cultivate.¡± ¡°I DID!¡± I strained hard as one more inch of Qi grew from my tense arm. I fell to my knees, huffing. ¡°Don''t force it to listen to the qi. To its hum.¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah.¡± I wiped my sweat, looking up at the master. ¡°How did¡­my brother fare?¡± I said, still catching my breath. The old master looked down on me from the side. ¡°Made it to the halfway point before the day ended.¡± ¡°Fuck him. I will go twenty metres further before the maid brings down tea.¡± I bounced back on my feet and tried again. Can¡¯t that bastard get ahead of me. To stand by his side, I need to be his equal. Kellen the Wolf. Even with gauntlets, my knuckles stung as they rebounded off the duke''s helm. His head bunce back then forth with only a little dent on the metal. Brother now! A flash of orange flames on my right and keep the duke''s greatsword down with my blade as I launched another lightning punch. ¡°That hurt like hell.¡± The greystone dipped under my fist. I opened up to claw down with lightning. ¡°Smart. Keeping me busy while he runs for the gate.¡± A weaponless right arm was brought up to guard against my strike and I noticed my sword held down nothing. Lightning clashed with the duke''s white mana shield and left struck with a mana-infused palm strike. My sword blocked the strike in time. My bone creaked as my feet left the ground. I flew into my brother''s soldiers, rolling back in a fighting stance. The duke reached out with his left behind him and an explosion of wind blew my brother into the castle wall. ¡°Thorn!! Shit!¡± ¡°Too late.¡± With a loud grunt, the duke pushed the air blow back every soldier back with a hurricane. Cloth, chainmail and skin were dragged back as I stared in awe of this powerful being I must slay. In the rushing wind, I hear the drawbridge lower down. The wind pushed harder and I stabbed the ground with my sword while my fellow soldiers hit the building behind me. The drawn bridge slowly descends and the duke''s helm disappears in a spark of blue. I never thought a man could be beautiful. Handsome, yes, as shown by the famed prince. But the duke exemplified beauty beyond gender. Charisma pulled you in with his peculiar red eyes. With his long, raven black hair sprawling out from the gust and a large smile could be seen on his smooth yet angular face. He wiped blood trickly down his nose as his wicked smile spread on his pale face. ¡°Without my helm, I would have looked like MJ.¡± Arms out, the Duke of Osberg pushed again and the hurricane grew in strength. ¡°SUBMIT!¡± I felt the call of the souls in my pocket. I take it and my revenge is complete. I trudge forward in the gust watching as the enemy forces trickle in. The souls tempt me the more devilish smile of Harold¡¯s killer goads me. Something flickered in my sight. Flowing in the wind was a string made of energy. Not knowing what it was, I cut it with a mana slice. A hole opened in the hurricane and I sped through. I can slay him without souls! Lightning spread through my feet. Every step propelled me yards in a moment. My anger pushed my speed to its maximum. The duke watched me with arms spread wide. His smile yet to fall as I come to cut his head. ¡°BASTARD!!!¡± Mana surged from my blade turning it into the centre of a lightning storm. I slashed with lightning at the Greystone¡¯s head. ¡°HALT, KELLEN!¡± My sword froze, its edge marked a line on the dukes face. I turn to the right where my brother still fought against the wind. ¡°Duke Greystone!! I challenge you to duel! A duel for Kirgfield!!¡± ¡°BROTHER WHA-¡± ¡°Look below.¡± Thorn pointed to my neck when a spear shone with blue. ¡°So close.¡± The duke chuckled ¡°I almost got to see something funny. Huh, Jimmy.¡± ¡°A suprise stable to the throat. Very funny.¡± ¡°Kellen¡­ The Duel!¡± ¡°Are you in any position to demand anything?¡± The hurricane ceased to be and the smile twisted into a frightening scowl. He put his hand up at and entire stood still. Silent as the wood in the early morning. ¡°That smell. Without my helm, it is as noticeable as fresh shit. In lingers on you.¡± The pale warrior from the north sniffs at me. My loud gulp betrayed my nervousness as I remembered the sphere in my pocket. Thorn pulled out a bright sword covered in flame, pointing it at the sniffing duke. ¡°A duel. I heard you up north were the courageous type yet its leader ignores a challenge!!¡± The duke pulled away from me. Red eyes bounced between me and Thorn and his smile finally returned. ¡°Make space!¡± Soldiers stepped back, pushing Vioden''s men aside to open a circle in the courtyard. ¡°Come on, Lad! That means you too.¡± The mana on The lieutenant¡¯s spear brightened as he guided me to the edge of the make-shift duelling circle. A voice carried across the wind. ¡°Watch me, tainted one. I shall show you the quarter of the despair you dealt to others.¡± I spun around to glance at the duke, chuckling to himself. A whack to the head from the spear¡¯s shaft fell me. ¡°No fast moves.¡± The lieutenant crouched to pick me up by my surcoat. Despite my shame and embarrassment, all could think was one stressful thought. He knows¡­ Tarion, the Duke. How many people has he sacrificed? From the air, I grabbed my materialising greatsword. He fights with wrath and revenge yet was keen to destroy the lives of others. Lord Thorn walked to the middle of the circle. I saw fear in his movement. His sword burned beside him and looked away so my own fear didn''t consume me as well. He stopped. Only a metre away, the wolfburn exhaled. ¡°Whether I win or fall. Leave my brother breathing.¡± A good brother. A good man. ¡°I can promise you that and nothing else.¡± I focused qi from my lower Daintain¡¯s basin to my circles as they revved. ¡°Why did you decline?¡± The Wolfburn looked at his brother with a soft smile "Can''t leave family behind.¡± I nod in agreement, dragging my right boot back on the cobbled ground, I readied myself in a two-hand low guard. I controlled my breath, calming my mind while my circles raged in my chest. Mana and Qi fought within my body untill an equilibrium was found. The sword of Osberg flared its ever-bright azure light as qi strengthened my body. Armour felt light on my body as it hummed. Opposite me, my enemy readied himself the same with a thrusting stance. The fear vanished as a fury burned in his blue eyes as brilliant as on his long sword. I put my armour back into my inventory, leaving me my usual black breeched and shirt. ¡°To make it fair.¡± ¡°You are more than your reputation tells of you. It''s an honour.¡± The Wolfburn saluted with his gauntlet on his wolf coat of arms on his red surcoat. I followed and did the same. The courtyard was silent of all sound but the anxious breaths of the waiting. I bobbed my body to the right, weaving past a fireball, feeling scathing heat by my ear and flash-stepped close. From a low guard, I thrust. My mana blade missed by inches as the adept warrior slashed with flame from my left. I leaned back from the fiery blade and countered with an upward slice. The wolf burn evaded my blade as if telegraphed, striking with a horizontal slash to my open body. A step back with Qinggong saved my bowels. I cut down while moving back and our swords finally clashed. The stone behind the Wolfburn feet gave way, cracking as I pushed down on Lord Thorn''s guard. I improvised, twisting my greatsword off his guard to swing below. His sword found mine again, blocking up the low strike. I felt a large smile on my face. FINALLY! A CHALLENGE! A tornado spun on my blade. Breaking the stone ground with a stomp, I blast away the Lord with the wind. While the Wolfburn fell back to his feet, my blade blurred in many as blade thrust with speed. A mana shield blocked my attacks and the wolfburn righted himself with a blast of fire off his back and feet. A slice and cut and a slash, I block, evade and parry. My riposte grated on Lord Thorn''s long sword and he advanced with blasts of fire from his soles. I dodged with bent knees while a blaze of flame burned the air above me. A scorching sword struck down, causing me to sidestep and Lord Thorn''s blade slammed into the stone in an explosion of melted rock. The stunt earlier took quite a lot from me. I must conserve. Fight Wisely. To my shock, the thorn blitzed at me, colliding our blades with might. Our sword locked, and the fire shone an orange light on an intense face. I tried to push his sword and he tried the same. Shifting my grip, I admired his skill. I allowed the Lord to win the exchange and a few strands of my black hair fell as I tilted my head to the left. Thorn¡¯s flaming blade swooped with air exploding speed towards my temple. My greatsword rang as it blocked. Fire exploded from the edge of the Wolfburn¡¯s blade, blowing away. ¡°AARGH!¡± Slices of fire shot through the air and my wind-cladded sword slashed each one as they came. More slices flew off the Wolfburn¡¯s sword and I sprinted forward. Right, left, and right with flash-steps, slipping through the barrage. One final step and with the wind aiding me, I streamed through the air like a bullet. I have studied enough. I smiled with my face close to the surprised Vioden and Thorn swung up with his flame melting a line in the ground metres long. Lord Thorn''s sword hit empty air he tentatively scoured around. ¡°Over here.¡± I cut his left arm. Scampering back, with red leaking on his chainmail, Lord Thorn struck back with a downward strike. A flash step made me vanish before his eyes and another cut got past his guard. ¡°BROTHER!¡± ¡°It''s okay! It''s okay¡­¡± Despite his bleeding leg, he took a long point stance. His sword still burning. ¡°I will end it soon!¡± He grunted, lunging deep with a two-handed thrust at my chest that I redirected. A stab to be head was parried up and a palm to Lord Thorn''s body crushed chainmail and ribs, keeling over the blood vomit noble. ¡°Let me go! Brother!!¡± I heard the Wolfburn bastard screaming from the side. The Lord fell to his knees, exhausted. Squinting his eyes in pain, he held himself up with his sword. Is he¡­? Selfless fool. ¡°Lord Thorn.¡± He looked up at me with sweat dripping. ¡°Do you care for your brother this little?¡± I saw a vein on his sweaty head pulsate as Thorn controlled his anger. I bent in to whisper. ¡°Perhaps your father is in need of another sons head through his mail.¡± ¡°YOU WOULDN¡¯T DARE!¡± Thorn slowly straightened, his mana bursting from his body From my inventory, I threw the Krigfeld commander Charles¡¯s pills, which he looked at in confusion. ¡°Take and bring forth your all! Your brother¡¯s life depends on it.¡± Summoning all the flame he could muster, the stone melted and was charred to ash by Thorn''s feet. He gulped down the pill and his mana brightened. Fire on Thorn¡¯s palm cauterised the cuts. I smiled with a toothy grin, feeling immense delight. Greatsword low and slightly pointing behind, the crossguard lay by my right thigh as I assumed the woman''s guard. My mana was mostly restored, and I was ready for more. The wind enveloped me, a breeze covering me like a coat. Now the duel has truly begun. Chapter 61: Shouldnt have said that Beiye the madam ¡°And he presented the prize before my feet.¡± I tried my damnest to lower my voice so it couldn''t echo in the beautiful large hall of the cathedral. Mauve Cathedral. A place I never thought I would be able to step foot in was made empty for me and my benefactor''s wife. Lit by the bright lightshafts through stained glass from above he listened while I recanted my gory tale of the day her husband saved my life. ¡°Smiling wide, he gave me a choice.¡± I continued, moving my hand in a cutting motion on my neck. ¡°Oh no¡­ the bloody idiot¡­I am the only woman he treats well?¡± She whispered to herself. Her harsh language stunned me. Back straight with perfect posture, she had better manners than my old noble clients I had met over the years, however, the swear did not seem unfamiliar on her tongue. Rather, it was like she could finally speak freely in front of me. I did hear from my men that her mother was like me. ¡°Please don''t fault him, Your Grace. It was a choice I needed. Bloody as it was, I would have cut the bastard''s neck a thousand times more if given the same choice again.¡± I smiled as my fist balled tight. Warm working hands held my hurting hand. Sitting next to me on the pews, primly clothed in a dark, intimidating dress with a frilling white collar around her slim long neck, the Duchess comforted me wordlessly, her eyes calming the anger in me. ¡°Thank you.¡± Shaken, her grace asked, ¡°For what, Bieye? Making you cut a head? That''s all my crazy husband''s idea.¡± I chuckled. ¡°No no¡­My people. My Girls. You took them. Sheltered them. Fed them. Gave them jobs. Jobs that they can¡­ that they don''t need to¡­ ¡° She took her hand in mine, facing the statue of a constellation where a cardinal imbued the lands above¡¯s holy power into a vial of water. Golden light pulsed from his veins as he struggled with the power. ¡°I am just following my dear husband''s example. Just offering a choice for those who never had one. I just wish I could have done this earlier.¡± She turned back to me. ¡°Met you earlier.¡± Eyes back to the imbuement ceremony, a sly grin sprouted from Her Grace''s lips. "And to add to that, I needed hard workers. I was impressed by your girl¡¯s handiwork. The new partnership with Alar will bring much more textile business to our lands. I hope you weren''t mistaking it for generosity.¡± I shook my head. ¡°Of course not. The woman who brought Grandi from a middle-level merchant company to the heights it experiences today would exploit every asset to the best of her ability.¡± Her Grace''s smile grew larger. ¡°My husband has such an eye for talent.¡± The passion in her eyes burned like a furnace. Just like him. My heart beat with pride as she stood up to meet the exhausted cardinal carrying a glowing vial. Her Grace whispered to me. ¡°Beiye. If he trusts you, then I trust you. Listen well.¡± ¡°Listen?¡± The cardinal walked up the aisle to bow to Her Grace. ¡°I am sorry for the long wait, Your Grace. I was preparing the monthly vial.¡± ¡°Cardinal.¡± She nodded with a stern face. ¡°There is no need to apologise. The show was as beautiful a sight as the night you saved my husband. Every time I see the constellations lending you their mana, I am truly in awe of the power I will soon come to bear.¡± The cardinal became stilted, trying to conceal his surprise with a shaky smile. ¡°Come to have¡­?¡± ¡°Of Course. You came for me, am I correct? To observe your saint?¡± Saint? The duke To this day, I have yet to learn all the system quirks. How do I get stronger? What quantifies ¡®experience¡¯? Throughout my many battles, my growth has been anything but linear. Short bursts are followed by lulls of no progress that had frustrated me to no end. But I did have a hint of the ¡®Experience¡¯ I lack. And Lord Thorn was the perfect duelling partner to test my hypothesis. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. I couldn¡¯t be careless around the Seventh Circle golden grade. Each attack of his blade can decimate a squad of proficient warriors. As he drove me up the Kirgfeild manor wall, a slash of his fire melted the windows. His blade covered his nose while he guarded the last of my five strikes to his face He countered with a blast of flame. I cartwheeled across the wall as if my hand had suctioned on the wall like a certain spider hero, evading with my clothes singed. ¡°You are as annoying as your namesake!¡± I flash-stepped with the wind coating my sword. Wind and fire smashed and mixed. Thorn fell, bracing against my qi-enhanced power and a mana shield protected him as I pushed him to the ground. ¡°Sorry, Your Grace!¡± My greatsword shifted to my right, and a powerful right elbow hit me on the cheek, blurring my vision for a second. ¡°Having to fight off a rude intruder makes me a bit eager.¡± I caught his boot before it concaved my stomach and yet I was pushed back by a blast of fire from his sole. I smiled while taking a two-handed stance. I grunted, dragging my blade along the cobbled ground for a slash upward. Mana, mixed with the wind, flew towards the enemy. Left hand outstretched, a mana shield two persons high and wide formed in front of Thorn. I launched more crescent slashes of wind, trying to break the mana shield of the seventh circle. It withstood. I threw more, slashed faster, fiercer, and harder. Thorn was tired but his shield stood strong. Lord Thorn''s blade exploded in bright orange flame. He stuck from afar, with a flame almost solid. Still linked to his long sword, the flame reached for me. I blocked against the flame whip, enduring the sonic boom. Thorn whipped again. I hit it away, block from below, and deflect from my left, right, above. As fast as sound, the whip attacked all angles. My blade was barely fast enough to meet the flame so I leaned forward to dodge. My right foot broke the ground as I burst forward with all my speed. A blast engulfed my vision as it flew towards me. Too large to sidestep. Too high to fly away in time. Still carried by my momentum, I ran into the barreling fire. I reach deep within. Feeling the circles around my heart revving at full speed. I tried to resonate with an element that had eluded me. I held my hand out and only sparks ignited. My greatsword''s sword rose up, and the wind became a visible storm around my blade. With a loud grunt, I sliced down. Fire, parted by my gale slash, rushed at my side. I squinted, the light of the blast almost blinded me as it destroyed the manor behind me. I huffed, sweat on my brow, watching a bright orange sword light its owner through the flowing dust. The Wolfburn walked to me ready for more. Does he feel it can beat me now? He could. Why didn''t it work? Why can¡¯t I just use it? A slap to my chest echoed in the castle. I hit my chest again, trying to beat away the fear. It''s ok, Tarion. I tried. Let''s win now. ¡°Gave me a strange pill and in a few minutes, our positions were reversed. Cockyness has killed many a warrior. It killed one you know well.¡± I summoned my allocation window. Standing up, cracking and stretching my body, I resorted my extra 100 points to my senses. ¡°Ah¡­ You want me to kill you that badly?¡± The thorn''s blade glowed brighter. ¡°You are just like him¡­ Same brashness. Same ego. Same foolishness.¡± Thorn thrusted. Fire shot from the tip of his hot blade flew for my head. A gloved hand whacked the fireball away into the sky. ¡°He was a beast on the battlefield. Rampaged through hordes of the shaved like a dagger through parchment. But like a beast, he had not the sense to give in.¡± Thorn vanished from view but my senses ¡®saw¡¯ him clearly behind my back. The smell of sweat. The heat produced by mana transforming into fire. Feet crunching the stone below. The rustle of his surcoat. Clinking of chainmail. The whistle of his blade cutting the air. I saw all. My right shoulder moved first, and my back followed. Thorn¡¯s blade whistles by. My core imbued with qi forced me back with a burst of energy and my back, coated with mana armour, slammed into Thorn''s chest and arm. I heard the Lord gasp as my back blew the air out of him. My right boot slid backwards between his legs as I gripped my greatsword for a wide swing. Soldiers jumped away with mana shields as Thorn crashed into the side of the castle''s walls. With two hands on my greatsword in a Woman¡¯s stance, Thorn blew the bricks off him. A blue shield shone around him. Panting with worry on his face, a large crack in the mana shield by the lord¡¯s chest slowly mended. I shook my head, feeling a scowl on my lips "I was going to make your last moments less embarrassing for you.¡± My sword quietly hummed with mana. "''He gave the great duke a challenge.'' the bards would have sung." My eyes were warmed with qi and colour was sucked from the world My voice was almost a growl. ¡°You should not have brought up my father. " Chapter 62: Execute. Kellen In a crowd of mana-shielded soldiers, I watched my brother with bated breath as my brother push his way out of the battlement bricks. The gurgle of black smoke calls from me under my chainmail. No, I must stay. I cannot disgrace my brother. ¡°You should not have brought up my father.¡± The duke spoke in front of hundreds of spectating soldiers. "Finally, it ends.¡± The spear-holding lieutenant smiled. ¡°I know that look, Hehe..¡± He glanced at me with a pitying, crooked grin. ¡°Better say your goodbyes, Bastard.¡± From afar, the duke looked to become weaker yet more dangerous. Fear began to creep Amongst my brother''s men while the duke''s stand as if waiting for the shift to end. Is this my brother''s end? I already lost someone who treated me well. I can''t lose the last. I spun my seven circles, each breath sucking as mana as possible. The lieutenant blocked my way. ¡°Bad idea. I am warning you.¡± I charged my mana anyway. A shrug with a whisper from the lieutenant and the duke nodded his head. The Duke. Things are going well. A pulse of my mana bounced off the environment like a radar. Umm? Ooh¡­ He followed. Well, the day just keeps getting better. Gotta give him a good show, I guess. In the batsmen-like stance of the women''s guard. I wait for Thorn to make his move. ¡°¡®Brought up your father¡¯? Boy¡­ He has everything to do with this!¡± Fire propelled him. At almost supersonic speed, broke through the air with a firey thrust. I leaned to the right and swung my greatsword like a bat while slipping past Thorn¡¯s attack. Fire pushed the middle-aged noble aside, making my blade slice the air. ¡°My sister! Caged!¡± Lord Thorn''s right foot landed, and he zipped to me with a short dash, slashing my left. Near the base of his longsword blade, there is less mana. Steel clashed and Lord Thorns bounced off. ¡°My brother''s head! Sent in a box!¡± Thorn stepped back, unfurling his flame whip, flame twisting like a ravenous snake. His mana field is weaker around his body when he uses the whip. I point the index and middle fingers of my left hand at my whipping opponent. Three mana bullets shot out, hitting Lord Thorn''s left leg and left shoulder and the last was deflected by a flame whip. Thorn winced and I rushed for the counterattack. A deep lunge and my greatsword grind on Thorn''s sword. A pulse of wind both sword and man in the rubble. A jet of fire on Thorn¡¯s back got the lord away from the collapsed wall and his whip unravelled. ¡°Your Brother!! Do you have any more love for him!¡± Lord Thorn shouted as his mana burned into a bright, larger flame. As if the sun were brought from the sky to his sword.¡°You fight while you starve your brother in your dungeons! Starved? The last time I saw him, he stole my chicken leg. The rumour spread far. Great job, Beiye. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! ¡°Haven''t you had enough to fill your need for revenge?¡± Thorn asked with pleading eyes. I reached behind my head, letting mana tether tie my hair. ¡°No.¡± I blitzed. Qinggong lightened me, while Qi gave my legs a powerful boost of strength. The wind around me became mine. I heard, felt, and sensed what it touched. As the whip seared through the air, time moved so slowly, that I became impatient. Shifting my body as I ran, flame slipped past. Qinnggong gently floats me across the battlefield. Dancing through the assault, two fingers aimed. The seventh circle learnt his lesson from the last time and activated a strong mana shield. Bang! My mana bullet shattered the blue mana. Bang! A hole in the shield appeared by Thorn¡¯s nervous face. Bang. With eyes of Qi, weaknesses were shot, destroying the mana shield completely. I ran low and slashed up feeling the impact of a guarding longsword. Compacted wind blew the sword upon contact. Full of warrior spirit and a loud growl, Thorn sliced air from his three o''clock. I crouched under the hot blade with the tips of my empty left hand on the ground. ¡°My sister and nephew have been convicted!¡± While Thorn slammed down with an exploding blade, mana turned into a saw as I sliced into the Lord''s thigh. Thorn hid his hurt from a bleeding leg, still bringing down his fiery sword on the ground. ¡°What more do you want!?¡± I flash-stepped away to my right and cut into a weakness in his mana field on his ribs. My retreat saved me from being melded to the stone. My left hand I blocked flying debris from the seven-metre-wide explosion. Out of the smoke walked a sweating redhead, bleeding from leg and body. ¡°What do I want?¡± With two hands gripped tight on my hilt and my blade pointed down with an iron gate stance, I dashed with a sliver of blue mana humming on my greatsword. ¡°Land!¡± Sonic booms thunder from every swing of my large sword. Pelting away at the defending warrior, increased the speed. ¡°This land of Kirgfeild, especially!¡± I added wind to my blade, shoving away steel. With Thorn''s blade driven down, a swift jab came into contact with Thorn''s mana armour. ¡°BROTHER!!!¡± A young bastard of the Wolfburns wailed till it was cut short with a strike to his chin. I pushed deeper, cracking the mana. Chainmail was minced by my strength. I stopped as I felt his collarbone. Thorn''s calm eyes followed the blade to my eyes. I smiled. I spun my circles. The raw mana I had held back raged through my meridians, flowing like a flood from my mana heart to my sword-wielding hand. I thrust. ¡°This land is precious. Bountiful. A food basket of Friedland, the royals call it. Yet hoarders hold onto it. Charging criminal prices while my people starve. While you dear sister used my coin to pay your outrageous fee.¡± I strolled confidently around my kneeling enemy. I mind not that I stepped on his blood. They do not dirty what is already soaked with blood. ¡°Ten thousand,¡± I said behind the huffing Wolfburn. ¡°Ten thousand accounted for died of starvation during the winter months. This year.¡± ¡°WHILE YOU-¡± Thorn hacks blood on the floor. His voice was dry and grating. ¡°While¡­ you ruled¡­¡± ¡°While I¡­ ruled,¡± I repeated the injured man''s words. ¡°I agree. It is a sin that I repent for every day. Although, it was hard to rule adequately as a lame man withering in my bed,¡± ¡°Excuses.¡± Thorn spat out. ¡°Perhaps. What are yours, good man? ¡®Just following orders!¡¯. Well, all is good as long as Kirgfield is well taken for, umm? But I understand you. That is why I initially asked you to defect. I was willing to forgive a good lord who presided over his people generously. Not a starving stomach. Orphans don¡¯t scamper to your carriage with sunken cheeks, begging for dry, expired food.¡± ¡°What are your plans?¡± I twirled my greatsword in my hand. ¡°Operations will mostly go as they always have. Workers at their positions, soldiers at the posts. However, I am interested in adding to Kirgfeilds portfolio of products by farming new flowers and herbs. But the most important change: food will go to those who need it.¡± And those I deem worth giving to. ¡°Good¡­argh!¡±Thorn coughed again. ¡°My father won''t give up his treasure box. Armies are on their way-¡± ¡°To meet Bradshaw.¡± ¡°Ahh¡­¡± A violent cough folded the seventh. Dripping more blood from the gaping hole in his chest. ¡°Brilliant, but... risky,¡± Thorn whispered. ¡°This land will save Osberg. Save Freidland. The risk was worth taking.¡± I said knowing my words would not be understood. ¡°So it is¡­ not just¡­ revenge.¡± Pushing himself up with wobbling arms. Lord Thorn breathed in and his voice was steady. "I was always a coward. The fear of my father always held me back from doing what needed to be done. If¡­ If I was braver¡­¡± ¡°BROTHER!! DUKE! FLY HIM TO A PRIEST! END THIS FARCE! END IT NOW!!!!¡± Lord Thorn Wolfburn turned to his brother with a soft smile. ¡°Your Grace. Please do as you promise.¡± ¡°Greystone are men of their word.¡± I sliced through a neck. ¡°NOOO!!!¡± Lord Kellen wailed for his dear brother, his voice reaching to the lands above to be heard by the heavenly ones'' ears. A noble¡¯s head bounced off the stone and I shifted my red eyes to the crying bastard on his knees. My eyes warmed with light-sight saw his mana bubbling. The void growing in the Wolfburn pocket¡¯s stink assaulted my heightened senses. Almost done. Come on, Kellen, act rash. Plonk. Chapter 63: Wolfburn Kellen My brother¡¯s head rolled on the Kirgfeild castle courtyard. It stopped, staring at me with dead ocean-blue eyes. I crawled on my knees and hands, drained of all energy. Dead? ¡°Lord Kellen.¡± With tears running down, I glare at Thorn''s murderer. ¡°A second brother falls to my hand and-¡± the duke smiled with beastly canines and a tongue wagging. ¡°This time we are both to blame.¡± I howled. Mana exploded from every pore. Mana converted to lightning, hitting anything around. My mind goes blank with the only thought left: revenge. Tarion. Plonk. Ah. Experience is literal. A single strike could have ended my life in an instant but the rewards are worth it. I wiped the sweat from my brow and caught my breath. But the day is not over. I can squeeze a bit more experience. The handsome lad discharged his electricity like a blown fuse. Unable to control where his lightning struck, soldiers of Osberg and Vioden ran with their shields broken by branches of yellow lightning. Impressive. Will Joshua be able to reach these heights? It will be tough. But I can handle him. If I fight smart. I threw up my greatsword. A Qi-strengthened kick, propelling it at the angry Pikachu. Kellen gripped his sword, batting away my speeding weapon with ease. The Wolfburn became electricity, running at me with ferocity. Every stomp in his run tore the ground. Sixty metres past less than half a second and he reached me with sword high. My left foot slid backwards as I eluded a strike from above, letting the wolf''s sword cut the air an inch from my nose. I felt a buzz on my chest and a moment later my arms waved in the air as I flew backwards into the castle walls. My back rebounded off the wall with my mana armour saving my spine, I felt stinging where Kellen''s lighting branched and zapped me. My pale chest was red and raw, the several chest hairs now obliterated from existence. A lightning-clad blade soared at my face. I weaved to the left, bringing my right fist over his sword for a wide overhead hook. I felt nothing and backhanded. Knuckles find their target on kid Flash¡¯s nose. Kellen swung down through a broken nose with no grunt or exertion. I snapped back my right arm and with both hands by my chin in a peekaboo stance, I weaved right past death. I throw a low left hook, pulverising Kellen¡¯s chainmail. I felt the buzz and I flew into the wall once again while my opponent landing with a flip across the yard. No anger or grief shows on his face. Cold eyes. How much has he trained? The world drained of colour; I saw lightning spark to traces of mana in the air. Ahh.Thank the lands above I was bored on YouTube. Wind coated my body snuggly as I took thirty points from senses and sent twenty points to speed and ten to intelligence. Feet wide and bouncing and take a Philly stance. I bent back away from the fast sword, testing whether my theory worked. Lightning struck the ground and escaped untouched. Unperturbed that his electricity had not worked, Kellen¡¯s slash turned into a jab and a low slice at my leg. Another smooth step back and parry with my left. Then the same hand turned into a Qi-infused fist, unleashing three jabs to the head in a wink. As calm as death, Kellen dodged all and struck with abandon, cutting from his left at my body. Right palm shielded by mana stopping Kellen''s sword. I took a short flash step close and threw a fourth punch. Kellen''s head flew back, and his clouded eyes finally turned back to life. The bastard''s feet dragged across the field and with a new pep in his step and fuelled by vengeance, the bastard roared as he sprang for me again. I weaved through and parried Kelken''s mad barrage. As if on inexhaustible energy, his momentum increased. Slashes screamed and rumbled through the air, almost rupturing the ears of anyone near. A slash moved to fast dodge and my left forearm blocked Kellen''s attack. Blue mana churned like waves on Kellen''s sword and my mana shield was broken. The mana saw cut into my skin. Wincing, I squeezed my fist, rushing qi through my tensed arm. Gold-skin stopped the saw from slicing muscle. *AH!!* I shouted, squeezing my fist hard to capture Kellen''s blade. With a right foot sliding to a southpaw stance, a right fist infused with Gold-skin and strengthened by qi met its mark again on Kellen''s face. Blue mana cracked. The wolfburn¡¯s face was protected by a small plate shield. Smart bastard. I twisted on the toes of my right foot, knee bent. My waist followed, driving power from my back, shoulder, and to my arm. Mana followed the direction of kinetic force to my knuckles, destroying the shield with mana repulsion. Kellen¡¯s nose crumpled. The power of my punch pulled him off his blade stuck in my arm. The illegitimate noble flipped with waving, limp limbs, banging his body along the stone. Flicking the discarded weapon aside, I slowed my awareness, searching my basin for energy. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Should I take another pill? No¡­ Too much reliance is not good in the long run and I have used my daily recommended on long flights. I have to make my counterattack matter. *HUFF!* I gulp in the air like a vacuum, extracting as much sparse mana from the air. My six circles vibrated in my burnt chest. I crouched down, grabbing the cobbles like abreast, flaring my mana. I smashed the sound barrier with repulsion on my back wind and I jetted through the air as Kellen rolled back to standing. The weaponless warrior roared, letting his lightning fly at me. Feeling the wind carrying me, I stretch my hands forward. Lighting aimed at me divided, hiding the stones beside me. Consumed by anger, Kellen threw more bolts and i continued flying to him, unaffected by the charge. Kellen finally noticed my mana tether. ¡°Too late.¡± A burst of wind knocked him off his feet and the counterattack began. I land, with a punch digging deep into Kellen''s liver. Another to his lower ribs on his left. I felt glee hearing a crack and my left hit his ribs on the right. Another punch turned to four, eight didn''t satisfy me. Twelve was not enough. Fists blurred as I kept Kellen''s feet from touching the ground. A breeze blew from my left. I leaned back, evading a lighting punch. I reclined even more, bringing my right leg up to kick the Wolfburn¡¯s face. Kellen rolled on the ground, spurting blood from cracked teeth and bruised organs. A bloody spit-take and Kellen sprinted for me with electrified hands. I sighed. Your brother just doesn''t know when to quit, Thorn. Although it works for me. I coated my palm in a glove of mana, swatting away a weak left hook and right jab. I reply with the same combo to the Wolfburn¡¯s face. Kellen stumbled towards me still, swinging wide. Barely reaching a punch each time, shaping his once handsome face. His blood wet my gloves as I gave him a strong right straight. The anger that filled his eyes dropped, and he finalised his situation. Come on, what are you waiting for? Use it. Kellen looked around for help. Soldiers that his dear half-brother had raised dare not come to his aid nor attack for revenge. Only shame and faces turned away. ¡°Pitiful,¡± I said, with hands on my chest. ¡°Hold the head up,¡± I whispered to a friend in the breeze. Kellen turned back to me. Clutching his fist, blood trickled out between his fingers. ¡°He gave me his neck for you. Do not disappoint him.¡± I used my craziest smile and pointed to Jimmy holding a noble¡¯s head. The stupid man picked in his pocket under his chainmail, bringing out a ball of churning mist. From a flash of blue light, a Jian sword materialised in my right hand. I sliced. Crescent blue energy shot out with intensity and cut cleanly through Kellen¡¯s wrist and shoulder. ¡°AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!¡± An arm and wrist flopped to the floor, squirting red. I ignored the bastard holding his leaking knob of an arm and pick up the hand with the tip of my Jian. I pulled fingers apart, taking away the mist sphere from a death grip. Jian transported back into my inventory, I dropped the appendage, raising the mist to the sky. ¡°THIS IS IT. WHAT OUR MEN DIED TO STOP. FOUGHT TO STOP.¡± the screaming continued. But my speech doesn''t stop. ¡°I HAD HOPED PIRN WOULD BE THE LAST TIME I WOULD SEE THIS. I HOPE THE WOLFBURN WOULD HAVE LEARNED.¡± I waved the mist-sphere and walked to the wailing boy who had seared his stump closed with lightning. ¡°HOW MANY DID YOU SACRIFICE?!¡± I asked, spittle hit the panting wolfburn in the face as I yelled for all to hear. ¡±HOW MANY PEOPLE DID YOU STEAL FROM THEIR FAMILY? HOW MANY WOMEN SODOMISED?! CHILDREN LOST!? HUNDREDS? THOUSANDS?!! WHICH TOWN DID YOU ERADICATE FROM THE MAP TO MAKE THIS SINGLE BALL!?¡± I ground the mist sphere in my fingers and souls of malice burst out screeching with the newfound freedom. Several mana tethers pull up the kneeling Wolfburn. My thumb and index pulled open his mouth and I took a special pill from my inventory. Through struggle, I force him to swallow the strange medicine and leave him coughing. ¡°What *cough* did you give me!? What is *cough*. It hurts! ARGH! *COUGH COUGH COUGH* WHAT DID YOU GIVE ME!!¡± ¡°Like it?¡± I said, grinning. I gladly watched him spasm in agony, vomiting flem and blood, and rolling in his piss. ¡°Your half-sister used the same poison on me when I was just a boy. My butler learnt to recreate it and had the ingenious idea of using it on particularly strong prisoners. Thorn''s head rolls and your circles break. What a terrible day for you.¡± In a sorry state, he crawled up to me, pulling on my breeches. ¡°Heal me!! *Cough, cough* Heal me!! You can''t leave me like this!!¡± ¡°I promised your brother. I left you alive. Anything else¡­is up to my discretion.¡± I squatted down and ruffled Kellen¡¯s blonde, wiping his blood off my gloves. ¡°Your brother had forgotten my true reputation.¡± ¡°I won''t rest until *cough* A SWORD IS THROUGH YOUR HEART!!¡± cursed Kellen, flopping on the ground like a fish out of water. ¡°Haha, okay, mate. Think about how you will manage that on the transport to Osberg.¡± I swiftly flicked my wrist and my right fist knocked the wolfburn out cold. ¡°Can¡¯t wait to interrogate you.¡± I stood, projecting my voice. ¡°VIODENS. I CAME TO YOU AS AN ENEMY. A TYRANT. A CONQUEROR. BUT WHAT DO YOUR EYES SEE? YOUR LORD PROTECTED A MAN WHO USES THE INNOCENT TO FUEL THEIR VAIN NEED FOR POWER. AND NOT JUST THIS MAN BUT A FAMILY FULL OF DEPRAVITY. THEY SEE YOU, PEOPLE OF FRIEDLAND, AS FUEL. AS TOOLS. AS SHIELDS.¡± I looked around at the crowd, extending my arms wide. I had caught their full attention. ¡°WILL YOU STAND BY THAT WRETCHED FAMILY¡¯S SIDE, HOPING A FAMILY MEMBER HAS NOT BEEN SNATCHED AWAY? OR¡­WILL YOU BE PROUD FRIEDMEN, FIGHTING AGAINST THE FORCES OF EVIL WHO THE PREY ON OUR PEOPLE!?¡± I slammed my chest proudly. ¡°MAKE YOUR CHOICE CLEAR!¡± Silence. They stare forward, weighing the options. A red-surcoated fourth circle was the first to kneel, surprising the rest. ¡°I will follow orders, Your Grace.¡± A fifth circle kneeled, ¡°I will follow orders, Your Grace!!¡± A second circle bent and belted with a young voice, ¡°I WILL FOLLOW ORDERS, YOUR GRACE!!!¡± Red surcoats kneeled in waves around me. My stalwart men of Ceta joined them, yelling until their throats were raw and the fool Jimmy''s voice rose above them all. ¡°GREYSTONE!! GREYSTONE!! GREYSTONE!! GREYSTONE!!¡± ¡°Good Show.¡± I heard a prick speak in the breeze. ¡°Serk Forest. Night.¡± Hands on my waist, I glanced up, watching the powerful presence leave with a sonic boom. I winced, forgetting my injured arm and sore back. About fifty died on Vioden''s side and twenty on mine. I smiled. A good day. Plonk. Chapter 64: Priest (Rewrite) Tarion, Duke of Osberg. Osberg City, Greystone Castle. The Red Room. 2 months ago. After a very long day at the dock, my cape was flung on a nearby red chair, boots kicked of to the corner. Arms stretched, I fell on Vanessa''s bed. I sighed, looking up at the canopy. A pen scratched parchment on the other side of the room. I sighed louder, looking over at my wife, absorbed in her work. Vanessa smiled, still holding her quill. ¡°How was your day?¡± ¡°Fucking exhuasting!¡± I sat up. ¡°Rydel?¡± ¡°Rydel! Exhausting bastard.¡± I rubbed my face. ¡°I thought working with Rydel would be smooth sailing. But the man is meticulous, in turn, making me hyper of how shit I am at managing. Did you know we have to account for food expiring in a many weeklong long for a thousand-man regiment?¡± I stepped up from the bed. ¡°Of course, I know that, but the arrow-eared bastard had to tell me anyway. And apparently, many of the weapons in the armoury were made to a subpar standard. But coming from the country of steel, Rydel is, in his own words, ¡®Too used to quality products.¡¯ Fuck off!¡± I met Vanessa on her desk. Registers, accounts, and finances filled the space, almost hiding her concentrating face. She noticed me near and finally placed the quill down. ¡°Sounds like a normal elf. Why don''t I substitute?¡± I kissed her forehead. ¡°I shall suffer the tedious elf. Plus, it was my idea to work with him. Best I see it through, no matter how annoying he is. And you''re doing a lot of work already, you damn workaholic." I messed her hair, leaving her chuckling as I walked to her extensive book collection. Paid quite the penny when Osberg was broke. What was I thinking? From the worn binds, books were well-read. No regrets. ¡°Dear?¡± ¡°Um?¡± I pull out a book with my finger. Romance? Chessy. Duke? I will read it later. ¡°Tarion.¡± She stared lovingly with her emeralds; she knew I wavered. I usually miss training when I do. Vanessa slid her chair back back, making her way to me. I sat at the reading corner with a window overlooking the gardens. Vanessa joined, sitting with her legs held by her arms. ¡°I can fly now. Wind makes it much easier.¡± My gardener snipped at rose thorns outside. ¡°Sometimes I fly as high as I possibly can. So far up, the air thins. Moisture starts to freeze around me. The horizon curved all around. ¡®I could go anywhere,¡¯ I thought to myself as the wind blew my air. I could slaughter everyone in that Vioden city this instant. Sevenths, eighths, and ninths. Matters not. Till my heart stops, my sword could tear through all who come in its path, killing generations of that accursed family.¡± The gardener made his way in at the end of his day and I turned to Venessa, who saw my nervousness. ¡°Tell me again. Why I shouldn¡¯t.¡± My wife pursed her lips, crawling on the cushion to lie on me. Her body warmed me as I wrapped my arms around her tight. ¡°First, that would be very foolish.¡± ¡°Haha, true.¡± "Second, you cannot bail out on the Alarian deal. With our best gone to Alar to help fight back the cult at the helm, what we will stand to gain will be immeasurable.¡° ¡°New state-of-the-art weapons. Soldiers to come to our aid. Razzorflower¡­ Yes, those would change everything.¡± ¡°Third,¡± she continued, ¡°Kirgfield. To avenge the many lost to hunger, we will capture the land and feed thousands more.¡± Kirgfield. My army¡¯s first chance to make a big splash. ¡°And fourth¡­ I want to see you alive and well when our revenge is complete.¡± Complete? Life after the killing, the war? With her? I bent my head, laying my lips on hers. Tongue interlacing, we struggle to breathe in our embrace. Pulling away, Vanessa''s hands held my face as we breathed heavily. For a future with her, I can bear any sin. ¡°You¡¯ve persuaded me,¡± I said, whispering. ¡°I always do.¡± I panted like a thirsty beast, holding myself back till I saw her eyes¡¯ beckoning gaze. I tasted her sweetness until the morning sun peeked through the curtains. Back to the present day. Beiye the Madam ¡°Saint?¡± The priest picked at his white and gold cassock. There was a tightness in his jaw. An exhale under his breath and the mouth relaxed. ¡°Your Grace, although I am honoured by your presence. You unfortunately are not the holy figure we have searched for centuries.¡± ¡°Ahhh. really?" Her Grace stretched her words. "Well, that is disappointing. A cardinal, currently one of the top choices to be the next Pope, comes to the cold city and for what? To decline a divorce petition?¡± The Cardinal repositioned his feet. ¡°A duke of the once powerful dukedom of defence, Osberg, just got married! We at the church thought it good to bring the most capable man for the job.¡± The cocky bastard grinned but removed it as he saw the duchess''s stone facade. ¡°The most capable man does not need back at the capital? I knew my husband ¡®convinced¡¯ you to preside over our surprise vows. But as a former noble and a top man at the church, you have the ability to leave.¡± ¡°Leave? When a fellow priest has caused so much trouble for this beautiful city. It is my job. Nay, it''s my responsibility to make sure this cathedral goes back into working order before the replacement comes.¡± ¡°And when will that be?¡± "Soon, I am sure.¡± The duchesses hands cover each other at her stomach. She analysed the priest who plays the fool. The Cardinal shook the vial of glowing liquid. ¡°I must apologise again. Must go and keep this secure. May I?¡± he asked. A nod from Osberg¡¯s governor, and the cardinal retreated down the aisle. She looked at me, who still sat on the pew. I saw her eyes beconing to come close so I stood and leaned in her direction to hear her whisper. ¡°What do you think? Full of bullshit?¡± Stunned by the verbiage the lady used, my words stumble. ¡°Y-y-yes. To many tells. Although I can tell he used to lie a lot at his church.¡± ¡°Mmm. Quick, please. Summary on him.¡± ¡°Big Drinker. Big Fuc- Loves women.¡± ¡°Don''t they have heavy restrictions on sexual relations?¡± Her Grace asked, looking at the cardinal walking down to the right. ¡°Marriage, okay. Casual sex. Heavens no. The possessors of the power to communicate with those above cannot blow their seed around like a dandelion.¡± I heard laughter as the cardinal chatted with several of the altar boys. Every other sentence he peeked at us. At least he treats the boys better than the last man. ¡°But it seemed he sees the rules as just a suggestion, making multiple trips a week to the redlight district. There was one interesting piece of info¡­¡± ¡°Tell me.¡± ¡°Ahem, during his first weeks, any type of girl satisfied him. But slowly, the girls started looking more and more like a certain type.¡± I looked into her eyes. ¡°Green eyes, soft, healthy skin,¡± The duchess started to realise with widening eyes. She could barely hide her reaction. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. ¡°Long golden curls.¡± ¡°Oh dear¡­ He was right.¡± ¡°Who?¡± I asked. ¡°The one shares a set of rings with me. Say, Beiye. How do you manipulate a man into giving you what you desire?¡± Eyebrow up, I answer. ¡°Make him believe he offered it to you willingly.¡± The duchess observed her target eagerly. What could she want from that rake? Her Grace burst forward, shuffling down the aisle. ¡°Grace? Wait for me!¡± I held my skirt and jogged after her. Her Grace¡¯s feet barely came off the ground and still, I cannot close the gap even with a sprint. The duchess stopped by the boys, pretending to tire. The Cardinal held her arms, feigning concern, but his eyes betrayed his delight to finally touch his obsession. ¡°Your Grace! What is matter-¡± ¡°My confidant relayed to me of¡­my husband''s and my transgression towards you. To insinuate that I was such an important figure in your religion was foolish of me.¡± ¡°Please, Grace, I felt no insulted by it. But your husband? What do you mean?¡± The duchess covered her face, making her voice weepy. ¡°You didn''t know? Oh, dear¡­The Greystones owe you a true apology.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡± The cardinal asked, looking at his alter boys for answers, his grip lessening on the duchess'' arms. Having dealt with touchy men before, she breathed in. ¡°My tyrant of a husband¡­¡± she pretends to weep. ¡°He has a bad habit of putting people in situations in order to entrap them.¡± ¡°Entrap? Landabove¡­ THAT BLOODY MAID!¡± The Cardinal unhanded her, stomping around in frustration. The duchess grabbed his arm. ¡°I will take responsibility,¡± she said with flirty eyes. ¡°Uhh¡­¡± She let go. ¡°Sorry, I had not the opportunity to go to church as a child.¡± Quite a lie was a former apprentice nurse in a church infirmary. The cardinal saw his chance. ¡°Ignorance can be forgiven. But if you''re willing to learn more¡­¡± Her Grace''s eyes flicked to a room. And like an excited puppy, the cardinal guides her. Altar boys bow as they say their goodbyes while I follow the two quietly. I held my hand on the wooden door before it was slammed closed, closing it behind me. In the dark musty room candles are its only light. ¡°Bringing your friend? The more, the merrier.¡± Her Grace straightened. Her smile settled to a cold look of disgust. ¡°I am surprised you haven''t recognised her.¡± The duchess motioned for me to stand beside her. ¡°-as a repeat customer of hers.¡± The cardinal stepped back with wide eyes as he saw my sharp eyes and foreign shade of skin.¡± ¡°You¡­¡± scared eyes turn to her. ¡°Duchess¡­¡± voice trembling, the cardinal dropped to the floor. ¡°Your grace! I beg for your forgiveness!!¡± ¡°Disgusting. Putrid. Small, perverted man.¡± Each word a stab, the priest creased hearing such words uttered by a voice so soft. ¡°I know it all. All is recorded.¡± Her grace crossed her arms, looking down at the fool with disdain. ¡°One word from me and your shame can no longer be avoided by the church. All bare. With it being exposed, where could you go?¡± ¡°I could hire him. A man immune to most diseases is useful in my field.¡± I joked half seriously and I chuckled to myself as he squirmed. ¡°Do you understand, priest?¡± said the Duchess. The air became heavier with every syllable. Kneeling with his face on the dusty floor, the cardinal prostrated himself. ¡°I am yours. Why do you require, Your Grace?¡± ¡°Everything pertaining to the saint. Their histories, studies, research, and all knowledge on the usage of their powers.¡± The cardinal head rushed up, blowing dust. ¡°How¡­? HOW?!¡± the priest shouted, with a hint of a smile. The duchess''s jaw clenched in frustration. ¡°Do It. I will come every afternoon expecting my order to be done. If unsatisfactory, perhaps my husband will hear about your little disturbing trips. Do you comprehend?¡± Stepping off the floor, the cardinal agreed with a nervous nod. ¡°Such a task may require the need of your specialists.¡± ¡°Then they shall help.¡± Scrambling off the floor to the door, the cardinal let us back out of the office. A group of curious boys wait outside, seemingly unaware of the spurning their priest took. "Oh, thank you! Thank you so much!¡± The duchess goes to hug, making several boys blush. The Cardinal became a ruby in her grasp. Her Grace jumped back as if singed. ¡°Oh sorry! So stupid,¡± she playfully knocked her head. ¡°You, priests, don¡¯t that do? Hehe.¡± With no circle in my chest, I still felt the urge to run to the men whose eyes were hungry for my duchess. ¡°Sirs.¡± I woke them up. ¡°Ye-yes. Meet me in the afternoons; sermons finish around then.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t wait! Truly.¡± She winked at a priest who had fallen in love and walked to the exit proudly. I followed her, noticing her increasing her pace. ¡°How did I do?¡± I pushed the cathedral doors open for her, smiling as I saw the half-scowl and half-grin of the priest in the closing entrance. ¡°Very frightening indeed. May I ask, the saint, are they important to Friedmens?¡± ¡°As important as a deity¡­¡± Saint. I eyed her. Her Grace¡¯s radiant hair bounced as she strolled by me. I am sure she has been called that many times by many men. We located the waiting carriage by the pavement. Another man in love ran forward. His gait, his glare towards me. Everything that he is threatened me. As if to say: Stay away from what''s mine. The coach driver stopped right in front of her. "Vanessa, are you alright?!¡± ¡°I am well, George.¡± The duchess replied coldly. ¡°Please get ready to return us to the castle. I feel like drinking a few cups and taking a nice bath.¡± The driver grabbed her arms with force, wiping her sleeves of invisible dirt. ¡°George.¡± She spoke with more authority in her voice. ¡°Castle.¡± ¡°S-sorry.¡± Like a scolded dog, he sulked away. ¡°Let''s go in, Beiye. A crowd is about to form. Oh, George. He is just very eager to prove himself. Spending a week cleaning muck can make a person keen to impress. I will tell him to temper it down next time.¡± I nod slowly. ¡±I nod.¡± I escorted the duchess into the carriage, and from the corner of my eyes, I saw a driver frozen near their horses. I felt a chill run up my body. The horses felt the same fear and the jitter away from the mumbling commoner. I heard a sentence. ¡°He let you whore yourself to that bastard. Should I-¡± He twisted his head, staring directly at me. A creepy smile spread slowly on his peculiar face and with a tip of his cap, he jumped straight into his seat. With more fear in my heart than the horn ever gave me, I hurried into the carriage. ¡°Bieye, you¡¯re sweating¡­What''s happened?¡± I swallowed. ¡°That driver. Friend?¡± She nodded. ¡°Good Friend. Since childhood.¡± I think of George wiping her sleeves. I hid my anxiety with a smile. ¡°How wonderful!¡± Tarion. After the siege of Kirgfield. ¡°Bodies account for and sorted, Your Grace!¡± Holding my blade on his gloved palms, the young soldier shouted amidst the celebration. Osberg men somberly sang and clicked the cups of ale together for a successful siege. I tapped the cleaned and polished greatsword and into the inventory it went. ¡°Thorn. Where is he now?¡± ¡°The coroner''s office, Your Grace.¡± ¡°Good, good, Lord Masse. And fine job out there. Your shield was stable this time.¡± I chuckled, and the young noble laughed with me. ¡°Thanks to your training, Your Grace.¡± The soldier of Ceta saluted and went to join the rest of Ceta cheering him on. A boy of 22. In a different life, we could have been mates. I opened my palm, and my pocket watch flashed from my inventory. I flipped it open. ¡°I¡¯ve made him wait enough.¡± ¡°What that, Your Grace!?¡± Jimmy shouted in the crowd with ale splashing from his cup. ¡°Going out for a night engagement? Shall I tell ya missus!? HAHAHAH!¡± I came off my stool and pushed the drunkard to the floor with a gale. Ale splashed on his dark blue uniform while his squad laughed until their bellies hurt. ¡°I will be back in a few.¡± ¡°We won''t miss you here, sober bastard!¡± Jimmy slipped on his beer and the crowd laughed louder. A mana-tether opened the front door of the pub, and I flew into the night sky with a gust. Points allocated to mana capacity and intelligence, a great push carried me across the land I had captured. The stars shine down on the acres of dark fields below. I felt a power beyond understanding. He called me. ¡°Oh, he is pissed.¡± I followed the pulse of mana, slipping through trees to land safely on the grass. Fire brightened the large trees. The fire turned into two, then four, and then eight, dancing around the shadowed figure sitting on the stump of a recently cut tree. ¡°Do you usually make your guests wait this long?¡± The man stood up, flame taillike dancing faeries. ¡°Apologies, Your Highness. Time passed from too much fun.¡± The prince sniffed from metres away. ¡°No alcohol on your breath.¡± I shrugged. ¡°Cleaned my teeth. Have to be presentable before appearing in front of the future king.¡± ¡°Stop talking, Sixth Circle.¡± Kyros¡¯ face was only an inch away from me. Our heights matching, he stared into me. His mana encompassed everything. With a click of his finger, the forest catches fire. A wave of the hand and a hurricane sweep the country. With the stomp of his feet, the earth below becomes his to control. The pseudo-mage raised his hand. Kyros patted my left shoulder with a jolly smile. ¡°You¡¯ve passed. Continue as you¡¯ve done. But¡­¡± The prince let go, turning on his heels. I rolled my sore shoulder. ¡°Send word of your next stunt, Cousin. Impress me.¡± The prince tore through the air, breaking the sound barrier almost instantaneously. Only my own gale held me from tumbling into the woods. I dropped to heavy knees, breathing harshly. The strongest warrior on earth. Beyond Overpowered, he is plot armour manifest. And my rival. The Prince will let us be. Next phase. Chapter 65: A crazy man. A few weeks later, after the Kirgfield siege. Dear Duchess Greystone, Your actions in the neighbouring Duchies have caused quite a stir in the Grandi Company. Your father doesn''t have a day when he does not leave wreckage in his wake. I do understand the old man''s anger. As the main seller of Vioden products across the country, he suddenly left clientless. And with more and more of his hidden businesses found by me snuffed out or brought under the raven''s clutches, I would expect dead bodies soon. But that would be hard to accomplish as your father has since lost contact with the mercenaries he ordered around like footmen. I presume that could be your doing, your Grace. About your inquiry about the three Liuens. They left silently. No longer appearing at balls or at the Grandi office, Susan inspected their dwellings, and no trace of them ever being there could be seen, which seemed to frighten the stalwart woman. I hope all is well. Your Servant. Countess Trak. TARION Leg crossed on the ground, I breathed in. My scarred chest heaved as i huffed in mana. Sucking in the air with my eyes closed and the back of my gloved hands on my thighs, I hammered away at my mana, thinking of the days past. While my men of 1500 make Kirgfield suitable for an army. Bradshaw was our barrier against the encroaching army. Gently holding them back. They had one important job. Delay. No battle needs to be won. No sacrifice wanted. Just let the Vioden main force inch towards Kirgfield, slowly. Slowly enough for Uncle to arrive in time. But I was worried. Word should have come of Uncle''s arrival yet days passed with silence. Now the Vioden main force of seventeen thousand waited outside the stolen castle. Bradshaw had retreated into the castle with eleven thousand. We waited, with ears perked for an ambush from the dark and skittish eyes looking at the skies. A moat is an obstacle easily traversed, as evidenced by my skilled crew. Could they be trying to starve us while they hijack the town? We wait. The jubilant castle now felt laden with desperation and hopelessness. Fear. Each day, I climbed up the stairs to watch our enemy, expecting eyes to watch me. These young men were inspired by my story. Enraged by the injustice, hungry for glory. So intently, beaming the wishes into me. They wish for me to brave it all and destroy our enemy. I wish for that too. But I can¡¯t be rash. For my wife, I can¡¯t be. Missing you from afar. ¡­ I¡­miss¡­ you¡­ too¡­. Her voice was clearer even from miles away. Fifth circle is on the horizon for her. But her cloudy voice from the ring still doesn''t beat the real thing. Her voice. A siren song for my ear. I needed to see her again in person. To be with her, instead feeling a whisper of a presence. It could take hours to go back. But I can''t leave them. I must keep their eyes on me. I willed a Zhenxing pill into my palm. Swallowing it, I immediately felt my lower Daitian pulse and my meridians. Having recently entered the Body stage after Earth, my basin grew larger still, with stronger meridians to carry the immense qi. One thing Zhi stressed was that we Westerners skipped steps using our unwieldy way of manipulating mana. Qi practitioners, on the other hand, take things slow, as they should, building from the very bottom to make a very strong foundation. So much of training, learning as if a child once more, learning breath exercises, and earth stage techniques like flash-step. As training progressed, I learnt how much I lacked. How Friedland''s way was lacking. Earth, Body, Mind, Soul, Heaven. Five stages. Having dozens of spar against a master of the soul stage, my interest peaked to new levels. What kind of monsters lay beyond the sea? What monster could I be? ¡°You can only learn my technique halfway.¡± Master Zhi would say. ¡°To truly learn them, shed those shackles.¡± By shackles, she meant the circles that have given me such strength. The circles I spent years in bed mourning. The circles I spent coin after coin, blood, and smelly sweat to fix. Destroy them once more? She must be fucking kidding me. I sighed. Calm Qi emboldened my body. Making me light as a leaf and strong as a tree trunk. Untamed energy that is mana slays enemies with swift, powerful attacks. A perfect blend between the Western and eastern disciplines that could fill each other''s weaknesses. Complete warrior. One more circle. I thought to myself. So close to seventh, so close to my goal. I felt the hum of my meridian tearing and healing from Zhi''s medicine. My new circle''s form was solid. I don¡¯t want to feel that afraid again. My eyes closed, and my tent curtain fluttered open. Someone fast ran in. ¡°Jimmy. What do you need? Ale? You know we will have to save on that for a while.¡± ¡°Message!¡± Eyes still closed, I spoke. ¡°Read the damn letter, man.¡± ¡°Gosh, you''re a bit snippy today. Alright. Ahem! Dear Nephew-¡± All the will I had pushed down rose up. I hold and twist the mana. Qi flew from every meridian to my heart to complete the forge. I struck the circle. Eyes open to a tent ripped into threads. Maps and furniture were ripped and broken. My lieutenant struggled to breathe, leaning on his sword stuck in stone. ¡°Congratulations, your Grace. An Alarian army comes to your aid.¡± ¡°As expected,¡± I said, grinning with pride, only a nephew could feel for his hero uncle. ¡°Wake the fools up. I am about to bring up morale.¡± Wind pushed me up to my feet, and a hand reaching out brought the sword of Osberg from my inventory. I gripped on the worn leather, feeling my glee rising in my soul. Mana repulsion exploded me hundreds up meters. The whole town in my view, mana filled air held in the blue sky. Greaves snapped on, cuirass felt snug. My helm flashed on my head and LightSight was activated. A long black cloak flapped in the wind. Greatsword in my right, slowly my left arm rose. A piece of my armour appeared on my body in flashes of blue. As the hot summer sun shone on my back, I pushed mana to my inventory braces. With my shadow, several smaller ones appear around. From meters above, I saw Vioden men pause under the shadows. Many questioned the sight. The smart trembled as they heard the stories of how I brought death with a thousand blades. I pointed down at the brown tents, and all blades pointed with me. I smiled uncontrollably. Uncle¡¯s back! The shackles around my healed heart whirred as they boosted me with great power. From the pommels of each sword, mana was repulsed. Swords shot like missiles on top of a hundreds of tents across the moat. A hundred swords hit their marks, and I summoned a hundred more. Screams burst about the bloodied tents like bubbles of hot soup. That''s enough. Hundreds died from my rain of blades and my mana repulsed me down with my greatsword cutting the air. I spotted a large tent where men of superb strength resided. Wolfburns. I shifted to the far left at a large campfire. Mana burnt harder from my soles. My armour took my man as I braced for impact. Gust blew debris and dust out of my way as a first circle attacked from behind. I bend forward, letting his blue sword miss me completely. My greaves trip the first circle and my sword cut through chainmail from chest to back. Arrows? They broke into splinters against my amour. A light step and I jumped a few meters up with heavy armour, slicing arrows imbued with mana. I raised my Greatsword high with two hands with blazing blue mana alerting all around of my presence. With a heavy growl, I fell with a devastating slash that cut through the battlefield. Killing the hundreds of weak, my mana slice melting and searing any close to its light. Mana Arrows hit me again with mana imbued. I finally felt the impact of the attacks. But not much. Dozens of frightened first, second, and third-circle soldiers ran at me. Giving my senses more points, I watched their eyes as they slid down my crater to face me. Desperation. Yet I slash anyway. Cold steel in my gauntlets showered in the blood and meat of screaming men. Nine cuts blurred and several men burst into red fountains. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Should''ve chosen a better Duke to serve. Air became solid under my left foot and I deftly sidestepped away from a fourth circle¡¯s spear. Air solidified under my right boot and I dodged three mana-imbued arrows. Fingers tap the air, making me sense better, fight faster, become stronger. I flashed step out of the creator and with a single swipe of my blade, five fourth-circles fell. Someone strong. But far away. I tilted backwards. Mana roasted the air by my face. My sword arm flickered with imperceptible speed, flinging a mana slice from the compromising position and the third circle dropped his sword as his neck spurted blood. If I have heard the news. I parried a fourth¡¯s glowing sword. His neck spins while passing him. I saw ten. Nine? Much more than I could count while my sword chiselled deep in a soldier leather armoured collarbone. Then soon will they. Before they get the word. Let''s have fun and level up. I kicked the dead off and a spear was pushed aside with my palm. My Jian flashed to my left, piercing three quick holes into an opportunist. My greatsword shaved the pole of a fourth¡¯s spear. As the wood pole cracked, a body was sliced into two, mana cut through into five more. With trained ambidextrousness, I guarded against the group that surrounded me with both swords. I bellowed, summoning the wind. A swipe of my left Jian sword and wind pulsed out, forcing the group to their feet. Seven rusting swords appeared above me from my inventory, each with a tether. Each flew toward the target and I took a chance to rest with seven skewered in a circle around me. ¡°GREYSTONE!¡± Fucksake¡­ ¡°AT LEAST GIVE ME A BREATH OR TWO!¡± A plated soldier charged with a blade flared as I put the jian back. Greatsword pommel hooked on finger, I javelin threw my mana-imbued weapon at the seventh. Blocking with a tight grip, the warrior withstood. For a moment My new strength, too strong for the silver grade, pushed down the field. With a tether connected, the greatsword disappeared into my inventory. Strong enemies arrive. Seven Fifth-circle encircle me, converting their mana into cheap imitations of spells. Weaponless, and leather palms out, my body heats up with Qi. ¡°MANA SHIELDS! WAIT FOR THE-¡± A right gauntlet smashed through blue. Steel knuckles gouge into a chest. I ripped out a bloody heart from the dead, flicking trailing blood imbued, lacerating several more through more shields. ¡°WATER ELEME-¡± Blood congealed into bullets, killing the telltale. I felt heat. Fireballs rocked me from behind. Lightning struck my left side and pellets of water pommeled me from my right. Armour handled most of the damage while my shimmering Goldskin endured the rest. Mana is not enough. Let''s go back to the fundamentals. To what I do best. Finger flickered, putting points into agility, senses, and strength. A blue light flashed as I summoned my Greatsword back. I held it above my head and I hammered down, exploding yards of soil and rock. With the dust blown and mist formed, I slayed and murdered. Single-element users heard their friend die and ran away futilely from my heavy blade. As the last fifth crawled away from a missing leg, I felt a strange sensation from far away. Mana? I crouched under a beam of mana. The battlefield slowed to a crawl as my senses focused. The old knight charged from my left, and I found the sniper at my five o¡¯clock. 500 meters away. A second mana arrow flew, threading through the thousands of soldiers. Its hot glow shone as it neared me. A small circular mana shield bounce the mana arrow killing a fourth circle with a hole in his face. Two fingers point at the sniper across the battle, aiming from my shielded forearm. Mana exploded from my finger as I parried down the geezer''s sword with my steel. ¡°You again.¡± Senses see I had killed my mark. My sword swooped up, knicking at a weak point in the mana field on the Vioden¡¯s forearm. I lunged and the flat of the Vioden¡¯s blade. Closer up to him, I see his beard curling up. ¡°Lord Abel. The head''s main servant. Opps!¡± I smirked inside my helm. ¡°Sorry, I mean the head¡¯s brother.¡± The Wolfburn¡¯s eyebrows twitched and my sword responded with rapid slashes. He withstood my fast strikes with his shield. A tether created a gust behind Abel. Knocking him off balance, I moved to strike. ¡°UNCLE!¡± My sword was swept up by a newcomer, and I flash-stepped back. Long, untamed, deep red hair flowed on his red surcoat. If Laurent is here¡­ A footstep caused all to freeze in their place. The man who brought all men to fear walked among his men, ushering them to their knees with just his existence. My mana flared around me, wrapping a shaky finger around my blade. The eight circles approached. ¡°Finally came out of your tent, you old bastard.¡± ¡°Suicide?¡± The old but beefy Duke looked around at the mess I made with a grumpy look. Taking heavy steps towards me. ¡°All this¡­ Had you given up? Seeing what you could kill before you fell to us?¡± I laughed. ¡°No, no, Duke Wolfburn. Just having fun before you have to leave.¡± Old eyes turned furious in a flash. A hairy hand. An inch before my neck burnt with a bright flame. With all my qi, I flash-stepped away. The grasping hand followed. I zigged to the left. The duke hunted still. I zagged to the right. My cloak was grabbed. Fucking hell. I flashed away the cloak to my inventory and leapt with all my will and mana with repulsion and wind. My leg was grabbed. Steel around my leg crumpled as the duke pinched my cuisse. Metal heated up, melting my skin in his hand. ¡°ARGGGHHHHHHH!!!!¡± My free right foot stomped between the duke¡¯s biceps and forearm. The gripped less for a moment and Mana exploded the hand away from my torn and ripped thigh. Jets of fire burst from Duke Wolfburn¡¯s back and he continued his pursuit in the air. I am not ready yet. ¡°Don¡¯t you miss your grandson???!!!!¡± He froze in the clouds; his expression was unreadable. Still fleeing, I reached deep into my basin of my low Diantain. Pulling out all the mana I could muster to rocket through the air. ¡°ALL THOSE YEARS.¡± The air became humid. And a light brighter than the sun arose behind. I stopped flying and looked behind, knowing that fleeing was pointless. ¡°ALL THOSE YEARS WILL NOT GO TO WASTE!!¡± Inside the Vioden Duke¡¯s hand, a sun bubbled. Blowing the low clouds away from him, the power held in his palms could destroy everything within a mile. Yet I turned to face him with a heart-pumping circle churning and a large, crazy smile. ¡°One word and my brother''s head will be sent in the mail.¡± The sun grew. And grew. And grew. I stared awestruck at the behemoth that torched above. ¡°YOU DARE MAKE DEMANDS, PLUNDERER!?¡± (02:00) My heart pounded. Black mana flowed. Tinted like blood, it felt good. Too good. ¡°Demands? I am simply putting an end to things.¡± Concentrate!! The Duke of Vioden pushed the sun. Two Dukes drifted to the ground as thousands of soldiers awaited them. Thousands of red surcoat men stared in shock as I still lived after bearing the brunt of their duke¡¯s power. ¡°Calmed down yet?¡± I said with a black shimmering flame seeping from my skin. The Vioden duke twisted his beard. I could. But not today. This isn''t the finale I want. The red-haired, stocky duke looked at me with questioning eyes. I heard a brave man running. "Ah, here it is,¡± I said, flashing away my helm to let them see my smile. A skinny footman huffs with his hands on his knees. A rolled-up piece of parchment was ripped from his hand by Laurent, the eldest. Another eight. Unrolling the message, his blue eyes widen. ¡°Father¡­¡± He leaned to whisper in the Duke''s ears. ¡°Your might matches your arrogance. But you have other reasons for it.¡± The Wolfburn gestured to his son for his large wolf-fur coat. ¡°Attacking the ports. The plan all along?¡± I leaned on my sword. ¡°What are you going to choose, dog? Stay here. Kill us all. Take back your precious castle but leave your city unprotected for my uncle to conquer after he takes over your docks.¡± The black glow around me settled. Every moment, the exhaustion trickled in. ¡°Maybe you could split your forces. Save your dock towns from my uncle''s terror while keeping us stuck. But your capital is unprotected and I heard some Grandi-affiliated mercenaries have rebelled.¡± The duke''s eyebrow twitched like his brother''s. ¡°Or what I recommend¡­¡± I pointed south. ¡°Go Home. Protect it with all you have.¡± Out of the crowd, more of the dukes spawn walked with blades aflame with blue mana. Many seventh circles and a three eights sprinkled among them. How they kept them from the Crown Guard is a testament to Duke Wolburn¡¯s cult of personality. The duke looked at his favourite son and nodded. ¡°PACK UP!! WE MOVE TO MAISE!!!¡± Laurent shouted and thousands sprang into action. The duke stood still. Staring at me with dead eyes. ¡°Is it worth it? What do you want from us? Money? You have enough to fill mountains. Food is never an issue. Your land is rich with resources even the crown craves. The endless digging in our mines. For Coal? Steel? ¡± I asked the silent eighth circle. The Vioden belted out laughter with his head back. ¡°HAHAHA. TO ASK A STUPID QUESTION LIKE THAT, YOU STILL KNOW NOTHING!! HAHAHA. Your father raised you poorly! Ah yes. He couldn¡¯t from six feet under! HAHAHA!¡± ¡°Crystals.¡± The maniacal laughter ceased, and the fellow duke''s face turned cold and unreadable again. ¡°I know. I knew. ALL Dukes of the great house of Greystone know. Why would it be taught to red-headed simpletons?¡± I saw the air around the Vidoen Duke¡¯s body wobble. I raised my hand high, shooting out the Duke¡¯s mana I had swallowed. A cloud miles above was pierced, and mana vanished into the blue sky. And beyond. ¡°Calm.¡± And he did. "What I want to ask is, How the fuck do YOU know? Did Dad tell you in a drunken stupor? A spy? Even our oldest and most loyal subjects have not a clue.¡± No answer. I shrugged. ¡°My father and you. You were friends. Comrades in the Northern War. For that, I will hold back for now. Even gave you hope that all your scheming, killing, and sons dying were worth it. But speak one word about my family: Even if my heart is pulled out, I won''t rest till you join your worthless sons in hell.¡± ¡°Empty threats.¡± The Vioden Duke said with a grin, looking at my leg. (00:00) The thigh hurt again. I used all my might and willpower, showing not one bit of ache as sweat poured down my brow. My job was done and a breeze floated me up. ¡°You never asked.¡° I said, looking down at the Duke, surrounded by the relieved. Duke Wolfburn tilted his head. ¡°About who?¡± ¡°Family, huh¡­ We will meet again at your castle walls.¡± Flying away from my chaos, following the air currents back to Kirgfield, where I heard a chorus of cheers I have become used to, I felt a tinge of pity for my stepmother. Which disappeared in an instant. I landed among salutes. His fist on chest, my dear soldier kneeled. Bradshaw came with kneel along with my battle-hardened noblemen. ¡°Your new orders, Your grace?¡± Jimmy requested. I rubbed my ring. ¡°You march to Maize. I will return home.¡± Plonk. Plonk, Plonk, Plonk, Plonk, Plonk, Plonk, Plonk, Night. Kellen Beaten. Starving. I tried to reach for the bar of my cage with my missing arm and collapsed with her sore forehead. Laughter erupted and I hid in shame. Fortunately, none of my guards could see my slip as they drank till their minds turned around a campfire. Anger boiled in me. I willed mana to surge from my beaten body and not a spark came out. I slumped to my bottom. Hopeless. I had nothing. Could do nothing. I peeked at the stars that shone between the leaves and I prayed. Oh, I pray harder than I ever had. Harder than the hundred souls I sacrificed. Take me instead. ¡°Your prayers have been answered.¡± Training activated and I crouched with my sole arm up to defend in the dark. "Relax, young Wolfburn. You will get your revenge.¡± The voice. Came from everywhere and nowhere. A black sphere rolled into the cage carriage. ¡°Your last chance.¡± The sphere wiggled with black mist. ¡°All will be explained on the way to Osberg.¡± Chapter 66: We meet again. 4 days later. Tarion. Duke of Oseberg My boots splashed in a puddle of yesterday''s rain as I found a cave hidden between thick foliage. Far from the city, I push aside leave and continue walking in the dark. I increased the luminance of my hue, and a light step took me hundreds of meters through the cave. Another step, and I leapt hundreds more through the dark tunnel. Like a skipping stone, I streamed across the long groove made by ancestors of the umbra feet. Seven pulses bounced off the rocky wall, which became unnaturally smoother as I tread further into the cave where thousands of Umbra, throughout the generations, had learnt the steps. A stone wall blocked my wall. Smooth and black like the obelisk that carried my family''s names. I placed my palm on the cold stone, and a soft green light radiated letters from my fingers. The meter-thick slab crumbled into itself, and the entrance to the Umbra headquarters opened for its master. A sword stabbed through the entrance. Mana armoured left patted the blade away and splashed? Very cheeky. I thought with a grin. A sabre swiped the back of my neck, clinking against a water blade of my making. ¡°Quite the welcome. I''m pleased to see your improvement, but you didn''t need to be so impatient. I can spar with you later.¡± I turned back to the dark tunnel where a captain kneeled. I barely sensed him. My bodyguard, my shadow, has grown tremendously. ¡°I¡­ apologise, your Grace.¡± Kurt bowed his head deeper. Without my inspect, I could never tell from his hue he had grown to sixth-circle golden grade. Scary Man. I knelt, smiling as I held Kurt''s shoulder. ¡°As I go to battle with my lifelong enemies, will you protect my back as always?¡± The stone soldier sported a large smile brighter than summer sunshine. Kurt beat his chest in salute. ¡°YES, YOUR GRACE!¡± ¡°Good, good. Okay. Now-¡± I stood in a rush. ¡°Show me to my brother.¡± Lightning rained all around the crystal-lit training room, and I couldn''t be prouder of its conjurer. Joshua raised his hand up for the last strike. ¡°My butler was to wait on you. Not be your sparring partner.¡± The injured sparrers turned sharply at the sound of my voice. ¡°Tarion!?¡± ¡°Brother!?¡± Joshua turned back to his sparring partner. ¡°You call him Tarion?! You never call me by name, even if I ask¡­¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡± Charles scratched his tawny hair. ¡°I have known him longer, is all.¡± He apologised with a smile. ¡°Don''t be jealous; it''s unbecoming, brother.¡± I made my way past the monument and around the training circle to the steps. I paused, looking at my brother¡¯s new fitter body, long red hair, and fiercer eyes. ¡°Did you beat my record?¡± ¡°Of course not, you monster,¡± Joshua said with a smirk. ¡°But I did my best.¡± A thread of mana floated to me, crossing more than a hundred meters. No strain showed on his determined face. ¡°I see¡­ Continue your progress, Sixth Circle. When times get tough, I can''t wait to have you by my side.¡± I went up the stairs before I could see his reaction. No time to dilly dally. ¡°Tarion.¡± Charles ran to me. Another scary man. A gentle giant that could withstand a shower of lightning. A sixth circle pill maker. When does he have the time? ¡°Sir. A bath?¡± "Yes, my friend. I need to look presentable this evening.¡± Weeks in a musty tent made a simple bath feel like heaven. Lying in the soothing bath, I felt I could finally relax. Old and new scars soften in the soapy water. ¡°More shampoo. No time to clean my hair with an army at my door.¡± ¡°Yes, your Grace,¡± said a maid carefully cleaning my matted hair. I asked a maid who was shaving my facial hair. ¡°Beatrice?¡± ¡°Still down south. Coordinating the mercenaries according to Susan''s direction.¡± She stopped shaving. ¡°Unless¡­¡± ¡°It''s alright. Leave the smelly lot to her. I trust her judgement. Our prisoners?¡± June continued with her close shave around my neck. ¡°Your treasurer and former lawyer have been released as promised. They will serve their probation at their family homes.¡± I nodded. ¡°And¡­¡± ¡°She isn''t starving herself anymore.¡± "Mmm. Expect new a prisoner coming soon.¡± ¡°Understood, Your Grace.¡± Not even five minutes in the bath, and I grow bored of the comfort. As my injuries ache less in the water, I remember the comrades I left to come back, the cold bucket showers, and the late-night drinking parties I suffered soberly. I have not changed. I missed it the same way I missed the dust and hot sun, the heavy equipment. The rifle in hand. Vanessa. I need to meet her. See her once more. ¡°June. Get my finest.¡± Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°For what occasion, your Grace?¡± She asked after she finished giving me the smoothest shave I have ever had. ¡°I am attending a celebration. A party in honour of my victory. A party I wasn''t invited to.¡± Clothed and presentable, I sat in my coach. Watching the city speed by in the summer evening, I spotted smooth, cleaner walkways and people with chubbier checks. More smiles. You have done well in my absence. I open up a box to see the shiny gift inside. Hopefully, she will like this small reward. ¡°For her?¡± The box closed, mana formed a knife in my hand. The intruder tried to peek at the box. His bloody hand nearly touched. ¡°Shiny. Nice gift,¡± the mage grinned with his ravenous eyes on the box. ¡°Dirty it and more than your hand will bleed red.¡± ¡°Oh? Ha. Sorry.¡± Vel pulled back his left hand to pat a head on his lap. Fuck. ¡°How long?.¡± I asked the mad mage. ¡°Since the beginning,¡± he said, sitting on my right, calmly stroking the bleeding head of a seeker. He seemed totally concerned about my growth. By leaps and bounds, I have gotten stronger, yet he was relaxed in my company. He slouched on the carriage seat, his disguise fallen, and rune crown out. ¡°I thought you would be more cautious.¡± Vel picked at the deadman''s hair. ¡°After all, we are partners.¡± ¡°Partners? What the fuck gave you that idea?¡± ¡°Well. We both need to protect the one we love.¡± Vel grabbed the head by its short brown hair. ¡°I need no more distractions. Bring anymore, and I view you as one.¡± His chest rose up and down. His movements are limited and stilted. Voice quiet, as if to hide discomfort. ¡°I take the silence as a yes. Oh, I nearly forgot. I also came with a warning.¡± ¡°The cult?¡± I interrupted the mage. ¡°Ye-yes¡­¡± ¡°Vanessa is aware and has taken precautions.¡± ¡°She- Kellen¡­¡± ¡°Thank you for the warning, but we have it under control. Now leave. I have a party to attend.¡± ¡°Tarion! If you mess it up again!¡± I looked back into the street. ¡°Trust her as I do.¡± The mage sighed. ¡°You have gotten braver.¡± And with a pop, he disappeared. Leaving a head behind to soak its blood on my expensive seats. Seekers are on the average seventh circle, and for one to give him that damage¡­ My heart pulsed with excitement. The next time we fight, I shall survive. Hand on my chest, I felt my heart pump. On that night, what did he do? Charles called from the driver''s seat. ¡°We have arrived, Your Grace!!¡± Vanessa. The duchess. ¡°Your Grace.¡± A young lady curtsied. ¡°Your attendance is such an honour. I had heard you preferred to be a homebody.¡± ¡°No, Lady Masse. The upkeep of the city had kept me very busy. But I wouldn''t dare miss a ball held in my illustrious husband''s honour.¡± I looked at the noble of dark hair. ¡°And yours.¡± ¡°Oh, yes...¡± A mixture of emotions flashed on her soft face. Her green eyes showed fear and longing. Her Joy. The same emotions I felt whenever his name is mentioned. I reached for her quivering hand. ¡°They will both come home safe.¡± Lady Masse wiped her coming tears with a napkin. ¡°Your Grace. May I be open?¡± ¡°Go ahead. I haven''t had enough honesty in a while.¡± I swiped off a gold cup of wine from a servant. ¡°I was quite frightened of you at first.¡± I stopped mid-sip. ¡°Of me?¡± ¡°Of course! The wife of the awakened duke turned tyrant who killed anyone in his sight. Commoner or noble, it didn''t matter. When you came to the salon to brandish your husband''s power, my fear turned to terror.¡± ¡°Ah, completely forgot that.¡± ¡°Behind your back, many of the ladies thought you were overconfident, hanging on the cloak of His Grace. Climbing so high above her station that she will struggle to breathe.¡± ¡°A commoner.¡± Lady Masse nodded with guilt. If this is what they thought of me, imagine if they knew I wasn''t the favoured daughter of a merchant but the bastard of a prostitute. ¡°That was until you saved the Duke. From then we saw more of you and how you really changed this city. I saw¡­ we all saw what you are doing for Osberg.¡± She surprised me by bowing. ¡°Lady Masse. I-¡± Many more ladies of nobility flock in, bowing as she did and leaving their partners stunned. ¡°We saw the stress you have undertaken from fixing the mistakes¡ªthe rot we had ignored for so long. We only ask of you one thing, our duchess. Share your burden with us.¡± I felt like letting tears fall down like a fountain. So many months of hard work had exhausted me. Although my body was as strong as steel, my soul was withering under the obligations and the responsibility I felt as the governor of such a large and beautiful city. My dear husband was a hand to always hold. His voice always encouraged me to better myself and withstand the position he gave me. But this? Their ask was what I needed all along. I pulled up my expensively tailored red dress and curtsied to the crowd of stunned women. ¡°It would be an honour. For Osberg.¡± ¡°For Osberg!!¡± the crowd bellowed, shaking the chandelier above. ¡°For Osberg indeed.¡± A slimy voice brought down the moment. ¡°Good evening, Your Grace.¡± A blond man who didn''t deserve that face sauntered over to me. With his gold and white cassock gleaming brightly in the ballroom, he held out a hand. ¡°May this teacher have a dance?¡± My eyes flicked around for a better option, for I couldn¡¯t suffer his sight outside our lessons. Jen ran for me, weaving past the servants, though I felt she arrived too late. I sighed, ¡°S-¡± Giving the cardinal a dance before me? I nearly dropped my gold cup. My heart could have jumped out of my chest right there. ¡°LORD OF THE OSBERG KNIGHTS, GOVERNOR OF OSBERG CITY AND OF THE OSBERG DUKEDOM. DUKE TARION GREYSTONE HAS ARRIVED!!¡± A pale beauty walked down the ballroom steps. At the sight of the cloaked warrior, every soul kneeled. Heads no longer hanging down in fear, they braved the brightness of his being. Jen, in her bright blue dress, smiled as she took my cup. ¡°Go on!¡± My feet moved by themselves. ¡°Grace? Grace!¡± As the priest called for me. Jen came to my rescue, holding off the pervert. I rushed to my love. I collided with him, hugging him tight in case he may fly away again. ¡°Tarion!¡± my cries muffled in his dark Alarian silk shirt. He squeezed me back. Without my circles, I would have been crushed in his embrace. A kiss on my forehead and then my lips made me hot. ¡°That Voice, your sweet smell. Your beauty¡­ I do not know how I survived without it.¡± I feel his nose go to my bare nape. ¡°Tarion!¡± I hissed in a whisper. ¡°There is an audience.¡± Tarion pulled back. His red eyes squinted with cheekiness. ¡°Ah, right. I don''t mind. But for you, Dame, I will calm down. We will have plenty of time alone later.¡± Hand in hand, we faced the audience. Aided with the power of mana and wind, Tarion''s voice boomed. ¡°I have come back after tasting the sweetness of victory!¡± A huge roar of praise erupted from the nobles. ¡°I am honoured by this. I feel your support, and so do my treasured soldiers still out there.¡± Another loud cheer. ¡°So today. The celebration is for the soldiers who march for a calling beyond our dukedom but for the people of Friedland. For the heroes who march for justice! Hooray for the Osberg Guard!!¡± They responded with a cheer almost deafening. Tarion clicked. ¡°Musicians! Play!¡± Pipes blew and strings and strung, commencing the party with renewed vigour. In front of the jovial nobles, my husband bowed. ¡°A dance, my lady?¡± I nodded with the biggest smile on my face. Chapter 67: We meet again. part 2 Jen, a friend. I was hiding in the roaring crowd as I drank the cup of wine I stole from my duchess. Duchess. I still can''t believe I have to call my best friend that. But I still have immense pride that my friend hasn''t made me feel wrong for calling her the title she deserves. Another cheer and I saw Vanessa''s beaming smile. She can never hide how much he loves the crazy lunatic who pretends he is a noble. I never tell her, I never will but I have been weary of this Duke since the blizzard. Saved our behinds, he did, but the thrill he took from it, the joy he had in battle made me wonder. Would he like peace? A moral man, he seemed. But only because it was on our side. The notion gives him a reason to fight. If he doesn''t have a reason anymore, would he look for one? Vanessa still can''t keep her eyes off him as Tarion escorted her to the middle of the ballroom. Totally captured. Heart and soul. But the same for the dragon-eyed warrior. Those intimidating eyes looked so softly at her every movement as he twirled her like a doll made of the lightest paper. They laughed together, surprised at their own compatibility. Couples froze, impressed by the show. Like mating birds, they swoop around the ballroom with athleticism only the strongest in land can have. A gold cup was slammed on a table. I turned, seeing a tipsy cardinal wipe his mouth of wine. ¡°What''s wrong, Blondie?" I asked. ¡°No one to dance with?¡± I could barely hide my pleasure at his discomfort. ¡°Fuck off.¡± Off he stormed like a child. What Vanessa went to learn from him I still could not figure out. I wished she could tell me. I felt like she was hiding more and more from me. Day after day I wait for her to finally reveal and day after day I am disappointed. I saw my best friend smiling as she spun to her husband''s embrace. I can wait. Vanessa The music ended and a chorus of claps awakened me from the dream. I wished the music could continue forever more. ¡°Quite the dancer you are, Vanessa.¡± ¡°Thank you. I was so worried about my first time.¡± Tarion cut in. ¡°First time dancing? Ever?¡± ¡°Well¡­ I did practice sometimes by myself with¡­a long-sleeved tunic.¡± The corner of Tarion''s mouth quivered. ¡°I was young, alright!¡± I blushed. ¡°After watching my sister''s lessons from the crack in the door, I had to try somehow.¡± ¡°Haha, nothing to be ashamed of. I had actually to take lessons!¡± My husband rested his forehead on mine. While slower music played, we rocked back and forth. ¡°In fact, you are bloody amazing.¡± You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. ¡°Stop with compliments. They are too much to handle.¡± I said under my breath. ¡°Mm?¡± ¡°I said, did you notice something? Any change in your body?¡± Tarion looked down at his chest and thigh. ¡°Wha, I feel... nothing! Did you!?!¡± Five circles churned and I summoned an unknown power in my hand. ¡°I may only be able to heal one at a time but my lessons with the priest were not a waste.¡± Arms like tree trunks, the duke picked me up. My legs wiggled as Tarion spun me around the hall. ¡°If you don''t want me to give you so many compliments, don''t be so amazing.¡± *** ¡°His Highness.¡± ¡°Oh, lands above.. don''t remind me of him.¡± ¡°He let you go just like that?¡± ¡°Just. Like. That.¡± Tarion slouched on the white-painted wooden bench in the city hall garden. ¡°He has no choice. Even with his immense strength, he let the sacrifices go on under his rule.¡± ¡°He could end it all,¡± I said. ¡°Wipe maize from the map. Wolfburn would be no more.¡± ¡°And by doing so, he is admitting to making the mistake of giving the Wolfburn so much power.¡± ¡°Giving. Strange how we can talk about a prince having this much power.¡± Tarion agreed. ¡°Even kings lower themselves to ninth circles. And after subjugating the shaved, he earned the power. But fuck talking about my cousin. The cursed, any updates?.¡± I instantly remembered the thousands of reports coming across the dukedom. ¡°It''s getting bad. Your regiments Alpha Beta and Gamma have been stretched thin. Kurt has gone on multiple monster-hunting excursions with a gloomier face each time. Joshua- opps¡­¡± Was supposed to keep it a secret. Tarion smirked as he came closer to listen. Lands above, he is handsome. ¡°I''m sorry, Tarion. He kept pleading, wanting to help. And when we need help-¡± ¡°It''s okay. Joshua needs experience. If you know, you must have taken precautions and not let those who shouldn''t know, know.¡± I agreed and continued my report. ¡°More human cursed have appeared.¡± ¡°Mm. Explains why you needed the red-haired fool.¡± ¡°Stronger monsters are getting possessed. Tarion I¡­Am I supposed to fix this? You tell me it will get worse. How?!¡± A rough hand caressed my cheek. ¡°The future is for me to worry about. Think of the now. Think of how you alone won the battle for Kirgfeild and tricked the Wolfburn army from miles away. Every cog placed by you is turning and working as you planned. Do not worry.¡± Tarion stood from the bench, picking something from his back. He opened the wooden box. ¡°I have- Mm. Bullocks.¡± His cheery face fell and he inspected the inside of the box. ¡°Shit. Albino bastard. Anaemic fuck.¡± my husband hissed. Like a famed discus thrower, he slung the box into the sky so far it would reach the lands above by morning. ¡°What the¡­¡± ¡°I wanted to show you a trick I learned.¡± He smiled again. ¡°My carriage is a bit dirty, wanna fly? You like flying, right?. Let''s fly.¡± Carried like I weighed less than air, his arm around my waist giving me nervous tingles in my stomach. ¡°Let''s go somewhere fun,¡± I asked. Tarion''s smile turned evil. ¡°Fun for you or me?¡± ¡°Your turn this time.¡± I felt I would regret this. The wind pulled my face and the city hall lay hundreds of meters below. ¡°An actual fun date it is.¡± "Oh, shut up, hehe! Wait, what about Jeeeeeeeee-!¡± My dress fluttered in the cold as he jetted towards the sketchiest area of Osberg City, Black shade. Chapter 68: Black shade Vanessa ¡°Two skewered meat, please.¡± In the middle of a bustling night market with exotic food from faraway lands, the Black Shade stall owner answered the request with a stare. ¡°What the hell is wrong with ¡®em? I said: Two. Skewered. Meat.¡± Tarion pointed at the sizzling meat. ¡°Please.¡± ¡°Tarion,¡± I called for him. ¡°I was taught to be polite to all service workers.¡± ¡°Tarion. Look at what we are wearing.¡± By the second, a crowd grew, trying to catch a glimpse of the war hero. He seemed unperturbed by the masses chanting his name in awe of him. It is expected, for he is Tarion Greystone. ¡°I know. We look fucking great. Bossman, I asked for my food. I am getting impatient.¡± ¡°Bossman? Y-yes Duke!¡± His aloofness always made me smile, even though it could be a pain sometimes. ¡°Your Grace!¡± A soft erotic voice that could turn any man on their heel beckoned Tarion from the crowd. Beiye pushed a man aside. ¡°Your grace!¡± She huffed as if she ran a marathon. But her eyes brightened. Her gaze was different at the sight of my husband. But it was not love but respect. Reverence. It was the same eyes all of Tarion''s servants and his brother soon gained. ¡°The Ring?¡± Beiye asked. ¡°Yup. Wanted to show Vanessa the sights.¡± Beiye held out two packages. ¡°Change of clothes.¡± I squinted as it slowly made sense. ¡°You stood here because you knew she would run to us.¡± Tarion handed me the meat. ¡°It''s good to have belief in your servants. And I was hungry. Beiye, please show us a quiet place to change.¡± *** ¡°A mask?¡± I held up a brown leather mask to the light. ¡°I have heard of nobles and their¡­ kinks from my mother, but masks?¡± Slipping on a peasant tunic, Tarion clasped on a leather armour. ¡°It''s not that kind of fun. Unless-¡± I frowned at my husband. ¡°Haha, I jest, I jest. By the way, speaking of your mother, how is she? Is she enjoying her work at the orphanage?¡± The thought of my mother happy with those rowdy children gave me a warmth I could not describe. ¡°Much so.¡± The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. Seeing my smile, an expression of accomplishment flashed on his face. Tying his hair back, he slipped on his mask. White and smooth. Completely covering his entire head. It was totally featureless, with no hole to breathe, speak or see out of. It looked like a method of torture. ¡°Training.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Why it looks strange,¡± Tarion responded. ¡°It was Master Zhi''s idea. Block out senses and solely rely on the mana that flows around inside us.¡± ¡°LifeSight?¡± Tarion nodded. ¡°Was annoying to learn, but I have not regretted it.¡± I looked back at my mask. Looked normal with eye sockets to see. ¡°But mine-¡± ¡°Zhi will teach when you are ready. For now, you just need a disguise. Here. Let me help you put it on.¡± With the mask on my head, Tarion went behind me to tie the laces. ¡°Zhi. She left quite an impression on you. I remember you being quite harsh in tone with her.¡± ¡°Mm. You can''t help but respect the truly strong. But her¡­ it''s more than strength.¡± Tarion pulled, and the mask felt tight. ¡°Ok. Ready?¡± ¡°For what!? Just tell me!¡± Tarion grinned. ¡°Follow her.¡± A tether of mana sought out for the door handle. At the open door stood a Liuen about to knock. ¡°The crowd roars your name. The opponents await you.¡± Beiye led the way out of the dressing room and into a strange room of trophies, gold or furry. I was told to house became Beiye¡¯s after the battle with the horn. Taking his place figuratively and literally. In the corner of the room, blood tainted the stone floor. Must have been a right bastard. Beiye''s lady ravens pulled up the trapdoor leading underground. The tunnels go on and on until a large metal gate guarded by two tall fighters that wouldn''t look short next to my husband. ¡°The ghost!¡± They whispered together while they hurried to open the door to the celebrity. Applause and cheer explode through the door like a gale. ¡°Um¡­Ta-¡± ¡°Ghost. Cheesy, I know. I am pale, so the name fits, I guess. ¡°Ghost.¡± Walking down to the rinky dink fighting area, the cheers weighed heavy on me.¡± ¡°Since when?¡± ¡°Since I started training with master. I told you. Many times, in fact. But with your eyes deep in records, books and maps, you only replied, ¡®Um, yeah, okay.¡¯ ¡°That bullshit! You told me when you knew I would be busy!¡± Even with his mask, I knew he smiled devilishly. ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Tar-¡± ¡°What do we have?¡± Tarion interrupted his hand on his waist, observing in the fighting pit as we stood by the last gate with loud audiences at our sides. ¡°Twenty. Experienced. Hungry for the reward.¡± ¡°Which is?¡± ¡°Five thousand gold coins.¡± ¡°Cheeky lady. This is going to be fun.¡± Beiye smiled. ¡°Welcome back, Your Grace,¡± she bowed subtly before scurrying off with her attendants. Tarion kicked metal doors wide open, and the crowd went crazy. ¡°Come on, my love, don''t be scared.¡± He waved me in. ¡°I ain''t scared... Swords. They have swords and we have-¡± ¡°Nothing!! Isn''t that exciting!?¡± ¡°GHOST!! GHOST!! GHOST!! GHOST!!¡± Twenty ugly but battle-hardened warriors encroached slowly with judging eyes. And yet my husband was aloof as always. His stance widened; he faced his palms out. How many times has he faced these crowds? After checking my leather armour, I did the same. Circles spun in my chest. My heart beating uncontrollably, and my body trembles. A bell rang, and the mercs ran like devils. At me. Chapter 69: Real Experience Vanessa I had trained for this. Swung my dagger until my palm felt sore and my arm ached. Learn all the pugilist forms until I dreamt of sparring. I have had swords swing at me thousands of times. And yet. I freeze. A worn sword cut through the air slowly, but I could not move. The loud clapping is thunder to my ears. The flickered flames of candles danced to the voices of crazed men. Iron stunk from the ring, and its floor vibrated under me from the rhythmic chants and stomps. Calm your mind and parry. Tarion''s voice from the ring was a warm hug around my soul. I calmed down. My left guided the mercenary¡¯s sword to the dusty ground. Strike. My mana-imbued knuckles bounced off the mercenary¡¯s face, flipping the fighter across the pit in the wooden wall. Loud cheers made me jump. Again. I followed Tarion''s instructions and deflected three incoming swords. Mind clearer, and less nervous, I figured out our opponent''s tactics. Target the weak one. I will prove that it''s the wrong plan. A mercs sword swooped low to the left side of my body. Mana cloaked my left palm like segmented armour, and I grabbed on steel. A strike to a forearm brought out a girlish scream. In the corner of my eye, another sword comes to my right. Weapon slapped out of the way, my fist dug into the open mercenary¡¯s chest with a mana-charged spiralling left straight. As the fighter flew to the wall with a trail of vomit, the third merc brought his blade down with mana. Arm up, a mana shield protected me against the third circle¡¯s flaring sword. Up and then down, the angry warrior smashed his blade on my shield. My mana shield held. He smashed again, hitting nothing. Slipping through, I became water flowing around a rock, and my left fist broke a rib. The third circle slumped down. That was easy! Keen to see my husband''s reaction to my skills, I turned around. ¡°Don¡¯t get distracted in battle!!¡± I spun back. Well done. A wave of goosebumps spread across my body. I wanted to hear it more. More praise. Four more warriors walked up. Fists burnt blue with elation. I must show him that I can join him. Tarion I don¡¯t wish to test her like this. I wanted to take it slow. Build her knowledge, strength, and skills carefully. But I need to know how far she has grown. I needed to know whether I made her flourish as I planned. So she can protect herself even if I am not there. But things have changed so drastically. Vel has changed things. I need to hurry my plans forward. When I had asked Rydel to give the mage tower a letter explaining Vel''s appearance in Osberg city, I expected Seekers to be sent to spy on the mage. I hoped they could have slowed him down from completing whatever plan he was working on or kept him from using magic around us. But that head in my carriage soured any such hope. But that could be acceptable. I could have prepared around it. Feign ignorance. But he knew. He saw me pretending that nothing happened like a pantomime clown while having me dance to his strings. I am still alive. He saw how Vanessa has grown under me and has yet to interrupt. But for how long? Until the war with Wolfburn is over? Until the cursed sweeps across the lands? He could help. Can I even tell the mage tower that their seekers have fallen? With his skill, he could be listening at all times. His tracking could be on any of my clothing. With his power, this war would end in an afternoon like days of old. But hidden away from the mage tower eyes like a coward. But can kill a seeker with any apprehension. I don¡¯t get him at all, can''t read his motives. Love, obsessiveness, greed. Who is he working for? The cult? Himself? He brought me directly to the bandit leader, bringing the long search to an end. However, the animosity he has for me is not normal in the slightest. From the future, he knows the story''s route as well as I do. Maybe better. What could have happened that changed him from a docile, weak six-circle mage to the terrifying ninth circle? So many damn questions and no clear answers. Hey system! Give me anything, any clue! A Sign! Something! Silence. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Quiet like always. Always¡­ I clutched my heart, remembering Vel''s creepy touch. Send a notification if you are still there. Nothing. Status¡­ PLONK Oh shit¡­. ¡°Ta - Ghost, watch out!!¡± I felt a fist slam into my cheek. ¡°AHHHHHHHH!! MY HAND!!¡± A swift kick to the face subdued the whining. ¡°I am good, Vanessa. Just thinking. Continue on.¡± I finally had a lead. Whatever is in my mana heart, Vel considered it a treat. What can fix what a mage has broken? Vanessa. I will think of it later. Maybe Rydel has some ideas. I am in the middle of something! I heard her knocking the spark out of a poor fellow with a heavy blow. A spear lanced at her face was caught. My hand leaked red from the cut made by the spear''s edge. Vanessa, heal. First class. How to be a Cleric 101. Vanessa ¡°YOUR HAND!¡± ¡°I know.¡± Tarion gripped harder on the spear, and his blood rained on the floors. With ease, he stole the first circle¡¯s spear and whacked him across the face with the wood pole. He dropped the spear like a boring toy and showed me his disgusting injury. Heal, please. ¡°I can only heal by touching!¡± ¡°Tether.¡± My brain flashed and sparked with ideas and inspiration. Arm out a mana tether flew toward my husband''s red hands. Circles churned as I summoned the holy power from the heavens. Skin knitted back together and Tarion¡¯s hand was like new. Tarion inspected my work from his eyeless mask. ¡°Good Job, Saintess.¡± Tarion turned the crazy crowd. ¡°Today the rules are changing!! No weapons!! Make me fall, and the prize will double!! Madam!! BRING MORE!!!¡± ¡°KILL HIM! KILL HIM!!¡± The audience cried. "Geez, you don¡¯t need to be that excited. V, pick up your jaw and heal.¡± Tarion, you don''t do things without cause. Through the eyeless mask, his gaze is strong. ¡°I am helping you along the path you chose. The path of a warrior. You think I didn''t see how you would look at me every time I left for battles far away. You will get you Saint powers no matter what, yet you rush along finding your own power. I can''t stop your pursuit of power and I won''t. But it won''t be an easy road to tread.¡± Dozens more fighters enter the pits. ¡°Still ready to walk it?¡± I nodded. ¡°If it''s my fate I must prepare myself. Hone myself.¡± ¡°Good. To fight in the coming war. Your ability to heal your comrades in the chaos will be crucial. A calm and clever mind is required to manoeuvre around enemies. This.¡± Tarion raised his arms as more men ran in through the gates. ¡°This is the perfect training ground. Don¡¯t get touched. By fist, kick, or grab. A touch is a death.¡± A brawny fighter''s meaty fist cracked against Tarion''s cheek, and his face spun. The staggering duke pulled up his mask to his nose and spat blood. ¡°Put your lessons in practice.¡± The white mask was back on, and he sprinted back into the madness. I couldn''t hesitate anymore, or my mad husband would be killed. 15 minutes later ¡°Defeat her, and he won''t heal!!¡± I ducked a third circle¡¯s mana fist, making a hole in the ring¡¯s wooden wall. A double palm pulse to his chest blew my opponent back a foot and his stuck arm forced him to stay. My hands blitz on the tough warrior''s body, pommeling him. Mana exploded on contact like a fist, and the mercenary finally fell on face. ¡°Is it¡­¡± I check my mana tether. I sighed with relief as it hummed with mana. I step over the unconscious body And then another. I looked left and right, my mask feeling moist with sweat. An hour ago, I dressed in the best clothes money could buy in celebration of the noblest man in the land. Blood now spattered on my borrowed clothes, and not one man''s finger touched me. I should be screaming my lungs off like my fellow ladies, fainting at the sight of this carnage. But I felt relieved. Relieved of work, responsibility, and destiny. I didn''t know I was this wound up that I had this much pressure building up but nowhere to vent it. Searching for more opponents, I became curious. How can I make this feeling last? No more challengers. To my left, a beast huffed. Clothes soak in his own blood. He walked up to me. ¡°How is it? Real experience.¡± He accepted everything. Their punches, their kicks. He bore unimaginable pain. So I could learn. Crazy endearing fool. ¡°It''s interesting,¡± I said, looking on to the celebratory crowd. Although it is a strange idea of fun.¡± Tarion pulled up his mask to his mouth, canines showing from his beautiful lips. ¡°Is it so strange to you with a big smile like that?¡± I didn''t even notice. ¡°So¡­next date, same place?¡± Tarion asked. ¡°Next date¡­¡± I grinned. ¡°We increase the prize.¡± Chapter 70: IT ENDS NOW Tarion Washed of blood by my mana-controlled water, I walked past the tall guards into the VIP box of the ring. Maskless and with my cloak on my shoulders, I am recognised by the numerous nobles who abstained from coming to my wife''s party. My thumb pointed to the door I came through. ¡°Leave.¡± And they did in a rush. The door slammed, and my servant, my appointed madam of the ravens, stepped from her ornate, leather, and gold chair to bow to me. ¡°Thank you for doing this on such notice.¡± ¡°Nay, your grace, I had failed you; we couldn''t get enough fighters in time-¡± ¡°Fifty was enough.¡± I interrupted Beiye. Enough for her to practice.¡± Beiye guided me to chairs overlooking the ring below. A large pewter plate of skewered meat and vegetables lay hot and streaming. ¡°Speaking of her Grace?¡± I took a skewer and sat down. From here, I could see the crowd disperse as the matches ended for the night. ¡°Downstairs, tending the men we injured. So holy of her. Waste of energy, I said, but she was insistent. Practice is practice, I guess.¡± She should be exhausted, unable to move from the strain of burrowing the land aboves''s power. However, with each heal she gets better and more confident. So much potential. At this rate, rather than Kyros leading the charge, my wife would be the vanguard the people follow. ¡°Bieye,¡± She joined me by sitting in the chair to the left of me. ¡°Want to expand the business? Make it legit.¡± ¡°My liege¡­really?¡± She leaned forward in her chair in surprise. I smiled as I chewed on the juicy meat, noting to myself to get my chef to replicate the recipe. ¡°Organised Fighting. Seen as a lower form of entertainment by Nobles, yet it pulls them in like magnetism. The thrill, the action, the betting. It''s inescapable. This ring is a place where all can let out their frustrations. Their roar and chant for heroes, jeer the villains.¡± I turned to the table between us and took another skewer, smiling. ¡°It makes a lot of money.¡± Beiye chuckled as she showcased her Alarian, black patterned dress tailored with gold tread. ¡°Indeed.¡± I will introduce a regulatory board and you get the mercenary companies on board to create a body to hire fighters. What do you say? Wanna spread the carnage across Freidland?¡± ¡°Your Grace, I am your servant. Say it, and it shall be done.¡± I smiled as I threw a skewer on the plate. I looked back out at the ring. Workers chat as they sweep up bloody sand and dirt and replace it. Shoodyly made, it still gave me the same tingles the hexagon used to. Under the bright lights, I felt glory, honour, and success. The mat was the one place where I could find victory. If I didn''t strike back. If I had let them pommel me, what would my life be? Would I still be on the mats? Won a few matches here and there? Become a trainer? Would I have had a gold belt on my waist? Vanessa checked up on me through the ring, and I felt content. I do not know. But what I do know is that I am happier here. I turned to the madam. ¡°Get your ravens. Direct several bands of mercenaries to peck at the Wolfburn¡¯s army as they return home. Let them not have a day of restful sleep. Steal, destroy, or even poison their supplies. Persuade some to abandon the posts. Anything. Just annoy the fuck out of them. ¡°It will be done.¡± She saluted. With her hands on the armrests, Bieye got ready to stand up before remembering something. Her face turned queasy as she looked at me apologetically. ¡°Your Grace, may I speak out of turn?¡± ¡°I will always want your advice. Problem with the sanctioned duelling distribution idea? Disagree with sending the Ravens?¡± ¡°No, it''s... umm... Your Grace, a young man, a simple coach, has had my attention.¡± ¡°George?¡± This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°Yes. The way he approached her grace... It gave me shivers in a way I could never forget. The same way that he¡­ ¡° Beiye shook her head off that memory. There is more that is worrisome about him. He always has a way of always being around her, finding ways to touch her. Sometimes... sometimes is it as though he knows everything that happens around her. I know I am pushing boundaries but I implore you to keep a keen eye on-¡± My mind was in a rush. Bits and pieces of information snapped together in my mind. Knows Everything. Knows¡­ Everything¡­ Could he? On HER? I thought of a book, and it flashed into my hand from my inventory. A well-read book landed in my hand. I flipped through the Encyclopaedia of spells. Spells I could never perform, but I still study. You know your adversary by learning how to be them. I stopped at a page. An overflowing feeling of disgust unwound in me. I wanted to hurl but kept reading the spell to make sure. A surveillance spell. For how long? What did he see? The day after me and Vanessa¡­ The rage I saw in his eyes. Lands above!! I jumped out of my chair, shocking my servant. ¡°Your Grace?¡± I paced up and down like an agitated dog. Could he have attached Exploratorem to me? No. The mind wipe spell was destroyed and they are both around the same level of mastery. Many eyes have been on Vanessa. She has never been alone with him, and he would need touch to slowly attach his spell to her mana heart. It must have been before she came to Osberg. Is that why he came with her? To make sure his spell didn''t unravel? But why on her? He talked of love, but he dared manipulate her, mess with her mind!! ¡°DAMN IT ALL!!!¡± Full of rage, my fist smashed with the full force of my mana. The railing and floor sizzled while the door creaked. Vanessa, holding her mask in her hand but still wearing her bloodied clothes, stepped on wood chips as she scowled at the mess. ¡°Tarion, what happened?¡± She looked back at me. ¡°What going on?¡± I sucked in the air. Mana fuming from my skin like smoke, I roared so the bastard could hear me. ¡°NO MORE GAMES. NO MORE CHARADE. COME OUT VEL!!! IT ENDS TO TODAY!!!¡± ¡°Vel,¡± Vanessa muttered to herself. ¡°I know that name.¡± Suddenly she dropped to her knees. Shivering, she hugged herself. Then tears flowed. I ran to her aid with a thought. ¡°Kyros¡­.KYROS. KYROS! KYROS!!!¡± She grabbed her head; blood leaked from where she grabbed, and I pulled away the arm of my wailing wife. ¡°KYROS!!! KYROS!!!! AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!¡± A pulse of mana rattled me to my bones and I bounced across the VIP box. My fingers make grooves on the wooden floor as I regain my stance. A mage popped into existence. ¡°Extremely disappointing, Duke.¡± With his stable hand disguise, Vel stood behind the screaming duchess. A tap on the head, and she slumped unconscious to the ground. ¡°Not even more than 2 hours later, and you fucked it up. At least I learnt of two vulnerabilities.¡± ¡°BEIYE, RUN AWAY!¡± I heard her scuffle away. Stepping over Vanessa, he makes his way to me with enthusiastic eyes. With a wave of the hand, Vel created a shield of blue mana around the sleeping beauty. ¡°One: Certain words can break the spell. Supposing the participant could hear such words, could an ego that recognises the words be trapped instead of being erased? Interesting. I will have to square enough time to research this. ¡°KURT! GET HER! AT ALL COSTS!¡± ¡°TWO:¡± Vel pointed at me. ¡°YOU!¡± Strange symbols floated around the mage, and bright energy was focused on his finger. An allocation window floated by my hand. ¡°I will end this sordid partnership as you wish.¡± Vel shot. Eyes opened to the sight of the ring sand. My body stung, but all parts were accounted for. A hundred and five points into Mana capacity saved me. Climbing to my feet, I looked around at my shield full of cracks. From the burning VIP box, Vel floated down. Holding my wife in a levitating bubble of mana, he watched me with curiosity. ¡°Who are you?¡± ¡°Your Duke. Now-¡± My prized greatsword flashed into my hand. ¡°PUT HER DOWN.¡± The mage ignored my demand. ¡°No, idiot. Not your role in the world, the real you. Were you a warrior? I see it in your eyes. You love the violence that fills this world.¡± He said, with an arrogant smile. "All arguments end with a fist or sword. Strength means all. I like that. Very simple. Greedy. Selfish. If only you were not so foolish, rebellious, I could have used you well.¡± As he yapped, my full attention was on her. Golden locks drift in the bubble, her face calm with her eyes closed. She called for his name with such anguish. I needed her safe. And away from him. He was injured. Fought recently, I am sure. Twenty points to senses, I flared my sword with bright azure mana. QI course through my stinging, and I felt revitalised. This is do or die. My heart pumped louder than ever before. ¡°But despite your idiocy, you intrigue me. The tenacity, your skills. How you were able to ward off my spell. It brings out the researcher in me.¡± An uncountable amount of flame spears float above. Their points were aimed at me. ¡°What more can you withstand?¡± Vel flicked a finger, and the spears streamed toward me at a blinding speed. Chapter 71: A fight with a mage. Beiye My VIP box. My fucking VIP box blew up. ¡°MADAM! We have to leave!¡± My guard lifted me from the floor. As I took a second to get to wipe the wood chips off my expensive clothes, his brother opened the door out with a sword ready. I looked back at the wreckage, about to faint from the shock ¡°My ring! My business!! They''re going to destroy it all!¡± ¡°And there is nothing you can do about it! Move it!¡± He yanked me to the door and I heard clanking. ¡°Behind me, Madam!¡± Brux blocked a heavy attack to his chest with his broadsword. The musclebound man struggled too much for the amount I was paying him. The fourth circle pushed the attack down and the floor broke from its power. Between Brux¡¯s legs, I saw a sword made of rock. I peeked from the side of my guard¡¯s body and glowing eyes noticed me from a gravel face. Oh great¡­ A golem. I heard footsteps. Pat rolled on the floor, blood trickling down from his eyebrow, while he struggled to stand with his sword. A dozen eyes glow behind our enemy. Golems. Tarion Left arm raised, dozens of shields of mana made a barrier above. I felt them cracking from the assault and I healed them back to a hundred per cent. Many flame spears swerved around. On both sides, the heat increased. I waited. They zoomed in. Sweat drips down my brown. A flash step back caused- My feet were stuck. The ground under me transformed into chains to my legs. ¡°Fuck sake!¡± Mana repulsed from my calves and the stone shattered. I darted backwards before the stone could reform back into chains. A fireball closed in and I sliced it away. Wind blocked against three spears. I step again with feet light and evade a rain of icicles. I landed after my long jump and immediately flash-stepped again before the stone caught me again. Icicles, flames, and stone attacked, never giving me a chance to breathe. I got to take to the air. One more flash step and both arms pressed close to my chest. I shouted, expelling wind on all sides. A few seconds to assess the situation. It is enough. Kurt, with his heightened senses, would have heard my call. Smart, Vel may be but he isn''t a battle mage. Seekers gave him a good challenge. However, if they could handle him for a minute, I could. TING I heard weapons striking stone. Golems?. To kill any witnesses. Cold but brash. All subtlety has gone out the window. But with golems, his attention is split. It''s noteworthy that he could manage that many spells at once. So many different calculations¡ªof course the rune crown. I thought it peculiar. Many mages require a staff with a mana crystal. He is still in his disguise but if I can destroy the crown¡­ I decided. Attribute window plonked to my hand and my fingers tapped away. Agility allotted fifty and senses with fifty-five. I couldn''t compete in mana or techniques but speed. POWER. I had them in spades. My eyes were hot. I saw that mage''s slick smile in black and white. Illuminated like a glowstick in the darkest cave. Gass-like energies form spells around him. None connect to him. No tethers or lines of mana to cut. They just are. No¡­ I gulped. We are inside his field. Wind punched me to the right as a laser buzzed from behind. I rolled in the air, barely composing the heart in my chest. The corner of my mouth stretched. Seven circles spun. QI flowed and I felt a thrill. I thought the battle at Kirgfield assuaged my desire. But I was addicted. I needed to see his blood on my sword; watch his bowels drop as he cried in agony. Everything rides on this battle and I can¡¯t help but feel the bliss of battle. Nothing can compare. NOTHING. I gripped my Greatsword tight with a smile and disappeared with a flash step on air. The air boomed in delay as I flew toward Vel like a comet. Kurt My master called and I ran to be by his side. Alpha regiment Osberg guards ran behind with huffing breaths but I pressed on. They trained for situations such as this. The tunnels underground are long and dark and seem to trick the eyes. Perfect for a bunker. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. I should have gone inside with him. But I have been told that my ¡°demeanour¡± was ¡°clockable.¡± That I act like a "copper." I still do not understand my master''s strange sayings. But I am sure they are wise. ¡°Sir! The left! It''s a shortcut!¡± A third circle guard shouted. I remembered him regularly complaining about losing money at the fights. I trusted him and travelled his way. Yards away heavy, clunky footsteps. ¡°Ready yourself, men!¡± The group of sword shinged out of scabbards. Arm up, i grap the air. A block of ice coalesced into my hand, and with a swipe, ice shed from the sculpture and I held my pristine sabre. "It''s spectacular every time, sir.¡± ¡°Concentrate. Protect the flank. Keep your mana shield strong.¡± Feet slid with mana. Coated in ambient energy, I sliced a golem in two. ¡°And follow me.¡± I pounced at three stone golems. One aimed its stone sword. With a spark, the tip of their blade shot at me. My head titled, dodging one rock, and my sabre of solid water sliced the last two with its pressurised edge. More rocks followed, and my sword diced and cut them, leaving the fallen split rocks with a mirror shine. I eased on my sabre and with swiftness, I whipped at the three golems from yards away. Their top halves almost slid before recombining back to normal. ¡°Umm.¡± ¡°What do we do!?¡± The gambling private asked with fear in his young voice. A sabre bulged and twisted, collecting enough water to make a hammer. I heard more heavy footsteps far in the distance and brave fighters struggling. If I cannot deal with this, helping the master is a forgone thought. ¡°Ground them into dust.¡± Tarion My greatsword hit a beautiful shield of mana. So much control and finesse can only be created by a mage of high skill. He used two hands to make it. I fled back, evading lighting and flame spears. Like swallows, Vel¡¯s spells followed me as I twisted and flipped in the air. Avoiding death by a hair length, I limited my mana armour to my skin, routing most of my power and focus to speed. I paused in the air, meters above the ring. A laser burnt the air by my chest. I ignored every instinct to lean back and saved my life from another laser. I can feel them somehow¡­ I stayed still for too long and vines of purple rose from the ground. Mana slices with my greatsword ripped them to pieces. On the edge of my right eye, in black and white, I saw a spell that finished forming. Cant dodge! BOOM! Senses slowed down the world and mana armour shielded my right arm. But it was too close. Back to the ground, I fell with a scalding arm, and my left hand shot out a gale to slow my descent. Purple vines caught me, wrapping around my limbs with strength enough to grind a second circle to grain. I still held my greatstone and I rushed in, cutting my way out. ¡°Let¡¯s try four,¡± the mage said from afar. The same faint energy flew from Vel and encircled me. Faster! I cut the strange energy and ran into it. Three large explosions rock me forward. I scrambled up and guarded with my sword. Looking up, I saw Vel scowling. Good, good. Get angry. ¡°So it was you who gave the horn the scrolls. Got tired of getting cucked every night and went to him for some pleasure!?¡± In a blink, Vel and I are face to face. More like face-to-chest. ¡°Ahh¡­ I was just guessing but was I too close to ho- I open my eyes to a fist of floating glowing runes swirling around Vel¡¯s fist. On the wall. Broken ribs on my left. Weaponless. A right straight coming to my face. Shiiit¡­ I leaned back and the fist of magic destroyed the ring wall and a few pews. Open. In close, I targeted the mage''s chin. And I missed? A back slap from the magic fist spun me around. Using the momentum and mana, I backkicked at the bastard''s head. With a small lean a few degrees back, my kick missed completely. Vel smiled and lifted his right leg with swirling runes. A snap off his leg and I crash into the pews. Purple vine strangled my leg and I was thrown back into the ring to receive a painful hammer strike to my body. The ground cracked as I landed on my back and blood spit from my mouth when I bounced up. Before I could land again, a hammer strike came again from the grinning mage. My feet created a platform of air and I pushed off to escape the explosive fists. I regained my stance. ¡°How? HOW!?!¡± I asked, breathing harshly. ¡°I am sure you think you know all. An oracle in all but name you think of yourself. But that book, right? Manhwa? Yeah, that''s it! The annoying prince loves me! The story is not the end. Life doesn''t end after the kiss at the altar! I looked to the right at the sword of Osberg stuck in to ground. A tether wiggle closed and was obliterated by an even stronger mana. LIFE IS STRUGGLE! LIFE IS HARDSHIP! LIFE IS DEATH! YOU COME HERE THINKING YOU HAVE THE ANSWERS? DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THIS WORLD!!¡± What the fuck is he talking about? ¡°I ain''t tryna hear a cuck¡¯s crazed ramblings!¡± ¡°HOW DARE YOU!¡± Using his rage like fuel, Vel flicker-jabbed as sharply as a pro boxer. Philly shell tight, I protect my vitals from bone-shattering strikes. Why did I say that¡­? His strikes became more solid, and his follow-through had more purpose. Mana armour shattered from each hit, and limbs became swollen. Each punch was meant to puncture me, to tear to ribbons. Meant to kill. ¡°You asked before! How did I become like this? I survived!!¡± Vel jabbed low on my body. My left hand opened my phill shell to parry down the punch. It was a feint and a right straight barreled to my face. My left hand swooped up to intercept and my right grabbed a fist aiming for my stomach. ¡°Caught ya!¡± My right leg lifted and so did those Vels. Boots slammed together in a thunderous boom. I pulled Vel¡¯s left arm, he pulled mine, and we spun like ballroom dancers. I kicked at his legs and he did mine. I gave up and headbutted and Vel seemed to have the same idea. The damned cap still stayed on his head. ¡°Hehe. Great minds think alike. But to be compared to you is a tragedy.¡± The way he moves his posture, the combination of dirty and sharp moves. The ferocity yet economical way of fighting. Like me? Chapter 72: Like me. Kurt I pulverised what must have been my fiftieth golem of the night - it may have been rounded down- and I kneeled for just a second. No! Master still fights. I must move. The sounds of battle were closer. I hear his passionate fight; his and the mage''s powers clash like gods in clouds. He gave me a job to fulfil, but these walls and damn golems block my way to him. ¡°Sir, down the tunnel!¡± The gambler pointed at a falling woman. ¡°Beiye?¡± I called over to the former prostitute, now gang leader. A step forward and ten slashes in a second decimated the golem attack her. I offer her a hand to stand. ¡°Are you alright, Beiye?¡± ¡°I am okay but my-¡± ¡°It''s MADAM, you pretty-¡± A large guard swatted away a stone golem. ¡°Bastard!¡± My water sabre shot an arrow from his hilt and the golems glowing head burst into chunks of rock. Debris fell to the floor and they where no signs of them reforming again. The glow. ¡°Woah¡­¡± ¡°Beiye, explain the situation.¡± ¡°You say her title!!¡± Another big man came forward with his broadsword at my chest. I hear my men¡¯s weapons click and the hum of their mana. ¡°Idiots, weapon down!¡± A short but voluptuous lady, clothed in a beautiful dress, stood in between us. Long-nailed finger point at me. ¡°The boss¡¯s main man.¡± The guards stepped back in fear. ¡°The captain! Shit! We are sorry, sir!¡± ¡°Quick. Situation. Now.¡± I demand, still hearing dozens upon dozens of weighty footsteps in the dark tunnels. ¡°The boss and your wife came to the ring. George appeared out of fucking nowhere and destroyed my VIP box. Vanessa floats in a shield while the duke fights to death.¡± Mage¡­Mouve. He helped me; I remember now. Saved the duchess. George? Is that why Master had us spy on him? Images of a hand grabbing my face flashed in my mind. I sighed and collected more water from the air. I am such a fool. ¡°MEN. ESCORT BEIYE OUT OF THE PREMISES.¡± ¡°YES, CAPTAIN!¡± ¡°What about you, sir!?¡± Mana cloaked me like a warm hug from Jen. ¡°It will be faster to stalk the shadows without you.¡± Like a roaming fog, I disappeared. Tarion We let each other go at the same time. He will throw a light but swift jab to test the distance. The back of my right hand pushed it away. Next; a right hook. I bent down to dodge. But it''s to set up for a low kick. I lifted my left leg and let Vel¡¯s kick pass. ¡°Oh, that quick?¡± Vel became intrigued again. ¡°You make your wife do the thinking but there seems to be something up there other than muscle.¡± The missed low kick of Vel¡¯s spun into an elbow strike and my right hand received it. A palm strike was met with Vel¡¯s own. The explosion of our mana forces both away. My Greatsword was still stuck. Vanessa floated in peace. No help has come yet, but I lasted more than a minute; I can last several more. Those runes around his attacks. It rips apart mana like a wood chipper. If could avoid it, the situation would be more manageable. But his moves¡­ Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. ¡°You were watching our sparring.¡± Vel smirked. ¡°I was learning. At first, your spars with Vanessa were a good source of knowledge, but you were going easy on her. So I had to find other sources. Kurt. Must have messed with him while I had him spy. Could have gotten her? No. Master Zhi is in a different realm. Vel would never be able to come close. I felt a spark of hope in my chest. I have a chance. ¡°It''s just moving limbs about. Is it supposed to be challenging?¡± I retreat into my mind''s eye. Passed my middle dantian, where my circle rotated around my mana heart, and I delved down to my lower dantian. I dipped into the sea of Qi. A hundred points from agility to intelligence and I opened my eyes to a fist torpedoing toward me. My fingertips shimmered gold as I lightly pushed away the attack. The mana blast destroyed the floor and the once grinning mage became confused. The same redirected fist went for a right uppercut. My head moved a centimetre from the mana fist and chips of stone fell from the ceiling. ¡°Yes. You were right. I was taking it too easy on her. But I was taking it easy on Kurt, Beatrice, Charles, Joshua.¡± I grabbed Vel''s hand and pulled him close. I uppercut his body and Vel¡¯s free hand caught my punch. ¡°Have you forgotten! I know you!¡± My knuckles shone gold. A large step in and I pushed my fist. Past his grasp, my punch twisted into Vel¡¯s skinny body. I stepped in deeper, bringing strength from my feet, waist, chest, and shoulder. Vel¡¯s mana busted and he was sent rolling across the ring. I pursued my prey with a flash step and threw another wide punch at Vel''s face. Beautifully formed mana shields broke one after the other. Each one was made worse than the last and my fist was finally guarded by Vel¡¯s arms. I stopped and tapped his guard down. A left punch blew the bastard''s face away. The same left tapped down his guard and my right fist knocked his head back with another golden punch. ¡°Out of all my sparring partners, Master Zhi made me try.¡± He doesn''t bleed¡­ ¡°Oh, I see. The Liuen¡­¡± Vel said with a bit of apprehension in his voice. ¡°What? Couldn''t wrap your voyeuristic tentacles around her?! Creepy motherfucker! What did you do to Vanessa, huh?! WHAT DID YOU MAKE HER YOU, PERVERT?!¡± Consumed by wrath, Vel flicker-jabbed with less accuracy but more power. Golden caught each punch, dissipating their power. Vel swung a right hook and a finger glowed gold and poked into a pressure point in his forearm. Vel¡¯s hook continued its journey and I stepped aside it. ¡°Umm¡­¡± I reached deeper into my basin, summoning more Qi. Vel charged in with a poor imitation of flash-stepp and I ran at him with the real deal. Dipping under a mana punch, I countered with a golden palm to a face. I felt something crack and grabbrf on. ¡°Wait-¡± my hold on Vel¡¯s face covered the mage''s mouth. My right leg went around and kicked Vel¡¯s left foot, which held his weight. Like I practised thousands of times, I flipped him over in one swift throw. Vel''s head made a crater, exploding rock and sand everywhere. I pulled him by his mouth and slammed him against the floor again. Not enough. Again. I pulled him up. The sword of heavy steel soared from behind. I let go of the crafty bastard and evaded my greatsword. Vel caught it by its hilt with a smirk on his roughed-up face. No. Wiggling around, Vel''s skin healed back into his normal disguised self. ¡°Mmm. Try to be me all you want but it will never amount to the real thing.¡± Vel chuckled. ¡°No.¡± His slim sword arm bicep to his chin, Vel wound up for a horizontal slash. ¡°I will be better!!¡± With a blurred slash, a mana slice of wind soared toward me. Kellen I heard chatter from the guards. A rumble under a black sand, they say. I moved closer to the bars and a guard surprised me with a large, bizarre smile. The corners of her mouth pull on the freakish mask she wore. Undetected by normal eyes, once the method of making it was learnt, every sight of it gave goosebumps ¡°Very good news! He is distracted! It happens today!¡± ¡°But my revenge.¡± The masked helper pulled on my dirty shirt. ¡°Don¡¯t ruin this with your ridiculous notion of petty justice. You are here to do a job. And the result will be the revenge you seek. So follow my instructions thoroughly. Do you understand, conquered one?¡± I nodded. She let go with a grunt. ¡°Be happy. Your days as a prisoner were over quicker than we thought. Oh, here he comes. Your enemy¡¯s best friend. Next best thing, right?¡± I am starting to dislike this particular Liuen. ¡°Gentlemen, or gentlewomen. Good evening! Is this the prisoner?¡± A soft voice said to my helper. An unbelievably tall and immaculately dressed butler walked near the cage and inspected me with appraising eyes. ¡°Mmm. His grace sure is¡­unforgiving with his punishments.¡± Such a soft voice from the big man, yet I couldn''t hear any naivety from his inflections. ¡°Bring him in.¡± Locks clicked and my chains jingled as I stepped down from the cage. I could finally see the home of my foe. Where he spent his childhood, where generations of his house ruled. Where my half-sister and nephew are captured. ¡°We aren''t going there. We are bringing you somewhere more appropriate for your kind.¡± The butler pointed to the right of the manor to a secondary building made of stone bricks with a large tower. I felt the black sphere squirm in my pocket. Soon. Chapter 73: UNPOPULAR THE DUKE From a single swing, he created a mana slice dwarfing what I could ever do with maxed-out mana capacity. A thought and Zhi¡¯s gift flashed into my hand. With the Jian sword, I slashed three times. My mana slices dissipated as soon as they made contact. No other choice; I leap over the large attack. ¡°Not so fast!¡± I heard above. My greatsword whistled through the air, and my Jian clashed with it just in time. Pushed back to the ground, I moved to run, but purple vines caught me once more. Appearing out of nowhere, a smiling mage lunged with my Greatsword. I leaned my body to the left, trying to catch the Greatsword with my arm. It disappeared. I heard that same whistle and guarded my back. My body rattled as Vel''s power reverberated through my tired body. A mana repulse from my Jian pushed off Vel, and I no longer heard his breath behind me. Nor in front or above. Left! My left palm glowed gold as I tried to parry and then sharp pain on my right. ¡°ArGHhh!¡± I swung right at nothing and heard laughter far in front. Blood from my obliques dripped from my greatsword. ¡°Unfortunate. I wanted to go deeper. I shall try again.¡± I mana sliced the vines, and Vel vanished with his damned teleportation. The wind drifted, and instinct made me jump to the right. Two lasers shot at me from two different directions, vaporising where I was. My Jian, coated in mana, braced against another laser. I spun away, and a lightning ball stood in my path. The shock of millions of volts nearly exploded the skin of me. More pain than I have ever felt lasted only a second before I was shot off in the pews again. As the world twisted and turned, my blade whistle alerted me to Vel''s attack. I parried up the large sword and parried it down as Vel attacked again with fury. Full awareness came back, and my back was against the crushed wood of the audience seats. My cloak and clothes sizzle and smoked like my body. No doubt, without Qi, I would''ve been as cooked as the meat I ate. Vel made a heavy slash, forcing in the broken seats. Wrathful strike after another, he smashed my greatsword, my Jian. Some much glee on Vel¡¯s face. The cold wall of the large chamber was on my back. This¡­ This is good. No longer needing to look at my back, I could guard more efficiently. Purple vines grew out of the stone wall, strangling my neck and limbs tightly. I gasped for air that would never come. Vine squeezed my forearm until I dropped my Jian. Dragging my family heirloom, Vel sauntered to me as if victory had already been awarded. The Jian floated up and melted into globs of red-hot steel. He looked at my redding face, and with a wiggle of his finger and a realising smile, the vines let their strength off my neck a tad. ¡°I tried. I studied you. Tried to figure out what made her love you so. It was different between Kyros and her. They were ¡°fated.¡±. She learnt to love him. Had to! Or the world would suffer. But with you¡­.¡± Vel¡¯s grip on my sword tight, with pursed lips, he struggled to speak the words. ¡°Like the tales. Love at first sight.¡± ¡°Are you jealous?¡± I grinned. I feel something cold and sharp fill my intestines. I looked down and found my stomach pieced by my greatsword. The pain was so great, I couldn''t even scream or shout. Vel drove the sword deeper; I felt the sword of Osberg cut my insides with its sharper edging. Under the cap, his face was cold, surgical. ¡°Jealous?¡± He twisted. ¡°Yes.¡± From the wall and my body, he yanked out my sword. ¡°You have no idea how hard I worked, how much had sacrificed!¡± I cough out blood. ¡°And¡­what? You think¡­.she will be impressed by this! The murder! The¡­hiding!¡± Vel¡¯s eyebrows twitch like the thought had not crossed his mind. ¡°I had to hide! You saw her reaction! You saw how screamed for him! I couldn''t bear her uttering his name any longer!¡± ¡°So¡­¡± My blood leaked onto the floor. ¡°That''s why you became¡­ a coward. You knew it all. Let hundreds fall to the cursed months ago. For what!?¡± ¡°Yet it would have been worse without my help!!¡± Vel slashed at my shoulder. Mana armour and gold skin braced against the sharp edge before I was completely cut in two. Turning on Lighsight, I made my mana tether as slim as possible. I hope this works¡­ I willed my attribute allocation window close to me and tapped it with the thin tether. ¡°I had to bide my time! If a mage uses their powers outside, the seekers come destroying all I had worked for! But you¡­¡± Vel slashed down and pulled my greatsword edge along my shoulder. ¡°AAARHHHH!!!¡± 50 points from intelligence to sense. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. ¡°Always ruining things!! Always taking her away!!¡± Vel away, closing his mouth with nervousness. ¡°It was supposed to be me this time, the protagonist.¡± Vel hugged himself as he turned back to look at Vanessa.¡± The faint energy around his spells was much clearer now. I could see how they wobbled. Their frequencies. If I could disrupt them just for a moment¡­ ¡°In my world, you were the least popular male leads.¡± ¡°W-what¡­ What are you talking about?¡± ¡°Fans loved the prince¡¯s ¡®jerk to everyone but sweet to Vanessa¡¯ attitude. People laughed at the Cardinal''s one-liners and how he flirted with her. But you¡­were boring.¡± I tried and matched my mana to the vines¡¯. Vel seemed quite taken aback. ¡°Bor-Boring? I am boring?!¡± ¡°Weak. Asocial. Rude with no upside. Know it all. Jackass. Simp. You were not adored.¡± ¡°I-¡± He looked into my eyes and saw I said the truth. My mana hummed and I failed again. ¡°All the effort. The hiding. The manipulation. The mindjacking. At this point, it would put you below the cursed.¡± Mana hummed. Vel listened, not sure of his own feelings or how to react. ¡°No¡­NO.¡± Vel threatened me with my greatsword. ¡°No one likes you.¡± I continued. ¡°And wiped her mind because you know she would hate you too.¡± Vel looked back at the floating Vanessa. ¡°No,no,no.no¡­ she is kind and thoughtful; s-s-s-she will understand.¡± ¡°Why would she understand the sacrifices?¡± Vel turned back. ¡°Hehe. Yes, I know. Every time you use a spell, it becomes glaringly obvious. The smell taints. No one seems to notice I do. More rotten than a hundred dead bodies. Is that how many you sacrificed, Mage?¡± Vel looked down with guilt. ¡°Fifth circle researcher. Never fought during the Cursed War. Doubt you had thrown a single fireball.¡± It worked. Now I wait for a chance. ¡°Now you are soooo strong. Wearing that silly crown, are you proud of yourself? When you bought the girls from the horn in exchange for your runes, did it finally fill that insecurity inside?¡± I spit my blood and phlegm on Vel. ¡°Are you jealous?" My power, my strength. It is mine. The woman you obsess over is mine; the life you want is mine!¡± ¡°Are you sure-¡± He looked at my chest. I chuckled. ¡°I knew it. You did something. What are you concerned about? What are trying to hide!?¡± Vel breathed in and exhaled. ¡°I wanted to show the difference between us, and once satisfied with your punishment, I had other uses with your soulless body. But fear my anger will never be sated until you are a smear of blood on the wall.¡± I heard three taps on the ground, and I smiled wide as I bled to death. In my mind''s eye, I swim into the depths of my QI. Circles spin to their limits. Mana hummed around my body. ¡°DO IT THEN YOU USELESS COWARD!¡± Vel stepped in with my greatsword, thrusting with all his strength. Kurt I slipped through the shadows, around hundreds of stone golems and winding tunnels, always finding new people to save. Time was being wasted, but people needed my help. As a guard of Osberg, I couldn¡¯t ignore their pleas. But one instance of a rescue became worthwhile when a fighter whom I saved showed the way to the ring by willingly escorting me. "See, it''s just as I said!¡± I looked up at the large shimmer shield made of floating runes, obstruction, a broken door, and a cloaked man. ¡°Mmm. Go join my men; you will be safer there.¡± As the fighter ran back, I readied my water sabre for a fight. ¡°The duke''s captain?¡± The figure turned around. The broad-chinned man''s skin was darker than any alararian he had seen. Wearing circle spectacles his hair was woolly, bouncy, and seemed to float. From a palm much lighter, runes flickered and shone. From a bearded face, he smiled like a kind teacher. ¡°I mean no harm. We have the same goals. The elimination of the criminal mage.¡± ¡°Seekers¡­¡± ¡°You know of us?¡± ¡°How couldn''t I? I remember when my brother was taken by one. Never mind that; you have a plan, seeker?¡± "Indeed, we do. We can only open the shield for a short time before he will notice.¡± "Slip in and attack the mage when he is distracted.¡± The seeker laughed. ¡°This is why I like soldiers. To the point. Take.¡± From his robes The seeker took out a dagger and threw at me to catch. A rainbow light shimmered on its metal. ¡°Use your water with it and it will shred mana like parchment.¡± I concentrated water around the dagger, and the same rainbow light changed my water. ¡°Good. I am ready.¡± ¡°Remember to keep Umbra Steps working. The moment you let it go, hundreds of spell with come your way.¡± ¡°Noted.¡± How does he know¡­ The mage breathed in and started chanting. A finger touched the shield, and a hole the size of a person materialised. I wasted no more time and sped through with Umbra steps. The hole closed behind me, and I walked through the audience walkway. I heard master screams. I ran with silent steps to the ring. At the other end of the giant chamber, I saw my master tied to the wall with purple ropes, his blood dripping from horrible wounds on his shoulder and stomach. ¡°M-¡±
  1. I have a job to do. A duty to fulfil
I found her in an instant. The duchess floated next to a conspicuous blurry figure. A faint energy seemed to connect the mage and the invisible man. Memories flow in my mind. I followed him. Yes. To a secret room. Blood marked the walls; dead bodies lay. Clay dolls with glowing eyes. I tapped the ground three times. I slipped across the ground with umbra steps at high speed. With the rainbow dagger in my grip, I lunged at the invisible man with all my strength. Chapter 74: Figure it out. Meanwhile at The Greystone Manor¡­ Joshua ¡°I am so booooored!!¡± I jumped backwards onto my bed. Feeling the soft linen on my back, I think of my mother again. Does she starve? Is the room cold? I stupidly worried, but as I rolled around on my comfortable bed, I didn''t feel guilty. Despite being kept in the room, I felt free. Uncage by the oppressive eyes of the woman. I no longer had to follow her strict rules for succession. A life I didn''t care for was not forced on to me any longer. I can do as I want with who I want. Within this room, that is¡­ ¡°Perhaps, my lord you would like to play some cards with me?¡± I turned to the side with a bored, aloof expression at my substitute maid. ¡°I ain''t fun without him.¡± ¡°Unfortunate he-¡± ¡°Yes, yes, I know, June. Work.¡± ¡°Then maybe¡­¡± June began to unbutton her shirt. ¡°Cease, woman! I brought you from the Brothel because I need people, not for that. I¡¯m a new man now.¡± June buttoned her shirt again. ¡°Sure, Milord.¡± She said with a smirk. I turned onto my back, folding my arm under my head with his rough face still in my thoughts. ¡°What about a story? I missed hearing those with Lane.¡± ¡°A story, huh? Okay. This one is wholesome. There was a time I was to marry Lea.¡± ¡°The Trak daughter?¡± I nodded. ¡°Our parents brought us together for a little ¡°date¡± when I was only ten.¡± ¡°So soon after your father died¡­¡±June said with a disgusted face. ¡°Mother was already working her machinations. We were having an awkward tea together. I had nothing in common with the obedient princess. But before I could finish my cup, something across the courtyard caught my attention. I saw a young boy close to my age carrying an elk on his shoulders. Lea¡¯s voice was drowned out as I was mesmerised by his strength. A giant for his age, his eyes should have wisdom beyond his years.¡± I sat up. My head was light with nostalgia; I tried to put down my smile. ¡°I waved my hand at the boy. He saw and fucking ignored me.¡± ¡°Hehe yeah, sounds like him.¡± ¡°This little prick I was (and still am, to be honest) I ordered people to summon him.¡± ¡°What a dick.¡± I point my finger a her. ¡°Oi. Ahem. Anyway, servants brought him to his knees. Full of curiosity, I went close to him. No nervousness showed on his face. I wasn''t used to that at all. Which made me more curious. I ordered him, ¡®Teach me. Teach me to hunt as you.¡¯ Although at first he was confused, he accepted and he invited me to the stablemen''s shack.¡± ¡°What about Lea?¡± ¡°Oh yeah, I completely forgot about her, just like I did in this story, hahaha! I left her. Anyway, I followed him straight away to the chagrin of the servant and reached a wooden door emanating the strong smell of iron. The boy pushed the door and was shown a dirty world. Tools and blades covered in red, dead carcasses hung from hooks. The boy pointed to the dead elk. And said the only sentence I heard from him for almost a decade.¡± I sighed. ¡°¡®Your dinner.¡¯ My life was fundamentally changed that day. Servants were just a fact of life. Then it started clicking. The dirt and muck these people had work in so I could live in a pristine manor with freshly caught meat that magically appeared on how dinner table. So what do you think I did with revelation? I told my mother that¡¯s what! HAHAHAHA.¡± June came to sit next to me, knowing how I was when I talked about her. ¡°As you can expect, beatings lasted an hour. How dare I talk with a commoner? How dare I learn such things? How could sympathise with lessers? Till the rod was red¡­ I later learnt the same was done to the boy.¡± ¡°Lands above. Wait, ain''t this supposed to be wholesome?¡± "But I get to meet the boy every day now!¡± June scratched her chin. ¡°Since you ain''t paying me for time anymore, I will finally say it. Your stories are very depressing.¡± ¡°I know.¡± I lay back down. Charles''s face flickered in my mind. ¡°I paid you well, right?¡± She leaned on the bed with me. ¡°What do you want me to do now?¡± ¡°Tell them I am sleeping nice and tight in my bed.¡± You make me curious still, Charles. In the black shade This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. Tarion As my greatsword was thrust toward my head, I couldn''t help finding death by my own blade was tragically funny. But I wasn¡¯t going to let it happen today. The frequencies of my mana matched the vines, and the spell around my neck fuzzed for just a moment. It¡¯s enough. With a loud, passionate roar, I pulsed mana from every inch of my body, and the vines were apart and dissipated into nothing. I moved my head left, and my weapon marked the side of my head as it stabbed the wall behind me. My mana tether split into six, and it pressed my allocation buttons. ¡°WHA-!?¡± 50 points to strength. My right hand grabbed my greatsword at its edge and pulled the shocked Vel to me and flash-stepped. My left fist rose from below and bent Vel''s forearm. Hearing no scream, I uppercut again, knocking the greatsword hilt away from the mage''s grip. 55 more points to strength. My greatsword returned to me, and elation pulled the corners of my mouth. I gripped the blade end and swung with earth-shaking power onto Vel''s head with the sword¡¯s guard. There was a satisfying crunch as I hammered down, creating a vacuum with my strength. Bowing from my strike, Vel tried to move backwards, with multiple shields forming in front. I swung up, ripping through the air. The sword guard smashed into the blue mana and tore each hastily made shield like paper mache. Sword¡¯s guard connected with Vel¡¯s chin, crumbling it like an accordion, and into the air, Vel flew from my strike. I looked for Kurt as Vel twirled. He rushed for the puppeteer. Smart man. He needs a raise. My dear Greatsword¡¯s hilt flipped back to my hand, and 70 points were spilt into my senses. I will do my part. I jumped at the clay golem with a sword bursting with bright mana. Kurt. I ran at full speed at the mage, but with each step felt like I was walking in a swamp. His oppressive hue of nine that emanated from him weighed heavily on me. But I ran. Pounding the earth with my boots, I ran to the target with Umbra steps covering my presence. I stepped in for the thrust. The slim double-edged dagger, rippling rainbow mana as I stabbed at the unassuming blurred man. A shield stopped the dagger, then another and another. The invisible mage turned his head as he noticed his shields being poked through. And like a bug pestering him, he swiped his hand, and a beam of searing heat shot in my direction. I slipped away with Umbra-steps, water covered the dagger, and using his strange energy, I whipped at his shield, destroying a few more layers. Fireballs and lightning were thrown at me in quick succession and my water whip destroyed all that came close. I saw the blurred figure look back and forth between me and Master and I stepped in. My duty. At all costs. My senses saw spells forming above and ran at the enemy with a dagger ready. The Duke. Using the air as a foothold, my blade crashed into the clayman''s side, its left shoulder, and then at its neck it dodged. "Oh, Tarion, you surprised me there, but-¡± I flash-stepped on air, thrusting at Vel with no hesitation. A shield blocked my attack. ¡°Come on, you already tried this!¡± From the tip of the greatsword, I mana repulsed. The shield shattered and sword plunged deep in the clay mans body. ¡°You seem weaker. Distracted?¡± I jeered at him as Vel¡¯s puppet pushed a wave of mana at me. ¡°How!?! HOW DID YOU!?!¡± The puppet pulled himself off my blade and fled away with levitation. ¡°What a stupid question!¡± I soared with a gale carrying me in the air with the ceiling only a few meters above me and mana repulsion jetting me to the worrying Vel puppet. ¡°You¡¯re the researcher! Figure it the fuck out!¡± Beam after beam attacked from every direction, burning the air with the heat they shot. From strength to agility, 35 points. Like a sailfish, I swam in the air; my body contorted, turned, folded, and flipped out of the way of the lasers. Faster. 55 points to strength, 30 to agility, and 20 to mana capacity. My right boot stomped on an air-platform and I crouched sideways in the air. Fissures and cracks formed in the air as strained with gritted teeth to hold the air together. Holding the air together with my left, my right hand gripped tight on my precious weapon. Go. The skin of my face was tugged back as I was propelled forward, travelling beyond supersonic speed. The world stretched at all sides with my terrified target, creating an extra-thick mana shield. I heard spells explode on the ground. Light flashed and sparked like the Guy Fawkes night. 105 points to strength. Kurt. Fighting never came easy for me. But I persevered. From barely lifting a sword, I can pop the air with its speed with my swing. My footsteps were clunky, and my mana control was terrible. But I had a duty to fulfil. The umbra now praised me for breaking limits that haven¡¯t been broken in generations. But I just trained. A ninth-circle mage lit the ring with his spells; I do not fret. My training hasn''t failed me yet. I took a step. Mana split from me as I jumped the other way with a flash-step. Mana assumed my form, and spells fell upon the distraction as I made my run to my true objective: to free the duchess. I took a flash-step and jumped with the rainbow dagger. The shield around my master¡¯s wife popped like a bubble. Her grace dropped, and I sped to her. ¡°NO!!!!!!¡± A white-haired man appeared, guiding spells with his hands. ¡°GET AWAY FROM HER!!!!¡± An explosion singed my back. I took another flash-step, scooping her grace from the floor. ¡°MASTER!!!¡± I shouted as my shadow clone saved me from a flame spear. I faded into the background with Her Grace safe in my arms and my task complete. THE DUKE ¡°MASTER!!!¡± I swung. The air shuddered as I held back no more. I floated down watching chunks of clay drop to the ground. Landing close to the haggard mage, I looked down at the terrified and injured Vel with joy on my lips. Unclipping my cloak and returning it to my inventory, I rolled my bleeding shoulder. ¡°Finally. Just us.¡± Chapter 75: Yandere. Kurt I did my best to shield us from the mage''s eyes. But it doesn''t help that Her Grace glowed so brightly. Joshua After a trip through my window, a few minutes climbing to the top of the castle, bad qinggong and umbra steps to hide my presence and footsteps, I finally made it to the watchtower that overlooked the castle ground. I dropped onto the dusty floors, dodging the giant bell that hung unused for decades and I make my way down the stairs. With no guards secure on these rarely used stairways, I confidently descended. Three flights of stairs became seven, then twelve, and I watched the grime, dust, and soot coating increase the further I went down. Leaning on my knees, I gathered a breath on the last flight of stairs and I heard voices in the distance. I ran to a wall to hide. ¡°Here we are, Cell 12. Your new home.¡± Charles¡­ I leaned forward with my back to the wall and peeked. By an open cell, guards¡ªtwo male and one female¡ªescorted a chained prisoner. One armed? Wait¡­ KELLEN! ¡°Are¡­they here.¡± My half-uncle asked. Silence. ¡°I ASKED-¡± ¡°They are,¡± Charles answered with a calm voice. ¡°Good.¡± The agitated prisoner''s voice relaxed. "Guards, bring him inside." I moved closer. The female guard suspiciously moved around to Charles''s back. From her pocket, something shines in the light of candles. ¡°Guards?¡± NO!! ¡°CHARLES! BEHIND YOU!!¡± My hand reached out with mana tether and lightning travelled along it to the assassin. The female guard stepped away, cleanly avoiding the lightning that devastated the floor. Her arm curled back to throw but her eyes widened. The browned-haired girl smiled with a face that seemed wrong. ¡°OH OH OH! Deceitful bastards!¡± the assassin said with her Liuen accent slipping out. The two male guards pull out their swords, and Charles shields their heavy strikes with mana. ¡°Joshua! Run! They are after you!!¡± With speed imperceptible to my eyes, she grabbed my long hair and slammed me to the ground. Despite her slim body, she pressed my head down like a bolder. ¡°Yes, we are.¡± Tarion Close to the mage, I could finally see the damage the seekers had done. I glimpsed at blue and purple sores from blows and spells under his coach driver''s clothes. His face was emaciated, and his eyes drooped down sickly. The crown shone in the dark chasm of the ring. The key to his powers. It smells. ¡°WHERE IS SHE?!¡± BRING HER BACK NOW!!¡± I backhanded Vel with my left. The clap echoed. A mana shield shattered and I slapped him once more. His head turned, and the slap echoed. ¡°TARION!!¡± Vel''s hands reached out and I felt space crush me. As I broke through the Teleport spell, Vel took the chance to flee. Mana tethers sprung on his legs and with a whip, I smacked Vel down to the ground. 50 points to sense. 30 points to agility. 25 to intelligence. ¡°GET-¡± runes gathered to cut the tethers from his feet and spells formed me. ¡°AWAY FROM ME!!¡± My blade became invisible, slicing through every unformed spell with no air resistance. A moment and twenty slashes later, mana burst like fireworks. ¡°I can withstand a lot.¡± I dragged my great sword on the floor as I walked slowly toward him with a smile. ¡°How much can you?¡± ¡°Fuck, fuck FUCK!!!¡± Still on the floor, Vel''s palm slammed down. ¡°CREO GOLEM!¡± Rune spread from her fingertips and out of the rubble and stone humanoid rocky golems climbed out of the ground. ¡°Strike the glow.¡± My sword brought twenty golems back to rubble with a mana slice through their glowing heads. ¡°And they fall.¡± I walked closer to the trembling mage. ¡°Wait!.¡± I paused. ¡°I-I-I will give up on her! Let us be proper partners. For her! F-F-For the future!¡± Vel spit flew in every direction while he tried to save himself by appeasing me ¡°Fuck you.¡± I stepped forward. ¡°W-w-w-WAIT! Your Grace, I know the true future! Beyond the devastation. Beyond the cursed invasion. Beyond her marriage¡­ there was a great betrayal that plunged the world into further chaos!!¡± Mana flared from my sword. ¡°Speak of it then. The great terror that made you crazy.¡± Vel smirked. ¡°That is only for important characters to know!!¡± Okay, he dies. ¡°Spatium!¡± Cal clapped his hands and the rune crown shimmered. ¡°CANALIS!!¡± Before I took a step, mana surrounded me. ¡°FOOL, FOOL FOOOOL!! HAHAHAHA! STRIKE WHEN YOU HAVE THE CHANCE!¡± 105 points in mana capacity. Teleport spells layer on me. I pushed outward with the strongest mana shield I could muster. Faintly, a new spell formed around me. So richly infused with mana, my heckles rose from a deathly fear. Shit¡­ I placed my greatsword in my inventory. Standing up from the ground, Vel wiped the dust off his trousers. ¡°You almost got me. Bravo. But alas, I. Am. Better.¡± Vel raised his two hands to the sky. ¡°After I dispose of that THIEF, I will visit your grave with Vanessa¡¯s hand in mine. I will keep her safe. Tweak a few things about her. But don''t worry. Kyros won''t get her this time.¡± Vel stared at my chest. ¡°And neither will you.¡± His mana exploded from the Mages body and scattered into the air. Vel sucked in the air and yelled. ¡°MAGNUS IGNIS!!!¡± Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. 105 points to vitality. Bloodline activated. Joshua ¡°Charles! CHARLES!¡± The Liuen woman cracked the floor with my face. ¡°Silence boy. I have to treat you care but if you rebel-¡± Blood flicked on the floor from an axe made of stone. A ¡®guard¡¯s¡¯ chest was savaged and another was knocked unconscious by the bear of a man. ¡°Let him go.¡± Chucking the chipped axe away, the ground broke apart, floating to Charles'' hand to form another axe. The kind man was no more. Charles held the unconscious guard''s hair in his fist and drew blood from their neck. ¡°Now!¡± Chains fell to the side. ¡°Which Door?¡± Kellen asked. ¡°Eat it and you will know.¡± The liuen woman answered. Kellen dug into his pocket. Holding a black ball in his hands, he sighed. He gulped the ball, struggling to put it down. He shuddered and fell to his knees. ¡°Uncle!¡± I pushed off the ground with the liuen¡¯s hand on my head with futile effort. ¡°Don''t call me that.¡± He stared at me with obsidian eyes, which shifted back to normal with a blink. Standing straight again, a tendril of black searched down the long corridor of cells. Latching onto the door, metal bolts were broken with ease as my uncle pulled. ¡°Can¡¯t you hear her shallow breaths?" I couldn¡¯t reply. I heard her. I heard her every time I snuck out to visit these cells. Kellen stepped to the door, twisted in disgust as he looked through the broken doorway. ¡°You should be ashamed...! Your own mother!?¡± tendrils reached for another door. Out of the busted cell, a skinny prisoner rushed out. ¡°Finally!¡± ¡°Davis, pick her up,¡± Kellen ordered. Davis ran to Kellen, and his wide smile sank. ¡°Oh¡­¡± ¡°Take her!¡± Charles shouted with the intruder''s hair in his hand. ¡°Leave him behind or your guard-¡± ¡°Stop playing, An.¡± ¡°Hehe.¡± A deep voice laughed. ¡°Yes, mistress.¡± The captured intruder shuddered and the axe in Charles''s right hand was repelled. "YAH!¡± the intruder yelled as he elbowed Charles in the rib, which the butler intercepted with a golden palm. ¡°There is another,¡± Charles said as his right hand formed a knife with gold. Down like a guillotine, it fell, and the Liuen fell headless. Charles stomped and a chunk of rock thrust the second, injured liuen intruder''s neck to his hand. The weight on my head lessened after Charles''s astonished display of strength. I looked up at a woman perplexed and whispering to herself. ¡°She¡¯s here¡­¡± Charles squeezed on a restless guard''s neck. ¡°Shall I repeat myself?¡± ¡°No,¡± Kennel spoke from the other side of the room. Kellen stroked my mother''s gaunt cheeks and guilt wrenched my heart. I heard her. ¡°My¡­son¡­Find¡­him¡­¡± She deserved it. For what she did, she deserved. I told myself for the thousandth time. Kellen nodded with a reassuring smile. Turning away from my mother, his face contorted with wrath. ¡°Davis, show the Xiao the way to the Umbra base. I will keep this man company for a while.¡± ¡°RUN AWAY! GET HELP!¡± I cried out. Charles ignored. His eyes focused on the intruders. ¡°Yes, Sir Kellen. Great to see you after so long- XIAO?!¡± ¡°Go.¡± ¡°O-o-okay. This way, miss.¡± Bringing my mother in his arms, Davis went down the corridor, ignoring the pleas for freedom of his fellow jailmates. I was surprised by the intense pain from my hair being pulled up by the deceptively strong woman. ¡°OW! Watch it, damn bitch!¡± "Come, red boy. We have another job to do.¡± pulling me along like a donkey. I turned back and Charles''s hands glowed gold as the dead man''s neck squirted blood below him. ¡°It''s heartwarming to see you care about your friends.¡± Gradually, mist solidified in a shoulder, tricep, bicep, forearm, and inky black hands. ¡°I wish you cared the same for the mother.¡± Kellen fiddled with his new ebony fingers, testing his new power. He faced his new right arm, and his palm buzzed with lightning. ¡°You can mourn your friend when we go back home.¡± Mana ignited and a blast rocked the floor, everything in its path. ¡°CHARLES!!!¡± I scratched the woman''s arms that pulled me. Trying to wrestle my way out of her vice grip like a stubborn child. ¡°LET GO! CHARLES!!!¡± ¡°Quiet.¡± The liuen woman poked me in the neck and the world went dark. Kurt She protected me¡­ With light so holy, I couldn''t help but throw away my pride and kneel. Under the stars, with eyes full of golden fire, she walked silently toward the mage. I dare not stop her. I am not worthy. THE DUKE Stars sparkled above. Would you like to watch the end? I said to those in the lands above. Smoke covered the stars. I glanced down at the lava under my feet. All-consuming power burnt off me with a blackish-red aura. The power to do anything. I trained endlessly for this moment. Two circles forged after that night and I finally got the time for the skill to refresh down to two days. ¡°Mm?¡± I looked back up and dozens of meters high, the mage stood by the large crater he created, scared shitless. I winked with a toothy grin. A flash-step brought to the top in a blink. ¡°Boo.¡± ¡°AAHHHH!!¡± The mage fell to his bottom. "NO, IT CAN¡¯T BE! I FEEL IT! THE SPELL ISN¡¯T BROKEN. I CAGED YOU!¡± ¡°Caged who?¡± ¡°Wha¡­?¡± Tethers pulled him up and a fist of uncontrollable power smashed through all his defences. Vel''s nose bled, and I struck, punched, and hit. His once handsome face deformed my fist and I continued to change his facial structure each time my knuckle made contact. ¡°CAGED WHO?¡± I hit again. ¡°Useless!¡± I mould his face like clay. ¡°Did you think changing your face would get her to like you!? Pathetic.¡± I brought Vel¡¯s head down by his gorgeous white hair and kneed him in the nose. His head flung back with a new bald spot. I dragged Vel down again by his crown and another knee caused and mana explosion. Fragments of solid gold fell and tears fell from the pathetic man''s brown eyes. If I hit him anymore, he won''t be able to speak, let alone breathe. I ripped through the last of his mana shields and made him vomit blood with uppercuts to his intestines. ¡°WHO!?¡± Vel coughed red, hanging from my tethers like meat on butcher hooks. ¡°CURSE YOU! I WILL RATHER LET THE WORLD BURN! He won''t win again. I WON''T LET HIM!!¡± Mana turned into a blade on my right hand and I dug into the stomach of the wailing mage. I twisted and pushed in the blade. The louder his cry, the more my smile grew wider. ¡°You know what? I can ask Vanessa later. Spells break when the caster has died, right?¡± ¡°Not always.¡± An authoritative voice spoke. A staff tapped me on the arm that pieced Vel. ¡°It''s over, son.¡± A powerful man, robed in clothes I had only seen in books. His skin was dark like bark. His black hair almost knotted into locs at the tip of his afros. "Yes, it is, Seeker.¡± I dug deeper with my mana blade. ¡°The mage tower requires his knowledge of runes.¡± ¡°And the future. You were watching, weren''t you? Ooooh, so my knowledge is no longer useful, huh? Mm¡­ Best I kill him. Keep my value.¡± A crystal on the seeker''s staff glistened. ¡°The crystal that you are threatening me with was given graciously to your cranks by my household. Wouldn¡¯t wanna piss off your only supplier.¡± The crystal dimmed and I felt Vel tremble on my mana blade. ¡°I know things.¡± Vel yacked, and blood bounced off an invisible force like rain on an umbrella. I turned back to the coward, shuddering from blood loss. ¡°Trying to save yourself again?¡± ¡°The betrayer. The¡­ unworthy. Protect¡­Vanessa¡­from Kyros!!¡± Hands of golden fire clasped on Vel¡¯s throat. ¡°CURSED BEING,¡± my wife said. Chapter 76: A stalkers end. In a different future Vel She came again. Without Kyros this time. Surrounded by my ¡®peers¡¯ questions were thrown at the saintess, who looked overwhelmed. In a dark corner, I hid, afraid of being seen by her. Of her seeing how I have withered. No more the confident smart lad; this tower taught me my place. But she found me and she smiled brightly. I ran away with a bumping heart. ¡°George! George!¡± She called. Small hands caught me by my thick mage robes and I stopped, clutching the tombs from the library on my chest. I shied away, hiding my blushing face with my long, unruly bangs. ¡°Finally found you. Your hair... Did studies turn you old? Hehehe.¡± Months later: On her fourth visit, I finally showed her my work. ¡°CREO GOLEM.¡± Runes, arranged in a circle, lit up as stone transformed into a tiny doll. It waves hi to Venessa. ¡°Wonderful!¡± She looked closer, shaking the tiny man¡¯s hand with joy on her beautiful face. ¡°Though with some limitation, I can hear what he hears and see what he sees. It''s¡­my contribution to the battles ahead. ¡°Battles?¡± ¡°Imagine! Thousands of these puppets! fighting against the cursed. No one needs to be sacrificed for the cause! You don¡¯t need to¡­ Can¡¯t you see the possibilities?!¡± ¡°This is amazing!¡± She picked up the doll ¡°Truly outstanding. And they said making toys was for fools.¡± ¡°Damn that old headmistress! Ah, you''re bringing up horrible memories I''d rather forget, haha.¡± Vanessa bent down in her gold and white robes of the church, inspecting its design, which I spent nights on. It felt holy to be by her side, but she was still the same girl who played toys with me. In this musty room, I just smell her lavender scent that I spent every night dreaming of. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to show this to Kyros.¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± A storm raged in my heart. ¡°I know how you feel about him, but he is getting... better. He grows on you.¡± She said, with an uncertain smile. I am sure the many women before said the exact same thing before he kicked them to the streets. Vanessa put down the dolls. ¡°Thank you, Geo- Vel it is now. Mage names get confusing.¡± ¡°I will always be George for you.¡± Her cheeks were round as she smiled at me with her warm hand in mine. ¡°By the way, your face, it¡¯s different somehow¡­¡± ¡°I tried showering before you came for once. Hahaha.¡± Years later: Kyros came this time. Lounging on my chair, he played with old figures like a child. Long, golden hair flows down his red cape. Covering his sharp jaw was a blonde beard. His eyes still haven¡¯t lost their murderous gaze. I dropped my heavy books on the table with force. ¡°What do you want?¡± ¡°Can¡¯t I visit a friend? We haven''t seen each other since the wedding. Oh, maybe that''s why¡­HAHA!¡± ¡°WHAT DO YOU WANT!?¡± After a bitter staredown that I felt could have lasted days, the prince spoke. ¡°Your golems are weak. Brittle. Inefficient.¡± ¡°I gave you thousands.¡± ¡°And thousands broke.¡± ¡°THOUSANDS to use at your disposal and you came to my office to insult my life''s work? Leave.¡± I pointed to the door. The prince stood up and stepped up to me with his golden armour. ¡°LEAVE.¡± The prince chuckled at my weak attempt at intimidating him. ¡°Do not misunderstand, Vel. Your spell is fantastic. But there is a defect, a flaw that needs to be fixed.¡± The prince pointed his finger at my first stone figure, exploding my first design with an explosion. ¡°The material. I have ideas. Big ideas. Venessa heard them. She didn''t think it was possible. ''Only a genius could make it a reality.''.¡± I was lured in. The prince pulled out a chair by my desk with an inviting smile. "Want to hear more?" Now. I see your reflection in my enemy''s eyes. As beautiful as the first time I saw you at the orphanage. Slender fingers gripped my neck and holy fire charred my skin, incinerating all it deemed dirty. ¡°I am sorry.¡± My tears sizzled into steam. ¡°I loved you. From the beginning to the end.¡± ******* Tarion Vel''s head burnt into crumbling, black ash. I withdrew my mana blade quickly as Vel was consumed completely by golden fire. ¡°Do not be afraid.¡± The seeker spoke, admiring the sight. ¡°Holy flame does not burn servants of the land above.¡± Being burnt was the last thing on my mind, while my wife was possessed with power even my bloodline couldn¡¯t compare to. The true power of the saint. I shook myself out of the awe that swallowed me and I reached my hand to my wife. Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. ¡°Vanessa.¡± Tentatively, I put my hands on her shoulders. ¡°Vanessa! Are you alright?¡± ¡°The ones above control her now.¡± The regal-voiced Seeker. ¡°With the spell memory wipe disrupted, the connection with the above was established once more. The shield your captain broke was the last wall in the way. Pity her grace killed him; he was a smart boy.¡± ¡°CHILDREN OF THE DRAGON.¡± The voices of gods spoke through Vanessa. ¡°BECOME ONE.¡± In an instant, fires in her fiery eyes were extinguished. Like a puppet suddenly cut from its string, Venessa collapsed, and I caught her in time. (00:00) Power seeped from me. I caught myself with a bent knee as my exhaustion took me. My wife¡¯s light, resting body weighed me down like iron. As my head dripped of sweat, I wiped off Vel¡¯s soot from her hand with my torn shirt as she peacefully slumbered. Plonk I sighed with relief. No one should be this glad to have a notification box talking to them. The seeker¡¯s staff tapped on the ground. ¡°Now that my assignment is blowing into the wind, my presence here is no longer required. But I learnt a great deal. Come visit us one day, Duke. We have much to discuss.¡± ¡°How?¡± is asked. ¡°No non-mage can find the damn place.¡± He smiled. ¡°Ask an elf for help.¡± The staff¡¯s crystal flashed, and he blinked away. Comes and goes, doing shit all. ¡°Master!¡± My bodyguard guard faded into view with a horrific injury on his back. I remembered my own injury. Only fresh scars remain of the evidence of my tough battle. About to kneel, I pat him on the arm. ¡°Without you¡­fucking lifesaver you are.¡± ¡°It is my duty. You ask. I do.¡± ¡°Then stop calling me master. Tarion will do.¡± "Yes¡­ Tarion!¡± He said, with the greatest boyish smile, he beamed with pride. ¡°Ah yes. Tarion, the seeker, he left something.¡± From his belt, Kurt showed me a double-edged dagger about a foot long with a hilt of intricately written runes embossed in the steel handle. ¡°This tool allowed me to cut through George¡¯s shields like a pin to bubbles.¡± It radiated a rainbow hue. ¡°What the fuck is it?¡± Kurt shrugged. ¡°Mmmm¡­¡± a tether touched it and flashed into my inventory. ¡°It''s payment for the show we put for him. Keep it. Your reward.¡± A large explosion spread its sonic wave. ¡°The east!¡± Kurt shouted ¡°Fuck! The castle!! Brace yourself!¡± 105 points to Agility. Tethers wrapped around Kurt and my arms hugging Vanessa tight; a light step pushed me up to the night sky, leaving Vel¡¯s dust behind to scatter in the ring ruins. While Tarion dodges a mage¡¯s spells. Joshua I blinked my eyes open, and lanterns passed by as I was dragged on the ground. Still in the prison. ¡°This new power is more incredible than I could imagine. I under its allure.¡± ¡°I do not. The heavenly demon may have a penchant for the dark arts but pure skill is where true strength lies.¡± ¡°Is that why you chose me¡­? Didn''t want to be tainted?¡± ¡°Wolfburn. The conquered do not deserve to be snide." Charles is¡­Where? Strength slowly returned to me. I blinked my eyes again, glanced to my left and saw a damaged body with horrible burns across the body carried by tendrils of black. I heard faint breathing from the man close to death. My eyes gained focus and full of rage, I grabbed the liuen¡¯s hand that held my hair. My chest warmed as circles whirled faster than they had ever done. Sucking mana from the air with an exhale, muscle budge, twisting the woman''s arm. ¡°You woke up fast. Did she teach you as well?¡± The Liuen rotated her arm back with a quick turn of her right wrist and smiled with a more Liuen face and long, dark, raven hair in a braid. A shockwave of power rocked me to my bones but I hold on to her arm still. ¡°Greystones are as tough as they say.¡± ¡°I¡¯LL KILL YOU, YOU WEIRD BITCH!¡± Summoning all the strength I could muster, lightning zapped through me, demolishing everything in my sight to dust. Out of the cloud, one left straight to my face blew the dusty air away. Black mist caught me before I bounced on the floor. ¡°It''s futile, nephew.¡± Mist stood me up straight. ¡°Even with the power of sacrifice, I cannot compare to a Xiao. Wipe the blood from your face and walk with us before she stops caring about favours.¡± ¡°Sir, miss! Over here.¡± Mist pushed me along and we ended up at a stone wall no different from the rock the underground prison was dug from. After trying his own palm on the rock, Davis looked at me. ¡°I have been struck from its list of users but the young master should still be accepted.¡± ¡°What a stroke of luck. We would have failed if your brother didn''t love you still. Put your hand on the rock, boy.¡± ¡°I would rather die, Liuen.¡± Lightning buzzed and sparked on my fingertips. An unconscious Charles was dropped like a bag of flour in front of me. ¡°What about him?¡± Kellen stared me down with a venomous gaze. ¡°Want him to die too?¡± I dismissed my lightning. Swearing, I walk over to the wall. Hand on the wall, runes shimmered, and the wall slowly went down. An old woman stood by the open door. ¡°So noisy.¡± ¡°ZHI!!¡± I screeched. ¡°T¨¢ob¨©ng!!! ¡± The Liuen intruder leap ripped through the air as she charged toward Master Zhi with a wide punch. A palm that shone gold blocked the thunderous punch with ease. The ground under Zhi''s feet gave way, breaking into chunks, and the master stood relaxed with her left scratching an itch on her lower back. ¡°HERE IS WHERE YOU HIDE!¡± A shockwave pulsed from the Xiao¡¯s right fist and Zhi¡¯s large sleeve shredded apart revealing forearm muscle corded like ship rope. ¡°Jing. Loudmouth as always.¡± Golden fingers pinched into Jing¡¯s fist. Drawing her close, Zhi¡¯s elbow attacked the intruder¡¯s chest. Jing guarded and the prison shook. Dust fell and stepped away slowly from the battle of superbeings. Kellen held me with his dark hand. ¡°No.¡± ¡°Hehe. I wasn¡¯t running. I would get in the way-¡± ¡°No.¡± Dust fell again and Kellen looked up at the ceiling. ¡°We really were noisy. We better move before we get his attention.¡± Kellen once again pulled me along. ¡°Scared of my brother, uncle?¡± He froze and turned to me with those venomous eyes that looked deep in mine. ¡°What? Going to threaten me again?! I left my mother to die! You think I can¡¯t kill my one-armed uncle?!¡± Another boom turned my head and I covered my eyes from the rock dust. Blows rained on the doctor. Each strike made the rockchamber we stood in rumbled and Zhi parried each with ease. Her left hand remained on her old back and the retiree grinned. ¡°This ain''t training, you old bat!¡± She found me. Before she made a comment, she noticed me pointing at her prized student on the floor. Her left arm punctured the air before I could even see it move. Jing twirled, landing on the ceiling with a scalding spiral on her stolen guard uniform. Her dark eyes winced in pain. ¡°Wolfburn! Take you kin! Find the monument! I will keep her busy.¡± ¡°Busy?¡± Zhi¡¯s right fist blurred and the air popped. Jing dodged, stepping off the wall, and Qi spiralled into the stone brick, digging upward. ¡°You?¡± Palms out then to her waist, Qi steamed just above her skin with incredible control. Like an ocean in a cup, she contained her fury. ¡°Has my reputation plunged that low?¡± Chapter 77: Qi master Jimmy Another boring day. One more boring patrol. But what needs to be done has to be done. His Grace said it was good to keep an eye on your troops and listen to the trite conversations around the fires. Although from afar, a mass of steel and leather, an army is a group of living beings with aspirations and goals, emotions, and desires. Learning such will help in mastering this mob of humans. Though controlling an army of this size has become a hassle without his grace here. Like a captain on turbulent seas, he could steward thousands of souls. With him sacking up with his missus, I felt like I was handling several bulls at once. Walking between the hastily built tents, hundreds of freshly trained young soldiers stare into nothing as they just came from their first-ever venture war. Reminds me of my old self as a sprite teen in the later years of the Northern War. I still shuddered from the memories of those days. Compared, this campaign was a cakewalk. I clicked my fingers at a boy whose eyes were glazed over. Flustered, the boy straightened. ¡°Hey, hey. Rest when your duty is done.¡± ¡°Yes, Lieutenant!¡± I lifted my eyebrow. ¡°Liutenent General, Sir!¡± For now, I hope. This responsibility doesn''t suit me well. I nodded, leaving the frigid boy alone to guard the food stores. Too young, I kept on thinking while walking past more sleeping men. But I was too young as well and I handled worst. Men shouted within the forest of tents. No jolly to be heard. ¡°Shit.¡± I crushed the grass and aura lifted me high to give me a look at the trouble. That flashy unicorn banner. Count Shopen¡¯s retinue. Again? Fuck sake. Mana exploded from my feet, flying me toward the squabble. Falling like a bolder, I crashed the party. Flinging dirt and grass from my entrance, the fighters pull back from each other. Hand on my aching waist, I turned to the posh bastards. ¡°Again?¡± ¡°Those bastards threw the first strike!¡± The shopen soldier showed his bruised cheek. I squinted. ¡°That little thing? Okay!¡± I gestured to everyone. ¡°Back to your tents!¡± I heard the shing of metal. A brand new sword flinted off orange from a burning fire. ¡°Tit for tat. I leave can¡¯t leave him unmarked.¡± I swung my head to a furious Lord Masse and sighed. ¡°What did he say this time?¡± ¡°I said he is a tyrant!¡± the Shopen man yelled. ¡°And I will say a hundred times more! He is bringing unneeded war to our kingdom. FOR WHAT!? Revenge?! For some little town on the outskirts!?¡± Grumbles from all around, fellow Shopen men shout in agreement. ¡°One town is too much!¡± Lord Masse interjected. ¡°Pirn shouldn''t have happened and we are fighting to make sure it never happens again. Maybe if you were there you would understand...But I was. So many bodies. Innocents. Mangled beyond belief by evil powers.¡± Lord Masse bowed his head, almost in prayer for the lost souls. ¡°Pfft.¡± A laugh escaped from the retinue leader¡¯s mouth. ¡°Look at you. Mourning them after the fact won''t do any good, would it? If His Grace truly wants to end this, meet them like the nobles we are and bargain! But like the barbarian, our great commander is¡ªjust like with Count Trak, he is dealing with this in the only way he knows how. Violence!¡±If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. I watched Lord Masse''s fist tighten as he readied himself for another strike to the punchable face. ¡°But he can¡¯t even stay and do that! Marching us to our certain deaths while he lays miles away with his prostitute wife!!¡± ¡°HOW DARE-¡± My blade caressed the foolish man¡¯s neck. A drop of blood trickled down the flat of my sword and I heard no more chatter. ¡°Tell me, moustachio¡¯ed prick. What use do you have?¡± ¡°I¡¯m¡­¡± My sword moved as the soldier gulped. ¡°I am Captain of Shopen¡¯s 3rd-¡± ¡°No use.¡± I pull back my sword for a large swing. Aura flared in the dark night, shining on a frightened Captain, covering his face with his arm, years of training and discipline leaving him at his final moment. ¡°Pathetic. Shopen pays you too much.¡± A kick to the stomach brought him down, coughing. ¡°Can¡¯t even defend your words.¡± I kicked his face and the unconscious lord fell back unconscious. ¡°Take him back to his tent. When he wakes tell him what I declare.¡± I turned to a crowd that had grown. ¡°Insult me, insult his grace I don¡¯t care. But his missus? HER GRACE!?¡± My mana weighed heavy on all he witnessed. I let the moment breathe. They understand. I am not one to hold back. This rumour is proving to be a tick, hard to remove, and quick to grow. I must snuff out the source of this tale. ¡°Remember what we trek miles for! Justice! For our Grace. For he sacrifices everything, he steps onto the battlefield for our future." I beat my chest with a fist. ¡°Have faith in our ¡®Tyrant¡¯. As he brings justice down on evil as he has always done.¡± Mmm... A lot had their anxieties quelled; they had seen the duke¡¯s power fist hand. However, some were still apprehensive. But it will do til you¡¯re back, Your Grace. I tapped my sword back into its sheath. ¡°Alright, enough preaching. It''s bedtime, fuck off!!¡± Joshua. To be honest, I couldn''t see shit. All my training and I could see only glimpses and flashes of the disappearing masters. But I do hear them. Their every exchange shook the earth around us. Rocks fell with every block and the air thundered with every missed strike. Davis was as starstruck as me, mesmerised by their skill. The sight of my coughing mother caused my eyes to zip away. I pushed down my shame and, by habit, looked to my uncle as I would as a lonesome boy visiting Maise A fist of swirling qi darted before me. Uncle''s head was saved from being corkscrewed by Jing¡¯s vibrating arm hitting Zhi¡¯s strike upward and the drill shot into the ceiling. ¡°Scared stiff?!¡± Jing asked Kellen countered with a right elbow to blow Zhi''s chest. Drifting back, Zhi¡¯s hand smoked from Jing''s attack. ¡°Just waiting for them.¡± Kellen turned back and several men with bloody weapons ran down the jail corridor. The leader in front threw a piece of paper like a dagger at Kellen. With the rune drawn on both sides, it was turned in my uncle''s hands, and I saw the first smile from him today. ¡°He still fights the mage.¡± An intruder said in a thick accent. ¡°Uncle.¡± Kellen glared back at me. ¡°Kellen. What are you planning?¡± ¡°Our first scenario. A distraction.¡± Empty hand, raised shadow of mist drug the butler along the floor. ¡°Now we move.¡± A limp body bounced on the ground like a ragdoll, crashing into a jail cell door and forcing it off its hinges. ¡°Fuck yes! Quick, Master!¡± A flash step forward, the untouched doctor covered meters in a split of a moment. Her fist was tight and her immense qi twisted around a punch to Kellen''s head. She paused. Her eye looked to her left and her teeth gritted in frustration. ¡°As time passes,¡± Kellen spoke with Zhi¡¯s fist a hair''s width from his head. His new power emanated from him to his tentacle, holding Charles by the neck. ¡°I learn. How they move.¡± The mist coiled tight around Charles''s neck. ¡°How strong they are.¡± Zhi pulled her fist back. Her qi dispersed. ¡°Thank you. Now, show us the way.¡± The old woman sighed. ¡°My first student is giving me too much grief.¡± Turning on her heel, she walked through the rubble she made and into the mysterious ebony door. Kellen motioned to the group of intruders wearing our Guard uniform and after a moment and exchanging glances, they followed his command like they were his all along. ¡°Take her things and proceed with the plan. Groups of two, search the hideout. Kill anyone you see. Any valuable information, steal. Anything else, burn it to the ground. But leave the monument to me and our new liuen.¡± Short bows and they move like silverfish. ¡°Uncle¡­ ¡° ¡°She was a bothersome travel companion. I did not suffer her mouth again on the journey back home.¡± A kick to my back from my uncle pushed me to follow and I peeked through the cell where the Liuen fell into. Blood splattered on the wall and a shivering cellmate. The fit female''s still body lay with her back on the cold stone, her head burrowed into nothingness. I spit in her direction. ¡°Fucking smelly bitch.¡± Chapter 78: lost. Kurt Wind rustling our clothes, high in the Osberg sky, my master bolted trough the skies to his home with me looped in his tether of mana and his wife asleep in his weary arms. We saw no smoke stack but Tarion rushed anyway. My ears hear the stomp of guard boots on the courtyard gravel. Many men are in a hurry. ¡°Kurt!¡± Tarion said in the loud wind. ¡°Where!?¡± ¡°Underground!¡± Lands above¡­ ¡°Umbra quarters!¡± I was tugged by Tarion striding in the sky with all the strength he had left. The tether which connected us faded. ¡°Tarion.¡± I held my arms out. ¡°She will be safe.¡± He turned back. A tired sigh came from his mouth and in the air, he twisted to give Vanessa over to my protection. ¡°I forget that I have someone worthy by my side. I have been alone too long.¡± The moment the duchess¡¯s weight fell on my forearms. The tether vanished. And so did Tarion. Tarion Tables on which many umbra ate, the beds many laid in, were smashed as the intruder looked for what information. Maps and plans were torched by fire. Through the Umbra tunnel that my family had kept hidden, everything desecrated, and ransacked like its history meant nothing at all. Fortunately, my brother kept the tunnel¡¯s residents busy in the field or there would be a bloodbath. ¡°Davis,¡± Kellen said as we walked a flight of stairs. ¡°Where?¡± ¡°T-The long tunnel on the left upstairs. Lord, the Duchess.¡± A glare from the cursed man shut the snivelling man''s mouth shut. ¡°Patience.¡± I looked down, still conscious. I need an opportunity. I hadn¡¯t shown all I had. Patience. More walking, following Davis¡¯ directions, we arrived at the promised location. ¡°The training hall¡­?¡± Chrystal lights the circular cave with a blueish light. ¡°Bloody hell¡­¡± Kellen, walking to the middle of the training circle, stared around with wonder. ¡°All these years. The searching. And you bathe in its light... No clue as to what you train under. Hehe- HAHAHAHA. Father is going to be so pissed.¡± His mood flipped in a snap and he pointed at the obsidian monument that names our household¡¯s members were carved into after their untimely demise. ¡°Liuen. A job is open and you are just the woman for the job. Dig it up.¡± Zhi crossed her elderly yet strong arms. ¡°Di-¡± Her left arm blurred. A blast of qi lit the room for a moment before hitting the base of the monument. A hole was dug from her qi but the black monument seemed much deeper into the stone than I thought. The Obsidian suffered not one chip or scratch. ¡°Fellas, I have opened it¡­What''s going on?¡± A lady¡¯s voice from the stairs coming from the manor. ¡°Lord Joshua¡­ Who?¡± June. Fuck sake! ¡°Get away!!¡± A liuen in guard uniform sprung into action with a fist imbued with Qi. I became lightning. Hand on the back of the liuen¡¯s jacket, I yank the fucker away. His fist missed but June was blown away to the steps by the breeze of his strike. The liuen¡¯s right fist backhanded me and training made me slip under. My left found its way deep into his ribs. Lightning charred the Liuen¡¯s insides. A few Guards. Real Osberg ran past with their sword and a clash of steel began. As the attacker fell blackened, it dawned on me how much I fucked it up. I had given up my chance. I turned back at an uncaring face. ¡°Your brother got you back on track but see the Wolfburn talent in you.¡± Kellen turned to Zhi. ¡°Try harder.¡± ¡°Tsk. Youngsters.Asking an old lady..." She trailed off her mumbling as she closed her eyes. Sucking in breath, the lights seemed to flicker. Her palms push the air and it rumbles. A sphere of white gaseous light swirled from her hands. ¡°Stand back, shields up. In this enclosed place, you could get hurt.¡± Every second it grew, the more it grew, the more seat beaded on my master face. I pick June up. I see the door to the manor up the stairs. I see my brother''s men fighting for their lives. Their lives were snuffed out too easily by Kellen''s mist. Charles. Them dastardly cursed tentacles still curled around him. I must get him free. I erected a shield of mana around me and June. ¡°Stay by me. I didn¡¯t practice this much.¡± The sphere of qi grew to the size of a head. A flash of light blinds all. Chunks of rock pelted my shield. The noise disturbed my concentration while I gritted hard with my teeth, repairing each crash. Silence and the mana smashed with a fist caving my stomach inward. ¡°Joshua!¡± Cirleless June tried to hit away the liuen but another grabbed her arm and with a chop, she fell asleep. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. ¡°JUNE! I¡¯LL KILL YOU!¡± Left arm under an elbow and right hand on the forearm, I snapped bones. A lieun howled and lightning discharged from my palm to their chest. I became lightning. ¡°LET HER GO!!¡± My lightning hand reached for my enemy and a cursed one caught it. Left right up down. Strikes I couldn''t see punched my head in all directions. A pull to the ground caused the beating to end. Kellen glowered above with June carried on an intruder''s shoulders. Another hostage¡­ ¡°Have you learnt yet?¡± I spit from a leaking and swollen face. ¡°You know me, Uncle. I don¡¯t learn shit!¡± I buzzed with power. A flame lit by brother kept burning and now was set ablaze. A bullet of a mana bounce of a Kellen cursed imbued face. ¡°That the spirit!¡± If my jaw didn''t hurt like like seven hells, I would be screaming for joy. Tarion Rock and debris are everywhere. My men fight theirs. Traces of a strange mask on their face. Murim shapeshift disguises? In my guard uniform. Were they travelling with Kellen the entire way? The clothes fit them well. Had enough time to tailor them. Embedded deep. Are there more? Another time. June, Joshua captured. Charles... gravely injured and captured. Hostages? Why. I looked into the hole. Zhi kneeled exhausted. Monument carried out by qi users. Most are in the Body stage of cultivation. Kellen pointed at me a new black arm with a smirk. ¡°Attack.¡± Like mice under the light, they ran a full sprint. My men charged forward with swords blazing with mana. A Greatsword materialised in my hand and with the tip down, blocked a hard fist of condensed qi. It shook the steel like a drill, vibrating me to my core and causing injuries to hurt again. Another fist came, and my left swooped like a swallow diverting away. Kick to the tip and the greatsword pushed the Qi user¡¯s punch away and then slicing them in two. As it reached the brain, another mana-infused kick to the blade forced the blade to the left and cut down the second attacker by the temple. Mana flew at my head, weaved, and bobbed past more. With one more weave, I lunged through a chest and mana exploded from my blade leaving human remain on the training floor. Where is he? I looked at the long, ebony monument laying on the floor, chiselled with thousands of name. Fuck. FUCK FUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCK How did they know?! Another liuen fell to my blade and I noticed a slim man struggling to hold a sickly old witch. ¡°DAVIS! WHEN I GET MY HAND YOU-¡± I ran into a great shit of fuzzy black. My men slash and stab with all their mana but it doesn¡¯t fall. ¡°You are concerned about the wrong things.¡± A flash of blue and turn to see a monument, the culmination of my family history. What we had struggled to safeguard. It disappears in a band of gold with glowing runes. ¡°Goddamit.¡± I beat my sword on the shield like a frothing beast. ¡°I must congratulate you on your victory. Young duke. Surviving a mage¡¯s attack. What genius. It makes me¡­happy to know the one who killed my brothers is so capable. Makes his death matter more.¡± I sliced up behind me and a liuens head split. ¡°KELLEN! COME HERE STAVE OFF YOUR MINIONS AND FIGHT LIKE A MAN.¡± Davis, holding the witch, grinned as he neared the Wolfburn. Kellen chuckled as black mist wrapped around my brother and Charles. ¡°Why?¡± He chuckled while in remembrance. ¡°I understand her words.¡± He said to himself. ¡°Yes, I will wait. Time makes justice sweeter.¡± With a click of his fingers, his group of intruders move through the shield and fall in line around him. Out of a sack, Kellen retrieved two rune-scribbled parchments. They glow softly. ¡°I am offering you a reprieve. Exhausted and injured from your battle, it would hardly be a battle between men. Well, healthy men.¡± ¡°Come¡­and FIGHT!¡± my sword felt heavy like on my first day. Legs wobbled as I picked it up for a slash. My tired eyes see his mist tightened around my brother''s and Charles''s necks. I sank to my knees. ¡°Good.¡± He breathed in deep with a joyful smile. ¡°It feels good. Is that how it felt when you cut my brother down? So much control.¡± One rune parchment burst into fire. ¡°What¡­¡± I tried to stand with my sword. ¡°What did you do!?¡± ¡°The original plan,¡± Kellen spoke with an upbeat tone. ¡°Explosions using a black powder invented in the Far East. Black shade, Desaw, heath, Mistide, Oakley. Mouve. All in flames. It was meant to distract you. But now it''s to punish you. You have sowed too much to not reap the consequences.¡± ¡°AND ALL THOSE INNOCENTS! MUST THEY SUFFER?!¡± ¡°Yes. Because of you.¡± My heart beat heavy. Like a powerful, heavy drum it beat in my chest. Kellen¡¯s smile slowly descends. ¡°Those Greystone eyes¡­¡± Kellen held up his new arm charged with cursed electric power. ¡°Sir!¡± A Liuen shouted. ¡°The plan! More guards will come!¡± Balancing myself on my blade, I shout. ¡°Kill me now when you have the chance! You won''t have another like it.¡± I said. Head ringing. Stinging was all I felt between my ears. Come forward so I can use all my strength to rip your head off. My taunting proved useless as Kellen brought down his arm with pursed lips. Explosions shake the dust from the ceiling from outside. Anger filled my soul but my mind saw to the future. Wind on my lips and with the last of my mana. I whispered to a friend. ¡°From within.¡± The second rune parchment glowed bright. And a sphere of impossibility covered all intruders including the captured. ¡°Brother!¡± With a weak nod and smile I bid my brother goodbye but not a long one. ¡°I will get you all back! I promise of my name! On my pride!¡± ¡°Don''t take so long! Viodens are so rude, haha!¡± My brother''s eyes tearedup as Kellen¡¯s mist covered his mouth. ¡°Kellen. It ends in Maise.¡± ¡°...I am waiting.¡± And with a pop, They were gone. I struggled with my sword. A slip and Zhi caught me and pulled up to stand. Zhi¡­ ¡°I''m¡­¡± ¡°I know¡­I know¡­¡± Softly breathing, colour came back to Zhi¡¯s skin. ¡°Haven¡¯t done that in a while. So¡­what did they take?¡± ¡°A treasure trove of Mana Crystal. The last of them in the world.¡± I asked Zhi while she was frozen from the shock of what she just heard. "I took... I took several pills to travel here. How much more can I take?¡± Zhi looked away with resignation on her face. She knew she could not convince me otherwise. ¡°When your gut stings like wasps, come straight to me.¡± She tried to smile. ¡°We messed up bad, Huh?¡± Several of Charles''s stamina and man pills flash from my inventory in my trembling hand. I swallow. Pills and failure. ¡°More than we can understand.¡± Circles turned in my heart. ¡°But our people come first. Guards! Move out!¡± Chapter 79: Purpose Kurt The duchess laid down, I took a pill to recover my stamina. I sped down the foyer on my way to Tarion. Explosions? I heard multiple. Around The city. I saw the corridor where hundreds of men ran into after their duke. I looked at the door leading outside. I busted through the door to do what my master- Tarion would always do, put the people first. Tarion Fire. Dust On my face. Ash filling my lungs. 110 points to mana capacity. I pulled and twisted the air as I walked the streets, sucking away the fire¡¯s oxygen. There was a child''s cry within a house set ablaze by an explosion. Without hesitation, I ran into my hell. I pulled a door off the bolts and the smell of cooked meat met my nose. Memories swirled my mind and vomit rose and splattered on the hit floor. I stood. But found myself still on the floor. I couldn''t move. Poison and Disease mean nothing to this strong body, yet I breathed the hardest I ever had. I tried again and only tears sizzled on my cheeks. I heard their cries again. I hit my legs. Move move MOVE MOVE MOOOVE! And I stayed. A day of such happiness, the day of my return, to my home and my loved ones ended with my family treasure stolen, my brother and best friend being taken and¡­ Shame was all felt as tears fell like a rainy day in London. Shameful was all I was. ¡°Tarion!!¡± A familiar Voice. From under my arms, I was dragged out of the burning house and in my stupor of shame I said. ¡°People¡­ in there¡­¡± ¡°Yes, Your Grace.¡± Kurt addressed me like he hadn''t seen the most embarrassing moment of my life and immediately turned back to fight the fire with his ice. Out of hell, I could finally breathe. I wiped my face off with sweat and tears. ¡°Shit shit shit.¡± I break the ground with each swear. ¡°Stop feeling sorry for yourself, you fucker.¡± A good slap to the face woke me up and I crouched with mana around my boots. ¡°A job needs doing.¡± All points to mana capacity. I leapt to the sky. Kurt With a mother''s hand in mine and her child on my other arm, I brought civilians outside covered in soot. ¡°Your Grace!¡± I shouted in the chaos as people scrambled to safety. Stone cracked and he flew like an arrow into the dark sky. Overflowing with mana, his Grace hovered by the clouds. As if conducting a choir, thunder Clapped at the raising of Tarion¡¯s arms. ¡°Mummy, Mummy! Rain!¡± A droplet fell on my nose. More on my hair. Then a shower fell on the city like the god dropped a bucket of water from the land above. ¡°Rain rain rain!¡± I put the laughing child down To dance in the rain. A mother kneeled caring not for wet knees. She knows just like me that we are witnessing something otherworldly. Something holy. A man with such power and presence can cry like a babe. A pure soul. Tarion I allocated most of my points in mana capacity and I summoned rain to fall onto my city. I stretched my Mana field wide till I could feel the energy taut. Meridians burned. Circles turned like never-ending beyblades and my gut stung. I pressed on with arms up wide, praying to the heavens for more rain. More strength.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. And it was gone. Mana, my will. Everything. Gone. Like a puppet cut off its strings, I floundered in the air falling to my death. Eye went heavy. Slowly closing. The final curtain drew down on my Second life. Wake up. I blinked. I sat up in shock with a body that felt too light in a room I recognised well. The creeks of swinging sandbags echo in the empty hall. Hardwood floors, worn in by thousands of hours of shadow boxing. A cage lay in the middle. Where I spent my younger years and spilling my sweat and blood in practice. I got off the bench and walked toward the hexagon ring. A man sitting on the bloody mat with crossed legs. The liuen of strikingly sharp crimson eyes looked at me and then at the ring that surrounded him. ¡°Where is this?¡± He asked in a deep confident noble voice without a hint of an accent. That voice. I have heard it somewhere. ¡°My old gym,¡± I answered. ¡°Came here every day until I made a mess of things.¡± ¡°By killing someone.¡± ¡°It was to avenge my Brother-! FUCK!¡± I rubbed my head. ¡°Enough useless questions. Who the fuck are you? Those cryptic notifications are yours, right? And the black power, my changes¡­¡± His long ponytail bounced as he nodded. ¡°All me. Although I am limited, I tried my best to help you. However powerful souls cannot inhabit a vessel without sacrifice and I am not ready to make such a choice and neither are you.¡± ¡°Powerful Souls¡­ because I am Tarion-¡± ¡°And Edward.¡± I didn''t think hearing my old name could frustrate me this much. My gym, my room, my name and my first sin. How much of my memories has he seen? ¡°Ask away. I and time are limited.¡± ¡°Where are we?¡± ¡°Limbo? A mind palace? The higher dantian? Unsure. But I do know the ones above made this. I feel their words. They protect us, they need us. Especially you.¡± A small smile snuck on my face. ¡°Me? So I was brought here for a reason.¡± ¡°Yes, Edward. And it is the reason you surmised. To protect her. To protect this world.¡± I felt assured. The doubt in my brain was quelled. My purpose was true. ¡°What happened in the future?¡± I asked. The man with the cage finally showed a human expression. A sad one. ¡°Kyros. The Betrayer. He who sought power beyond himself unleashed a greater evil that he couldn''t control. And the world suffered for it.¡± the liuen stood up, regal, eastern clothes of black gold and red flapped in the wind. A wind from where? He walked to the fence. Up close, I can see the constitution of a martial artist. Not as large or tall as me but not any less impressive. ¡°You know of the other timeline, but unaware of how bad things will get.¡± I agreed. ¡°In the world I am from, I read about this world in the story of Kyros and Venessa, ending with the wedding.¡± ¡°Mm.¡± The liuen looked to the corner in thought. ¡°Explaining in detail would take too much time, but you have a task. If you are willing.¡± I stepped closer with determination. ¡°Always.¡± ¡°Good¡­In this ¡®story¡¯... become its main character. Replace Kyros. As the hero of mankind and in Vanessa''s heart. Make sure you become the head of the excursion into the northern lands and solve the cursed problem without his help.¡± Her screams for Kyros echoed in my mind. ¡°Is that all?¡± ¡°Pompous bastard.¡± The liuen smiled. ¡°Of Course, it''s not all. You fared well against the tiresome Vel. His magic kept me quiet, so he underestimated your strength and guile. But Vel was weak. A ninth circle. But a runemaster ninth. A true warlock, a combat mage would have incinerated the colosseum, melting everything into lava. A true warlock like the black man of the southern lands you met.¡± I knew. I knew I was lucky. ¡°To face the troubles ahead, you Must be stronger. You must conquer your fear.¡± Fear? What a ludicrous thing to say. ¡°I fear nothing, no one.¡± ¡°Why lie when I saw all.¡± The space began to fade, and my home away from home began to vanish away. ¡°When sleep comes we may meet again, Edward.¡± ¡°Tarion,¡± I said with a stricter voice than I wanted. ¡°Mm. Are you sure?¡± Blackness consumed all but me and the ring and I asked. ¡°Dragon. What''s Your name?¡± The liuen smiled like he heard a joke. ¡°You already said it.¡± **** Eyes open. Candles hung from wooden chandeliers of the Cathedral. A cardinal stood over me with mana pulsing in waves over me. ¡°Not a sight I want to ever wake up to.¡± ¡°You welcome, Your Grace,¡± Zeb said snidely. ¡°Happy to save your life.¡± ¡°Is she¡­¡± ¡°Well. She is well.¡± Kurt walked up to the pew I laid on. The aftermath of the fire still dirtied his usually pristine uniform.¡±But the city is not.¡± I take a fresh shirt from my captain. ¡°Orders?¡± ¡°I¡­ will¡­ I don¡¯t know.¡± I hold my head. ¡°I just don¡¯t know.¡± My captain- no my friend put his hand on my shoulder. ¡°We fight back till Maise becomes yours.¡± Fight¡­ I gripped my fist, nail dug deep into my skin. That I can do. Fight back harder for all I have lost. Chapter 80: A Vanessa. Vanessa. An angel stood in front of me. In the middle of nothingness, she shone with a gold hue. Her blonde hair burned bright yet never charred. She looked like me but slightly distinct with almond eyes and sharper cheekbones. ¡°Wha¡­¡± I looked around at nothingness ¡°Do not be afraid. All will be explained in time. But I can explain some.¡± Sounded like me with a metallic hint. ¡°Where are we?!¡± I asked. ¡°Right now, you sleep. We are in the subconscious, within your mind''s eye where your soul resides. Someone manipulated your mind. They had you forgetting your purpose. With the spell broken we- you are free to choose.¡± ¡°Choose?¡± ¡°You fate or the same.¡± ¡°As the saint?¡± The glowing figure walked around me with her white cloth draping in wind I couldn''t feel. ¡°I can give you what you desire. The power to change. To make a difference.¡± Her guide motioned to a door I never saw before. ¡°Open it and the power of the gods will become yours. Millions shall bow in your name- The goddess-like being shook her head slowly with a knowing smile. ¡°No, you don''t care for such things, forget¡­ The people will need you. Your power.¡± My mouth squeezed sideways. Tarion will need me. ¡°Make the choice. Enter or stay. Be what they need or be who they protect.¡± I sucked my breath in. The choice was easy. I turned the round handle of the normal door and a waft of an old musty, nostalgic scent entered my nose. I looked around, eyes widening with memories I had almost forgotten flooding in. Sun shone through a high, small window in the maid''s quarters beneath ground level. In a room, I never wanted to enter again. The Hodge family residence, with splendour and beautiful decor above, below was a desolate place under the floors where my family feasted. Even the servants were granted nicer quarters while I had to accept a room barely big enough to fit a small bed. A terrible time with terrible people. But I was happy. It was when I saw Jen again after years apart. Both of us walked out to showers at the same time and our lifelong friendship was ignited once more. I fell on the bed smiling. The golden woman smiled longingly outside in the darkness. ¡°Thank you.¡± She said. ¡°You made this so much easier.¡± ¡°Easier? What did-¡± The door slammed shut. I jumped up. ¡°Hey!¡± I twisted the handle. ¡°Damn it. Hello! I am stuck!¡± I looked around the room that was no more but a cage of golden light. ¡°Angel!!¡± I said banging on the light prison. ¡°It''s going to be okay.¡± A voice that sounded like mine echoed from everywhere and nowhere. My knuckles hit hard on the golden cube and feel no pain. ¡°Okay!? Let me out then I will be okay!¡± ¡°Things will be put on track. I will fix things. We will have our life back. Kyros will never have his way again.¡± ¡°ANGEL!¡± I hit the wall. Darkness outside the transparent light prison opened like eyelids and I saw the roof of my bedroom. My hands wander into view. I feel them move but have no control. My voice spoke. ¡°I am back¡­ I felt tears that weren¡¯t mine run down my cheek. ¡°I am really back¡­¡± Tarion I pushed through the door to her room. ¡°Vanessa!¡± On the bed, she sat up with her strands of gold draping across her back. Her chest rose and settled in in her white chemise. I sighed with relief but groaned at the sight of the Cardinal giving her water. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. ¡°Weak but she will be okay. Just some food and water and she will be right as rain..¡± A thumb points to the exit. ¡°Leave.¡± ¡°Yes, Grace.¡± Zeb walked past with a sly smile that gave me goosebumps. But never mind that. I hurried to her side. ¡°Vanessa¡­¡± I held her hand, and she flinched. I looked up and she looked at me like a stranger. Lands above. I let her hand go and suppressed the rush of feelings. ¡°Haru. Welcome back.¡± ¡°You know of me?¡± ¡°I know you well. The you now and the you before.¡± ¡°Before¡­¡± She looked around at her room. ¡°We are wedded.¡± ¡°Kinda. On paper. I was to pass away from a sickness brought on by poisons.¡± ¡°Poisons?¡± Pull her duvet away from her legs and placed them on the carpet. ¡°Eastern made. It degrades meridians. Shatters Circles leaving the person debilitated.¡± ¡°That¡¯s the-¡± ¡°The same they used on you Husband. I saved myself the same way.¡± ¡°Former.¡± The saintess stood up from the bed like a newborn. ¡°Right.¡± I cleared my throat. ¡°She trained a lot, you know.¡± Touching her own biceps in astonishment, I caught a little smile. ¡°Knows how to fight very well. But she is you so you know the talent you hold.¡± each step became easier for her and she started her walk to her- Vanessa¡¯s Libary. ¡°The duchess¡¯s son?¡± she said looking through the books on the shelves. Son? We don¡¯t have children- Oh. ¡°Joshua? Whipped him back to shape.¡± ¡°Impossible.¡± ¡°I make the impossible reality,¡± I smirked. ¡°Hmph.¡± She perused Vanessa¡¯s books like it was hers. ¡°So you rehabilitated the bisexual fool. Where is he?¡± ¡°Captured. With his mother, a maid and a butler. Two days ago. By the wolfburns.¡± Haru brought down a book with her finger. ¡°Why would Davis be captured by his backers?¡± ¡°Because Charles took his role.¡± Haru nearly dropped the romance book fallen bookmark floated to the ground. Damn. Now I have to find the page again. ¡°You must get the Forrest dweller back.¡± Such a stern look on Vanessa''s beautiful face. I want her to stare at me like this forever except like a stranger. ¡°His powers could change the battlefield on either side.¡± ¡°He used them¡­ He summoned?¡± ¡°He had to,¡± Haru answered. ¡°To protect what was left.¡± ¡°Lands above¡­¡± The news made me unbalanced. ¡°If he revealed¡­ He could have been hunted.¡± ¡°There were no more hunters. It was that dire. No king would care for summoners when a power greater than what is imaginable was coming to burn your kingdom. Not even the strongest mage could hold back the fallen angel''s wrath. Mm. maybe I can get Vel help to teleport him away.¡± ¡°He¡¯s dead." She looked at me like a stranger still. "What did you just say?" "You killed him. All fiery, you burnt him to ash.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± ¡°He was weird anyway.¡± I pointed to her head. ¡°He did that to you, you know. The memory spell. Creepy fella.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Her head drooped down. Feeling sorry for the stalker felt useless but he was a long-time friend. Like mourning a rabid dog. ¡°But don¡¯t worry I will get Charles back. No matter how much resources and men I must spend.¡± She scanned me. Unsure whether to believe the unknown variable that is I. ¡°But first.¡± I swept Haru off her feet with my book still in her hands. A cute squeak came from her mouth. ¡°You need rest and eat to keep those strong muscles.¡± I slowly put her down on the mattress, making this momentary closeness last just a little longer. Her face tensed like she was hugged by a rat. ¡°One question. Is she¡­gone?¡± I saw deep in her gem eyes. Haru smiled comfortingly. But her green eyes were full of pity. ¡°Maybe the memories will return. Maybe.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± I stood up straight with my fists tight. ¡°I understand.¡± ¡°I see you cared for her.¡± Pity again. ¡°...¡± I hung my head. ¡°More than the feeling love can allow. Rest well.¡± I spun to the door. ¡°Jen will bring something to fill your empty belly.¡± ¡°Jen?¡± I turned my head back, pushing down the urge to wipe her tears away, and smiled. ¡°Oh I forgot, your mother has a day off cos of the city-wide explosions and what not. I will call her up here, telling her daughter misses her so.¡± Kurt met me by the door. His eyes darted between me and his crying mistress. ¡°Focus. The weapons and armour?¡± ¡°Sorted and arranged for transport along with supplies, Your Grace.¡± ¡°MOVE YOU GOLEM!!¡± A little ginger-headed lady pushed my captain. A wack on my chest from her small hand was like an ant bite. ¡°What the hell did you!!!¡± I shrug. ¡°Go ask the crybaby. Kurt let''s move.¡± ¡°You prick. Rufian Bastard! If I find out what you did to her- Wha- why are you out of your room, Vanessa! I know you miss me but you don¡¯t need to hug me so tight, you''ve got superpowers now!¡± I turned the corner and the ladies''s cheerful voice quieted in the distance. I leaned on the wall where only my captain could see. ¡°Tarion!¡± ¡°Vanessa¡­ My Vanessa¡­¡± A single tear fell as I held back my despair. Chapter 81: A converstation with ourselves Haru I scooped up a spoonful of my mother''s berry and oat porridge and it was like decades hadn''t passed. Like I was the same little girl who used to hang on her mother''s legs. I had cried so much today that my tear ducts felt empty. But tasting it, I could feel the waterworks filling up. The porridge went down smooth and I quickly took more, each swallow warming my soul. ¡°It''s been years but the recipe is still a classic.¡± My mother said, ¡°Aunty Debbie!¡± Jen showed her an empty bowl. ¡°More?¡± she grinned with porridge on the corner of her lips. ¡°Get it yourself downstairs, lazy.¡± I clicked my fingers, forgetting my past reputation in this manor as a pariah; too used to the adoration and love from being the saint. A servant came to the duchess''s red room. ¡°What would you like this morning, Your Grace?¡± Very Quick. And no sign of disrespect. ¡°Huh, take Jen''s bowl down for a refill, if you please.¡± The maid bowed. ¡°Yes, your Grace.¡± That easy? Jen handed over the bowl. ¡°Ordering the help like you''ve been noble all your life. Knew you¡¯d get used to it.¡± Jen joked. ¡°Okay, I have eaten like you told me. Tell me about the fires.¡± ¡°You haven''t even finished.¡± I showed Jen the bowl almost licked clean. ¡°Alright. While the Wolfburn were ransacking the place underground, the bastards planted barrels all around the city. ¡°Black powder?¡± ¡°Yes¡­ how did you know? A little help. Umm¡­ we did get intel from Sandra about such a thing. Haven''t heard from her in a while... Wait! Why am I helping you? Get the hell out of here!! ¡°Sandra''s intel. We searched ships coming through the river but its possible this was a plan long in the making.¡± ¡°Oh! It''s getting too political in here. I''m going back down to the kitchens. Maybe the servants would like some servants serving.¡± My mother sat from her chair, stretching her old hips. ¡°Bye, Aunt Debbie!¡± Out went my mother and in came my servant holding hot porridge. ¡°What did they come here for? The Dowager and Son are not one bit valuable to the Wolfburns except their positions.¡± Jen closed in, chewing as she talked. ¡°The duke is keeping it hush but a soldier confessed they stole something quite valuable to the Greystone house. Some sort of black obelisk.¡± I see¡­ explains why your husband''s in a rush. Monument? The block of black rock inscribed with family names? ¡°It is a very large safe made of a strange rock; only people with the Greystone blood can open it. That''s what they say. But even in my time, Joshua never managed to open it. He spent countless hours venting the frustrations of his failure with harsh words out of his drunken mouth and thrown bottles from flimsy hands.¡± ¡­ A very different Joshua than mine. I put my bowl on my bed. ¡°Take me out,¡± I asked Jen. ¡°I would like to see the aftermath.¡± ¡°But I haven''t finis- Fine, fine, I''ll pick something nice and warm for you to wear. Autumn chill is coming!¡± Jen ran giddy to the walk-in closet. To hear her raspy voice again. It felt like a dream to see her choose my clothes. To see her smile.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. In your time, what happened to her? ¡°A¡­ blizzard trapped us on our way to Osberg and cursed and attacked the carriage. We leave a massacre behind to wade in the deep snow away from the fighting. But they followed. Jen, the bravest and most foolish woman I knew¡ªI know¡ªstepped between me and cursed Beast''s slash. Arrows slay the beast too late as Jen bled on the snow.¡± That''s why he came¡­! Tarion¡­ A peculiar man. My curiosity for the pale Greystone grew. What else does he know and how does he know it? Why does Vanessa swoon for him like a sasaeng? Her emotions when he talked were so strong I wondered if I would succumb to them. Maybe I should nip this in the bud. While Jen was still arranging clothes, I talked to the captive. ¡°So, how do you feel?¡± About being trapped? Peachy, thank you for asking. ¡°Your husband didn''t seem that bothered-¡± DON''T PLAY BULLSHIT GAMES. I WILL NOT BE MANIPULATED ANYMORE. I sighed. ¡°I wanted to let you down easy. Because the unfortunate reality of this is that this is my life now.¡± She hit the wall of her prison. Like a woodpecker on a glass pane. Like a monkey, she rattled her cage. Only a moment''s meditation was needed to quiet her noise. ¡°Tada!¡± Jen displayed dresses on hangers. ¡°So what do you think?¡± I glanced at the clothes, then back at my best friend whom I dearly missed. ¡°Why ask when you know I wouldn''t know what to think of it?¡± Jen shook her head like a disapproving mother. ¡°Cos I had the stupid idea you might have learnt from me.¡± How could I? You weren''t there to teach me¡­ Vanessa This is beyond bizarre. Mentally trapped in my own brain while a ¡®me¡¯ from another time (?) has hijacked my body. My husband knows. Now that I remember, from the weird questions he asked when he first met me, it seems he expected it¡­ I stood. Through the golden prison, I looked up at the opening in the darkness that showcased the world that this Haru saw. Haru sat opposite Jen in a carriage. I could feel everything carriage rock to and fro on the cobble streets and the leather of the seats. But not even an eyelid could be moved My husband. Is he like you? A hijacker? ¡°Hahaha. Very rude. To answer your question without such a negative remark. If I am a returner who has come back to the past, then he is abit different. From his out-of-era vernacular, I think he is a reincarnator.¡± Reincarnator? ¡°A being granted a second life by the lands above.! Huh? "Technically, I am a reincarnation as well. Haru¡­was my old name. Why would he know that?¡± Huuuuuuuh¡­. I sat back down, trying my best to sort all the new information on my mind. But I kept thinking about one thing over and over. What was his first name? Haru ¡°There''s one burnt building, and another and another... wow, it''s worse than I thought.¡± ¡°The people,¡± I said, almost ignoring Jen. ¡°I know. Winter will come and if their homes aren''t repaired-¡± ¡°Why do they look happy?¡± A disaster supposedly occurred yet they are smiling? ¡°When people see a man bring down heaven''s waters,¡± Jen said. ¡°They tend to become optimistic.¡± The carriage drove down road after road full of neighbours helping one another. They smile, looking fatter in the face. Healthy and less sickly in their countenance. ¡°Where do they get their food?¡± I asked as stare out the window. ¡°For Breckner Road? Umm, let me remember. Yes, we have a kitchen around the corner.¡± Kitchens? With what food? Viodens. My husband took over Kirgfeld. Their fields and food stores are ours. ¡°He did WHAT?¡± Also, higher taxes on the nobility and the money Count Trak was hiding away the help before then. Count Trak. A name I haven''t heard in a while. There couldn''t have been a worse governor for this city. Underfunded every department, from managerial to the military. Although the guard was getting enough coins to grease their pockets and look away at discretions. ¡°Could we take a detour to the city governor''s office to meet office?¡± Jen''s eyebrow went as she looked at me perplexed. ¡°Count Trak? The dead man?¡± Vanessa chuckled in her prison. Tarion killed him. ¡°The reincarnator killed Trak? He killed a Count? Not just any count, but one of the leaders of the northern nobles. A Count linked to all sorts of nefarious people-¡± Tarion killed them all. Even the horn. ¡°Vanessa, are you alright?¡± I opened the window a bit. ¡°Yes. I am well.¡± ¡°We married the craziest man in the world.¡± Only I. Driver around by the river¡¯s edge, Osberg guard ride carriage filled to the brim with supplies. ¡°Jen, what are the guards preparing for? A Cursed Monster Hunt?¡± ¡°He didn''t tell you? The Duke is preparing to take the capital of Vioden, Maize. He is leaving soon.¡± I banged against the carriage with my surprisingly strong fist, making an indentation in the thick wood. ¡°DRIVER! Find my husband!¡± Vanessa Haru''s concentration waned and the prison didn''t feel solid anymore. Chapter 82: What is at stake Haru I leapt off the carriage with unrestrained strength and the river scent assaulted my nose. I scanned around and instantly found the tall, ghostly bastard reading files with a strict blonde guard. His guard tapped him on the shoulder and pointed at me. A short glance with his familiar red eyes and they went back to his report. I marched over. Pinching his doublet sleeves, I pulled the man with me. ¡°Dea- Vanessa, I am busy right now!¡± ¡°We have something to discuss.¡± ¡°A-a-alright then.¡± Tarion tossed the report to his man. ¡°You can continue for me, going on a break,¡± he smirked, inviting whistles from the seamen playing games in the corners. I brought my hostage to the carriage. ¡°Jen, we need time alone.¡± "Sure,¡± a smile sparked from her. ¡°Oh sure! Kurt, show me the ships.¡± ¡°I actually have to work.¡± I closed the door with a loud bang. ¡°Still used to your new strength? Come with me in the morning; we can work on it.¡± Tarion suggested. ¡°Get your control back.¡± Tarion knocked on the carriage wall and whispered. The carriage jolted, and we were travelling. ¡°Speak.¡± Something has changed. His low voice was never this stern. His eyes were never this cold. When other people talk about him. I could never truly believe them. But I understand them now. He is a very frightening man. ¡°War? With Vioden? Are you out of your damn mind!?¡± Woah. ¡°Mm.¡± ¡°You know a disaster is on the horizon and yet you go and spend through our resources and people and crusade for your petty revenge?!¡± Legs spread wide on his side of the carriage, Tarion crossed his arms. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°What¡­¡± ¡°But let me correct you on a few things. I wage war for revenge. But it is neither petty nor fruitless. All is for the future.¡± ¡°Future!? You squander the future in this wasteful war!!¡± ¡°Haru.¡± A chill snaked down my spine; fear made my legs tremble at his voice. ¡°Look outside.¡± And I did. ¡°In your time, how did Mouve fair? How do you remember it? A putrid place of beggars and whores? Or have you forgotten it afterall?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± I was unsure of what I was looking at but it sure wasn''t Mouve. The streets were too clean. No drunken, unemployed woodcutters lay on the streets. I hear children when they would have been hidden away. ¡°The place street was destroyed only a few months ago. Thousands died that day by the Cursed.¡± ¡°Cursed?! Its too early!¡± ¡°A new enemy is joining the fight. It is no longer a battle against the force of nature but malign forces.¡± ¡°That shouldnt be possible!¡± Tarion sat silently. Waiting. I sat comfortably. ¡°Go on.¡± ¡°They were summoned.¡± ¡°Forrest dwellers?¡±The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°And a bandit group. They assaulted the city with bands of warriors and thousands of cursed spiders to attack you.¡± ¡°Oh, gods.¡± ¡°Exactly how I felt. Someone knows you are the saint or they know the story like me.¡± ¡°Story? Is that how you knew of me on earth?¡± Tarion completely ignored me. ¡°We soon found out they were linked to an Eastern Murim faction from their poison. The one that made me bedridden. And from the attack on the Umbra quarters, they have ties with the Wolfburn. ¡°Quite the web of enemies.¡± ¡°Mm. And that is not the end. Using people like Count Trak and the Horn, the cult and the Wolfburns were supplied with enough sacrifices for the monsters and the people. Yes, you heard that right. They learnt to consume a bead on condensed curses and souls to gain power.¡± I sat back. ¡°So they have succeeded.¡± ¡°They tried in our time?¡± ¡°Many times. Vel was very stubborn with his theories; Kyros only exacerbated these tendencies.¡± ¡°Fucking hell. Kyros became quite the arsehole, huh?" I smiled when I shouldn¡¯t. Tarion looked down at my fidgeting fingers with concern. ¡°Tell me when you''re ready.¡± ¡°Sure. Ahem. Continue. Tell me why this war isn¡¯t a waste of time. You were building up to it.¡± ¡°The Wolfburn have started annaliating whole towns, taking the souls for their strength. New reports from my Ravens had come in, saying multiple towns around the Vioden borders of Hamber are completely empty. And they disappear sporadically, with no easy pattern to follow, so our soldiers can¡¯t react in time.¡± ¡°Very bad.¡± ¡°We are in an absolutely shit situation and I can''t afford to pussying about with rules and bullshite codes of honour when they forgot the honour when taking innocent souls!¡± Such passion is very believable. ¡°Sorry. I just want you to understand we had a chance to end this without a war, Kellen. He was to be brought to jail to be convinced to join our side and give us secrets to exploit. But he gave us his answer. And that was attacking my city. I found his mother. A rough life she led as the concubine of a duke, then thrown out to never be seen again. The Raven network¡¯s reach is far and deep so we found her at a factory in the Capital, begging the desperate to be their bedmate for coin. I thought¡­ I could change his mind. Show how we aren''t that different. Tarion trusted me¡­ ¡°Take me along we you.¡± I said. ¡°Fuck no.¡± ¡°Did you treat Vanessa like this, like fragile glass? ¡°You are not Vanessa.¡± ¡°I am now. Get used to it.¡± ¡°Mm.¡± I scowled at him but his blank expression unnerved me He crossed his arms and looked out of the window with his sharp jawline pointing my way. He may be aggravating, but he seems a very competent man who took charge when no one asked or wanted to. Much better than the other Greystone. It was certain Osberg would have been destroyed if it weren¡¯t for him. I needed to work closely with him if we were to solve a crisis that has grown out of control. ¡°You can come.¡± Tarion looked outside, waving to people outside. My eyes glanced up in surprise. ¡°Are you sure!?¡± Tarion nodded nonchalantly. "Only if you train every morning. Vanessa built this body; I am not about to let it crumble.¡± ¡°Good. Mornings.¡± ¡°Mornings.¡± Tarion knocked on the carriage and it turned a hard right. ¡°Break¡¯s ended.¡± ¡°One more question.¡± "Go,¡± he said dismissively. ¡°I have met plenty of warriors from Murim. Which sect is the Wolfburns working with? The Tang Sect? Good with poisons but neutral sect.¡± ¡°Master Zhi called them the Divine Cult. Others call them the Demonic Cult.¡± Blood rushed to my head; I couldn''t contain my happiness but confusion soon came to calm to heightened feelings. ¡°Divine Cult? But why would they? The Heavenly demon wouldn''t... Zhi? An old Liuen woman? Pill maker?¡± ¡°Sounds like the grouchy lady.¡± I curled my body with my hand on my face. She would never leave the Cult behind unless something happened to him¡­ ¡°Mm.¡± Horses neighed and we came to a stop. Tarion took a step out the door. ¡°Driver, take my wife to Zhi¡±. ¡°Yes, your Grace!¡± Before he bent his tall frame through the door, he moved quicker than I could react. His breath was warm on my cheeks. His bangs lay their glossy black strands on my head as he went for a kiss. His rough, callused fingers gently hold my chin. He paused, lips almost touching. Tarion slowly retracted with a frown. ¡°Sorry. Force of habit. You look so much like her.¡± The door closed and horses clopped. My cheek felt so hot that even a breath from an open window couldn''t cool me down. Still going ahead with the divorce you told Zeb? ¡°Of course. Tarion¡­ Life with him is not our path.¡± Then who else? Because there is no better man. It''s only because those red eyes remind me of him. That is all. Divine Cult. How much has changed now that your best people left? ¡°We are here, Your Grace.¡± ¡°Where is this?¡± I asked the driver, finding a lot more foreigners wandering these streets. Alarian, liuen, Southern lands. A true melting pot of cultures that never existed in the old Osberg city. ¡°LiuTown. Zhi was last seen around here, Your Grace.¡± There is a LiuTown now? Chapter 83: Heavenly Demon Haru Near a mural of Ravens, I knocked on a door. ¡°It''s Vanessa!¡± Footsteps tapped on tiles and locks clicked. Swinging open the door was a sight for sore eyes. ¡°Your Grace.¡± In the middle of grounding ingredients, she asked. ¡°What do you need? Stamina pill. Just made a very strong batch.¡± She guided me in the shop of strong smells that reminded me of a hospital. ¡°I came to ask about the divine cult.¡± ¡°Tarion told about them. Fucking bastards, yanking the only good disciple I have had.¡± Saying that in front of me too. ¡°Don¡¯t twist your panties in knots. I taught you martial arts, not medicine, so you''re not a disciple. Yet. So-¡± Placing the grinding bowl, Zhi walked us to a table to sit. ¡°Why are you curious?¡± The divine cult wouldn''t be working with the Wolfburns. It makes no sense. Yuran wouldn¡¯t stand for any of this!¡± With the speed of a viper, Zhi''s hand nearly clutched my throat. ¡°Who the fuck are you?¡± Vanessa! Her speed removed Zhi¡¯s hair tie; her grey hair darkened her scary glare. ¡°I don¡¯t see a mask. Vanessa would have at least flinched. Such things can be ignored because I don¡¯t like stress. But to know a heaven demon heir''s first name..." Something changed in her eyes. Her hand retracted and a finger twisted her hair into a knot with her qi. ¡°You¡¯re like him¡ªa changer of destiny.¡± She muttered with a sombre expression. ¡°To answer your question, there is a new leader.¡± ¡°That¡¯s impossible! Who could win against a fighter of the Heavenly Stage?!¡± ¡°Heavenly Stage?¡± Zhi questioned. "Yuran? The poor boy couldn''t even get to the Earth stage. If he wasn¡¯t blood of the dragon, he would have been thrown out of the cult years before.¡± I can¡¯t comprehend what this woman was saying, Yuren. My Yuren? Weak? Total nonsense. ¡°Okay. Let''s imagine I believe you. Who leads them now?¡± Zhi held out a finger and a thread of mana flowed in the air like ribbon to a cup. ¡°What is that?¡± A mana tether. Tarion learnt from a strange warrior he killed and he taught everyone else. I recalled a man from Talfford using something familiar using something similar to round up cursed humans. A man from a renowned family. I can use it too. ¡°Nice try.¡±You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Damn you, Hijacker. Vanessa rattled her cage. ¡°After a bloodbath made by his family¡¯s blood, the second child, Jianlin, won above all.¡± Now it makes sense. Power-hungry fool. Could never be satisfied. He even tried to force my hand in marriage. In retaliation, Yuran cut Jianlin¡¯s arm off in front of the council. And none said a thing in protest. That was my Yuran. ¡°Where is he? Where is Yuran? Could I meet him? Where does he hide?" Everything may be upside down in this timeline but if I can meet again, everything will be right again. We can find a way to beat Kyros. We could start things afresh. Weak now doesn¡¯t mean forever. And I never loved him because he was strong but because he was kind despite his strength. Zhi sipped slowly on her tea as he heated it with her hands. ¡°You cared for him. Keep your heart still as I tell you this.¡± What is this? ¡°After the second heir came back to the palace with a new power, the slaughter began. No¡­ In our cult, succession must be done by you own hand or it doesn''t count at all. So all alone. No guard in sight with the doors locked and with nowhere to go, they children were stuck with a demon.¡± ¡°No¡­NO! I can¡¯t¡­¡± I slammed the table with tears. ¡°IT CAN¡¯T BE!!¡± ¡°Jianlin killed all 38 children of concubines and 4 official heirs.¡± ¡°No, no. MAYBE! Maybe they were fakes.¡± ¡°I checked the first heir¡¯s lifeless body. It was him. Vanessa. He has passed.¡± I lost my balance as the world turned off. Vanessa. I can move a bit. Think, think, THINK. What can I do to reach him? I felt the ring on my left hand and I concentrated. Please hear me, Tarion. I AM HERE. I AM STILL HERE. Tarion ¡°Vanessa?¡± I searched around for a voice I longed for. ¡°Your Grace?¡± said Kurt, baffled by my reaction to the reports. "Nothing. Just remembered a wonderful memory.¡± Haru ¡°Slowly.¡± Zhi helped me drink a cup of hot disgustiness. ¡°It will help with the fainting.¡± I sat up on a bed in the pill shop. ¡°Sorry, this day has been a lot for me.¡± Zhi nodded. My mind was empty; the world seemed greyer. I want to see him. That was my one wish. And I couldn''t have that. On a seat nearby, Zhi seemed impatient. ¡°Ask. I don''t care.¡± I said, coldly. ¡°Where you came from, is he doing well?¡± She asked with pleading eyes, knowing how much remembering him hurts my soul. Memories I could reach into where I felt downtrodden will forever be lost to time. I breathed in. ¡°The last time we saw each other, the world was ending... But up until then? He was happy.¡± I smiled. Zhi smiled back, with a tear in the corner of her eye and a silent thank you. ¡°Here free of charge.¡± Zhi handed me a bag of indiscpit medicine. ¡°And tell your husband to send builders to Liutown or I won¡¯t work for him anymore.¡± ¡°Will do!¡± I waved goodbye to Zhi with a grin but a heavy heart. I came to alleviate my worry and found the worst news possible. My carriage found me; I climbed in and closed the curtains. Silence and darkness. No one can hear you here. I bawled aloud. Every emotion exploded in me like a geyser at the stark realisation that I am truly alone. Without my soulmate, I lost without my compass. My Northstar no longer shines. Chapter 84: Off to war again. (Volume 2 End.) Joshua ¡°Uncle,¡± Kellen sat on his side of the carriage with his eyes closed. ¡°Hello?¡± Ignored still. ¡°These cuffs¡ªthey are a bit itchy. Do you really need to?¡± ¡°You launched at me right after being teleported. Two mages died to your lightning and you ask if we need to?¡± ¡°But what if it gives me a rash? I have had this on for days!¡± ¡°Would you rather have your circles broken beyond repair? We have more cursed beads.¡± I shook my head. ¡°Look over there. We are home.¡± I followed his eyes; the sun blinded me as it reflected its light on an absurdly tall wall made of giant bricks. ¡°Fuck sake. What a drab place.¡± Tarion I woke alone in the duke''s room before the sun peeked over the hills. Training would be short today¡ªjust enough for my body to be warmed up and ready for any eventualities. My maids woke up even earlier to make sure I got my bath in time and hot. But I bathe alone. I just need time. Not to think. Just to be. I will not have warm water like this for a while. Personal space will be a luxury once I fly to meet my army. Haru concerns still lingered. They were thoughts I tried to hide. But what can I do? Let the evil fester? Glory. I jumped out of the bath. Wind born from mana dried me off as I walked to a hanger. Towel around my waist, I left for the exit and the door opened for me. A woman of utmost beauty froze in my path. Hair wet with sweat, with a scent that made me feel perverted. It''s not her. Not anymore. I balled my fist, holding back. Like a dear startled by headlights. Haru¡¯s eyes widen, then look me up and down. ¡°Sorry!¡± She covered her eyes with a towel. ¡°Umm?¡± I looked down at my bare chest. "Hahaha, I am so used to those eyes staring, I forgot to be embarrassed.¡± ¡°Please could you-¡± Eyes turned away; she blushed while pointing to the bathroom. ¡°My bad.¡± I stepped aside. Her breath grazed my chest. I take a step out of the foggy room. ¡°Tarion.¡± I stopped. ¡°Mm?¡± ¡°About yesterday. I wanted to say sorry. What I said was uncalled for. I was bombarded by so much bad news I snapped. But this excuse is poor. ¡± ¡°Haru¡­I needed to hear those words. I don''t do this to be coddled or praised all day long.¡± Haru regarded my words and then continued, "After meeting Zhi, I learnt more. About pirn. About Vi. About you. Everyone treats me with such care. And for once I am... respected.¡± ¡°As you should be even without your powers, you changed this city. This change is your doing... Vanessa¡¯s doing.¡± ¡°Then grateful for the chance you gave her.¡± Haru held her towel behind her, looking at her feet nervously. ¡°I am glad you were brought to this world. You made the toughest decisions I could. You changed my fate and my family¡¯s when you didn''t have to. Jen¡­I can speak to her again!¡± A little tear sparkled in her eye. ¡°Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you, Tarion.¡± I scratched my head, shying away. ¡°It is alright, Ha- No, Vanessa. I will stop being a dick now.¡± ¡°I don''t mind Haru. I don''t hate it when you say it.¡± We giggled in the mist. ¡°Okay, I am about to go training. We will meet at 8 am in the courtyard for takeoff." I asked ¡°8 am it is,¡± Haru answered. Smiling, I said goodbye and walked to my lonely room. A week ago, I expected Vanessa to greet me here every day. I must accept it. Wasn''t this what I wanted? To not be alone? I partner in this crazy world who can relate. Someone who understands The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. I paused. ¡°I used her water, didn¡¯t I?¡± I tapped the last of the supplies to my already full inventory bracelet. ¡°How on earth did you get not just one but two inventories?¡± Venessa asked. Walking down in a striking dark blue guard uniform, Kurt and Jen follow closely behind. Kurt and I greeted each other with head nods. Jen scowled and I gave back a wink. ¡°I am a very likeable guy.¡± I grinned. ¡°Who told you that? The guys you killed?¡± Jen retorted. ¡°I keep telling you, Jen. He didn''t make me cry.¡± ¡°Already gaslit. What a fiend you are, Tarion. Kurt, keep an eye on him. If he makes her cry again, whack him on the head.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Kurt briefly answered. Although he has a usually dull expression, why do i feel like he will follow her command? ¡°One last thing, Kurt.¡± Jen pulled the captain for a long kiss. Haru leaned in. ¡°Since when!?¡± ¡°Since they met.¡± Mana. Someone teleported. Kurt noticed as well. Didn''t stop his long-ass kiss. Someone powerful. I recognised his mana wavelength. The warlock. The man of dark skin appeared in front of us like a snapshot. ¡°Greetings.¡± ¡°Greetings to you, mage.¡± I gave a short bow. ¡°I know about your predicament. I''m willing to help.¡± The mage winked and wiggled his staff. ¡°How the fuck do- Why does everyone know!? Anyway, mages don''t help; they exchange favours. What do you need?¡± ¡°Crystals, of course. On a discount. Maybe 50%.¡± ¡°Robbery. How much can you help with the pact?¡± The pact can be interpreted in different ways. We cannot kill, or give you resources. But we can transport. Improve your logistics. Give it a total overhaul. Wherever supplies are needed, a spell can fetch them a thousand miles away. We don''t even have to be there.¡± With slight of hand, his staff swapped with a rune-inscribed parchment glowing in his fingers. I studied it. ¡°Kellen used one.¡± ¡°It''s a tag. Telling the caster exactly where to weave a spell. As long as you get the rune inside, anywhere is escapable.¡± The mage gave me the rune. ¡°I see¡­ A trial.¡± I said. ¡°Trial?¡± ¡°Indeed. Show me the value of this logistics plan during the duration of this campaign.¡± ¡°A chance like this won''t come like this anytime soon,¡± the mage said impatiently. ¡°I will succeed with or without your help. It''s after this. That''s when I will need you. This is not to persuade me to enter a business agreement; it''s to show me I can put the lives of me and men on you. That we can rely on you in bad times. Do you understand?¡± The mage smiled. ¡°Clearly.¡± Another slight of hand and a staff with a crystal entwined in its metal were stabbed in the ground. A circle of mana formed on the ground. ¡°In celebration of our temporary partnership, here is a gift." Mana essence burst in the air and flowed in everyone''s awestruck faces. ¡°Where to?¡± I smirked. ¡°You already know, Mage Tower Master.¡± Haru leaned in again ¡°Never knew the old master could smile. Not even a courtesy one when he made Kyros the same deal.¡± ¡°Very likeable.¡± ¡°Master. There is a woman named Bieye I will recommend to be our liaison; depite her humble beginnings, her business acumen exceeds any man.¡± ¡°Oh, good. I can get that sorted.¡± My apology for destroying your ring. Jen and Kurt''s kiss finally ended with a field of impossibility divided them. ¡°Take as little risk as possible!¡± ¡°It''s War, Jen. It''s the biggest risk.¡± "Then... come back healthy. Come back home safe.¡± Kurt smiled. ¡°I will.¡± He calmed her down with his hand on her cheek. ¡°I promise.¡± ¡°What about me, best friend?¡± Haru spoke from the side. ¡°Not worried. In fact, there is now more porridge for myself!¡± ¡°Cheeky!¡± Haru laughed. ¡°I jest, but when you have him by your side, I stop worrying.¡± Haru looked up at me. ¡°Right¡­¡± I forgot that it''s only been two days. I am still a stranger and one she only knew as an invalid. Stories can be exaggerations. ¡°We are ready,¡± I said. Mana swirled under us; the ground rumbled. ¡°A pleasure to work with you. Tarion. This partnership will be productive, I am sure.¡± The mage tower master''s staff hit the ground. Tents torched, ripped apart by sharp blades. The camp was a fucking mess. ¡°I am sorry, your Grace. Bandits. Their heads, hairless, wearing fur armour, are ambushing us every night. Delaying us further.¡± ¡°The Shaved¡­¡± I placed my hand on Jimmy¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I will end this. Go rest.¡± Kurt shouted from the back. ¡°Found a body! I can find them using their scent!¡± My smile irked all who saw it, including Haru. A greatsword flashed into my hand. My family¡¯s cloak rippled in the breeze. ¡°Kurt, we are going to move fast and give them no chance to run.¡± "Yes, your Grace!¡± Kurt said, holding a piece of bandit leather. ¡°Ravens fall in!¡± Shadows rustle the treeline and drop in front of me. ¡°Surveil the parameters of every camp we visit. If you see a straggler: identity, then kill if they are bandits. Clear?!¡± ¡°CLEAR! YOUR GRACE!¡± ¡°Kurt find the closest-¡± ¡°Over there.¡± He pointed to the right I turned to Haru, who seemed intrigued. "Going to run an errand. See you soon.¡± I said with a cheerful tone I shouted ¡°Onwards!¡± and exploded forward with mana propulsion from my boots. My ravens followed a little behind with Umbra steps. Kurt sniffed his way through the forrest like a hound. His movements, sleek, Kurt lead the group dodging trees at high speed. My heart beat again for battle. I needed a slaughter to cheer me up. Chapter 85: A fight with giants (Volume 3 Begins) Tarion I floated in the camp of shaved bandits. All bald. In Shaved culture, your warmth must be won and earned. Meaning, every piece of clothing they wear is fur from an animal they personally caught or stole. The inability to hunt or fight meant being left cold and discriminated against by fellow villagers. No warmth meant death in the rocky lands above Osberg, where it is almost forever winter. From that, it can be surmised that such a spartan-like culture raised warriors of a different breed by whittling their people down to their strongest and tallest, making their physical strength known across the world. But when there are no weak, there is no one to aspire to be better for. Hymir was weak. Shorter than these lot and he strived. He improved on himself because he needed to. No matter the method. I inspected the baldies. A bunch of first circles and second circles. A few thirds and a rare fourth. Their Strength and Vitality attributes were beyond any normal fighter. But nothing I can¡¯t handle. At the sight of me, they stood proud with their Viking tattoo, smirking as I landed. Unhooking their axes, one of them gloated. ¡°Should have stayed up in the sky, little man. We could accidentally step on you.¡± Hundred or so Shaved erupted in laughter with low, booming voices. I sliced the head and the first to speak''s head flopped back. Blood gushing from an open wound on his neck made the bandits next to him flinch. Like a field of blossoming flowers, the Shaved tune on their mana armour. One Shaved''s attacked axe blurred as he ripped through the air towards my head. The ground depressed Under my boot from the second circle''s attack. One-handed, my greatsword blocked my strike. The Shaved Grunted in Surprised that I didn''t crumble into a mess of bone and meat like their usual prey. ¡°What are you doing? Stop taking it easy on the Friedman!¡± A Shaved at the back shouted. I gently pushed and the shaved axe went like on a spring. The second circle Shaved, irritated and ashamed, brought down his axe once more. I pulled back my sword and hit his axe up. Forearms bent, bones snapped like twigs, sticking out of torn skin. A giant of a man cried aloud for his mother flopping his arms. I ended the screaming with my greatsword thrust into the middle of his forehead. Roaring with spittle, five charged at me and I started to try. Mana carved its way through them. Cut several more. I spun on the tip of my boot, leaving a hammer to smash the earth. A flash step and a slash ended the Shaved¡¯s life through his bowels. A flash step and slash through a man''s chin. A flash step blade thrust into a first circle¡¯s heart. A flash step and slash to the legs were blocked by a third circle. My left held my blade. Making a 40-degree angle, I sliced up under the Shaved''s head, peeling off an ugly man''s face. A massive hammer game from my right. With my right boot, I kicked at it. A shockwave divided the earth, pushing everyone (alive or a corpse) aside. The rare fourth circle. An older man. Old meant a dangerous experienced Shaved. Mana tethers grew from my boot, wrapping around the hammer. I stomped the hammer down; the elder Shaved didn''t leave his hammer. Point to the sky, I brought down my greatsword upon the enemy and my sword sparked off a blue shield. Circles in my chest revved and my mana saw lacerated the shield. The fourth circle, sensing the danger, strained his arm, trying to take his weapon off my leg. Tethers let go so I wouldn''t be flung like whipped. My left, right, and above my greatsword blocked heavy strikes. Mind calm, I let his hammer grind down the long edge of my sword, parrying the hammer to the ground with a massive thunk. A flash step got me close enough to smell the beastly man as my blade swung from the right. ¡°Arrow!¡± Kurt shouted from afar. I know. A small shield of mana snapped the arrow by my face. My blade still travelled at speed. A desperate war cry brought out a thick shield from the elder. ¡°Mm.¡± My loose grip tightened. Left foot in, I twisted my body like spring. Mana condensed brightly around my blade. Eyes hot with Qi, I watched the struggling Shaved¡¯s mana. I completed my swing. The air cracked like thunder a moments later. Mana cut through like sharp scissors through paper, an elder shaver laid on the ground googly blood as his lower was a meter away. Wailing alerted me and I looked around. Burly men cried with tears at the elder¡¯s defeat. He is loved. A mana bullet bore a hole in the man''s head to end his suffering. They screamed to the sky, saying a name I couldn¡¯t pronounce. They all raised their weapons. Not one soul ran. Perhaps it is part of their culture to go down with the leader. It was a waste of talent but I don¡¯t mind.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°Brave ones.¡± I motioned for them to come. At my taunt, a stampede began. I smile, swapping my greatsword for two daggers. Nice. I needed to level up this skill. Haru Terrible¡­ Tarion left with Kurt and a cohort of darkly dressed men and women and I was alone in the Osberg camp. It was as if a tornado came wrecking through. Men soothed their sores and injuries; some watched about like skittish deer. The church had not permitted the use of healers for civil disputes between nobles, leaving many unfortunate soldiers with less chance to make a full recovery and be fight-ready. What are you waiting for!? Heal them! ¡°I can¡¯t. The moment I make myself known to the church. I could take me back.¡± They are already aware of us. ¡°What makes you so certain?¡± Zeb. Why would a Cardinal stay in Osberg? ¡°¡­To watch us.¡± I stared at the sky, where the stars beyond the blue looked down upon the earth. Was it you? I sighed. ¡°Alright, let''s heal.¡± I stepped to the leader of the camp. ¡°Umm¡­¡± ¡°Jimmy, Your Grace. It''s only been some time and you have forgotten my name.¡± ¡°I will ask for your forgiveness another time. Show me where the injured are.¡± ¡°Injured¡­¡± Jimmy stood, looking worn out; he persisted. ¡°Follow me.¡± Walking through the camp, there was a different reaction than I was used to. After many years of fighting, my presence was expected or there was no fighting, just losing. But these men¡¯s eyes were curious. Some were doubtful. Others had a hateful glare. A few had pity in their stare. Even this Jimmy gave mesubtle looks. ¡°Why do they-¡± Look at us that way? No clue. I have fought with the guard. Whether it was to save my husband or to protect Osberg from the cursed. However, stories can be fabricated for propaganda. I am a unique duchess, from a humble background. Many of these men have not seen me in person before. Easy to distrust such an unknown. ¡°Over here, your grace.¡± Jimmy opened open up a tent curtain, and I was welcomed by the growning of men. Broken bones, some spiking out. Blood pooling from the obviously dead. I searched across the suffering to find one who needed my help now. A man with arrows in his shoulder and stomach screamed for this family. ¡°PLEASE TAKE IT OUT! I CAN¡¯T DIE HERE! MY CHILDREN, THEY NEED ME!¡± Lying down on the floor, the soldier reached out and I grabbed his hand. Mana pulsed from my heart to my hand. Slowly, the mana eased into the man. ¡°Doctors! Take out the arrows.¡± A doctor nearby looked at Jimmy nervously. ¡°But the patient-¡± ¡°TAKE OUT THE ARROWs.¡± The doctor sucked his lips in and did as I asked. The soldier squeezed my hand tight, screaming all sorts of insults he would be arrested for saying to a Duchess. I pushed more mana and the wounds healed. Slowly. I forget that the ceremony is to come. My true powers haven''t unlocked. I looked around at the hundred other men. I breathed in with my eyes closed. Let me. I opened my eyes. I can do better. ¡°Excuse me!?¡± The only reason you can heal is because of me and my daily training and studying. I forged five circles that gave you the ability to heal this man. The man coughed while I still held his weakening hand. I know this body better. Let me heal him! I gave up some control and my body didn''t feel quite mine. Hundreds of tethers sprout from me, startling everyone. Like ribbons in the wind, each floated to a wound solid. Like a plug into a socket, I felt connected to them all. Mana pulsed out. So stable, yet strong. There was a strange sensation in my heart¡ªa vibration. I could see it in my mind¡¯s eye. Circles. Five of them spinning in tandem. Holy power surged through meridians to these circles and back out in a steady stream of energy. The holes in the soldier healed; life came to his skin. I heard the rustling of cloth and I glanced around. ¡°How¡­?¡± I didn''t want to be a burden. On one knee, the healed bowed with a fist on their chest. The man who missed his children weaped was on the floor with joy. I stood, breathing in deep I should be exhausted yet this strong body kept going like it just had a small jog. Told you, hijacker. Better. ¡°Men. Bring me more of the wounded.¡± They saluted at my order and sprinted into action. Looking at the hand, I pushed aside guilt and I made a decision. I must speed up the assimilation. Chapter 86: Rogue Mage Tarion The stampede of giant men charged at me, full of rage. Mid-swing, a Shaved had his elbow engorged with my left dagger. I pulled it out and lunged fast into his range, stabbing the first circle four times. Another axe was blocked by my right dagger. With a reverse grip, I pushed off the axe so I could duck under another one. My hair and cloak flowed in the wind the weapon pulled through. I toppled a shaved by the knee with the left dagger while the right poked in between a man''s ribs. I leaned back, and an arrow drilled into a tree trunk, making a tree fall. Three more broke the sound barrier and I escaped using deft umbra steps. Life sight searched for the archer as several more mana-tipped arrows fell from above. I looked up, knowing I could save myself with a shield. I raised my right dagger up. Arms disappear as they move faster than they can perceive. Wood chips rained on me. I felt nothing. Except the shame. ¡°Let''s end this.¡± The wind listened to my will and my wind became a storm. Wind gathered on my blades. And with both, I slashed. The wind cut all its way into meaty pieces. As the blood splashed on the floor, Kurt appeared by me. Distracted by my flashy fighter, not one Shaved noticed him stalking around with his Umbra Step. ¡°Is that all?¡± ¡°That is all. Other Raven scouts have found another Camp. Blood marked the floor in a spell formation.¡± ¡°Mm. Let''s get to it.¡± The thrill is enough this time to distract me from my failures. But my will to win this war evolved. It''s the only way the shame in my heart will cease to be. ¡°Tarion¡­¡± Kurt said with a soft expression. Was my hurt that obvious? ¡°What I deal with, I shall handle alone. For when I tell you, these stupid emotions will never stop gushing out. Give me¡­time. Please, my friend ¡± Kurt nodded slowly. ¡°Of Course.¡± Haru I fell down on a discarded bed, sweat dripping down my forehead. I unclasped a button, breathing heavily after healing a hundred men. This use to a simple chore, wave my hands across a person and they are instantly healed. The only energy that I expired was to hold my arm up. Mana from a source as vast as the universe, my human body was the only limit to the power. Give it back. I heard dirt and grass being crushed outside by boots outside my tent. The thankful? The curious? I don¡¯t know. I ake a satchel of water and gulped the whole thing. I can help. ¡°You showed me how. I need your help no longer.¡± The prison rippled again. My future me is quite a selfish woman. You come and take my body and expect me to hide here in your prison! This is my body! I shut her off. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It needs to be done to make things right.¡± A voice returned with vigour. What is right about taking my life by making my husband think I am gone!? ¡°I¡­¡± Haru. Let''s work together. We are the same person. Except for the reincarnation thing. We can understand one another. I want what you want: My people to be safe and the world protected. You don¡¯t need to do this alone. ¡°I rubbed my temple to relax myself. ¡°I didn¡¯t ask for any of this. But one of must keep this body and for the sake of the future I need to see it through.¡±Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Vanessa was quiet for a while. Tell me, Haru. tell me what happened to make you so¡­ ¡°Could you imagine the love of your life using you, and seeping you of your power because of petty jealousy?¡± Tarion? Such a thing is inconceivable. ¡°I thought the same of Kyros too.¡± The prince? ¡°Your Grace!¡± Someone shouted through behind the tent curtain. ¡°Another patient needs your help.¡± ¡°One Second,¡± I said, drinking another satchel of water. ¡°Your Grace¡­ The patient is cursed.¡± Cursed¡­ Could it be them? ¡°Cursed and maligned spirits are attracted to those close people close to death. Had my fair share of possessed Cursed in the wars.¡± I ran through the curtain and followed the soldier to a medical tent. ¡°Where are they?¡± Mist billowed from a man laying a stretcher bloody. I felt the gaze of the soldiers peering at me, medics examining my method, watching me with judgment. It seemed some things had not changed. You ignore them; they discriminate. You help them; they fear you. ¡°We found him on the edge of camp. Since you have priestly power, we thought...¡± ¡°Exorcising the curse depends on how long the patient has been afflicted.¡± I looked closer. Other than looking wild, dirty, and smelling like a month without showering, I could see no visible wounds. Oh no. The mist suddenly expanded, slowly wrapping itself around the body. ¡°RUN, EVERYONE!¡± Blood spat on my face. Out of a soldier''s body, a tentacle of mist squirmed through his back. ¡°RUN!!¡± Two medic heads were impaled and people finally followed my order. I held my right hand out, shooting out Holy Fire. Nothing came. Let me fight. A soldier pulled me away to the side, evading several black spikes. ¡°Your Grace! Are you alrig-¡± I heard a thud and Jimmy¡¯s face winced. His leather armour leaked blood on his right side. Jimmy stumbled to a knee. ¡°Fucking damn it. Run, Duchess. Run!¡± Haru. I let go. My left grasped a fly spike heading to Jimmy¡¯s head. ¡°Woah!¡± A tether flowed from me to Jimmy¡¯s wound. ¡°Ow! His sword. ¡°Do you mind?¡± I asked Jimmy. ¡°Yes, I do! Run away!" I held the grip of his weapon, unsheathing it. Mana covered its blade with bright blue. I felt Vanessa concentrate and the blue transformed into holy amber. ¡°Your Grace, wait¡­!¡± Jimmy grunt After laying Jimmy down gently, I approached the jittery creature cloaked in swirling darkness and mist. Just like Mouve. ¡°Did you kill a human cursed there?¡± No, this will be my first time. My feet was spread out, handle to my face, the point aimed at the screeching cursed. I was like a toy whose limbs was moved by a master puppeteer. Claws jutted out from its hands and like a wild feral beast, the creature attacked. Tarion With Kurt on the lookout with the ravens, I landed in a quiet camp. The smell of blood was old, and the smell of sacrifice lingered so strong I could taste it. Four hooded cloaked men came out of the tents, mumbling. The stench got stronger as more bandits came out of hiding. ¡°A trap, huh.¡± circles turned and my greatsword hummed with mana. Scratching themselves in pain, the bandits jittered while they were consumed by the curse. ¡°¡­Ten cursed.¡± In a tail stance, I gripped my Sword with qi-imbued strength. ¡°Kurt, I''m going to need your help this time.¡± Silence. "Sorry, duke, you are alone this time. My spell covers the whole camp. None can get in...or out.¡± A feminine voice. Out of a tent, a woman masked with slits for the eyes and hooded in red sauntered out. Runes glow on her flowing dress. ¡°Wow¡­you are as handsome as they say!¡± Her voice was seductive and cheeky but older than her figure gave off. Other than mana, blackness fumed off her like Qi with such control and mastery I had only seen from Master Zhi. I showed off my own mastery with Qi wrapped around my body. ¡°Rogue Mage¡­You can do better than spend your time with dirty bandits.¡± ¡°Worried about me? Oh my, what a gentleman!" Two long, black-nailed fingers lift up a chunk of earth. It spun, sharpening into a spike. ¡°But I am no rogue. I am where I want to be.¡± The air popped as the mage shot the spike at an unbelievably fast speed. Ten cuts and the spike of earth disintegrated. The mage''s poise changed. From a plaything, I am now someone to take seriously. I grabbed the ground with my left, coiling my body like a spring. My Greatsword behind me flared like a gasoline-fuelled flame. I inspect. Third circle mage, Warlock. She can not be underestimated. An impatient cursed ran with claws swiping and I became a bullet. Boot skidded on the grass as my sword chopped down on the arm, a leg then up through the head. ¡°Can you distract me, Miss Mage?¡± Chhapter 87: Vanessas first duel. Haru. Claws slashed down wildly, and my body danced back, jabbing at the face of the cursed as I retreated. Claws broke the earth and instant the cursed pounced at me. Vanessa bats down the claw with Jimmy''s sword. Riposting back with a holy mana. The weapons point enter the mist and the cursed human screeched as their shoulder sizzled. Darkness around an arm twisted in the form of a sword and stabbed back. A small circle of mana on the back of my hand blocked the strike to my chest. In the exchange, the cursed fled, holding its bleeding shoulder. ¡°How did you learn to fight like that!?¡± Vanessa rolled my shoulders. Practice. Hours of sparring with a man who barely held back. Vanessa shifted my body a little lower, mana buckler in front and sword in a piercing stance. She watched the cursed for his tells. How it shifted its feet, where it leaned, which muscles twitch. Through her eyes, I noticed. ¡°The host¡­ He is aware? Yes. ¡°Lands above¡­¡± How is this even possible? Why would a person suffer such pain and anguish to don the curse? Madness or desperation? Quiet your mind. Vanessa said within me. I do not hear your thoughts but I feel them. Such thoughts, whatever they are, are useless. What is important is that we stay alive. We must make our will one. The cursed pounced again, thrusting deep. I thought to block. Vanessa jumped to the right. Black mist extended like a lance, killing a soldier meters away. I felt Vanessa swear as footwork brought her closer to the cursed human in a single leap. A slash upward marked the cursed chest. The black mist sword sliced from the left, and Jimmy¡¯s sword tinged as they clashed. My feet scraped the earth but Vanessa kept us steady with great balance, holding back the cursed¡¯s amazing strength. Mana sparked from my blade, forcing the cursed mist weapon to fall down. Vanessa¡¯s slash to the cursed was evaded, and a line of red bled from the neck. Screeching, the cursed stepped back and Vanessa followed in pursuit. One, two, three stabs were blocked by a shield of black mist. Holy Mana shattered it and with a fast step, Vanessa lunged with all her strength. Mist burned away as my blade bore into the cursed neck. The shield Buckley blocked the last attacks of dying. With no hesitation, Vanessa slices up, squirting blood onto the tent fabric above. Mist evaporates like a puff of smoke, leaving a dead man flopping on the floor. Loud cheers blasted my ears. My jump in celebration and a healed Lieutenant General. ¡°Well, shit¡­ I feel dumb now.¡± I gave back his sword and Jimmy pushed it away. "No, keep it. More useful in your hands. Don¡¯t know when you might use it again.¡± My first¡­ I wish he could have seen it. I need her. I took the ultimate risk and came back, thinking my knowledge would save us all. But I am just as lost as before. Floundering like a lost child. Helped and saved just like before. Until the ceremony, I need her. Screeching in the distance brought up heckles. Damn it all¡­ Jimmy sighed. ¡°Told ya.¡± Tarion Like zombies, cursed fought for a chance at me. I swiped, slicing horizontally from my left and the agile cursed men evaded with a leap, pouncing back immediately. Heightened senses found a cursed attacking my blind spot on my left. My left hand grabbed the attacker''s arm. I pulled it closer and my greatsword pierced its heart. Another grabbed onto my cloak. I remembered Edna Mode¡¯s advice, summoned swords from my inventory, and three blades stabbed the arm and shoulder of the cursed nailing it to the grass. Free from the creature''s grasp, I flash-stepped forward; my elbow broke bones within the mist creature, but the cursed still wailed with its inhuman mouth. Mana-repulsion tore a hole where the elbow connected, blasting it back. I swung my sword at another cursed¡¯s neck. A smarter cursed cut the air as I leapt away. My sword flicked three crescent mana slices, killing one and maiming another. I landed backwards in a crouch, slipping underneath a sweeping black sword. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. My cloak hid my greatsword as it stabbed under my left armpit into a cursed¡¯s thigh. I struck with a qi-imbued uppercut palm, crumbling the cursed chin in its nose cavity. Even as I felt the host¡¯s teeth shatter, the creature grew large axes on its hands and, in desperation, swung from both flanks. My mana shaped into bucklers, tinging off the cursed¡¯s attack. Mana exploded from my hand and the creature¡¯s head was no more. A kick to the rear with wind rocked a cursed while I extracted my sword out of the dead man''s thigh to guard a heavy sword. The enemy¡¯s slash pressed on as it tried to pressure me with its power. Guarding its mist sword with my sword pointed to the right, I hit my sword guard, slicing at the cursed¡¯s face inside its range. A slanted head evaded the mana, but my attack wasn¡¯t completed as my left palm butted my greatsword to fly a missile. Dodged again, mana tethered levitated the greatsword for a second before a few pulls on the rope, chopping into a head from the left ear. Like Thor, my trusty weapon returned so a cursed could be slashed from shoulder to pelvis. I swung to the right, cutting a black mana arrow in two. One arrow reeked of evil as it shot by my cheek as I sliced a great arc of mana. Two fell victim as one cursed leapt over and followed with sharp footwork. Lunging with its cursed sword arm, the air popped. Shields form on the point of impact on my great sword, bracing the cursed¡¯s great power. Two rusty steel swords flashed to my sides, and with mana tethers, they guarded against a surprise attack from two creatures. Two fingers on my weaponless hand fired at a spike out of the air with a mana bullet. ¡°Tsk! Ghouls, kill him!¡± The masked woman screamed in the back. The rusty swords grinded against the cursed¡¯s weapons; the cursed in front bombarded me with swift jabs to get my attention as several cursed leapt high with long lances pointing down. I caught another spike. ¡°Mm¡­¡± 105 points in mana capacity. I broke the stone spike in my left hand and raised it high. ¡°Ghouls¡­seems derivative but I like it.¡± I closed my fist and wall air and water vapour burst outward like the shockwave of a bomb. Ghouls soared away from my storm, tumbling in the distance. Some grabbed hold of the ground claws or swords. The mage was safe in her shields. 55 points agility. 50 points senses. I blitzed past ghouls, cutting all in my way to the mage with my mana blade. After a few moments, she¡¯s in my reach. In the tail stance, I stomped with Qi. With no wind resistance, I flash-step-slashed upwards at the stunned warlock. I paused. A step back, a spin dodged three flame balls. Spinning away from another ball of flame, I sliced back with mana, which was effortlessly guarded against with her mana shield. Lifesight saw. A lady flicked her fingers; a magic spell started to form in my left and a bullet of mana stopped its formation. ¡°How!?¡± ¡°Mages are powerful.¡± I cut in another, But they are slow.¡± Her hands emoted as she weaved more spells. With keen eyes, I slashed all mana that coalesced. Screeching alerted me of danger from behind; I stabbed backwards with the sword of Osberg. Pulling off my weapon from the dead¡¯s guts, I whipped it upward with great speed and mana into the mage''s shield, making her tumble across the camp. She broke tents as she bounced in her shield. As her momentum stopped, fissures showed in the blue shield. ¡°Summoners¡­¡± Wind pushed aside debris in her way. The mage bashed the earth with a fist, making a mini-crater in anger. ¡°Summoners! Give them to me!¡± The forest dwellers hummed again; the screeching died off as curses from the ghouls were sucked from them into the mage''s body. ¡°That''s enough.¡± A mage''s head spun around in the shattered pieces of their mana shields. Falling on the grass with a thud, her mask broke, revealing an elderly but beautiful woman in her sixties. Seeing her ¡®true¡¯ abilities would have been interesting, but I didn''t have time to waste on curiosity. However, I did learn some things. The cursed human hosts are almost always circleless. Perhaps they were rejected members of a clan, bottom of the barrel in the towns, and not strong enough to join a respected regiment in the army but they were trained. Trained well. The mage and teleportation rune that Kellen used. I thought it was possible that Vel made it for them. But he was too much at odds with their plans to work with the cult. Mage Tower Mages would never dirty their hands with simple, chaotic and dirty magic like the curse when they had better options. So the only option left would be Rogue Mages, the Seeker''s sworn enemy. Other than locating a young mage to escort to the tower, their original purpose was and still is the elimination of all unsanctioned magic users. Rogue Mages who murder on scales that exceed mine, scientists who experiment with the taboo and the innocent, and those whose only crime is hiding away, wanting autonomy in their lives. I heard this tower master is more forgiving than his predecessors, letting in rogue mages who seek to change. But no generous man becomes the master. I remember the rune he gave that safe in my inventory. Perhaps there was more to this proposal than I thought. I smiled. Forest-dwelling summoners, rogue mages. Even elves. Like ages of old. When kings wielded mages like chess pieces. And mages became kings. What a fantastic world. With the mage¡¯s spell broken down, I spoke. ¡°Ravens. Summoners. Kill them and the stragglers.¡± I heard the sound of twigs creaking as the shadows moved. ¡°Kurt?¡± He appeared beside me, almost giving me a fright ¡°No more camps to report, your grace. Shall we keep searching?¡± ¡°Mmm¡­fuck it, let''s go back.¡± Chapter 88: Meeting the extended family Joshua Two guards in thick steel armour, humming with mana, pushed heavy doors into a busy throne room. The chatter from big chins turned to murmur as I was paraded down the long carpet. Ignoring the scowls from pricks, I saw the red tapestries and paintings behind them displaying the remarkable history of the Wolfburn family from victories in the north to ages before, when they were still kings of this bountiful. Kellen, hiding his surprise and dressed in his best shirt and doublet, stopped by the steps with the rest of his liuen escort, kneeling to his Duke. My grandfather clapped his hands. With "Kellen, what a surprise. And Liuens¡­ They asked you? Where is she?¡± ¡°Jing was bested.¡± ¡°The duke twisted his beard. ¡°The cult will not be happy. But they arrived with you...¡± With grace and humility to his father, he offered a rune bracelet to the duke. ¡°It is inside.¡± ¡°Truly?!¡± The duke¡¯s eyes widened as he examined the gift. Kellen nodded confidently. ¡°Well, done, lad. No¡­Son. Well done, son.¡± Kellen looked up slowly from his knee and saw a hand offered. A smile. Him? What an absurd scene it was. There were gasps from the gathering of my numerous uncles, aunties and cousins. My wide eyes looked around at their amazing reactions at seeing an overbearing man such as the Duke actually complimenting someone¡ªcomplimenting a half-commoner bastard at that. Laurent looked especially pissed. Tentatively, Kellen took his father''s hand and stood up. The duke¡¯s large arms wrapped around the blond man. ¡°You did good. You are forgiven for your failure.¡± The duke ruffled Kellen¡¯s hair like a child, and the curse-possessed man crumbled in his father''s arms with shyness. ¡°The monument¡­¡± ¡°On the way we tried. Your Grace. Voice command, skin to stone, spit, blood¡ªnothing worked. It doesn¡¯t accept Joshua as the key.¡± "Mmm,¡± the duke let go of the stunned Kellen. ¡°Until our mages figure out how to open the chest, Tarion is now our number target.¡± hand on Kellen''s shoulder, the Duke raises his commanding voice. ¡°Learn from his example. When you fail, find a way to succeed!¡± ¡°YES, YOUR GRACE!¡± The room exclaimed with stilted obedience. But see rage. Jealousy burnt in their beedy eyes. I also saw someone familiar. Fucking Lea Track. Arm crossed with some sleazy man? And the old woman next to her. I hid my smile. I winked in Umbra code. The duke looked down on his son. ¡°You reward. Ask, and it shall be done. What do you want? Women? Riches? To be anointed as a true son of Wolfburn? ¡°Teach me Mana. Teach me how to use this." A sleeve filled out as a black fist popped out to more murmuring. The Duke''s smile spread to the cheeks. Large canines, a trait of the family, were displayed proudly as the Duke chuckled. Luarent¡¯s face reddens to the same colour as his hair. ¡°Freshen up, rest. Then I¡¯ll teach you. One on one.¡± ¡°FATHER, THIS IS-¡± One look from the duke¡¯s eyes and the eldest shut his mouth. ¡°Are you going to kill me yet?¡± I said. Every eye turned its way to me. I rattled my runecuffs. ¡°I mean, you don¡¯t need me.¡± ¡°Of course we do.¡± The duke stepped in front of me, smelling like ale. I wish I could have had some right then. ¡°You are an example. An example of their shamelessness, of their lies.¡± The Duke called his servants. ¡°Prepare a crowd for an announcement. Bring the boy with me.¡± The duke turned to walk away. ¡°Your Grace.¡± Kellen turned to Davis, holding my mother. The Duke looked at his sick daughter. ¡°Stop wasting my time.¡± He grimaced with disgust until something sparked in his blue, dead eyes. ¡°Bring her as well.¡± A few hours later. On a Wolfburn balcony overlooking a crowd. Wearing his red coat covered in the household¡¯s wolf coat of arms. My grandfather spoke aloud to the ground, waving the Wolfburn standard. ¡°My subjects, you persisted under dire circumstances. Unfortunately, tougher times come for you, your friends¡­ Your family. All of us.¡± The crowd below groaned. ¡°The Osberg brutes will soon come to our dear city!¡± the crowd booed. ¡°It¡­It wasn¡¯t enough that they spread rumours of Vioden breaking the taboos. It wasn''t enough that they took MY family and swiped Kirgfield from us using underhanded tactics. But Maize?! A line has to be drawn. Enough is enough!¡± The duke feigned sadness. ¡°I am angry, like you all are, and most of all, I am saddened. Every day there are lies about us about our peaceful land and loving people, and we can do nothing but endure the humiliation. We, the breadbasket of this nation, cannot endure this humiliation any longer. It''s time to fight back!¡± Commoners roared, taking in the duke''s words as fact. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. ¡°And this is how!¡± Taking my cuff off, Kellen nudged me to the railing with a gloved cursed hand. I peeked down at the gawking mob. Ah shit¡­ ¡°You must be wondering who this fresh-faced boy may be. It''s not your fault you may not recognise him. It has been a long time since he has graced the Maize public with his face.¡± Davis bumped into me as he chaperoned my trembling mother of weak feet in front. I heard sounds of shock from the crowd, and I gulped. ¡°This woman you may recognise. A former socialite beauty turned into¡­this. But her son is clean. Not even a scratch.¡± The grandfather pinched my cheeks. ¡°Fatter.¡± The crowd murmured again. ¡°To the outside world, he brings his ¡®Justice¡¯ evenhandedly. But it seems Tarion the Tyrant has favourites.¡± The booes shook the air. Insults were thrown me and my brother¡¯s way, but all I could think of at the embarrassing moment was that my mother shouldn''t stand for too long. ¡°One lie out of thousands, and we will bring them out into the light! Enough is enough! Enough is enough!¡± Enough is enough, the commoners chanted like prayer as the man who would sacrifice them for a copper extra in the bank basked in the glory of their cheers. Haru. A cursed man¡¯s chest ruptured open from Jimmy¡¯s spear. Jimmy guarded each other back to back until we heard more growling. ¡°Go.¡± I look at the two cursed ahead. ¡°I can handle this. It''s an order, Lieutenant¡± ¡°Can you handle this, Vanessa?¡± Probably. Back and forth, Jimmy looked, but with a nod, he went to help his soldiers, running with mana. Vanessa blocked high and low, protecting her body, and deflecting two cursed blades. From the sword point, Vanessa shot mana from speedy stabs, and the two cursed split in different directions. Vanessa bent back, protecting my chest from an extending black sword, a left boot kicked down, and blocked a swiping blade. I grunted, pushing both weapons aside. Persistently, they struck again, one below and another clipping through the air toward my face. Vanessa bent my body forward, my feet left the ground, and with a world-spinning twirl had my body parallel to the grass, I narrowly evaded their attack with only a few curls cut off. With agility I never knew I could possess, I landed in a roll safely and unfortunately was welcomed with two cursed slashing. ¡°Never do that again!¡± Focus. My eyes felt warm. Attacks, that seemed to blurred, moved like slugs. A fast step and Vanessa picked off one with a powerful mana thrust through the head. Kicking the dead of her sword, she waited for the second cursed. Its blade whipped down through the air from its right. Weapons clanged against each other, repelling off. The cursed cut from its hip on my right. My sword blocked its weapon before could make a full swing. Still grasping Jimmy¡¯s sword, Vanessa struck with my left elbow to the cursed¡¯s chin, knocking the creature off balance. A step in range, my blade severed the head. My body finally let a breath out. Like a tap was opened, sweat trickled from my head. Mana felt low. I was not used to it at all. All the healing took too much from me. I calmed my breathing, and my awareness slowly came back to hear Jimmy and his soldier still fighting. Several more cursed screeched in the tents. I sighed as four surrounded me with jittery movements. ¡°Ready?¡± I asked Vanessa. Trained to be. Vanessa shifted my body into a stance, spinning the strange circles in my chest faster than ever before. Through my eyes, Vanessa watched her opponents with the confidence I envied. A cursed head exploded into mist and blood. ¡°Huh?!¡± Phew¡­ A body dropped to the floor with a sword poking out of a neck. Curseds spun around to look for their attacker. A shadow drifted over them. A man. Cloak moving in the wind. He descended like a deity. A spark of blue light and a long sword appeared in his gloved hands. Like a gentle lead, he touched the earth. His posture was casual and loose, he held the large sword like a paperweight. ¡°Ghouls. A better target is here.¡± The cursed wailed. More of them ripped through tents, ignoring the soldiers they were fighting. Sprinting in a frenzy¡ªeven on fours¡ªthey hunted the man in black, who smiled cheekily. As if reality stuttered, the man skipped past five cursed with the bodies chopped into pieces. ¡°Weaker than the ones in the bandit camp.¡± His cloak became wings on his back as he ran across the field with his handsome smile, pulling his sword along. Another step and reality stuttered again. A chest exploded with mana, and limbs flipped in his wake. One more step, and he took no more, with wind carrying him like a rocket through his enemies. His sword cut. A barrier of steel as he ploughed through. A grasscutter in a garden of weeds. Only an inch from me did he stop. The wind did not rush past, for it was in his control. His face beamed happiness and delight. Like a child who ate his favourite meal. Other than those eyes. He was nothing like him. Not in personality, not in looks. But presence. I felt it from him. His thick arms grabbed around me tight. He nestled deep in my neck like my smell was irresistible. I should have pushed him off. I wanted to. But this warmth was something I couldn''t deny. Was it Vanessa? My own feelings? My loneliness? I didn¡¯t care. Remarkable, isn¡¯t he? ¡°¡­He is¡­decent.¡± Tarion She fought like her. To the tee. Everything Zhi and I taught her... I could have helped her earlier, but I can leave the guilt to later. How can I get her back? Chapter 89: Understanding Zeb Today was a good day. Even as the chill misted my breath, I skipped down the Greystone courtyard with great news in my hands. This damn drab mana and this terrible northern weather¡ªI would not miss them at all. Guards stood out outside the manor and recognised me I could tell by their grimaces. I don¡¯t know why I am so disliked. I am a mild-mannered gentleman. ¡°What do you want, Priest?¡± Said a man whose helmet must have been a custom order. ¡°It¡¯s Cardinal. I need entry. I have news for your Duke and Duchess.¡± ¡°Missed them,¡± said a man with unfortunate teeth ¡°Missed¡­them¡­?¡± ¡°Left to lead the war.¡± A guard on the left spoke. ¡°No, no. Not the Duke and his guard,¡± I laughed. ¡°Just tell me where the duchess is.¡± Is said with a smile. The guards looked at each other. ¡°Both of them left. Saw a mage take them too! It was amazing!¡± ¡°Fucking bastard!¡± I spit my words. ¡°Can¡¯t keep her safe one second!¡± Mana from the two doorguards illuminated my face. ¡°I hope you¡¯re not talking his grace are you?¡± the big head took a step to me. The snaggly-toothed man tapped his sword. ¡°Yeah, that would be a very stupid thing to do in his courtyard.¡± I succumbed to the pressure of their circles of three. I breathed in, regaining my calmness. ¡°I will be back.¡± I held the letter tight in my hand, returning to my carriage in a walk of shame. ¡°So close¡­¡± Tarion Legs crossed and eyes closed, I maintained my balance on a bouncing horse as it carried me along a dirt road. It was the morning after the camp ambush, and the camp moved on as I ordered. I could fly and meet my uncle, but my army¡¯s safe passage was most important. Meaning for the first time in a while, I took it slow. No zipping around like a 747 carry-around supply in my inventory. No pill shovelling. I need to use them sparingly as my good pill maker was taken. ¡°Qi. Did Zhi teach you?¡± Haru spoke on her horse. Not the white beauty she left, but she cared for it the same. I nodded with eyes still closed, and collected qi to my basin. ¡°I needed another weapon in my arsenal if we were to face these ghouls. Faster, smarter and crazier than normal cursed.¡± ¡°Ghouls?¡± ¡°Yep,¡± I answered. ¡°The mage gave it away.¡± ¡°Umm¡­I wonder if they eat humans too.¡± ¡°Dunno. I always kill them before they have a chance. The fuckers are hard to kill, ¡®though.¡± ¡°Makes me feel sorry for Kaneki.¡± I opened an eye and saw Haru hold her reins with a small smirk. ¡°You watched Tokyo Ghoul,¡± I asked Haru. Nodded her head. "I saw it on Netflix one time. Thought it was okay. You?¡± ¡°Read. Didn¡¯t time to any anime.¡± ¡°¡®Didn¡¯t have time¡¯? Was your that work time-consuming?" Haru looked to her right, looking at me with avid curiosity. Could Vanessa hear this? If she could, could she have heard Haru and I¡¯s first conversation? I am only Tarion here. That''s all I need to be. For me and for her. Will she think of me differently? ¡°Tarion?¡± I unfolded my legs and rode the horse with feet in stirs. ¡°Uh yes. My ¡®work¡¯ was unpredictable. When needed, I would leave on a dime, not having any connection to the outside work. So I would download a tonne of suspiciously sourced novels, manga and manhwa so I could binge. Secluded and needing to be quiet, manga, manhwa, and comics were my only sources of entertainment. My only form of escape sometimes... ¡° Haru smiled with a touch of disbelief. ¡°Is that how you know about me, about this world?¡± I sighed. Shit. Haru chuckled to herself. ¡°I figured that the world felt too... stereotypical. The troupes were all there.¡± Haru looked me deep in the eye. I felt Vanessa looking through them too. ¡°What was the name of the book¡­? ¡°It was a manhwa and its name was... Fucks sake, this is embarrassing.¡± I hid my shy smile by turning away. ¡°Come on. Don¡¯t let it hang. Tell us!¡± Us. I faced her with confidence. ¡°The Annoying Prince Loves Me.¡± Haru¡¯s jaw dropped for a solid two minutes. Stifling her laughter, she covered her mouth. ¡°Come on! Men can indulge in the tales of heroic women.¡± ¡°Do you-Hahaha¡± She nearly choked on her laughter. ¡°Did you skip the girly parts? Hehehe.¡± I crossed my arms. ¡°I¡¯ll have know, this stereotyping is quite sexiest! If a scene is written well, nothing is unskippable. Even¡­ dress-up montages.¡± She turned away as she burst out laughing. To everyone around us, we were silently goofing around within my air bubble. My ring hummed, and relief spread like a refreshing shower over my body. I have not lost everything. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. She could tap into her ring when she is distracted I figured. Two fighting for one body¡­When will this dragon bring me into another dream? I have questions that need answering. The hums came with a code while Haru still laughed, Umbra. Smart lady. Inside. Trapped. Wait. Wait!? For what? I asked in code. Learn. Her. I squeezed the reins tight. What do you mean, wait? Something snatched her body, and I must wait while they walked around acting like her, like a skinwalker? Does she pity her? Haru did live a life without her mother, her best friend, and only had the arm of her lover Kyros to lean on. That blizzard branched their lives in completely different ways. It does make sense that Vanessa wants to learn about her future self. One last code came through before the connection was cut. Me. ¡°Was I cool?¡± Haru looked at me with anticipation. I remembered the art of her holy fire burning the cursed that invaded Osberg, with her power levitating her golden curls as she healed entire armies. ¡°The coolest. Not one page was skipped.¡± Her smile made my day. The same smile as her, but something weighed it down. There seemed to be something haunting her. In her every expression, there was desperation. What do you see inside, Vanessa? What do you see in those yearning stares into nothingness that I have seen in many of my friends? What battles scarred her so? Who does she miss so much that her feelings cannot be subdued? ¡°I''m interested.¡± Haru successfully kept her laughter at bay. ¡°Why rush this war? You know what comes ahead in the future. A disaster comes that eclipses the one you read in my stories." I breathed in. ¡°Pride.¡± ¡°Pride?¡± ¡°Indeed. I love Osberg. I may have memories of another place and time, but Osberg... is my home. I still had family here. It needs my protection, and in my short tenure, I have proved that I could make Osberg better, and stronger. Because of my love for Osberg, I rush because I know Osberg''s fate.¡± ¡°Ohh¡­¡± ¡°The destruction of Osberg was a few words, but those words described the destruction of my childhood. The deaths of many.¡± I turned to Haru. ¡°As Osberg burnt, my people fled down to Vioden, the duchy that starved them for years and was made rich off their suffering. They were still turned away, weren''t they?¡± Haru''s face dropped with sadness, and she nodded. ¡±When the duchies combined their forces to stop the approaching cursed forces? Who abstained?¡± ¡°Vioden¡­¡± Haru answered sombrely. ¡°And it was forgotten because who has time to punish when there is Osberg¡¯s Land to piece apart. We have let Vioden take our money, resources and my family. I cannot let them take anymore.¡± "Pride or Selfish Vengence?¡± Haru spoke. I thought in silence for a moment. ¡°Isn¡¯t it the same?¡± I brought my horse closer. ¡°Perhaps rage is the right word.¡± Haru looked me up and down at my calm visage, and I smiled. ¡°Please understand. I can be more direct in my approach. I can murder them all right now. I want to. A few ravens with me and the Wolfburn manor would be forever stained with blood. My work required such methods. But that way is the method of a man with nothing to lose, no future to think of, and no one to care for." Haru bounced on her saddle, listening carefully. ¡°So¡­National pride for personal vengeance,¡± Haru said. I smiled deeper, feeling understood, leaning on the saddle¡¯s horn. ¡°My actions have to be justifiable in the eyes of my peers and the common man so that this country doesn''t crumble under war. So I went at it the slow but right way, gaining evidence, propaganda, and the king''s permission. Rather Kyros¡¯.¡± Haru stood straighter, with scruched eyebrows. ¡°You met Kyros?¡± ¡°Two times. First to get the king''s approval. The second to get the real king¡¯s blessing.¡± Haru covered her mouth in thought. ¡°You think he is working with the Wolfburn?¡± ¡°I thought¡­ The ghouls would make more sense.¡± "Okay, now you got me curious!¡± I said excitedly. ¡°How much did Kyros fuck up?¡± Silence. Haru looked at the road ahead. I glanced behind at the thousands marching in navy blue. My family banners waved high as they waved them with pride. ¡°Three months.¡± That got her attention. ¡°Three what?¡± ¡°I will make Vioden mine within three months and my selfish crusade will end. In exchange, tell me about your story.¡± ¡°Failure never crosses your mind? Have ever you thought you could lose this war?¡± Haru asked. ¡°Yes¡­Everyday. I may have lost a round but there are more rounds to go.¡± Mana. My eyes darted around. At the end of the road, mana pulsed outward. ¡°I''ll be right back.¡± I whipped my reins and rode my horse to the very front of the procession, passing Jimmy and Masse. I followed the waves of mana and found a lone figure standing in the middle of the road. Dressed in common brown clothes, the figure waited. ¡°Your Grace!¡± a worried soldier ran to me. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I have this.¡± Stepping down from my horse, I walked down the dirt path to meet the seventh-circle stranger. Closer up, I could see his long greying hair. With a face like my father''s, his brown eyes sparkled despite his tired face. The seventh circle vanished. Leaning back, my left boot kicked his right knee while a fist barreled for my face, completely missed. My right leg swooped high for a kick to the older man¡¯s face but was guarded by a mana-cloaked palm. Impressed by my strength, the older man steps back. ¡°It¡¯s only been a few months, my boy.¡± I swatted an icicle from the air. One more was thrown from the older man, then another was dodged. With two hands, the older man formed and hundreds more. He pushed, making them shoot. With a calm form, I diverted them all, leaving an outline on the ice on the ground. ¡°HAHA, FANTASTIC!¡± The knight ran in for a hug. I Grabbed onto his wrists, and I flipped the old man to his back. ¡°Oof, lands above, that hurt! Hahahaha!¡± ¡°That¡¯s for attacking your nephew. Can¡¯t say hi like normal people?¡± I offered a hand to the elder and a hand hooked my leg, dropping me. The point of an iced dagger chilled my adam¡¯s apple with its point. ¡°Greystones aren¡¯t normal. So nephew. Ready to kill some Wolfburns!?¡± I peeked down with a grin. Mana condensed to a tiny ball on my index finger, aimed at my uncle''s torso. ¡°Always, Uncle Laron.¡± **** Jimmy Thousands of gleaming armour parted way like a forked river. His grace mana shone off them like a bonfire, his hue spread wide, captivating all who saw. The duke walked, slowly ascending on invisible steps. Arms behind his back his fantastic cloak waves behind as he looked down upon us all. Servants, soldiers, cooks, blacksmiths, medics, and even the ever-proud Osberg Knights stare up with awe. Rydel stood beside me, his ear perking up in excitement. However, his cohorts were less than pleased with the show. "How was your holiday abroad? Have some fun?" the Osberg Knights cheered aloud. "Good. I can see from your marred faces you warmed up somewhat in Alar. Ah, never mind they were unsightly to begin with." The knights laughed, rattling their armour. "Hehe. Alright, alright. I am not about to drone about your purpose here and preach about shit you already know. You fuckers know what and why you are here. You heard it all. All I have to say is thank you. Thank you for being patient." A chest plate appeared in a flash of blue. His Grace struck his chest and the metal rang out like a bell in a salute to his men. His men responded with their own salute. He looked out to the large wall in the distance. "Damn, it''s big." The army below chuckled. The duke''s eyes laid on the masses with a grin. "What do you think? Can I break it down?" "YES, YOUR GRACE!" "Mm... I love your confidence in me." The duke breathed in then exhaled a sigh. "I heard cowards. Little piss babies amongst us." I thought I could hear Shopen men squeak in the crowd. "Men, are you scared of them." He pointed to Maize''s wall. Afraid of the nobles who hide behind those tall slabs?" "NO!" "Good fucking answer." Mana spread his voice wide. "From today, It begins in earnest. No escaping what comes next. No running away. Sharpen your blades!" His Grace hit his chest, his salute echoed across the camp. Osberg knights straightened and did the same. "Sharpen your minds." Metal was struck. Soldiers joined and a rhythm formed like a heartbeat, chests were pounded. I found myself captured by the trance too. "Strengthen your will and your heart. A slaughter will begin that no weak mind will be able to handle. My brave men of Osberg, can you hold your shields and brace the carnage?!" "Yes!!" The duke floated down among the knights, patting their shoulders as he walked. "Tomorrow. I join you. Will you follow my cloak into hell?" "YES, YOUR GRACE!!!" "Good good..." Sauntering among the soldiers to his tent, I saw a mischievous glint in his eye. "...I am excited." Chapter 90: Day before War. Tarion ¡°Give me the medics,¡± said my wife as she stood, hands folded in the corner. All eyes in the meeting tent lay on her calm face. It should be her first time at war but her deamour spoke that she was one more. out of hundreds as she spoke proudly amongst the Isberg army leader. No one disagreed with her request. ¡°You have them.¡± I declared, and she smiled. Lands above, I love that smile. ¡°Work with Jimmy with management of the camp, Lord Masse will be your guard and helper.¡± She and Masse bowed, ¡°Yes, Your Grace,¡± and left the tent. ¡°Bradshaw.¡± I point to below Maize at the shanty towns on the map table. ¡°Your army and Alarians will take over here, establishing a base close to the walls and another direction of attack. Our aim is to split their attention.¡± ¡°Understood,¡± Bradshaw said. ¡°Good. As me, my knights and regiments will press¡­¡± I looked up from the map. Count Shopen, the bald and grey goatee''d gentleman, mused at the very end of the long table in silence. ¡°Speak your mind, Count.¡± ¡°Can we?¡± He asked. I leaned away from the map table, scanning the noble. A noble from the most western area of Osberg, I had no chance to see him at court. Quite a bit of trouble had been caused by his people spreading rumours like a mob of gossip girls. I stared down the seventh circle. From how he bore his plates and his strict posture, he had never skipped training since the northern war. I ruffled my long black hair. ¡°You''re too old for this bullshit. Grow the fuck up.¡± ¡±The old geezer slammed his gauntlets-encased fist on the table, making a dent. ¡°What did you say, you foolish upstart!!¡± ¡°Count¡± My voice was nearly a whisper in his right ear. My speed, too much for his aged senses, made the old man jump back, almost unsheathing his blade. ¡°I have had enough.¡± Knowing how dumb of a mistake that would be he put his right hand back at his side. He slowly turned to me. I leaned on the table. ¡°Straightened up,¡± he did. ¡°Face me.¡± He gritted his teeth and did as told. ¡°Explain like an adult.¡± I sat my butt on the map, feigning patience. ¡°What are your issues?¡± The bald man kept his hairy mouth tightly shut. ¡°Is it my age, my inexperience?¡± I saw him twitch. ¡°Oh. Is that all?¡± ¡°It''s everything! You have not proved your skill, nor have you shown you can lead a siege of this size!¡± Shopen words spattered like unrestrained vomit. Bradshaw came in between us. ¡°Okay, let''s relax-¡± my mana tethers pushed him back where he stood. ¡°What about Kirgfield?¡± ¡°Sly tactics won''t work on boulders like Maize. You cannot make the run. They in the best place to be. And for sure they have enough supplies to last months without leaving those walls made by the great giants of the old age, hundreds of metres high and several metres thick. Even if you fly over with your new regiment, thousands of trained archers will fire upon you. The one tactic you could have implemented was spent on a county''s castle.¡± ¡°Mm.¡± I may not have met the man, but from the details in his report, his career in the North was outstanding by every metric. But what stood out for me was his cautious nature. Osberg is full of brunt people, always ready to carry their weapons to certain death if it means victory. Shopen opposed the way of thinking entirely, only thinking of bringing his men home whether the mission was successful or not. Getting off the table, I fidget with a key from my inventory. ¡°I will waste life pointlessly.¡± I juggled the key in my hand, staring deep in Shopen¡¯s worried eyes. ¡°Unless you think like you men do. That this war is pointless.¡± ¡°No, your grace! It is just¡­¡± ¡°Your men will accompany mine; you will be our vanguard. Leading the way for the knights. You can get a good view of my ¡®failure¡¯ from there.¡± "Yes,¡± he remembered to salute. ¡°Yes, Your Grace!¡± ¡°Mm. Now for the west.¡± Hours of planning ended, and the crescent moon showered me with its silver light. I rest high in the sky with another who loved the skies. ¡°They keep annoying me. Asking and begging for my help.¡± The man¡¯s medals clink and clatter on from the breeze as he floated down next to me. ¡°They are my mother''s family, I can¡¯t forever,¡± the prince said with a face of apathy. ¡°I am letting this be as it fights for the territory that all duchy are entitled to. In the end, it doesn''t matter who governs the land as long the understand it is MY land.¡± Cold, blue eyes stare waiting for my answer. I bowed deeply in the night sky to his highness. ¡°Always was, and always. And about their pleas. May they fall on a deaf ear because their disrespect doesn''t deserve to be heard.¡±A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. The prince sat on the air like thrown, lifting his eyebrow with puzzlement. ¡°Disrespect?¡± A gust turned me to Maize and its large walls in the distance. I point to the large vioden city surrounded by bountiful farms and green forests. ¡°Look at what they have. Any duchy aspires to get half and yearn for more. More money? They have enough to compare to royalty. Food? They feed this nation, pricing at their discretion. Even the crown succumbs to their prices. Can¡¯t even get a family discount.¡± The prince''s eyebrow tensed. ¡°I mean no insult to the crown. Friedman is the Wolfburn¡¯s.¡± The prince leaned forward on his throne. ¡°Get to the point.¡± ¡°I ask you, why the sacrifices? The Ghouls and the cursed. You must have heard of my missing monument. Why, Your Highness, why?¡± ¡°Because they yearn for more...¡± The prince turned away, his hand on his Greek sculpture of a face as he mused in silence. ¡°I see.¡± ¡°You can''t be a neutral party in this dispute anymore, Your Highness. They won¡¯t finish with the commoner, with me or the other duchies. Probably won¡¯t finish with you.¡± Stepping off the cloud throne, Kyros pat me on the shoulder. I nearly flinched from his icky touch. This should be the hero but everything about this handsome prince gave me the creeps. The prince smiled with icy, dead eyes. ¡°I really like this new you. Less cowardly, and much more entertaining. Okay, cousin, tell me how to fix your problems.¡± ¡°I will tell you, but..." I looked to the stars, where five figures hovered. Their eight-circle gold-grade hues could turn rock into diamonds with their pressure. Legends of the Northern War and key member of Haru¡¯s party. They exemplify the best a human could be at their elements, each approaching godhood with the prowess in their respective element. The prince giggled like an immature boy. ¡°Don''t mind them; the pantheons are just overprotective, me. I bloody went to war WITH them!¡± And he could very much fight them all at once and survive with little injury. Kyros came close to whisper. ¡°They say you have the most potential to make me humble.¡± ¡°Mm¡­¡± ¡°I don¡¯t see it. We all have our limit and it looks-¡± Kyros glanced at my chest. ¡°Like you already arrived at it.¡± I could hear his smarmy grin as he spoke. But he did not lie. ¡°Limits,¡± I said. ¡°Are meant to be broken.¡± The prince tilted back, laughing aloud. ¡°AHAHAHA True! Good attitude!¡± I inspected the prince. I need time, then it''s possible. ¡°Cousin, heard you''re getting divorced.¡± ¡°What¡­?¡± ¡°Heard some rumblings that the church finally approved it, Congratulations! I looked forward to you kicking out the bitch. But it seems the girl kicked herself out!¡± My fists balled tight; I controlled my anger. ¡°Our blood is too precious to mix with the bile. A merchant daughter is one thing, but a prostitute daughter at that. That look¡­ Oh, naive, lovestruck cousin! Don¡¯t tell me you fucked her?!¡± Finger on my lips, my Qi silenced all his noise, and my glare kept him quiet. He hasn¡¯t grown at all. ¡°The Divine Cult, Your Highness. Have you heard of it?¡± ¡°The mercs have sided with the Wolfburns. But our ravens have infiltrated their ranks.¡± Beatrice said, hidden by shadow. ¡°Sandra and Lea are in their positions.¡± ¡°Mm,¡± I grunted while my eyes were glued to my wife being as busy as a bee. ¡°Don¡¯t wanna visit your dad before leaving?¡± ¡°Already did,¡± Beatrice responded with quickness. ¡°A question, your Grace. Beiye?¡± ¡°Pissed off but well.¡± ¡°Thank you....¡± I felt her presence leave, and I caught Haru smiling at me. ¡°Your tent is ready.¡± Kurt appeared, face frigid as ice. But looking closer I saw some of that ice break off. ¡°Thank you.¡± Off my small chair, I pat Kurt on his arm with my knuckles. ¡°It''s a first for me too.¡± I gave him my more reassuring smile. ¡°You will do well.¡± Kurt nodded shyly, strutting back to his own tent. Arms on hips, I breathed in; embers from blacksmiths, iron being oil and sharpened, filled my nose. No going back. Haru I wiped my brow, ready to turn. It was a big day tomorrow, but no bigger than any campaign I had joined to before. I could never get used to camping in Seoul Grand Park; now sleeping in tents for months has become normal life for me. Despite the bugs and dirt, life in the camps wasn''t all bad. The merriment and the camaraderie were a joy to experience. Even as they sacrifice their lives each day, a pint of beer would get them back to a joyful mood. Day by day friendships form and grow, and lifelong friends are born. Till that lifelong friend gets killed by a stray arrow to the head. I pulled open the curtain of my tent and was surprised. Wow¡­Why does he seem bigger? The six-foot-something beast of a man sat on the bed, crossed legs with only a pair of breeches on. The candles cast light on his perfect muscle like a photoshoot. Qi simmered of him like steam, eyes closed and posture relaxed as he meditated, unaware of my presence. He smiled so kindly, but there was some cheekiness in the corners. ¡°My bad, I forgot that I had to share. I can sit on the floor.¡± I tried my hardest to look into his beautiful eyes. ¡°It''s alright; we can share. The bed is big enough.¡± I said My eyes slowly drifted to his navel until he spoke again. ¡°If that''s okay with you. You rest while I meditate.¡± I walked around the body, gazing at his chest breathing, his rolling shoulders and his tensed back. I made myself comfortable, covering my body with the duvet, and lying on my left side. My heart beat a thousand times a second knowing he was close. ¡°Haru,¡± Tarion said. His huge back was all I saw. ¡°Yes?¡± His husk from the long was like perfume to my nose. ¡°Okay, what the hell is going on? Is it because of you that I feel this way?¡± I gave up. As you wanted. ¡°What are your plans?¡± ¡°Plans? I asked, ¡°Your plans after the divorce.¡± A stone was stuck in my throat, and I stuttered like an old car. ¡°I-I-I-I¡± My body was in fight or flight mode, ready for Tarion to scream like others have. Destroyed as others have. ¡°I understand.¡± Understand? Tarion turned to look at me with his ruby eyes full of disappointment. Reaching out with a callused hand, he held my face with such gentleness that I fell between his fingers like yoghurt. Soft lips on mine spread electric around my body. Butterflies cause chaos in my stomach. Lips smack, and my body levitated with the high that filled my entire being. He pulled back, and my lips almost followed him. I could see him huffing like a dog, restraining himself. Up close, I noticed nail marks on his palm. ¡°This is your life, your body. But it is also hers. Don¡¯t decide for her.¡± covering me with the duvet. How¡­ Vanessa''s voice was silent, but her love for this man overflowed. ¡°And don¡¯t decide for me.¡± He pivoted back, crossing his legs and Qi fumed off his skin. ¡°¡­Your story..¡± Fatigue came for me. ¡°Come back alive, and I will give a chapter one.¡± ¡°Haha. Deal. Can¡¯t wait.¡± I drifted to sleep watching his reassuring back. Chapter 91: Fear Next day 1 am Joshua? Through a hole in a metal door, I watched my butler struggle. With the little medicine they gave him, he healed his wounds slowly on the stone floor as June tended to him with tears in her eyes. She looked at me, frightened by my unusual anger. "Lord Greystone, he will be fine. The fever has gone for now." "Good¡­" I reply softly. "Sorry to wake you; I just wanted to see him one last time." "Last?" June put down her wet towels and walked to the jail door. "What do you mean, Milord?" Her eyes tremble with fear. I sighed. "They grow impatient and mean to end today." "Oh, Lands above!" She squinted her eyes. "But the Duke! He saved me and my brother from the horn; he can defeat them!" "He will win. No doubt. That''s the kind of bastard he is. But if I get in his way..." June put her hands through the food hole, and I received it. She prayed with a hushed tone, gripping my hands so desperately, and I saw shining glyphs on the wall. Even if he regains consciousness, with no mana in the air, he is stuck. "Believe in your brother." A sultry tone spoke between tired breaths. "Like he...believed in me." "Charles!" I wanted to rip off the door in my excitement. I could¡­" "Calm Milord. Not yet." I blew my annoyance to the ceiling, backing away from the door. "Okay¡­" Charles sat up with his wrap contorting around his chubby yet fit body. His weary smile brightened up the dark cell. "Glad to see unharmed." I could feel my cheeks rising in heat and turning away. A man oozing with an evil aura surprised me from behind. "Woah." I looked at my uncle closely. Black uniform with gold rims, he wore a deep red sash on his waist. A noble, the rest of them pricks. Like me. "Wow. Receiving your father''s love now?" A right straight made my face away. I evaded a powerful left to counter Kellen with an uppercut, which was caught with ease. Kellen twisted it but a spark of electricity repulsed his grasping hand. Kellen vanished from my sight, lightning sparking from the floor where his feet were. A right hand grabbed up by my neck. It hit his arm with everything I had, only to be rebuffed by his mana amour of black mist. I paused as he gripped tighter. "That arm¡­" Kellen''s sleeve dropped to show his skin. Pinkish. Human. "How¡­?" A small smile on Kellen''s face showed his pride. "My father. Taught me some nice tricks. "Fucking monster!" I said with utter disgust. "MONSTER?!" Kellen threw me to the ground; the floor cracked under my back. "I give you leave to move around the castle, and STILL you ignore her??!" "Yeah, yeah, yeah, I am a bastard. Come on, kill me! Kill the only thing holding back my brother from carving into you!" "Holding¡­HOLDING BACK?!" Kellen''s eyes were consumed by black. Whose soul does he burn to use this power today? The black retreated, and he calmed himself down once more. "You brothers¡­" Kellen picked me up and dragged me out of the dungeons. Like a wild animal, he paraded across the corridor, passing Lea and Susan. With hands as slick as the finest purse-snatcher, my former fiance slipped something in my back pocket. Her accompanying servant winked a code. Use. Escape. A carriage awaited outside with thousands of well-groomed soldiers, and I was thrown inside as Grandpa folded his arm with a huge one-edged sword lying beside him. The flat of the blade was a good three handspans wide, and from point to pommel, as large as the average man, I started to feel sorry for my brother. Grandpa''s eyes looked brighter. Energised. As if a long wish would soon come true. Kelken forced me to scuffle on the carriage seat to sit on my left, laying a sheathed, slim sabre of black and gold on his lap. Kellen looked around the red and gold furnishings with awe. "Like you see, son?" "Yes, I do¡­" "Impress me today, and you get to sit here more often." With a bright smile, Kellen agreed. Disgusted and envious of the father-son display, I looked outside the window, seeing Wolfburn Castle get smaller. People of Maize stood outside rows of shops catering to the wealthy, bowing at the sight of our carriage. Nighttime, candles illuminating the roads and pavements, and barely anyone out. And the few wire clothes that could falter next to the Wolfburn wardrobe. The streets were clean, not a pothole around. Trees on the roadside were manicured to perfection. Fake; it all felt fake. As a farming duchy, Vioden''s population was spread thin by numerous little villages. With the population still treated like serfs, everything inside the giant-made wall catered to aristocratic whims. Nobles from all over came to this utopia to live their honest selves. Treat the lower as they ought to be treated in their eyes. Using them as one would use objects. And the serfs will thank them after. For everything was well, and they were fed. Ale and wine flooded the city at night, but instead of the normal loud ruckus debauchery that warmed my heart, nobles slipped into the buildings, engaging in acts too shameful to speak. The world I ignored when I almost fell into it. Full of men like The Horn and worse than him. The worst of the worst. Grandpa was the king of it all. This city ruined me in a way. It made me feel that what I was doing was tame. Clean. We finally passed the gateway, leaving the city behind. "You have it all. Why?" "I do not have it all. I don''t control all." His fierce eye lay on me while he pointed to the passing buildings. "This city was built by kings. A great and powerful line, who had other kings far and wide, trembled and flinched at the simple mention of their household name. Wolfburn." Great another history lesson. I sat quietly waiting for my grandpa to finish, as I was strangely interested. "Because of the pact, we were relegated to simple dukes, watching the wheat grow for decades and centuries while our true inheritance lies outward." "My father¡­" Interrupt the old fool. "You made him suffer... His first wife. My brother''s mother. Killed to place your daughter in her place. You born me... for more land?" "Greystones." He looked at Kellen, exchanging glances of understanding. "Your mouths move even when they might slit your throat. But yes, that was the reason you were born. And you failed." A shiver went down my back. The duke''s tone, like my mother, anvils on my shoulders. "Just another spawn that amounted to nothing." I remembered my mother once again. She wasted her time. My time. "Hehe." I laughed, feeling the weight flung from my shoulders. "What with you?" Kellen asked. "Finally cracked?" "No. I feel no guilt. Not any more. Fuck you. Fuck all of you! I will make my birth meaningful by getting rid of all of you!!" Kellen stayed silent beside me. The duke replied only with a sly smile. Adjusting his chainmail under his armour, a strange, disgusting smell whiffed out like my uncle''s new stench. Tarion A few minutes after 12 am? I blinked, and a cold concrete street was under my feet. A dream? No¡­the dragon. "What the fuck, man," I said to the man in the cage. Still dressed like Liuen nobility, he calmly crossed his legs on the eight-sided MMA cage mat, illuminated by the fires of a burning car. "Ahh. Going through memory lane, are we?" I jogged to the car crumpled on the size of the street, feeling the searing heat. I kneeled, bracing the bright fire, watching myself bang against the window for any help. None would come on the empty road. "Drunk, rain?" The dragon asked. "Drunk? No, I was sober for a week until then. And you can see how dry here is. Something cut the brakes." "Someone." "Indeed," I answered. I smiled. "I was blonder than imagined. Better looking too." "You looked engrossed. " The dragon said. "Even as you shiver, watching yourself burn. This was not what made you fear the flame." "It was not. You would have to go much further back." "We shall. This fear must be dealt with. Destroyed at his root." "Fear," I said sharply. "Exists for a reason. As a warning." "False warning." The dragon retorted. I wiped the scene anyway. "How did-" "My mind." I blinked, willing myself into the cage as the ''dragon'' leapt with Qinggong lightness. "Teach me the power and stop wasting time." The dragon sighed. "I am." Palms open, elements flowed forth. The wind blew his clothes, and light sparked around his fingers. Water bubbled up, and the ground rumbled. Fire blazed, and my heckles popped from my skin like brail. "Your talent." I stepped forward, entranced by the flame. My flame. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it."I can''t," I said. Pulling myself away from the light. "My progress is slow... My circles-" "Hasn''t Zhi taught you circles matter not? Resonance is key. And you resonate with all. But you hold back. Scared of power unearned when it was yours all along." "Scared¡­" The dragon waved at reality, and black changed into white tiles, countertops and laminated floors. A blonde boy, hair unruly as his attitude, smiled by the cooker steering some food. My heart rattled in my chest, like a beast untamed. Even in this dream space, my sweat falls. "I have been with you for months." The ''Dragon'' spoke. "And in these months, the occasional memories bump into me, wanting to be remembered. I usually ignore all. I am a courteous man who respects privacy, but this memory was loud." I slowly walked up to the boy, who was not even yet ten. Following a recipe his parents taught him, badly. Adding tons of egg, and lots of spice. Making it taste like a thousand Indian restaurants at once. "I¡­" My mouth wobbling; I tried to speak. "My parents left me in charge. Always busy with work, babysitting my brother was a usual thing. Sometimes I wouldn''t see them for days before they came back like everything all normal. So this was just another day of cooking for me, playing with my brother and making sure he went to sleep on time. But this day..." Tears flood the corners of my eyes. I wiped my tears, barely able to see through the water. "Oh god¡­!" I dropped suddenly to my knees, bawling out and a warm hand rested on my right shoulder. The ''Dragon'' waved, and the scene continued like an unpaused DVD. My brother shoved into my young me. "Hey, hey, I am cooking here, Mikey! I told you I am coming!" "You''re taking too looooong." Mickey, tawny-haired and hazel eyes as I, sulked next to little Edward. Tugging my school trousers, he tried to get my attention. My child self pointed to the stairs. "Go to my room; you can use my PS2." "REALLY?" "Uhh, Yes! Wait for me there, and we can play Burnout together." "You bought another controller!!" My seven-year-old brother punched the air with his sprite-like excitement. "Saved a bit from the bike run to surprise you. No, go stop bothering me." He bumped into me again, making me spill some oil. A hug from the Gremlin startled me, and like a rat on speed, he rushed off to play. "I don''t come down till I am ready! Already upstairs. Typical." My young self said as he wafted the food''s scent to his nose. Some rung, a familiar ringtone blurted aloud from my pocket. I watched my younger self take the Nokia brick to his head and make the dumbest decision of his life. "Enough." My younger self smiles. Out the kitchen, he ran, not even bringing a coat." "Enough!" I yelled, stepping from my knees as I watched the dread scene. A kid playing upstairs can be heard joyfully playing amongst the crackle of burning food. I willed the scene to be over, and the ''dragon'' and I were left in darkness once more. "What happened next, Edward? " The ''dragon'' asked. I wiped tears and answered. "This stove used gas so when oil splattered with flame, it went..." "Kaboom." The ''dragon'' imitated an explosion with his hands. I nodded. "Micheal, my brother, stayed upstairs. Unaware of the blaze that consumed our home until it reached my room. Scared and trapped, he inhaled smoke, knocking him out. Which left him at the mercy of the flame. The flame I caused!!" I turned to the arrogant Liuen in my mind. "Do you fucking understand now? I am not scared. I am being cautious! Look at what was wrought. You know what got me running out of the house? A fighter. Jackie Aman. Demon on his feet. Clinching him was impossible And his one-two could knock out the toughest chins. He was visiting my local gym. The recluse going out to meet fans. I couldn''t miss it¡­ I can''t use it. I won''t." "Did your brother live?" The ''dragon'' asked with still unshaken eyes. "Yes, yes, he did. With scars from head to toe! Skin so sensitive a breath felt like a slice of a knife to him. Daily moisturising, so he did not harm his melted skin.-" "Mmmm, I get it now." The ''Dragon'' put his fingers to his sharp, Chinese drama male lead chin. "You don''t want to make others like you brother." "What-...I¡­" "On the money, it seems." The dragon scratched his chin, "I can understand how a normal well-adjusted person would feel this way, but you? Tarion the Great? Killer of thousands. A savage man who cackles while his sword cuts men into like a scythe through wheat. Why do you give a damn?" "Uhh¡­" "Maimed, engorged, stabbed, strangled. All sorts of ways you have killed but burning a fool is a bit too much?" I was bloody stunned. Not only at his sudden switch in his tone but at the realisation that this appreciation in my mind was right. "I understand trauma can be a heavy, unwieldy thing. But there is an easy solution." "Easy?" The dragon blinked away, and he was back to his cage with pillows around for him to relax. The Dragon sighed. "Do you feel that what happened to your brother is undeserved?" I nodded. "Then burn those who deserve it." "Mate, I may be wild at some times but I ain''t a sociopath. I don''t kill to make others suffer." "Well¡­ The Wolfburns¡­" "They ain''t people," I said gritting my teeth. "Then what other excuses are there now? You use your flame. Learn to control its harness. Bring your talent forth. Burn your flame bright and incinerate your enemies to dust. Simple." The Dragon bring fire to his palm letting it roar and twisting into a pillar of bright orange. "Fire warms our bodies; fire warms our food. Fire can burn our forest and burn our people. Fire can burn as bright as the sun, leaving nothing in its wake. No suffering, just eradication. That is your flame. If you can control your flame, none other shall be a threat again." Unconsciously I willed a house into view. Flames wrap it, black soaring high into the London sky where no stars shine. A boy banged against the door obstructed by fallen debris in the burning house. Summoning superhuman strength, wood broke and the boy ran into hell to save his brother. "You were brave that day. You conquered those flames to save the one you love. Can you do it again?" The Fire engine drove the corner as the boy walked out with his charred brother. Firemen helped, asking him what happened and all he could mutter was, "I''m sorry." "You trusted yourself with the power to deal death." The liuen said. "Trust yourself a bit more." A sweet voice shook out of my deep meditation. Haru crouched in front of me, dressed in her white medical uniform. Holding back the temptation to feel those lips on mine and unfolded my legs and stepped of the bed. "Thank you for waking me." "You''re welcome. Do you have a nice rest?" Haru stood up, retrieving her dagger and sword. "Not at all, Haha." Dried tears marked my cheeks. I wiped them quickly. "They came as you said." "My ravens are good at their job." From my inventory, my shirt, chainmail and armour flashed in their place on my body. My cloak waved behind, my armour sparkled off candlelight. My man hummed, giving my armour the energy it needed. "Wait¡­" Haru held my gauntlets as I walked to the entrance of the tent. "I may not have my powers yet but please let me give you a blessing." I brought her hands to my lips and it warmed up her cheeks. "Saved it for a rainy day. Your presence is a blessing already. See you after the battle." I pushed through the tent and Rydel and a few of his Alarian cohorts waited patiently for my to say so. Long curved swords hung on their side adorned with gold and rubies. Leather armour suited for hot weather were worn snuggly on the big muscular bodies. I saw many fours and five circles not bothering with hiding their hues. "Do they impress, Your Grace?" "Very much, Rydel." I saluted this foreign legion and they return the same with much more rigour than is necessary. "You lot are the lynchpin of this plan. Don''t fail. Don''t fail Laron." Rydel repeated all to the twenty stone-skippers in Alarian, and they roared. The brown-skinned elf smiled towards me, wiggling his long ears. "I wanted to see you at war." By the forearm, we shake our hands and I feel the power this diminutive elf hid. No wonder he lived so long. No one can touch such a man. "Get me inside and you shall see it up close." "Haha, deal! Okay Men!!!" Pieces of the ground the stone skippers stood float them up a foot from the floor. Rydel, with his rune bracelet changing into a spear, shouted in Alarian and twenty men skated on floating footholds of stone at unbelievably but silent speed. Watching the Alarians travel southwest to the shanties, one word bounced around in my mind. Eradication. "Hey, nephew what''s holding you!" I turned back and my uncle led a black horse while riding his own. "You''ve got an army to lead." Chapter 92: It starts. Joshua I am handcuffed, pulled like a dog through the alley of gruff-looking soldiers with straightened backs. Below flying banners of the proud wolf, Vioden men stand proud in their red garb over their chainmail, marching to the battlefield. My uncle held my lead, holding his head higher as we arrived at the front. The family watched us. Many cousins, uncles and granduncles leer in their horses at their newly appointed Wolfburn with hateful eyes searing with jealousy. An eighth circle stood in front of Kellen. Crossing his arms, in beautiful silver-plated armour, his cape flapped in the wind as it merged with his flowing red hair. A large, broad blade like his father but double-edged was sheathed on his left side of his hip. Laurent''s contempt for his half-brother could not be hidden. ¡°No matter what gifts Father has lent to you, you are not one of us,¡± Laurent said with icy eyes. ¡°Spawn made of common blood shall never dirty our-¡± ¡°Why does it matter which hole our Father threw his seed into?¡± Kellen interrupted. ¡°KELLEN!¡± flaring his aura with rage, Laurent''s shout caught the attention of bystanders. ¡°Does it distress you that our father found your mother a poor lay?¡± Kellen said with a smile full of guile between his long scraggly blonde hair. ¡°I have had to deal with your mummy issues for too long.¡± Before Laurent''s finger touched his hilt, Kellen''s blade cut a few of his neck hairs. Nervous energy filled the air as the rest of the family watched on. ¡°Always me. Just me, Laurent. Half of the many brothers here do not share a mother with you. So why just me? The insults, the beatings¡­ For years I asked the lands above. But instead of answers, it gave me strength. And this new strength has given me new awareness.¡± Blade to Laurent''s neck, Kellen''s impressive, yet icky-feeling hue pressured him to retreat backward slowly. ¡°My birth brought to light what you were hiding inside. Your true feelings. ¡®If father can lay with a common wench, give her his heart that he never gave my lonely mother, then what am I? What am I to him?¡¯¡± Laurent pursed his slim lips tight; I watched the man''s eyes watching him think of any excuses for what my uncle said. Kellen heard no retort and sheathed his sword. Stepping to the side, he patted his brother on the side of his armour-plated arm which made Laurent almost jump from the contact. ¡°I mind it no more, for we are not children anymore. We are a clean slate.¡± Kellen walked to the front and yanked me along. ¡°Results. Bring him results, then you can become the favourite son once again.¡± ¡°That is for certain, commoner!¡± Laurent marches to his men with a more determined face and eyes burning with passion. Strange family. ¡°You were bullied. I thought you would be the bully.¡± Pulling me along, he sighed. ¡°Be thankful you had a brother like yours. They aren''t common.¡± The chain crumpled in his fist. ¡°I had brothers like yours. Albert and Thorn.¡± ¡°Get over it already.¡± Pausing his stride, he turned to me. ¡°Wha-¡± ¡°GET THE FUCK OVER IT!!¡± I try and try, but these shackles on my wrist hinder any mana within me. ¡°Again and again. Tarion this, brother this! Do you think you will have my sympathy, you MONSTER!?¡± Kellen''s eyebrows pinched upward in surprise. In his search for power, did he forget what he had become? ¡°Just like your brothers, you chose this the moment you ate that¡­ that black smoke thing. The souls of thousands! And not a thought went by that said, ¡°Should I?¡±. Like the demons you idolise, YOU fall to hell like your kin!!¡± I looked around. Soldiers at attention quivered in their positions. I pushed past the still monster. ¡°I can''t believe Tarion wanted you by our side.¡± ¡°Our ¡®side¡¯?¡± ¡°Ah, finally,¡± said a loud old voice, projecting power wide. Mana weighed down on all near, like rain made of iron. Resting on his treasured blade stuck in the ground on the high hill, Kellen, the first of his name, scanned his coming battlefield. ¡°Son, grandson. Can you feel it? Our enemies approach.¡± The ground trembles as ten thousand men march down from the forest. In the dark of night, their torches gleamed on the Osberg Knights like diamonds in the sky. ¡°Seems the reports were true. ¡± Kellen said on my left. ¡°Soldiers were sent back home to help with rebuilding. We outnumber them manyfold, our victory is certain.¡± ¡°He is still alive. Nothing is certain.¡± This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. ¡°If you were there, you would have seen his eyes-¡± ¡°Here he comes.¡± From the mass of silver suits, an armoured figure separated the crowd. On his horse, brilliance lit the field from his outstretched hand. The rune hummed in my pocket. Oooh. This brilliant brother of mine. Ahahah! ¡°Your smile will fall with brother tonight.¡± A black tendril wandered near my face and bounced off a bubble of impossibility. ¡°Mm?¡± With the biggest grin and the sharpest of middle fingers at the shocked Wolfburn bastard, I taunted Uncle beyond saving. ¡°I¡¯ll leave you something to ponder, arsehole!!¡± Kellen the second¡¯s sword cracked against the spell, and several shields activated. ¡°Why haven''t you heard from your mother!?!¡± In a blink, I surprised Osberg soldiers with my rude fingers. A strong grip grabbed my shoulder. ¡°Milord,¡± Beatrice spoke in her dark Umbra clothes. ¡°Please come with me to the camp to remove your shackles.¡± A light radiant enough to change night to day shook the world. My ear, deafened by the blast, struggled to hear Beatrice as her claws of wind sliced large debris flying my way with ease. Throwing me by my clothes, I landed on my brother''s discarded horse. Tarion¡­ I followed the flames at the Wolfburn side. My mouth was ajar at the hell my brother brought. Only smoke and fire were where my troubled family was. ¡°Maid! My shackles! Where!?¡± ¡°Follow me. Milord.¡± She said before sprinting off. Whipping the reins, I made a promise. Wait for me, brother! I am coming for you! Tarion Eradication. My first time wielding fire, and it will be the biggest flame I will possibly make. 100 points into mana capacity aided as I condensed it all into a ball with the wind. ¡°Sir¡­¡± Like a puppy missing his owner, Kurt walked by my horse. ¡°Take me.¡± ¡°Let me have this,¡± I said, still pouring all my mana and qi into the ball of fire. Its glow slowly illuminated the field. ¡°Stick to the fucking plan. Please.¡± ¡°...Yes.¡± ¡°Duke!¡± A soldier shouted, pointing to the hill on the other side. ¡°Oh¡­ I see¡­¡± With the sight of my brother after my night of remembrance, it became clear. Even their cheeky smile was the same. Within my helm, silent tears fell. Thank you for giving me another chance. ¡°Beatrice.¡± I held my hand to receive a rune given by the mage tower. ¡°Keep him safe.¡± A nod from my trusty follower, and she melded into the darkness. ¡°TODAY, MEN, WE WIN A CITY!!!¡± weapons were raised in cheer and an overexcited uncle hungry for blood licked his lips. Sorry, uncle. But I will have to go first. ¡°Follow Lieutenant James''s orders while I go have fun!!!¡± Surrounded by confused gazes, impossibility formed around me. My armour cracked all over; it flashed back into my inventory. I now stand alone in the crater of my making. My precious greatsword returned to my hand. Sapped of almost no mana, I chucked a stamina pill in my mouth. Sense 25, strength 25, agility 25, vitality 35 I twisted around, parrying a familiar old man''s sword. Kellen''s uncle. He cried for children he didn¡¯t raise. I smiled, breathed in deep and calmed. No mana to use qi armour protected my body, Concentrating to a tiny point on my greatsword¡¯s edge, qi blocked the season fighter''s mana blade. The crying-man sliced up. I evaded with a lean, letting a mana slice pass by. A horizontal slash from me was dodged. I sliced down, feinting with a disappearing sword, and a fist of gold broke the armoured chest of the wolfburn and burst his sternum. ¡°HONOURLESS BASTAAAAAAARD!¡± The crier sputtered before my sword beheaded him. Mmmm¡­ I don¡¯t see their armour. Must have been blown away by the blast. I smiled as injured men approached. Three men, one 8th circle with two 7ths encircle me. Soot covering their surprised face, they were awestruck by the ordeal. But they move well. All three sprint forward for the attack. My sword swooped to my right, aiming to cleave a 7th''s feet, but he deftly jumped over my blade. As a left hand of gold parried down a sword of fire, with a stomp, my right flicked my greatsword up to their nether regions to be blocked with skill. bend my head away from a lunge from Laurent, my sword disappeared and with a flash step, I propelled forward with a twin palm strike to Laurent''s chest, shattering metal and mana armour. ¡°Brother!!!¡± the two 7ths shout. One¡¯s strike was caught with golden fingers. A quick uppercut broke through the 7th''s mana armour, and a seven-strike combo blurred in motion, turning the lord''s head into red mist. Senses bowed me under a sharp mana blade that my golden skin couldn¡¯t block, and I countered with a left hook to the body. Breaking his right ribs, a kick to his left ruptured organs. A dagger flashed to my hand to a neck, ending the second lord¡¯s suffering. ¡°Eldest.¡± I walked to the kneeling wolf, coughing blood from metal puncturing his lung. A greatsword replaced the dagger, and I lifted it up for an execution. ¡°GREYSTONE!!!¡± I smiled with glee as the Duke of Vioden approached alone above the crater with armour half destroyed. ¡°Hello, fellow duke.¡± A slice cut down the firstborn of Kellen the first. ¡°Oh come on, don¡¯t look so glum. You still have your favourite left. Where is he? Distracted? Hahahaha!¡± I asked the dismayed duke. A large sword grazed my right cheek, creating a meter-long crevice with the duke''s slice. Slash turned to a burning lunge as his blade shot at me like a missile. The engine in my chest whirred. Mana shields and wind block the blaze that annihilated everything it burnt. I sliced. My great crescent sliced heaven and earth. But not him. Flapping the smoke from his blade, Duke Kellen walked forward undeterred. ¡°You are stronger than him¡­ Good. But it''s still not enough.¡± Chapter 93: Battle between masters A minute before: Kellen the second. Sense was knocked into me; ears still screamed. ¡°Wake up, Boy!¡± ¡°W-What happened?!¡± ¡°Greystone. Get up. He has no chance against both of us.¡± The chanting of men had my attention. ¡°Fuuuuuck.¡±. A mile away, I saw a trick. A regiment full of silver suits charged the hill of Vidoen troops with mana blazing, waving the flags of Shopen and the Osberg Knights. Common regiments split from the army, heading down to the city with Bradshaw banners. ¡°They are going to the slums¡­Why...? DAMN IT!!!¡± Lightning burnt the earth from my wrath. ¡°Father¡ª¡± A rough but warm hand rested on my back. ¡°Go. I will take care of the boy.¡± Present: THE DUKE OF OSBERG ¡°Let''s cut the bullshit.¡± I flared my qi before it cooled on my blade. ¡°Indeed. You must be in a hurry to join your father.¡± The Vioden duke flared his mana with fury his eyes lacked. I looked in the eyes of my enemy. Almost swallowed by his presence, I could barely stay still. He was right there. I pushed outward with wind as I heard my men come to blows with his, and the many bodies of the wolf burn clan were cleared away for our battle in the crater. Although the pill aided me well in regeneration of my mana, the amount I had was tiny compared to the 8th circle. Such bad odds. Exciting. ¡°Tarion Greystone. Duke of Obserg.¡± Greatsword in tail stance and legs primed from a charge, I watched the Vioden duke slowly take a stance reminiscent of kendo. Feet shuffle on the ash of his dead bastards. ¡°Kellen the first. King of Vioden.¡± The Duke''s large sword jabbed at my torso, and with my blade pushing it down, I escaped with a wind-assisted front flip axe kick to the old man''s head that he slipped past to my left. My greatsword blocked a slice at my back, and the air platform stopped me from careening across the field. With the platform as a foothold, a powerful left kick tore the air, chasing the duke back. No time to catch my breath as at least twelve firelances were shot in my direction. My sword spun with grace as it cut all projectiles with moulinets, making a shield of steel. I mastered the air, broke sound and flew towards Kellen the first with my family''s cloak blowing free. Slash up, slice down. Metal clanged as the duke guarded. I strafed left from a thrust and riposte with my own. Disappointment as my sword¡¯s point hit the flat of the duke¡¯s weapon. Flash steps dodged a devastating mana slice that pulverised the crater. Their feet shuffled as he followed my movement and sliced from his right hip. My blade cushioned the strike before I flipped over steel, surprising the old man. I flicked two mana bullets in my spin, knocking the duke¡¯s head back. I see¡­ I gain distance with Flashstep. Like light reflecting over many mirrors, I bounce around on platforms of air, looking for weakness in the old man''s armour. All the while, Qi focused on my greatsword¡¯s thin edge. ¡°Slow down, welp!¡± The duke shuffled across the ash, leaving thunder behind and lightning on his soles. My sword guarded an earth-destroying slash from the Vioden Duke in the Orch stance. He pressed again, digging his weapon into my shoulder. His heavy, broad blade slid down my own as I countered with my right elbow of wind. As my attack dispersed off his mana armour like a breeze on a cold castle wall, the duke struck with a flaming sword flash step barely evaded. The built man blitzed with lightning, wrapping his left gauntlet around my neck. Thunder growled as enough lightning to make Thor envious zapped me. ¡°ARGH!¡± Smelling myself getting fried, with my sword in my inventory, I struck with my right at the duke''s elbow, but he escaped. The calm veteran¡¯s left hand aimed in my direction, and his fire was inescapable. My sword as my guide through the storm of fire, I concentrated, making it an extension of myself. Qi oscillated. Ripples in a calm lake, my blade hummed a cool wave of power, pushing the bright, scorching fire aside. I twisted my sword, creating a tunnel within the flames, and finally saw him on the other side. The Vioden duke¡¯s mana thrust hit my mana armour, leaving me momentarily stunned. The fire vanished, and the frightening figure of the northern war hero leapt in the air with a broadsword held high. It dropped like an anvil on my blade and fell like a cannonball to the earth. He followed with fire jets pushing him. I rolled back, dodging explosion. I leaned back and dodged death by cut. I weaved under a certain demise. Slash, dodge slash, dodge, slash and I parried his sword down and cut horizontally. He finally bleeds on the right side of his torso. A swift slash from his right gave me the same injury. The Vioden duke¡¯s legs lowered as he immediately attacked 90 degrees to the sky. My chin escaped the marring with a head tilt, and I returned the favour with a flurry of unpredictable flicks of my greatsword, which nicked him on his arms. From the right, I swung and went for a beheading; however, the veteran dipped for a low cut up my body. Drops of my blood flew splattered on the ground, but I controlled most of it within my body. The duke shifted and attacked my stomach with a world-twisting blow that spun me down the battlefield. Soldiers on both sides died as I flew through like a cannonball through trees. I regained my senses, sticking my greatsword in the ground to stop my momentum. A stray Vioden spear missed my neck while I ended his wielder with an air punch, crushing all the bones in the 1st circle¡¯s torso. All attackers around me halted. ¡°Its him... The Tyrant of Osberg...¡± I breathed in. Jimmy I lay over a rude Shopen captain; blood bubbles from his sliced throat. He asks for help. I can give it. But there are more pressing matters. ¡°KEEP THE LINE, MEN. SHIELD MEN, PUSH FORWARD. GUNNARY SAVE MANA. DON''T USE THE DUCHESS''S GIFT YET!!! PINCER ATTACK! PROTECT. OUR. DUKE!!!¡± Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. ¡°YES!! LIEUTENANT!!¡± Mana coated my spear, taking life after life in the chaos. All I could think of was cursing the bastard of a duke for giving me too much work. Lord Masse blocked an arrow for my head, and I thanked him with a nod. I looked down to his waist, where a dagger, wetter with blood than his sword, hung. ¡°Tsk. Boys.¡± TARION This is enough mana. Wind swirled, twisting into arrows of gale. I focused and ignited. Ten lances of flame made men tremble and leak. With a wave of a hand, a dozen men turned to ash. Lifesight. The Duke of Vioden and I struck low at the same time. Our power rippled through the earth beneath us, breaking the ground like great waves of the sea; soldiers ran away as we thrashed our weapons against each other. Our sparks made fires around us. A slash downward rippled reality, pushing us back with hard breathing. ¡°You think you learnt something about me, haven¡¯t you? Is this how you won so far? Geniuses get on my nerves.¡± I flash-stepped while he ran forward with lightning. My blade fell upon the guarding duke, and he fell for the feint. ¡°I am glad,¡± I said, attacking 25 degrees to the right. The shift made them for a weird block, and a left palm of condensed wind ignited and broke a rib. A wincing duke retreated with shuffling feet, and fire lances tracked. Holding his side, lances die off by his sword. The duke cuts a tether near, then another. ¡°Tsk. Like his shitty son.¡± I jab and jab, shooting as much mana thrust; however, the Duke endured all with a mana shield. I shot a bullet of mana, tunnelling through the duke''s shield. The dark flat of Kellen¡¯s blade blocked the head knock attack, but the Duke knelt on his left knee, screwing his old face in pain. A second bullet made it through, hitting low on his body. ¡°Sly¡­Bastard.¡± Good. Bring it out¡­ Flashstepping close, my greatsword sliced to the heavens with all my strength. With one hand on the dulled edge, the duke held my blade back with gritted teeth. 105 to strength. Kellen the First¡¯s arms flail in the air, barely able to keep hold of his golden weapon. A rock-splitting knee to the face rolled down the field. Two tethers grabbed on, and like a paddle ball, the duke returned to feel my fist of gold. The duke guarded again, and my left fist rang his slab of iron like an untuned bell. Impressed, I uppercut his body. He impressed me again by twisting his sword to guard. The feinting right grabbed onto the sword, and a left hook rocked the duke''s world. A dagger flashed into my left, and I went for a reverse-gripped stab. Lightning cooked me from every inch of my body. The dagger dropped as I did. I spasmed in absolute pain as foam evaporated from my mouth. I did. It was jagged and rough. Qi waves bounced within my body, matching frequencies. The pain remained; the spasm was no more. ¡°ENOUGH!!!¡± I roared, summoning a whirlwind; a tornado cloaked my blade as I attacked the fleeing duke. The first of Kellen fought back with his own blazing tornado. I twisted my sword, extinguishing the mixing elements. Sense 55, Agility 50 I danced between flashes of lightning with qinggong. My sword hummed with soft white qi, redirecting yellow electricity to the earth. Injuries slowed him down, and I reached him in quick time. ¡°How does it feel, Kellen?¡± I attacked his body. Thrusting him fifty meters back. Umbra steps allowed me to whisper in his left ear. ¡°How does it feel to be on the receiving end?¡± The duke cut the air where I was and left him a mark on his back. He felt my presence again but failed as I cut his shoulder. The geezer swore with sweat finally dripping from nervous brows. Impatiently, he sliced wherever he sensed me. A cut to his thigh peeved him enough to flare his mana wide. ¡°There you fucking are!¡± Like the battle-worn veteran he was, he calmly shuffled his feet, and he shot himself like a railgun into a lightning-tipped thrust. Mana repulsed from my blade, knocking it down off his weak grip. My arm whipped my blade in a clean motion, cutting through skin, rib, and lung. I watched the stunned, weaponless ¡®king¡¯ look from his prized sword with wide, startled eyes. My tethers threw the sword deep into the battlefield, where I still heard my men valiantly fight on. A mana hazed on the duke''s outreaching right hand. Senses, 50. Intelligence, 55. Qi focused on my family''s greatsword. And right turned in the air, raining blood. I sliced and sliced and sliced. Wiggling like a babe, a pool of blood surrounded the limbless noble. ¡°AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!! GREEEEEEEEYYYYYYYSTOOOOOOOOONEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!¡± I shot lances on the discarded body parts, smelling the cooking meat in the wind. ¡°What else should I cut off?¡±I looked down low. ¡°NOOOOO, PLEASE, LANDS ABOVE, NOO!!!¡± ¡°Woah, hahaha, I am not perverted.¡± ¡°Please! Your father and I-!¡± I stabbed his bowels. His screams paused the entire battlefield. Metal ceased its clashing. The yells of desperate me were silenced by the howl of suffering. I twisted. ¡°PLEAS-ARRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAH!!¡± Gutting him like a fish, I look at him, deep in his blues with a smile that would frighten the descendants of this battle. I dragged my father''s greatsword across the stomach and examined the human. How he widened his mouth, the veins pumping life into his red head. The duke''s eye bulged in anger, willing his nonexistent arm to strangle me to death. ¡°I WAS THERE AT YOUR BIRTH!!! BEST I HAD STRANGLED YOU BY YOUR UMBILICAL CORD.¡± ¡°Haha! Too little, too late, Godfather.¡± I twist. ¡°I SHOULD HAVE¡ª¡± The struggling duke coughed red. ¡°I SHOULD HAVE TAKEN YOU, WHORE MOTHER, TO BED WHEN I HAD THE CHANCE. ERASED YOU FROM EXISTENCE!!!¡± I paused. ¡°You? And my mother? Please, I need a good night''s sleep after this.¡± Come on¡­ so close¡­ I pulled my greatsword out, whipping it of its gunk and blood. ¡°This was fun¡­ Wish I could continue. I truly do. But I have a city to capture, you see.¡± I raised my father¡¯s sword up. ¡°Can¡¯t waste time.¡± A thud. Just below my heart, a sharp tendril of mist stabbed deep. FINALLY!!!! My sword whacked away a second tendril coming for my head, and I retreated with light steps. From the half-dead body, mist swirled. Wind projected my voice to all corners of the battlefield.¡°YOU SEE, MEN OF FREIDLAND?¡± I point with my sword. ¡°THIS IS WHAT WE FIGHT. THIS IS THE TRUE NATURE OF YOU LEADERS!¡± Tendrils lifted the body as slowly regenerating hacked tissue. ¡°A CULT MANIPULATES YOU, USES YOUR STRUGGLES AGAINST YOU FOR THEIR OWN SELFISH ENDS.¡± Feet form and land on grass. The cursed being examined itself with a small smile. Red, youthful hair waves in the night; fire shone on supple, unweathered grey skin. The cursed mouthed a single phrase. ¡°Worth it.¡± I shouted to the crowd. ¡°IF YOU CAN¡¯T BELIEVE MY WORD, BELIEVE YOUR EYES. FEAST YOUR EYES ON A DEMON WORSHIPPER!!!¡± The duke''s long ears wiggle at the mention of his benefactors, and long canines protrude from a grin with squinted eyes of obsidian sclera. Red irises shone like mine. ¡°Capture my city, you said.¡± He looked at my injuries. ¡°Overconfident.¡± My greatsword disappeared, and a sack of holy water flashed into my hand. I chugged it all, feeling my body meld itself. ¡°True confidence comes from being prepared.¡± Thank you, Vanessa. I caught a wrist, and earth and soil blew away like sand. A centimetre from my cheek, the smelling mana bubbled on his right wrist. ¡°You are not the only one with surprises.¡± Chapter 94: Intruder Minutes before Kellen the First¡¯s reveal. Haru With a deep sigh, I placed down a flask of holy water. ¡°This is it from me, I¡¯m afraid.¡± I handed it to a nurse who would dilute it in barrels of water. Feeling queasy, I sat on a bench overlooking the busy doctors as I gave my legs a rest. ¡°This is more than enough, Your Grace! Without you here, we would be much more swamped with patients.¡± ¡°Mmm¡­¡± I could still do more. Just a few more months¡­ I could conjure three flasks worth of holy water now when the average is one every week thanks to Vanessa¡¯s training. But compared to my real strength, it¡¯s just a drop in the bucket. Medical staff rushed past me, preparing in the very early morning more casualties. Glances still stray their way to me. However, respect glinted in theirs, rather than the occasion hint of disgust. Which made it all the more frustrating. Only when I became of use did I stop being a stain in their eyes? ¡°Hey, I can feel your anger all the way inside. Still want to go to the battlefield?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s not that¡­ Can¡¯t you see it? The hate they have for us?¡± ¡°Is it about the rumours?¡± Vanessa asked. ¡°...¡± ¡°*sigh* Even after had gone by¡­ Excuse my language, but why do you give a fuck?¡± I straightened up. ¡±I¡­I¡­.¡± ¡°Between you and my husband''s cryptic words, I know we contain power so great even the greatest warriors of the nation could not even imagine, and you care what some recruits chat about while they scratch their groins? Are you taking the opinions of these men seriously?¡± ¡°I never-¡± ¡°Even more! Why should you care when you are going to leave the only man who saw our true value!!?¡± I was struck silent by my past self. The girl who wouldn¡¯t squeal if it annoyed someone became a hurricane of a woman. ¡°How did I become like this¡­?¡± Before I could reply, a whiny noble shouted outside the tent. ¡°Maid, I''m telling you because I get pissed. Get the damn mage and get the damn shackles off me!¡± I ran out of the tent, following the bastard''s voice. By Tarion¡¯s horse, his brother shouts down at a cloaked woman. I fought the urge to slice the coward with my blade. I felt my hand freeze. ¡°Halt, Haru. Don¡¯t you remember your brother-in-law?¡± ¡°Remember? Haha! I wish to cut him into little pieces. The coward, betrayer!!¡± ¡°My brother is still out there alone¡­ Wait, was this his idea, Beatrice?¡± The cloaked person nodded. ¡°Finally remembered my name, milord.¡± I gasped, covering my mouth with my hand. ¡°She was Joshua¡¯s maid but one of the better people in the manor. Without her and Susan, escaping would have been impossible. Why is she here¡­?¡± ¡°Tarion likes to keep Umbra close; information is important in times of war.¡± ¡°Umbra?¡± ¡°Ah¡­ I will explain later. Just hold your blade for now. Joshua is not the same boy as before.¡± ¡°Bring me a mage, no-¡± The bastard''s red eyes found me, and my back chilled. I almost turn away by instinct. ¡°Hey, sister!¡± Joshua belted like a child seeing his Christmas presents. I hated how his juvenile smile suited him better than the scowl he always gave me. ¡°It''s been a very long time! Can¡¯t wait to chat about my vacation, but can you do me a favour? This bi¡ªthe lady won''t let me out of my shackles.¡± Rune-engraved Steel exploded on the spare¡¯s wrist, and not a mark was left on his skin. A faint mana tether connected to me shimmered before fading away. ¡°VANESSA!¡± In a blink, thick arms wrapped around me. ¡°THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU~!!¡± What was Tarion feeding him? Joshua held my shoulders, showing me his large smile of perfect teeth. ¡°I owe you!¡± He said excitedly as he gave me two pecks on my cheeks. Catching a rapier from the air, he pierced the air, causing the air to burst. ¡°Beatrice¡­ this is my¡­¡± His slices blur before he summoned lightning with the last slash. Joshua surprised me out of my awe but looking down at my waist. ¡°Do you mind?¡± He said with his eyes stuck on my sabre. I unsheathed it and passed it to the Greystone, who tentatively received it. ¡°I will bring him back, on my honour as a man of Greystone.¡± Lightning cloaked him from head to toe, raising his clothes and long red hair. ¡°And Beatrice-¡± ¡°Tarion knows you well. I will guard her.¡± Beatrice folded her arms in her cloak with a granite face. ¡°Conniving bastards! Haha. The lot of you!¡± Leaving a vacuum in his wake, lightning shot like an arrow through the thick Vioden trees. I fell to my knee, feeling the tension release from my weak body. ¡°Your Grace!¡± Stunned out of her stilted pose, Beatrice ran to help me. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I just need to rest for a while.¡± ¡°So many changes, but can I adapt? I feel like I am swimming against rushing waters unable to deal with every obstacle, turn and distraction.¡± Let go. Let the river take you to its end. Beatrice held me as she brought me to my tent to rest. Laying me down on the bed, a familiar smell in the sheets distracts me. ¡°Its end may fall sharply off the precipice,¡± I said to my past self. ¡°The water could overwhelm me. Drown me deep.¡± This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°Sounds like you''re waiting. Waiting for someone to reach out and help.¡± In my mind''s eye, the man who made my heart jump held out his hand for me. ¡°I will be around, Your Grace.¡± In her dark hood, she bowed and left quietly. Tears trickled down the sides of my face. ¡°I am sorry, Vanessa¡­¡± I whispered with an aching heart. ¡°I am so sorry for messing things up. I shouldn¡¯t have come back-¡± ¡°Rest, Haru. We will be busy later.¡± ¡°Yes¡­busy¡­¡± I closed my eyes, feeling the sleep settle in me. A big gust of wind flapped the tent opening aside. I wiped my wet eyes quickly. ¡°What happened?¡± I said with stinging eyes. ¡°Is it urgent? Someone injured?¡± ¡°No.¡± I froze as his cold-toned voice echoed in the tent. ¡°Well~, it might be urgent. You see, I really REALLY wanted to see what the hullabaloo was about. I wanted to see her, the famous duchess with priestess power on everyone''s lips. How fascinating.¡± Words roll off the sociopath''s tongue like a snake, curling and wiggling their way into my ears. I swallow deep to stop vomit from ejecting out. He is right there! I reach for a blade I gave away. The prince crept close with his arm behind him. With a regal red jacket almost touching the grass, each step to me twisted my soul. ¡°Mm? What''s wrong? Nervous, Milady? AHAHAHA! How cute! How cute indeed¡­¡± He barely hid his manipulative grin. My eyes darted to the floor as I shivered in his presence. ¡°Is it your first time meeting royalty? I see; I have become so used to reverence that I have forgotten what shyness looked like.¡± He stepped closer, looking down at me and my served meat. He leaned forward, breathing hard like a wildebeest, puffing his stinky breath across my neck. ¡°However¡­ I could make you feel comfortable.¡± His leather-gloved right hand reached for my face. Vanessa Greystone I took the prince¡¯s hand and shook it. His eyes twisted with puzzlement; he took back his hand as if burnt. ¡°Oh, sorry! I thought you were asking to shake! Apologies!¡± I curtsied. ¡°Thank you for blessing us with your presence this late at night. Duchess Vanessa Greystone, Please to meet you, Your Highness.¡± ¡°Ah, yes, well met.¡± Shocked but still a royal, he accepted the greeting with a nod. ¡°If you are here for my husband. He is quite¡­occupied with other matters.¡± ¡°Husband? And he left you here alone. Had I been the enemy-¡± ¡°You would have protected me. Isn¡¯t that why you are here, Your Highness? Otherwise, why else would a prince of a nation sneak into the room of the duke''s wife so late at night?¡± The prince''s lips tightened. ¡°¡®Wife,¡¯ ¡®Husband¡¯¡ªusing¡¯ the titles you threw away.¡± I looked down, feigning guilt. ¡°Yes. It is true. It seems you are quite invested in our marriage, your highness.¡± ¡°I am the future of the country; it is my duty to learn about my subject''s troubles.¡± ¡°But will the public see it the same way?¡± ¡°Wha- What are you insinuating?!¡± ¡°I am sure someone of your skills evaded all eyes, but some have better ears. Some may spread silly rumours of you being a belligerent prince. A royal drunk on his power. An adulterer.¡± The prince looked around the tent using whatever heightened senses he had to find a listener. Thinking of himself as safe, the prince grinned as he stepped forward in the candlelight. ¡°I need no approval from beggars. My every motion is correct, and every word I utter is right. I am the law of the land. You have all to lose.¡± With a click of a finger, candlelight was snuffed and darkness filled the tent. My mana¡¯s hue lit the room with a soft blue glow, casting light on four new dark-cloaked guests. ¡°But with more to lose, I fight back harder.¡± ¡°Ahh¡­ Umbra¡­ They really accepted you. I understand. A simple mistake on my front. Curiosity took hold of me. But now that I am here. It was worth it. Tarion was a lucky man. But who could be next¡­¡± Walking back slowly in the dark, the prince shot me an eerie wink and slinked back outside. ¡°Should I just kill him?¡± Beatrice asked with her claws of wind ready. ¡°If you can kill a ninth circle, go ahead!¡± The rest of the shadowed Umbra chuckle with me. ¡°I could if I prepare well.¡± Beatrice was dead serious; I love her for that. ¡°Okay, back to your positions.¡± Saluting in the dark, they disappeared, and candlelight returned as I was alone in my tent. Back in my bed, I lay, trying to get back the rest that escaped me. ¡°Thank you,¡± Haru said within the depths of my soul. ¡°Mm.¡± I turned to my side, wrapping the bed cover around me. ¡°I will leave it all to you.¡± Like a forgotten memory, I felt something disappearing from my mind. I concentrated, finding myself back in my old room that became my jail. A depressed woman sat on the bed with a thousand-yard stare. I look carefully at her visage. Wounds and scars were visible on her whole body. I sat close, holding onto her hand. ¡°Leave what? Running away already?¡± ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t do it!¡± Tears drop down Haru¡¯s like a waterfall of diamonds. ¡°This world isn¡¯t for me! This life isn¡¯t for me to take over. I almost shattered like brittle glass under his gaze; how could I fight against him?! ¡°With my help. With Beatrice¡¯s, Joshua, with Tarion¡¯s help.¡± She turned me with tears flowing. ¡°Because of you, I see the world with new eyes,¡± I told her. ¡°I have seen how fortunate I have been, but because of you, I have also seen that there is danger out there that we must destroy. Aid me, advise me and I will aid you.¡± Words seemed stuck in the throat of the shivering saint. How dare they make her like this? How dare they!!? I hugged her tight in the golden room. ¡°Thank you for coming back.¡± The saint wailed on my shoulder; I felt her comforting warmth as she apologised again and again. The golden room broke apart, leaving two sisters of terrible fate to embrace in the dark. But as I console my elder self, I plan. Back in reality, I sat up in my body and clicked a finger. Beatrice arrived quickly. ¡°So¡­ How would you kill a ninth circle? Beatrice smiled. Joshua A lightning step on a branch launched me high above the forest. Filling the air with lightning, I remember my brother''s teachings and speed through the air. The forest ended below, and I met with the horror of war. From high, I see blue and red swirling like ants fighting off a caterpillar. The men of heavy steel, Uncle¡¯s Osberg knights, bulldozed into soldiers with the specially bred horses. The glaive, axes and hammer smash, bludgeon and splatter bodies in the way. I look to the left and find a section of the Osberg army, mostly filled with commoners of little armour, fighting with bucklers and spears as they march down to the side of the city wall to the slums. Thunder. My eyes followed the ear-bursting noise and found my bound fight against a master. I could help, team up on the old fucker. I noticed a dead body shoved to the side of the burning crater. Laurent¡­ Lands above. If I went down there, would I become like him? Lightning buzzes near my elevation, and I watch a wolfburn clash swords with an ageing warrior. With each clash, the old warrior backed away, flinging sharp ice at his enemy. The younger fighter dogged it all and slashed down to feint for a stomach cut. ¡°Uncle!¡± Bloodier than the butcher room, Charles showed me all those years ago. I landed in the muck, running past corpses. Every step flung me further and faster. A cut to a thigh dropped the brown-eyed Greystone. ¡°Fuck!¡± I spun my circle till my chest stung. ¡°FUCK!!¡± I stepped deep into the earth as I saw a sword drop down on a fallen warrior. ¡°UNCLE!!!¡± Both men turn. My feet ruined the earth beneath, and with a great leap, my sword descended on my enemy. Kellen parries both swords with ease, swooping them to the right. I twisted and returned with a backkick with all my lightning. ¡°Had you fought me before-¡± Out of the dust and flying grass, the wolfburn grabbed my boot. ¡°You could have come out on top.¡± Before he could slice down my leg, my mana shield ballooned from my boot sole, liberating me from Kellen¡¯s grasp. I jumped to Uncle Laron, checking if he was alright. ¡°This is who you chose? This old weak man?¡± ¡°Oh, fuck off! Go suck on some souls or something.¡± I checked his injuries. Shallow. Ice flew to guard me from behind. Jumping to the side, Kellen escaped from an ice bullet to the head. ¡°You know why he likes me better? Cos, I am unpredictable!¡± Nearby blood shot at Kellen''s back. A quick slice of the lightning sword evaporated the liquid. Laron moves closer with movement smoother and quicker than his age should allow. Slash, slash and slash low, and water whipped at Kellen''s face at sound-breaking speed. An opening. I circled around, stabbing at my uncle¡¯s back. Kellen smiled. Instinct made me retreat and I saw Laron did the same. But relief was short-lived. ¡°Shit. Unlucky¡­¡± Uncle Laron¡¯s mouth leaked blood as he struggled to hold himself up with a tendril in his gut. ¡°UNCLEEEE!!!¡± Pulling him up by the stomach, Kellen¡¯s tendril flicked away like ear fluff. On a nail. ¡°YOU BAASSTAAAAARD!¡± Anger pulsed energy in my veins. My circle burnt my chest as Qi filled me entirely. I left nothing back. ¡°I sense him. He wishes to hide no longer. As do I.¡± Kellen regarded me as his skin turned to sickly grey, ears elongating, and his eyes became like my brother''s on the night he defeated the horn. ¡°Tell me before I cut you down. Where is my mother?¡± Chapter 95: Battle in the sky Kurt An explosion shook the world. I protected my eyes from the wind and debris. Air drifted back. And out of the cloud of dust, my master held the demon-tainted arm. The power of those two was unfathomable. But to Tarion, such a demonic power was a simple punch. Tarion twisted the caught punch, causing the grey, long-eared man to lean forward with his ever-confident voice. "Kurt, your time is now.¡± He smiled at me, and I noticed his eyes and ears change. An uppercut from my master sent the Vioden Duke straight to the sky, ripping an arm from the joints. Stone and grass scattered from the detonation of air as fire erupted from Tarion¡¯s boots, catching up with the cursed duke flailing in the dark sky. They became smaller in the distance. ¡°Sickly Duke, huh¡­?¡± Riding next to me, Count Shopen chuckled as he watched the sparks of light miles in the air with pride. ¡°So, Captain, what are your orders?¡± ¡°Situation?¡± I whispered, still watching new stars ignite from the two beings of celestial power go to war. The count cleared his throat. ¡°Bradshaw and the south Osberg nobles make their way to point A. Lieutenant James'' regiment holds on and guards the rear.¡± While details ran off Shopen¡¯s mouth, the red-cloaked men of Viodens dropped the weapon in awe and fear. All they had heard and thought were villains'' lies came true right before their eyes. Vioden Mercenaries were the first to run and the first to have their soul sucked from them. White spirits turn black with malice and fear as they are absorbed by the changed duke. ¡°To see it person¡­ Sends a chill down my body!¡± Our first circles can withstand the pull, but theirs are taken, although they find it hard to stand. Is it something they ate? ¡°A large bulk of the Vioden army is effectively useless.¡± Shakes his fist, charged by optimism. ¡°This is the right time to strike at Maize hard!¡± I held a hand up. ¡°They are not done, sir.¡± I watched the battlefield transform into a mess of chaos. The main Vidoen army disassembled, every man leaving anything that could weigh them down. However, the weaker ones drop to the floor like lifeless dolls. Twitching and wiggling, curse consumed them. So that is your plan. It wouldn¡¯t matter if there are none left to remember. ¡°Lands above! This is¡­ Is this how Mouve¡­?¡± ¡°Yes. Ghouls.¡± My new heavy-armoured comrades stepped back, gripping their weapons as the new supernatural foe encroached across the battlefield with black, swirling mist. ¡°No time to gawk, Milord. Time to fight.¡± I hit my chest plate loud, dropping down my horse. "Knights. Heed my word.¡± I unsheathed the fanciful dagger I received. From my side, I guided Holy Water to my weapon, forming a sparkling blue sabre on the dagger¡¯s edge. I turned back to apprehensive, cowardly men. I looked to Shopen. He nodded. ¡°WAKE UP!!¡± They did. I called to the knights, pretending my words were my master¡¯s. ¡°TIME TO MAKE THOSE SHINY SUITS WORTH THEIR COIN! WATER USERS UP FRONT. LET ONE OF THEM DIE, AND YOU WILL BE REPRIMANDED. WE HAVE NEW ORDERS. GUARD OUR TROOPS FROM THE REAR AND PROTECT THEM FROM CURSED UNTILL THE ENTRY POINT.¡± A chorus of gauntlets beat their metal chest. ¡°YES, CAPTAIN!!¡± I exhaled. I hated shouting. A waste of energy. Regardless, to be by Tarion''s side, stepping out of my comfort zone was a must. However, in some moments here and there, I sometimes wished to leave this stuff to my brother; he was always a people person. ¡°HOLY WATER, READY!¡± Soldiers held out their flasks, and holy water swirled out, slushing and splashing in the air. Three ghouls rushed, striding with quick gait. Each with their claws of mist out, my holy blade dissects them. The torsos and heads rolled behind me, burnt from touching the heavenly water of our duchess. Like a wave of death, hundreds more scurried down the grassy hills. My mind is still. My master gave me a duty to fulfil. I took a step, facing the enemy of humankind. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Tarion (2:00) ¡°Those blackened eyes!!¡± lightning became black on Duke Wolfburn¡¯s regenerated right fist. With all his rage, he slammed down. My palm, humming with calm, inky blood tint energy, absorbed it. Rushing Tide Technique pulled the Duke down with a twist and yank into my rib-pulverising knee. My abdominal muscles flexed injured organs that were still healing from earlier. Flem spit out of the duke¡¯s mouth as he struck with a sharp, left jab, which I parried up. Black mana shot from his fist and punctured a hole in the clouds. ¡°My son was right to fear you!¡± The wolfburn throws a right haymaker to my chest, forcing me yards away. Black Lightning shot him like a charged javelin, and he was already pelting me with wide attacks. The black mist from below slowly merged with him. His fists dug deeper, and I felt incredible from every punch. My arms blocked strikes too powerful to fully absorb. The Wolfburn hit harder, faster. I slipped away from a lead overhand with a weaving dodge, and my left uppercut an open face for the counter. My gloved, pinky knuckle grazed the right cheek of the smiling man of ash. Quick learn- The wolfburn''s back fist slapped the sense out of me for a moment. In the haze of darkness, three heavy blows find my body. ¡°Argh, fuck off!¡± The Duke flew under my roundhouse kick and his wide punch to my body was thwarted. The power of his strike sent me tumbling in the air. ¡°I AM TRYING!!¡± The demon tainted closed in again, finding much glee in beating the fuck out of me. More souls merge with him, and his punch gets stronger, each sonic-booming impact making the bones in my arms creak. Zhi¡­ Master Zhi would focus. Eyes burned in their sockets, and I caught a grey fist. Gloves exploded, ripping into pieces, revealing dark scales on my pale palms and knuckles. Duke Wolfburn¡¯s beard bopped as he looked at me and my mysterious hand. (00:50) What the fuck? A bright blistering blaze superheated the captured arm, and the duke cut the charring limb off to escape. ¡°Of course¡­¡± The duke twirled his beard, nervously grinding his teeth as his arm regenerated in a second. ¡°OF COURSE!!! IT HAD TO BE YOU. YOUR DAMN FAMILY. WHY MUST YOU HAVE IT ALL SO EASY!!?¡± I shrugged. ¡°Tis life. Deal with hand dealt.¡± Stilling my mind like calm waters, I flowed the mysterious energy like qi to my hands. The scales grew darker, thicker and tougher on my knuckles. 90% to fists and 10% everywhere else. I sighed. A risky ratio for sure. But one I must take. I turned off the fire beneath my boots and landed on a platform of air. ¡°No¡­ This is destiny. YES! My final test! If I can beat a descendant... Heavenly Demon. Do I dare?¡± A duke laughed heartedly as a mass of black souls burst from the duke, cloaking him in a ball of mist. Breaking free with a yell, a once human duke appeared clad in skin-tight sectioned armour. Almost merging with the dark sky, feathered wings spread freely, feeling the wind. With a flap of the wings, the demonic man disappeared. I guarded low to the right, and the duke¡¯s left heel kick blew away the air. Sound returned as a thousand thunder strikes rumbled the sky. I slid across a cracking air platform, keeping my composure. A right-axe kick came from the heavens, falling like an orbital strike. Flashstep pivoted me away from death. The duke spun with propelling fire, slicing the air with a blade kick of black fire. A scaly palm absorbed all. ¡°The monolith. You gave up on it?¡± I said with heavy, languishing breath. Duke Wolfburn¡¯s leg snapped back. ¡°Oh¡­ You don¡¯t know¡­¡± He smiled like he felt embarrassed for me. ¡°It''s not for me.¡± Black fire lances float in the sky in their thousands. ¡°And after tonight, I will never have to bow my head to that Liuen buffon ever again!¡± Completely for¡ªOF COURSE I KNOW! Six barrels from my bracelets teleported beside me, and with a squeeze of my hand, the contents exploded out of the wood. Slow, careful movement guided the water into six spheroid pools of illuminating liquid. ¡°So much holy water¡­! HOW!?¡± A very studious, novice priestess. (00:35) ¡°Villains always ask like I would fucking tell them.¡± Worry on his face, fear jerked the cursed fire lances in Vioden Duke¡¯s tenuous control. I raised my hand. The duke shivered, watching my motions cautiously like a cornered dog. ¡°You fought hard, old man, sacrificed limbs and still kept standing. I see why your name came out of my father''s mouth often. Holy water bubbled in my control. ¡°Your perseverance makes you a fun sparring partner. I would have loved to learn more about you. But today-¡± ¡°Shut up! Shut up!! SHUT UP!!¡± A gesture fired the lances. Like rain, the lance zipped in the air with shh. Scorching fire surrounded me, and my heightened sight saw nowhere out. "This feud finally ends. With my victory.¡± Chapter 96: Basics. Several weeks ago. Back in Osberg, a duke meditates. Tarion After a long day, with aching joints and sore muscles, I closed my eyes and folded my legs on my master bedroom floor. Hand rested on my knee as I relaxed my taut body. Metal images settled me in as I settled into my groove. Circles spun, and my chest pounded like a thousand hoofs on grass. Qi rushed from my lower dantian to my healed heart. I focused. Shoulder, elbow, hand back to elbow, shoulder then to my other limbs I scanned with qi in the same fashion. Meridians were healthy. Now to train. I focused. Warming my eyes with qi. ¡°Your lifesight is better.¡± Master Zhi spoke behind me in her raspy elderly voice, fanning herself in the warm room. "Less leakage. I knew you were talented, but this... this is scary. Charles, I am so sorry that you live in the same generation as this freak of nature, or I would be saying the same things to you.¡± Charles shrugged with a smile as he also meditated beside me. ¡°I¡¯m glad. I am not equipped to take the burden of expectations.¡± Like an open vial, I released qi to my fist, and bright gold light coated my calloused skin. Another day of many; practice the same Qi shifting techniques. Shoulder to elbow to hand to elbow and back again and again and again. ¡°Master¡­¡± I leaned back on my hand. Zhi laughed. ¡°Finally. Are you bored?¡± I perked a curious eyebrow. ¡°How¡¯d you know?¡± With a knowing smile on her face, the elder fanned her face. ¡°He was the same damn way.¡± ¡°Who?¡± I asked. I turned myself around to see her fully. Who could make a gruff granny smile like a child playing the fields? ¡°Yuran again?¡± Charles spoke from my right, stepping from his meditation with a creaking body. ¡°Yuran did this. Yuran did that. You are so much fatter than Yuran.¡± ¡°A disciple?¡± While Charles picked me up, I asked Zhi, whose face suddenly filled with grief. ¡°Former.¡± She coughed as she turned away, trying to hide her despaired face. But one quick glance at my face and she relaxed. ¡°He was bored as well. ¡®Why don¡¯t I learn this?¡¯ or ¡®His technique is amazing; why can¡¯t I copy it?¡¯. I will tell you what I always ask him.¡± Zhi pointed directly at my engaged face and said. ¡°Do you want to be amazing at one technique or be a better fighter?¡± ¡°Better fighter, of course.¡± ¡°Exactly. You are an adaptable warrior, and you have now seen your fair share of battle. Is it better to have a singular attribute much higher than the rest?¡± I shook my head. ¡°We train in the fundamentals to have an answer to every solution. Energy-diverting, rushing tide, gold skin and lightsight. The four arts. Four parts of a whole that is the He¡­¡± Zhi cleared her throat. ¡°We have a saying where I am from. To become strong, we eliminate weakness. Why teach a single technique to slash carve mountains in two when every movement of your blade can cut hills?¡± I scratched my hairy chin in thought. ¡°Why can¡¯t I just learn foundation techniques and higher techniques in tandem?¡± ¡°Time.¡± Zhi brought down her green sleeve, and Qi swirled on her arm like a drill. ¡°Want to learn this?¡± I nodded fast. The drill dissipated, and four swords of light hovered over us like objects of heaven. ¡°Want to-¡± Charles and I bounced our heads faster like kids in a toy shop. A sword pointed at Charles. ¡°Several years.¡± And a sword pointed at me. ¡°Several months. Only if you only practice the technique and only this technique.¡± Several months¡­ by then all our plans... Two swords aim their sharp pointed their humming qi at Master Zhi. ¡°Several decades.¡± ¡°Damn! You''re old as fuck!¡± Blades of light sparkled away, and wrinkled golden fingers curled for a flick. Back parallel to the floor, chips of wood fell on my face. A leg tripped me, and the fan whacked me on the side of my temple. ¡°I deserved that, haha. Ouch¡­¡± ¡°Youngers are always on the go, trying not to waste time while doing the time-wasting. Focus on the foundations. I don¡¯t care if it''s boring. Boring will save your damn life, like it just did. Legs folded. We will try again.¡± ¡°Yes, master.¡± From the floor, I glanced at a wall bored through by a single golden finger. Better get back to training. A frail hand caught my arm before I sat down. ¡°I teach this way for you. For what you will become. Train earnestly, and the fruits of your labour will bear fruit.¡± I pivoted to her, and with deference, I bowed to her. ¡°Your teachings have brought me far already. And with my life saved by your hand, I will trust your teachings to the end. I may ask foolish questions; your words are always engraved in my heart, Master Zhi. My bedroom door burst open with a curly blonde huffing with a large tome in her arms. The duchess raised her old book that resembled an unearthed mummy. ¡°DEMONS!¡± ¡°Wut.¡± ¡°FALLEN ANGELS, the enemy of the constellations!" DEMONS! THEY WANT TO SUMMON DEMONS!¡± Tonight Tarion Divert it like qi. Plonk. This ¡®draconic¡¯ energy warmed my eyes. Scales of black grew around my eye sockets as the sky brightened with my extreme vision. I can finally see the curse. Rather, the absence of mana is created in its trail. I see the thousands of black lances fly to me. I smiled. Learning is such fun. Two bubbles of water swam in front, forming crystal-like swords of holy water. An air platform fractured under my feet as I charged with flash steps at the wall of fire. Crystal swords spun like propellers. Blending the lances in my way, each step pushed me harder against the wind. 70% feet. 30% to e- A great black fire broke the swords. A left hook to my face twisted my body 1080 degrees and a right hook to my left kidney halted me in the air. ¡°YOU THINK HOLY WATER WILL SCARE ME!?¡± Black armoured hands grasped onto my long black hair, and an angry Duke Wolfburn attacked with a right punch. I calmly parried it, and with feet powered by the new power, I kicked the demon-tainted out of my hair. The air rippled in waves, and a knee to the face shook the atmosphere. ¡°WHY!?¡± Holy water condensed above my fist and my left rocked the cursed man into the clouds. With wind, I chased with fervour, and my right straight burnt through the black chest armour. Under the starry sky, the Wolfburn consumes poor souls as black mist regenerates. ¡°WHAT WILL THEY GIVE YOU TO BETRAY MANKIND?¡± As the light of the holy water dulled, I summoned holy water from my inventory. Becoming a crystal sword, I slashed down on the duke, and he swiftly evaded with obsidian wings. The duke looked down at his bizarre visage with pride. ¡°I¡¯d say this was a great gift.¡± A kick to my spleen knocked me off my equilibrium. A blow to the back. Kick to the head. A rib-breaking punch brought a tear in my eye. A sky-ripping uppercut was dodged. The hairs on my chin ignited like a match from the duke''s fist. and an ear-deafening right straight was sidestepped. I focused. Months of practice and my seven circles sped qi to my left hand. Water condensed to a ball flashed into my hand from my inventory. THROOOM. The small bubble of water fired at my hand like a canon, wrecking the black carapace of the duke, who looked confusedly at his wounded body. Bearing his beastly teeth, he hissed at me with a volatile look in his red eyes. ¡°Greystone¡­Greystone¡­ GREYSTONE!!!¡± Black armour thickened on hammering fists, and I caught his strike. As practiced. I felt the rush of power absorbed through my hand, elbow, shoulder, circle, and then my right leg for a thunderous kick to his intestines. Armour split on his stomach, and a knee cracked the armoured face of the keeling Duke of Vioden. An old man shrieked as fire burnt his arms to a crisp. Wings flapped desperately as I grabbed the armless Kellen''s neck. ¡°LET ME GO!¡± Two water swords swam behind the Wolfburn and cut off his wings and legs. Just like the wound on Duke Kellen¡¯s chest, they fail to regenerate like his arms. Summoning all the holy water, six swords were stabbed into the cursed duke. He roared death wails like a dying lion. Regenerating arms reach for me as they slowly heal. ¡°What? finding fewer souls to eat? Nice, my men work fast.¡± Knumby grey arms wiggled towards me. ¡°I¡¯ll pull your damn soul out and eat it whole!¡± This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. I squeezed the duke¡¯s trachea as hard as I could while my left hand guided the swords of water deeper into the black armour to his heart. I watched the duke''s eyes bulge from strength. ¡°UNHAND ME, BOY!¡± Lightning parked from every part of the cursed man''s body. I absorb it all, redirecting it to an air-rippling punch to the gut. (00:00) Phew¡­ Kellen My fist pounded my nephew''s stomach until yesterday''s dinner was strewn on the bloody grass. Slaps messed up Joshua''s face, making him blue and purple on his young face. Grabbing his long, tied-up, red Woflburn hair I used to envy, I whispered close to his ear. ¡°Where¡­is¡­she?¡± ¡°I-I-¡± ¡°WHERE IS SHE!?¡± An unforgiving knee bruised Joshua''s organs. WHERE!!!!???¡± ¡°I DON¡¯T KNOW!¡± Lightning sparked from the young fella with all he could muster. I shook off the little sting. ¡°Maybe your brother will know after I offer your head to him!¡± Heightened senses felt something sharp and long, travelling at an absurd speed. It hummed with an energy that scared my whole being. My single-edged sword battered it down. The icicle paused in the air before it could hit the ground and shot at my head again. Releasing the boy, I evaded with a step back. ¡°Grey uncle, get away from my boy!¡± A curved sword from a foreign land sliced down. Tendrils of mist blocked the blade. ¡°Sorry!¡± Like soft clay¡ªno, like snow¡ªthe tendril crumbled from the strike. ¡°Them weird stuff ain¡¯t gonna work with me!¡± A slice up, I leaned away, was followed by a flying ice stake. My blade guarded my left leg, and an empty hand caught the stake. ¡°ARGH!¡± Holy water, damn, let me finish this fast. ¡°Looks like you wanna finish this fast.¡± The ice stake zipped around my head, darting like a dragonfly. My eyes got used to the speed, and with lightning on my blade, I burnt the holy water to vapour. ¡°Sorry, I have a task to complete." From a flask under his chainmail, the old warrior''s holy water turned to ice. ¡°So stay and wait for your turn!¡± I see. I can''t underestimate any Greystone. Stance straightened. I finally see the enemy for the warrior he is. Two hands held my new sword. Black lightning-coated feet shuffled on the grass. The man of Greystone turned around in shock as my sword tore through his back. The Greystone¡¯s weapon swung wide from the right. Too slow. Two cuts made their mark on the old man¡¯s chest. The foreign weapon still swung, banging into my weapon with a loud clang. The greystone looked at his injuries. ¡°What the fuck is this?! Cut like you mean it!¡± Even in my transformed state, my wrist still hurt from the strike. ¡°Your name,¡± I asked him. ¡°Loran. And Kellen, right? Great name. Wonder where you got it from.¡± ¡°From a great man.¡± ¡°HAHA.¡± The elder settled in a low, slouching stance. ¡°I like you. You say funny stuff.¡± Tarion ¡°Why?¡± My grip on his neck became weak. Holy water could only exorcise the curse for so long till its power ran out. The swords felt stuck in the Duke. ¡°My family. It couldn¡¯t have been for the crystals. What did we do to receive your ire?¡± But I needed answers. ¡°HAHA¡± The duke spat out blood on my arm. ¡°Still, you know nothing! Are you not aware of the loathing your damn family has brought on themselves? YOU ARE THE ENVY OF ALL. Not the Wofburn¡¯s. Look at what you horde. Woodlands fill with the thickest and strongest trees in Friedland. Your numerous mines are filled with gold, coal and gems! You produce the highest rate of mana users on the continent! Although southern nobles snub you and your ilk, envy and fear lace their insults. You look at me, wondering. ¡®Fear?¡¯ LOOK AT WHAT YOU¡¯VE BROUGHT TO MY PEACEFUL DUCHY. ONLY MAYHEM AND BLOOD THEY WERE RIGHT TO FEAR!¡± My hard grip on his neck returned. ¡°Peaceful? You fucking hypocrite! I fight because of YOU! I did not make you a monster who slaughters his countrymen for a bit more power!¡± I glanced at his injuries with a smile. ¡°Was it worth it, Duke Wolfburn? You beg, weak and trembling in my grasp. Your family is ASH! Mixing with the blood of the commoners you despise. YOU SACRIFICED EVERYTHING AND GAINED NOTHING!¡± Cold red eyes do not wallow in pity. It all meant nothing to him. ¡°I can¡­rebuild! I am WOLFBURN!¡± ¡°Enough.¡± Fire engulfed the Wolfburn¡¯s head, and the Wolf yelled his scream into the empty night sky. ¡°WHY. WHY MY MOTHER?¡± ¡°I¡­I didn¡¯t kill her¡­ I didn¡¯t order... I couldn''t do anything about¡­ Their orders are absolute. Osberg needed to be controlled and restrained for the good of the empire!¡± ¡°For the good of the king... His own sister..." My hands trembled. I gulped, swallowing my disgust. ¡°Sweet Mary~. Such a rebel with intelligence in her young eyes. It''s why my heart fluttered every time I laid my eyes on her when she came to visit Gwen¡­ Your father felt the same as I and, in the end won her hand. The King didn¡¯t care for her; however, she was a useful tool. But with letters unanswered, the king saw his asset swayed by a rival. A rival to be brought down. I beg him. With money, gold, women, gems, food. I couldn¡¯t stop him.¡± I bowed to him¡­ prostrated¡­ The duke¡¯s arms healed to his elbows, and he coughed again. ¡°Did you know my Daughter loved The Duke of the North too? The love triangle was quite fun to watch. However, when Mary and the bastard hitched, my daughter became mad with envy. I could relate¡­ But I train her better, to keep a cool head. My first failure. Like a forest fire, her love for the bastard of the north was too great, breaking her soft mind. Stalking led to spies led to the king notice her.¡± Duke Wolfburn smiled. ¡°You can guess what happened next. With a new foreign poison in her hand from foreign lands. She finally earned her place.¡± He shook his face with disappointment. ¡°Should have trained her better.¡± He whispered. The cult and royalty had ties? Have? ¡°And¡­ My father¡­¡± ¡°Oh him.¡± The duke smiled with a broken and bloody face. ¡°I was supposed to kill him later for the crystals. But up north, during the war, I realised.¡± The duke looked up at the sky. ¡°Fate wasn¡¯t fair.¡± Arms grabbed my wrist, and with a million jolts I was spasming. My swords fizzled into water vapour and a fist hammered me out of heaven and back to earth. ¡°I knew!!¡± Bouncing off the dirt, Kellen the First shot from the air like a comet, eviscerating everything around. ¡°That strength, it left you!!!¡± Holy water made a shield to protect my chest. A puch bounced my head against the ground and another and another and another. The last of my holy water formed a sword, and Duke Kellen¡¯s grey left arm was cut cleanly. ¡°Argghh!¡± An obsidian right hand grabbed my bloody face, dragging it across the messy battlefield floor with legs made of tendrils. ¡°I saw your father cut through thousands of soldiers as a seventh circle!¡± A thick city wall unbroken by hundreds of sieges rushed closer in my vision. Fuck me¡­ A massive slam spread cracks along the wall, caving my face in stone that trebuchets couldn''t dent. Pulling out chips of stone, the cursed duke pulled back for a second slam. ¡°Seeing such a beautiful display of supreme strength and skill. A new feeling came over me... jealousy! Can you believe that!? A VIODEN DUKE, JEALOUS!¡± Not again!! Running up the wall and twisting from his grip, the last of my holy water formed a greatsword. ¡°JUST DIE!¡± I slashed from above with all my strength for a shield of black to receive the strike. My slashes tore through, and new shields appeared before my sword was brought up to swing. ¡°DIEEEEE~!!¡± One last slash pelted the shield. Holy light receded from the water sword, and I was left shocked with my jaw agape. ¡°I look at you, feeling the same putrid feelings!¡± Duke Wolfburn walked to me with legs of mist tendril. ¡°Whether I get the key from your corpse or not, this feeling must end!¡± Lighting shot the burly duke faster than a bullet. Black''s armour transformed into a large sword on the inhuman¡¯s arm. Fundamentals. A blue light flashed a family treasure into my hand. With calm and raging circles of thousand storms, mana blazed on my greatsword and settled to a calm tone on my blade. I linger and receive the strike from above. A left foot stepped inward as rushing tide dragged the cursed blade to my left. Before the bones in my arms turned to dust, energy was redirected. Hand, elbow, shoulder, circles. Lifesight saw where cursed concentrated. A core. Like a tadpole in water, it moves around the torso. I marked my target and leapt closed with a mana propulsion. Mana and Qi mixed on my sword. The twisting of rough waves and still waters created a hurricane on the weapon''s edge. Potent gold shone on my blade, slicing the monster. From waist to shoulder, the midus-touched greatsword carved. Sucking in a breath, the cursed duke¡¯s torso slipped down slowly before flopping on his blood. Plonk. ¡°Grey¡­stone¡­¡± My gold cut a reaching arm. A blaze from my palm burnt away the Duke¡¯s left-over flesh. ¡°Please.¡± I cut tendril after wandering tendril. Waiting for his last words, my family heirloom loomed over the ruined Wolfburn. Gold left my weapon with a flame. The duke satisfying wail fell on no other ears but mine. ¡°It escaped me as we were fighting, Wolfburn. My mother was young. Really young. And your heart fluttered?¡± ¡°S-S-She knew¡­ The jezebel¡­ I saw¡­her eyes¡­.¡± He stuttered, barely able to keep his demonic eyes open. I left the greatsword to hover with a tether and found a stone to rest my exhausted body. ¡°Creepy, isn¡¯t it?¡± The fiery blade cut into the skin, slowly descending on the savaged duke. His skin boiled and blackened. ¡°Please¡­ My son¡­¡± ¡°No more deals with wolfburns. Thorn was the last.¡± I plunged the sword deep with the fire of hell, searing the duke inside out. My father''s killer convulsed, cursing my name to the constellations he betrayed. It''s strange. Should I have felt this happy? Stories tell of revenge. That it makes you cold. That its worth amounts to nothing. But as I warmed myself with a burning wolf on this chilly night, I smiled. I laughed. My head tingled from the joy. Should I feel this way? A hero wouldn''t. But a DUKE... A GREYSTONE WOULD. "Thank you for the land." Fist to the chest, I saluted the burning corpse. "I will take care of it." I sucked in a breath. taking the moment in. Water droplets from the air washed my face of blood as stars peeked through the cloud. Did they see it? Mother, Father... Twin stars blinked. I remembered her. A mana tether pulled my blade back to my hand. One more person. A powerful presence laid their eyes on me. A raveging beast he snarled from afar, grabbing Loran by the throat. Oh yeah¡­ Him. From my inventory, a pill gave a bit of energy. Here we fucking go¡­ How long I would last with these little reserves, I did not know. But I couldn''t skip a fun fight. Stretching my legs on the stone seat, I spied my step-uncle and waved at him to sit at the campfire. Kellen My soul broke. The bloody Loran fell from my hands. Fire. From a screaming mouth, a blaze erupted until the screaming ceased. Loran wiped the blood from his face, chuckling with his broken ribs and lacerations across his body. ¡°Your turn, Kellen. Oh wait, is it Duke Wolfburn now? AHAHAHAH!¡± Tarion waved to me, basking in the light of my father''s corpse. I gritted my teeth into diamonds, blood dripping from the corners of my while salty tears fell. I manifested power. Gave this strange force my all. I sacrificed all. To get rid of this stain from the world once and for all, I must. ¡°GREYSTONE!!!!¡± Lightning shot me at my nemesis. Black mist cloaked me in its carapace. Souls full of malice power me forward. My revenge will be complete; this mist will it give to me. Tarion stood. Confidence spread on his swollen face as he rested his blade on his shoulder. ¡°Do you remember?¡± Mana burnt on his sword. ¡°IT ENDS TONIGHT!¡± A bright spark of light lit the entire battle. The world quaked like never before. Something was strange. Dust blew away with a wave of Tarion''s hand. Stuck in the ground was my sword. What¡­ The Duke of Osberg looked at me with pity to his right. Completely missed. ¡°I expected too much.¡± Something plunged into me. I walked back. Blood splattered from my liver. ¡°Did you know your brother made a deal?¡± Chapter 97: His Sacrifice Several weeks ago. A duke flew above Kirgfield Tarion A commander welcomed me from a high window. ¡°Your Grace, please come in. Must be chilly this late at night.¡± ¡°It''s bloody freezing.¡± I conjure air platforms, stepping slowly into a candlelit bedroom too homely for a commander. Vioden watched his bedroom door, nervously. ¡°It''s alright.¡± I made the air shimmer with mana. ¡°No one will hear.¡± A commander¡¯s shoulder visibly slouched as he found a chair by a candlelit desk. The opened letters lay a mess. Some reports¡ªa few letters were mine. ¡°Tea?¡± The commander held his teapot. ¡°Oh, thank you, good sir.¡± I found a chair and received the steaming cup of well-brewed leaves. I took a sip. "Wow¡­" I looked up and saw a proud man. ¡°Not worried about poison?¡± ¡°From you?¡± I gave him a questioning look. ¡°I judge men well.¡± I took another sip. ¡°From this year''s yielding? Does Kirgfield grow leaves like this? Alarian?¡± ¡°My own, personal batch. My pastime.¡± The commander took a sip of his own brew, closing his eyes as he contained his joy. ¡°I took a few Alarian seeds, mixing them with local plants to create a whole new blend. I have been growing them in my personal lot.¡± Tongue smacked on his mouth as he tasted every bit of his tea. ¡°What do you think?¡± I sipped again, ¡°It''s fantastic.¡± Its taste was fair, but something was off. My tongue may not think of tea as the greatest of beverages, but I knew my wife might love it. ¡°May I enquire a few leaves from you?¡± ¡°Haha, of course, I can give more than a few!¡± Slowly off his feet, he went to a chest by the bed. From it, a pungent bag was given to me. I chucked it into my inventory. Placing the teacup down, I went straight to business. ¡°Fallen angels.¡± The commander froze by the chest. He turned to me with horror on his tired face. ¡°My father?¡± ¡°Indeed.¡± Cross-referencing the old stories of curse eruption locations to tales of the Holy War, Vanessa surmised from her research in the church books that they were theorised locations of caged fallen angels. Beings of godly power, they were selfish for more. And when they searched for more, souls¡ªespecially human souls¡ªwere deemed potent and thus were theirs to control. To corrupt. ¡°You didn¡¯t know?¡± I asked. ¡°Didn¡¯t know, you ask?! I can barely comprehend what Albert did in Pirn. But you are telling me my father wants to resurrect old gods!?¡± ¡°Why are you shocked, Thorn? I smell it all over you.¡± I held the piping hot tea as I leaned down on my thighs. A gesture of my head told the wolfburn to sit in his chair. ¡°Smell what¡­?¡± I pointed at his chest. ¡°Curse. It emanates of you stronger than your prized leaves-¡± I rushed over to hold a fainting man by the shoulders. ¡°Cursed!?¡± With short breath, Thorn scanned his trembling hands, trying to find any mist on his body. ME!? HOW?!?!¡± A tether drew my chair closer to me to sit near him. "I am sorry. I thought you knew.¡± From my inventory, a squirming ball of mist landed in my hand. ¡°Is that¡­¡± ¡°Your brothers. For some reason or other, I have the ability to sense this putrid power. And you and this¡­ You smell the same.¡± ¡°Land above¡­¡± Wiping his face to his receding red hair, the warrior curled. ¡°DAMN IT!!¡± His desk turned into dust under his clenched fist. Teapot and cup crashed on the floor, and I evaded the splash on my boots. ¡°How do you feel, Thorn?¡± I wiped the wood off my breeches. ¡°Have you been feeling weaker recently?¡± As his rage settled down, Thorn sat back down. ¡°Yes, I had been feeling faint during training sessions. I thought it was stress-related. I went to a doctor and was told nothing was ailing me. Proposed the mind was weary and needed rest. I figured so too.¡± ¡°Since when?¡± The ball of swirling mist flashed blue into my inventory, and I used life sight to inspect Thorn''s body. Oh, dear¡­ ¡°Ah, about two years. About the same time I start using my new tea. Albert gave me fresh compost to use in my garden.¡± Shit. A flask of holy water flashed into my hand. I swallowed it all in a single gulp, and my gut fizzled like freshly opened Coke Zero. Sorry, Vanessa. I need more holy water. Al¡­rea¡­.dy? ¡°Could I-¡± ¡°Thorn¡­ Two years contaminated. It is too late. You are one with it. Using holy water at this stage would kill you. Not painlessly.¡± Thorn''s eyes welled up with tears that did not flow. ¡°There has to be-¡± ¡°This curse lives on souls and the energy they produce. And without souls, it''s been sucking the life out of you for years. Slowly bringing you to the brink. The fact you brother let it progress this far with telling you or offering it any sustenance means-¡± ¡°He was experimenting on me.¡± ¡°You a victim of your dear brother''s curiosity.¡± A wolfburn¡¯s tear dropped on the castle floor, his face stiffened to stop the flood. ¡°He was a brother I loved¡­¡± ¡°He can¡¯t blamed alone,¡± I said. ¡°One figure lords of all of you. Controls you like tools to satisfy his greed.¡± The wolfburn sighed with heavy resignation. ¡°It''s too early¡­¡± He whispered. ¡°But if it''s to come...¡± A knock on the door alerted both of us. ¡°Dear?¡± A sweet voice called for her husband on the other side. ¡°It''s getting late.¡± A latch on the door stopped the lady from intruding. ¡°I¡¯m coming soon, dear! Just working on some reports!¡± ¡°...¡± ¡°You know how my father gets. Nothing must be missed.¡± ¡°¡­Sure, dear. I¡¯ll get the kids ready for sleep. Don¡¯t stay up too late!¡± Light footsteps walked down the end of the corridor outside, and determination flooded his blue eyes. ¡°So,¡± I measured the man before me. The man I should hate. ¡°Made a decision?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± the wolfburn smiled. ¡°I have a mad plan. Give me the mist.¡± ¡°Hold the fuck on!¡± ¡°I will work with you. Aid you. But you know I can¡¯t do it for long. And don¡¯t plan on suffering for long too.¡± Thorn held out his right hand, still quivering, with a grin I should despise. ¡°Let me give it up. Kirgfield, my life, my honour. I will put it on the line. So no more soldiers die in vain.¡± He waited for me to speak, hoping I was willing to listen to his words¡ªthat I am different than my tales. I crossed my arms. ¡°Go ahead.¡± The grin grew. ¡°One on one duel. You and me. Alone. We fight to win over this castle.¡± ¡°Mm¡­¡± ¡°We give the audience a convincing fight. Both of us. Fighting to kill. Untill I struggle.¡± ¡°And in your desperation, you use this.¡± The mist ball teleported to my hand. Thorn balled up his fist. ¡°And fight back harder.¡± "Will you be alright with it? The moment you reveal yourself, the respect of decades disappears. Your house¡¯s honour will be in tatters. Your children¡­¡± ¡°We will get there.¡± The commander interrupted and exhaled. ¡°But¡­ If I could be frank, fuck that house to damnation. They deserve everything you give them. When I first received your letter, I thanked the lands above for days, for they finally gave me a chance to destroy this evil, wretched family.¡± I believe his words that he spat out like a bad aftertaste. The family loner did his best to be ignored until he found a job that could help his people. I wanted to keep him. Let him become the new leader on the rubble I will make. Tragic. ¡°Then what?¡± I asked. ¡°Then¡­¡± The wolfburn straightened on this chair, and his trembling calmed. His eyes were clear as he looked at me. ¡°Then I die.¡± A good man. I throw the ball to him. ¡°What do you need?¡± The commander gulped, holding the ball of malice in his fingers. ¡°My wife and children. Safe and secure.¡± I nodded. ¡°Your family line will be secure for generations, under the care of the Greystones. On my honour. What else?¡± ¡°The children of Wolburn.¡± ¡°Mm¡­¡± ¡°Those of Wolfburn blood that are unable to fight, whether from age, ailment or just disagreement. Leave them be¡­¡± Thorn studied me with a anxious expression. What terrible face I am making to have a good man nervous? Does he really think I would kill them all? Every single one? ¡°Do you think that poorly of me?¡± I asked. ¡°No. But you have foresight. What fool would leave any to rise back against him?¡± ¡°A fool who waits for such an occasion,¡± I said, smirking. ¡°I will do as asked.¡± ¡°One last thing. My brother Kellen.¡± The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°Kellen? After the Duke? How come I never heard him?¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡± Thorn scratched his head. ¡°He has a mother of low birth. He was sent to do odd jobs as the only illegitimate child out of dozens. A boy meant to be invisible.¡± ¡°Woah, tough life.¡± ¡°It was, but he made the best out of it. He learnt to fight well and started leading our mercenary bands. I haven''t seen him that much since... He is on his way here. Can you keep him and his mother safe from the duke¡¯s concubines?¡± ¡°Mother?¡± Thorn handed me a letter from the floor, and I read it quickly. ¡°Her location. A red light district in Maize?¡± Thorn nodded. ¡°It¡¯s a shame. She bore a healthy and talented son, yet she was still stuck, unable to leave the place where she and my father first met. Last I heard, he still goes.¡± ¡°It will be done. I will get my best people on it.¡± Letter in hand, I stood up and so did the good wolfburn. ¡°Are you-¡± Before I could finish my sentence, The Wofburn chucked in the mysterious ball in his mouth and swallowed it. Palid skin became brighter and healthier. A Thorn with an extra bounce to his step reached to me with an open hand. ¡°Your Grace¡­Thank you for the opportunity.¡± I slapped the handshake away and embraced the Wolfburn with a hug. ¡°No, thank you.¡± I could feel his heartbeat. Strong but scared. ¡°Your sacrifice will bring another star to the night sky.¡± Tears soaked into my cloak, and I kept the brave man in my arms. After minutes, Thorn parted with me, sniffing with sore, puffy, bloodshot eyes. ¡°Hahaha, I didn¡¯t know Greystones knew how to hug!¡± ¡°We are only cold to our enemies!¡± ¡°Ah¡­ aha!¡± Thorn chuckled. I walked to the open window, letting the air wall down as I stepped up a staircase of clouds. ¡°Tell your wife everything. It will make the process manageable when my people settle her.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± Thorn whispered. ¡°How can I tell her¡­?¡± ¡°A letter from the heart may help. See you on the battlefield, friend.¡± A boot stepped on the window ledge, and the brave Wolfburn called to me. ¡°Your Grace, why did you choose me, out of anyone? There are stronger and wiser Wolfburn. Some might be willing to do more for the cause or for more coin.¡± I paused, scratching my hairy chin in thought. ¡°You treated my brother well, so I learnt about you.¡± ¡°Joshua? Ah¡­ the little boy must be all grown up.¡± He said, with a smile teeming with nostalgia. ¡°He truly has.¡± I floated in the air, bathing in the moonlight. The boy exists as proof a Wolfburn need not be my enemy.¡± ¡°How fortunate, Joshua might have saved us all!¡± The wind caught cloak. ¡°Yes, he did.¡± A gust stormed over Kirgfeild in a single blow. Lights flickered below as the cool air wafted over my face in the night. One more push and clouds passed me like floating rocks on a river. If he didn¡¯t ask, would I have let them go? I slapped my face. I whispered to my ring. Dear. I will see you soon. I must remember. I hunt the villains; I cannot become them. Not anymore. A few minutes ago. Jimmy My duke rocked the heavens above me. I could feel every punch and every kick shake bones. Aptly named Ghouls surround our troops from every side. The power of two demigods forced us to the earth with their deafening strikes that shoved clouds aside. But the mission must go on. ¡°POINT (A) LIES JUST HEAD-¡± An arrow shot from above caved into a ghoul''s head. My spear severed the head for good measure, and I looked up at the origin of the arrow. Above a three-story shanty building, a long-eared fellow saluted before restringing his silver bow with a mana-imbued arrow. ¡°OKAY, LADS! INTO THE BUILDING. FOLLOW THE ALARIANS INTO THE TUNNELS. CETA WITH ME! ¡°YES, SIRE!¡± A single mana jump took me to meet the friendly elf. "Jimmy,¡± I offered a handshake. "Rydel,¡± and the elf took it. ¡°You made it just in time. The stone skippers can handle stone well, but such a thick wall was quite the undertaking. We just found light at the end a few minutes ago.¡± I pointed at roofs where Ceta should guard and shoot from. Another heaven-shaking attack almost made me trip, and the brown-skinned man from the tales held me up straight. ¡°Thanks.¡± I looked up at the cursed duke battling my own. Even with my heightened senses, greater than most by tenfold, their attacks are but blurs and flashes in the night sky. ¡°Rydel, as a man of age. Have you seen anything like this before?¡± Rydel pulled and let go of another arrow, exploding a ghoul¡¯s chest. ¡°No¡­ But my ancestors have. Such power was common when we were many.¡± One more arrow missed. ¡°Who is that¡­ That blade¡­¡± I followed his eyes to the battlefield, where a warrior danced. Between swords and mist, he weaved through with grace. His glowing blade extended, and with a slice downward, seven ghouls fell headless. ¡°Woo!! That''s our captain!¡± His feet shifted, and the Duke¡¯s guard landed in front of us. ¡°Mind if I rest here?¡± A dark-skin elf patted Kurt on the shoulder. ¡°So, you¡¯re the famous Kurt. Your brother couldn¡¯t shut up about you. He handed that blade to me himself. I wasn¡¯t to give it to you until next month.¡± The captain stared at the elf with pursed lips. It seemed that he hated being recognised. ¡°You¡¯re using your brother''s gift well.¡± The quiet captain''s eyes found the elf and glanced back at his beautifully crafted dagger. ¡°James.¡± He took my hand and placed the dagger in it. ¡°Do you want?¡± The elf giggled next to me. ¡°Are things tense between you and-¡± ¡°No.¡± Kurt stopped his anger in his eyebrows; the rest of his face was still like polished granite. ¡°I just don¡¯t understand.¡± Kurt took the gift back. ¡°It''s my master''s gift to me, not a stranger¡¯s.¡± ¡°But-¡± ¡°A stranger is all he was and still is. I have rested enough.¡± Before Kurt could run off, Rydel heralded him. Something shifted in the elf¡¯s demeanour. Earrings lit up with mana. ¡°The butler requires some help,¡± Kurt grumbled under his breath, rolling his eyes. ¡°Fine¡­ Where is he?¡± ¡°I will send you straight to him.¡± His bow transform is a rune-engraved staff with a small crystal. Brown hands on the captain''s armour, Rydel asked, ¡°Let down your defences¡ªthank you.¡± Like a bubble popping, Kurt vanished. ¡°Amazing¡­¡± I grabbed the elf by his slim but taut shoulders. ¡°Come on! You gotta tell me!¡± Rydel, visibly tired, pulled on his bow. ¡°You are old enough; you must have fought in the Northern War.¡± I let him shoot down a ghoul. ¡°Yeah¡­ Most terrible time of my goddamn life.¡± The elf gave me a cheeky smile. ¡°Better my mouth shut then.¡± Like smoke doused by rain, the horde of ghouls were stripped of the curse. Blood-curdling screams shower as the bodies of the possessed fell like dying insects. ¡°He really won¡­ Fuck me¡­¡± I wiped my eyes in disbelief as a dark hand patted my back. ¡°Haha, were you expecting to die?¡± I shrugged. ¡°Yeah, kinda.¡± Metal chests are beaten like drums; an army became a stampede as boots stomped in a march. Chants made the air and my heart quiver with pride I hadn¡¯t felt in years. GREYSTONE! GREYSTONE! GREYSTONE!! Rydel laughed at my truth, which kind of pissed me off. ¡°Onwards, Lieutenant. It''s not over. Time to take a city.¡± Now. Tarion From my inventory, a pungent sack dropped into my hand. I threw it to a grey-skin Wolfburn, who caught it bewildered. ¡°I tell the truth.¡± Opening the sack, Kellen the second grimaced. ¡°That day.¡± Kellen closed the sak, gripping it tight. ¡°I offered him power. His eyes¡­ Lnds above, his damn eyes!¡± ¡°You brought him shame. The one he believed, disappointed him until the end, yet... His last thoughts were of you. I did as promised and kept you alive, but I couldn''t keep you safe. All those days on the road, and you never wondered why you kept your head; why I cut your arms but left you caged? Why I brought you to my premises to be ¡®jailed¡¯? I walked closer, greatsword on my shoulder. Less than a metre between us, and I saw tears trailing down Kellen¡¯s ash face. ¡°Your mother waited for a long time up in my manor. She couldn''t believe you would choose to become cursed. If only you waited a few minutes.¡± ¡°Where is she!?¡± ¡°She started lessons on art recently at the local Osberg orphanage. It is taking a long time for a smile to come back. But you can change that.¡± ¡°Change it how!?¡± Kellen¡¯s anger blew aside. ¡°I-I-¡± crying to his grey hands, his lips quivered. I used Lifesight. ¡°One more chance.¡± Kellen¡¯s head tilted. Confused, the cursed man spoke in a high tone. ¡°¡®Chance¡¯?¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t take a soul from this battle. You are running on nothing, starving and powerless. But it tempts you not.¡± I point to my chest. ¡°Deep in you; know you crossed boundaries you shouldn¡¯t. Taken power unearned. You want to prove yourself. But this is not the way.¡± ¡°Chance,¡± Kellen repeated. ¡°Calm the demonic power that evaporates under holy light and join me. It may take some time, but we could remove such a curse from your body.¡± The wolfburn held a hand up. ¡°Remove?¡± I stayed silent. Kellen I scratched my ear, wondering if my ears were blocked. ¡°Did I hear you could remove a curse?" The bastard¡¯s gaze never strayed. His red, crystal-like eye saw me like none other. I felt twisted and mangled under his heavy sight. ¡°AWNSER ME!¡± ¡°Time. It takes time.¡± Stone exploded and pulled my weapon out with a charged blade of black lightning. ¡°MANIPULATER!!! LIAR!!!!! YOU COULD HAVE SAVED HIM! SONS AND DAUGHTERS WOULD STILL HAVE A FATHER, HIS WIFE A HUSBAND!!!¡± The Greystone sighed. ¡°He knew.¡± ¡°HE KNEW NOTHING, BUT THE LIES YOU SPEW! If I had more time I would have convinced him¡­¡± ¡°Shit¡­¡± The greystone sighed. ¡°You are deep in it, aren¡¯t you? Down for cause! Disappointing Thorn again and again.¡± ¡°DON¡¯T SPEAK HIS NAME!!¡± I swung, and my arm did not move. Metal clinked on the soil. I slowly looked down, praying I was wrong as my arm flopped on the ground. To the ground, I fell on my knees. A shameful cry echoed from my mouth. Tarion. My mind worked as a Wolfburn cried in pain. I stabbed my bloody sword into the ground, resting on the pommel in thought. ¡°Mercenary¡­ You must have seen plenty of young women like your mother.¡± The wolfburn¡¯s mist shifted. His wails ceased in an instant. ¡°In this cruel world, a girl''s life is a simple expense for more power. Did they invite you to their ceremonies? I¡¯ve seen the aftermath. The blood of many discarded, kidnapped, and sold, girls and women leaking everywhere¡­¡± The wolfburn stayed silent. The sound of war rumbled in the distance. ¡°How loud were their screams?¡± ¡°I had no choice!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t lie to yourself! You had a choice then and now. I thought you would be different... Like your brother. You fight for his honour but stain it with every action. It''s never been about him. I heard feet scraping on the grass. ¡°Tarion. Just kill him.¡± Kellen With a bloody Laron holding him up, Joshua walked up the field behind Kellen. ¡°He isn¡¯t worth your time.¡± ¡°Joshua¡­ Why are you¡ªforget that, are you okay?¡± My nephew coughed from the injuries I inflicted. ¡°I am well.¡± ¡°Worth¡­¡± Kellen spoke with a voice absent of his passion, resembling his perverted father. ¡°I wanted to prove my worth. To my brothers, to my father. To people¡­ no longer here¡­Hahaha!¡± I willed the mist down, feeling my skin change and my ear shorten. The otherworldly power receded from me, and I felt like a husk of my former self. No, this is the true me. A powerless man. ¡°What¡¯s got you chuckling?¡± Joshua asked. ¡°You are going to die, you know.¡± ¡°I remembered how I chastised you and insulted you for your treatment of your mother. But it was projection, haha. I was the horrible son all along!¡± My mist concentrated on my missing arm. The same greystone stood proud above me like in Kirgfeild. I smiled, closing my eyes as I embraced death. ¡°Keep my mother safe like you promise Thorn.¡± ¡°What do mea-¡± Lightning filled me, and the mist on my missing arm formed a stake. With swift feet, I kill. Tarion. My blade cut through air, and blood, slicing up into a solid, mist arm. My greatsword sliced to the left, and a pleased Wolfburn¡¯s head spun in the air. ¡°JOSHUA!!!!¡± My vocal cords tore apart from my wail as I rushed over to my stabbed brother. Mist evaporated, and a hole opened below his sternum. I resonated with the blood keeping it in. ¡°Joshua, stay with me!!¡± I grabbed a crestfallen uncle by the neck. ¡°Holy Water!!¡± ¡°It¡¯s all finished¡­¡± Like red carpet flashes, I searched for any vial in my inventory, and all were empty or too diluted. A weak hand held my cloak. ¡°Calm down. Brother. It''s okay¡­ It¡¯s¡­okay¡­¡± ¡°Vanessa!!¡± Tethers of mana gently carried my brother, and I concentrated on my ring. HOLY WATER! FAST! MY BROTHER¡­ I sent a mental image to her. ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­.Keep the blood pumping. Get here fast. 55 points to mana capacity, 50 points to intelligence. Weakened and without an ambient manafield, Joshua¡¯s blood was controlled with a left hand. I raised a right, and the air came under my command. ¡°Uncle, join your men. BRING THIS CITY TO ITS KNEES!¡± Fire on the soles blasted me off into the woods. Chapter 98: Untold future. June. Where the fuck am I?! Why are black ghostly things chasing us? Why can the butler fight really well? Kurt appeared out of nowhere and started beating the shit out of everyone, but why are we still hiding?! ¡°Shh,¡± Kurt whispered by the wall. ¡°Even your thoughts are loud. Quiet yourself the best you can. At least for today.¡± ¡°I am trying my BEST-¡± Kurt physically closed my lips with his fingers! ¡°Should have left you as bait.¡± ¡°Harsh words, yet you hide with us except for going for the crystals,¡± Charles said, barely able to talk. ¡°Mm¡­¡± A light armoured mage crashed to the floor with wounds infected with black mist. He saw us, nodded and teleported away from a large tentacle of black. Aching to fight, Kurt held his weapon tight, watching the summoner for any weakness. It was unnerving to see the golem of Osberg show such fear. My hugged ¡°I will¡­ help.¡± We turned to Charles as he huffed. ¡°June, get me close. Kurt, get me closer.¡± Kurt and I looked at each other, wondering what this fool was talking about. Charles sighed, wiping sweat from his tawny hair. ¡°Okay, don¡¯t freak out.¡± On Charles''s large hand, a small spectre waved. ¡±I promised the late duke, but times are desperate.¡± Vanessa ¡°Are you sure?¡± Yes. Haru answered easily. ¡°Haru-¡± You saw what he showed us... Dying again won''t be so scary. It will be... let me think...third, yes, the third time. Waiting in the main medical tent, I hear the heavy breathing of nervous medics. With injured soldiers sent to other tents, we awaited his arrival with sweaty brows. ¡°So this ring... allows you to be able to talk to each other from afar, connect minds. Where did you come across such an amazing tool?¡± Haru asked. ¡°It¡¯s¡­¡± Candlelight reflecting the metal, I felt a swelling of emotion as I remembered the moment he gifted it to me. ¡°It''s my wedding band. Said to pass down like Tarion''s favourite cloak. You don¡¯t seem so surprised by it. Are such runes common in your timeline?¡± ¡°Mind to mind? Not at all. But we had something similar to a telephone from my world. Instead of electricity, Mana replicated everything.¡± ¡°Your World.¡± In the calmness, I realised I never had a chance to take it in. To really understand how bizarre yet awesome all of this was. "Tarion does not talk about where he came from. As if he had shed it from his memory.¡± ¡°I understand why. Here he is a Duke. Able to chart his destiny, capable of unbelievable power. Back in our world of concrete, glass and steel-filled cities, people struggled day by day despite having so much. The air tasted like smoke, causing disease. Judgmental people walk the streets silently, outdoing each other with vain purchases. It was hopeless, grey and dull. ¡°Sounds like here, with fewer castles.¡± ¡°Yes. Instead of a serf, I became a princess. How fortunate I was, but I didn¡¯t see it at first.¡± Faintly, images passed through my mind of spectacular cities of light and metal. Horseless vehicles carry thousands across flat, clean roads at absurd speeds. I saw her. Walking down a street without an escort at the dead of night. Rain showered heavily upon her umbrella. I was just another corporate drone, insulted, overworked and abused. I was just¡­ waiting for it to end. She waited at the flashing lights. Looking left and right, she decided to walk. And it did end. The last image of blood mixing with rainwater on the road struck me hard in my heart. Vanessa. This life. Your life was my opportunity for something better. I thought I had found my heaven... Tarion probably feels the same. But he will understand as I did. It''s not a game. We can fail. I clutched my beating heart. ¡°I want to hear more about your world...about you.¡± ¡­ My husband tore through the roof of the medical tent, where I waited with an apron and medics. Although with a hard landing, not a red hair on my brother-in-law''s head was disturbed. ¡°Vanessa! Vanes- ¡­¡± He saw me, and his face warped by rage stilled. Finding a table, the tethers of mana place Joshua down gently. Turning to me with tears trailing on his dirty, wounded face, he pleaded. ¡°Please¡­¡± I placed Tarion aside and saw work to be done. Oh dear¡­ I looked down at the large gaping hole in Joshua''s torso. Ribcage and spine destroyed. Both lungs are damaged. His heart is thoroughly ravaged. And with no heart, he cannot heal himself with his mana. Tarion''s skillful water manipulation was the only thing keeping the lord alive. I glanced at my fellow frightened medics watching the brother of the duke die. No one else with the holy power but me, and I was empty. Step aside. Tarion His hand grew colder. Yet his smile continued on his rosy face. His eyes open once again. ¡°Why did you get in the way¡­!?¡± I asked the fool. ¡°Uncle would have¡­¡± Blood Spilled from Joshua''s cough ¡°I have no *COUGH* fucking clue¡­you know¡­ family¡­you do crazy¡­things for them¡­¡± ¡°Dumb bastard.¡± Just as Joshua''s consciousness left him, footsteps alerted me. ¡°Wait, why is everyone leaving!?¡± The medical halt by the tent opening, eyes aghast at the sight of my blade. ¡°Move an inch or-¡± ¡°Let them go.¡± Bent over my brother''s body, Vanessa poured diluted holy water. ¡°Use it.¡± I resonated with the holy water pumping through Joshua''s system¡ªthis speech pattern. ¡°Haru! What''s the meaning of this!?¡± I saw a little fear in her delicate face, and I calmed down. ¡°¡­Explain.¡± Haru sighed. ¡°Joshua''s state¡­ it can''t be healed or regenerated-¡± My legs wobbled under me. ¡°Without the purest of holy power, ether. Untainted power from the Lands above.¡± ¡°The ceremony¡­¡± I said. Haru nodded, closing her eyes; Mana hummed from her in a soft amber-gold light. ¡°We can''t afford to wait.¡± ¡°I am sorry. For taking her from you, I am truly sorry. I will fix everything." I covered my eyes from the bright flame consuming her. A figure dropped into the tent from the hole I made with his 9th circle mana flared. ¡°I saw you rushing into camp and wanted to say hi¡­ But what a surprise!¡± With intense hunger and temptation in the prince''s eyes, Kyros''s hand reached Vanessa. Before a swing of my blade cut through a royal''s arm, Haru''s knuckled pommelled Kyros¡¯ jaw, and a blaze of golden flame twisted him to the end of the medic tent. Five more persons dropped from the night sky, catching the unconscious prince as he smouldered from holy fire. Using the little mana I had, I quickly formed a mana shield around Haru. Red-cloaked, heavy-armoured men surround the injured prince. ¡°Pantheon, don''t be fools!¡± My greatsword grip rattled, and the five warriors of the elements shifted in fear. They saw my battle and still think I have my power. ¡°Take your prince, heal him, and I¡¯ll allow this mistake!¡± I levelled my mana-less sword at them. ¡°Don¡¯t make this a disaster.¡± A quick glance between the five, and a quick decision was made. ¡°As you wish, your Grace,¡± said a woman''s voice. Swift like the wind, they took the royal of the tent, leaving no trace of their presence for miles. The notification made me turn to see Haru glowing brighter than ever before. I stopped myself. ¡°No.¡± I placed my greatsword into my inventory. ¡°Let her heal.¡± You don¡¯t get to decide, Edward. My arm felt numb. A static feeling under my skin felt disgusting; I couldn¡¯t feel my arm moving to grab Haru. This time I do. The world shut down as we returned to the dark once more. Jimmy. Blood at the exit of the tunnel. Large footsteps. ¡°Fuck me¡­ Here!?¡± Patting me like a young child, Rydel smiled as his silver spear formed in his veteran hands. ¡°Still remember your time up north?¡± ¡°Every damn night! Ready yourselves, men! SHAVED AHEAD!¡± Haru ¡°Haru¡­¡± I turned around in the dark expanse, hearing my quaking, weary heart. His confident stride, his soothing smile, and his dragon eyes enraptured me in his gaze. My fingers wander over his beautiful face, wondering if this was a mirage. I felt his soft cheeks. ¡°Yuran¡­!¡± I jumped into his arms, enveloped in his love. He held my head as I cried, bringing me deeper into his chest. ¡°I couldn''t let you leave me behind without saying goodbye again.¡± Heavy banging on metal woke me from my dream. I peeked at a duke whose face was screwed by desperation. His fists thundered on the chain-linked wall that surrounded us. ¡°TAKE US BACK!! HEAL MY BROTHER!!¡± Yuran Smiled. ¡°How Funny! Your subconscious built this cage for me, and now it has become a cage for you. Yuran¡¯s left hand pushed the empty air gently, and the duke bounced off the cage like a bug on a blue light. ¡°Wait a moment. Let me say goodbye once more.¡± ¡°How..?!¡± I tug on his dark liuen robes, still checking if his was real. ¡°I thought you died. Zhi¡­¡± ¡°I did. My brother knew how to nip a bud early. But what he didn¡¯t know was that Yuran was my third self.¡± I peeked again at the duke, whose strong will brought him back to the cage fighting. ¡°Can you see what I deal with? Luckily, the bastard is quite capable.¡± Shaking his head of unnecessary thoughts, Yuran looked me straight in the eyes. ¡°This time we do it together.¡± Sniffing, I nodded with damp eyes, holding tight to his hand. ¡°Yes¡­ Together¡­¡± Yuran clicked his fingers, and a young couple fell in front of us inside the cage. ¡°GET US BACK!¡± the duke roared at us. Yuran''s beastly past jolted before the bouncy-haired girl held him back. However, an orb of rich golden energy nearly blinded us. Ether grew in Yuran¡¯s palm while Vanessa, Tarion and I stood stunned. ¡°Ether. Not as pure as the gods¡¯, but close enough. But don¡¯t worry; your brother will be mended. For now, we talk.¡± ¡°How did you save so much?¡± I whispered to Yuran as he closed his fist, snuffing the light in his palm. ¡°Patience.¡± ¡°Tarion, let''s heed their words. Time moves slowly here.¡± ¡°Not slow enough.¡± The duke bared his teeth at us until a deathly stare from a younger me simmered him down. ¡°I always loved how you disciplined this dog, Vanessa.¡± Yuran chuckled. ¡°He is right. Joshua needs our help outside. But first, let me tell you how to save the world. Jimmy Armour torn to shreds, blood covering from head to boot, a Greystone made his presence known. Blood of half a dozen of the shaved was turned into a sword-whip, slaughtering the wall of enemies blocking the tunnel hole. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. ¡°KILL THEM ALL. GIVE ME THEIR BLOOD!!¡± Loran howled with tears of blood flowing from red eyes, and his pack howled back. Tarion. ¡°First, let me tell you of our past and your future gone.¡± A left hand waved across, and a map of Friedland lay with its borders and cities. Points of light shone like white pillars into the sky. One in Osberg, one in the deep north, one to the southwest, one in the Liu States, one in Alar and the last appeared close¡ªMaize. ¡°The cursed eruption zones.¡± Yuran began to speak. ¡°Or what we thought they were.¡± ¡°Seven lights for seven betrayers,¡± I said, and Yuran nodded in agreement. ¡°After thousands of years, their prisons deteriorated. With the constellation restricted to the lands above. They created a being who could use their spectacular power once again.¡± Yuran and I glanced at our loves. ¡°So fate moves as fate does, and the saint becomes one with the powers of the gods. She travelled across the world with her holy army in tow and a prince by her side, fighting down the horde of possessed and healing the zones till they were purified of the stench. Months go by, all six zones were healed, and Haru returned to fanfare and celebration.¡± ¡°Six?¡± Vanessa asked. ¡°Which did you miss?¡± Remembering the manhwa, I immediately answered. ¡°The last light. Liu States.¡± Yuran sighed. ¡°This is where my brother joins the story.¡± Yuran pointed with his fingers interlaced with Haru. ¡°You had died. Allowing me to pass on to another fellow''s body by accident. And I began my new life as a descendant of the Heavenly Demon. I wanted to come back, but I began to love my new life. Years passed, and on the other side of troubles, I broke past my previous fate and became the leader of the cult while my brother became my advisor. During my reign, the Liu state had peace, as I had the strength to keep it, and my brother had the wisdom to maintain it. However, my brother had been scheming, working in the shadows even after Haru¡¯s ¡®story¡¯ ended. I only learnt later on that he was the first to find the entrance to the demon¡¯s prison. With our family inbreeding of generations, we had an affinity for the curse, and when the prison began to crack, it was as easy for my brother as smelling freshly cooked pie. I, who was a half-breed, didn¡¯t notice it directly under my palace." Yuran could barely hide his anger. ¡°He did as he does with the cult now. Sacrifice upon sacrifice, probably numbering in the hundreds of thousands. Each soul he exhumed was given to a patient and hungry demon. An intelligent being who knew how to control the foolish and manipulate the strong. Power. It''s a very attractive thing to the insecure. The prince of Freidland is such a boy. So talented, he saw himself as the protagonist of this world because, frankly, he was. Until Haru came. Legions followed her grace as she healed the world. Every street and corridor she walked, people prayed and bowed, prostrating themselves lower than they ever did for him. Instead of fear, his subjects looked at his wife like a god. He felt invisible. He felt useless. He felt¡­ ¡°Normal?¡± Vanessa spoke up. Yuran brought Haru closer until she was thawed out of her trembling. ¡°The prince met Jianlin as I met Haru, coming for a customary visit to the Liu states. While I saw her beauty for the first time, my brother ensnared him with an opportunity. And an opportunity to be her. To be the deity they worshipped. With the aid of the golem maker, they..." Yuran stopped talking, his eyes wandering as his fist balled up tight. With a quivering mouth, Haru began to speak softly. ¡°I was told we were ¡®testing¡¯ new methods of mana control by my best friend, Vel. My husband, whom I trusted the most, convinced me it¡¯s for the greater good. That she could share her gift and spread it around the world, bringing peace and prosperity¡­ Years did I spend in that dark room; my only light came with the curse as it sucked me of all my ether.¡± ¡°A saint manifests her power from her soul,¡± Yuran interjected. ¡°Stabbing, disease,¡± Haru spoke again with more vehemence in her voice. ¡°Nothing can compare to the pain of a soul ripped apart on the hour. I prayed that hunger would take me. But the gods¡¯ power sustained me for years on. There were times-¡± ¡°Enough.¡± Yuran¡¯s commanding voice stopped her before she said anything that would make me fly into a rage. Someone sniffled beside me. How could I be so foolish? I grasped her hands, rubbing them softly on her soft fingers. With no words, I showed her I was by her side. This will never be in the timeline, or the world will cease to be in my hands. ¡°The prince finally had his strength. He wanted more. And so Jianling spoke words to his impressionable ears and laid out a plan. The first to fall to the prince was the north and his old enemy. With Vel by his side, the ¡®Ghouls¡¯ slowly took over Freidland, eliminating noble factions he hated, and when the dust settled and no one was left to fight, the prince''s holy sword rode in to slay the rest. He was done with the pretence of saving the world. War is all he wanted. Battle was all he loved. Slowly, instead of the saint, the prince was exalted. The more territory he took, the more his infamy grew. He didn¡¯t care. So long as that woman wasn¡¯t there to make him feel small again. All the while, my brother was sent to the cursed zones as the only cost of their bargain, as demons are locked away with ether, and they can be freed with ether. Kyros, unaware of his true purpose, was more than willing to oblige, as he felt the connection between Haru and him strengthen each time a prison was broken. The mages of the tower realised his plan of world dominance and threw the pact into the fire. But even the half-gods failed to measure up to a genius powered by almost infinite holy ether. Friedland fell. The North fell. Alar fell. The Liu states¡­held on.¡± ¡°Because of him, he is so humble.¡± Yuran blushed from her compliment. ¡°I tried my best, sure. But my best was not enough. Not at all... So many comrades died. Millions ran to my realm seeking help I could give them. I lost. And alone. Then a lone mage of silver hair met me on my throne. From waving hands, he brought up an image of her alone in the dark. ¡®Save her, and he weakens,¡¯ the mage said. And I didn''t hesitate. I am teleported into the premises, and a simple exhale tore the room apart. Tearing the rune-imbued chain from her, I busted through ceiling after ceiling of the prince¡¯s palace. And thus began the best year of my life.¡± Eyes full of love, Yuran and Haru snuggle together. I ignore the disgusting display of love. ¡°I see¡­ First priority: protect Vanessa. Her ether is needed to release the betrayers and is the only one capable of keeping them caged. Lesser priorities: guard the zones from outside forces. And heal them all. The main goal is to defeat Jianling and the demon he works for before they bring disaster to this world. ¡°You are a great listener,¡± Yuran said. ¡°But you¡¯re missing something. Look at my brother¡¯s motives. He sent those bandits in the blizzard to eliminate everyone, including the saint. He didn¡¯t try to take Vanessa away. Why?¡± Yuran waited for my answer. ¡°He doesn¡¯t need her anymore.¡± ¡°Meaning¡­?¡± Yuran asked. ¡°He found a different method to free them. Explains why Vel was desperate to keep her safe.¡± ¡°Shit.¡± We all looked, shocked at the young woman who swore. ¡°What the hell do we do then?!¡± Vanessa shouted. ¡°Crystals,¡± They all turned to me. ¡°They may not be as pure as ether, but in the obelisk there is enough mana to supply the mages'' tower for generations. Rarest of the rarest gems, mana concentrated to its limits. If someone were to pull off a big spell, that would be useful.¡± Yuran smiled widely, causing concern in Haru. ¡°You don¡¯t know how great it is to able to speak like this.¡± He smirked at my lifted eyebrow. Vanessa took her turn to speak. ¡°What if they have already left with it?¡± I reassured her, ¡°I already sent people to get it, and they wouldn¡¯t leave far when the cursed zone is right under the Wolfburn castle.¡± ¡°Um¡±, Vanessa bent down, looking at the map. ¡°Very convenient. It seems every cursed zone spirit roamed the empty world. Monsters destroy all they see in the madness. We were alone but together. But my dear made the ultimate sacrifice¡­ Facing all seven demons. At the last stand at Great Mount, she gave her all, her soul, her existence and a great flash of light. Six betrayers dropped to their knees. Wounded by holy light, one endured. The one known as the most beautiful, Jianling partner. ¡± ¡°Iedir¡­¡± A small tear sparkled in Haru¡¯s eye. ¡° ¡°He was a tough one,¡± Yuran smirked. ¡°But one I could handle. Two days of fighting tore flesh and bone. We ravaged each other like hungry beasts. No holds barred. It was a glorious battle.¡± I watched Yuran''s proud face as he boasted, feeling jealous. In the end, I prevailed. The demon flesh burned in the ether fire as my blood leaked on the floor. I just had the most splendorous battle of my life, and I felt empty. My light was no more in this world. I had attained Heaven stage, able to weave pseudo-ether like a demigod, and yet I couldn¡¯t save my family; I couldn¡¯t save my love. I wallowed for what I think were hours in the mile-wide crater, crying goodbye to my loved ones. Thinking I was totally alone, it surprised me to hear my brother¡¯s voice. A wave of Yuran¡¯s hands showed a scene. Two black-robed Liuen stood in the middle of devastation. ¡°WHY, BROTHER!??¡± ¡°Why¡­¡± Jianling looked at his unsheathed Jian with a mirror finish. Too clean to survive this war. ¡°Shh, half-breed, let me breathe this in.¡± His skin greyed over, his eyes blackened, and his irises became sharp like a lizard''s. Black mist towered to the sky; in the crackle of his power, I could hear screams. A flash step brought Jianling¡¯s sword deep into Yuran''s guts. Jianling wiped his shoulder-length hair from his surprisingly handsome face and twisted his sword, letting the Heaven demon kneel before him. ¡°Why betray us?! ¡° ¡°I did to survive at first. I was just a boy. But as I grew older and wiser, I saw the benefits. Anyone would. ¡± ¡°*COUGH* YOUR FAMILY, THE CULT, THE WORLD?!¡± ¡°My Family?¡± The cult member chuckled softly. My only family died quietly in her sleep. Oh, I wish my dear mother could see this. You, on your knees, would give her a good laugh. The cult... I can remake as only a pureblood can.¡± ¡°In..bred bastard.¡± A slap shook Yuran¡¯s brain. ¡°Shh¡­ The world¡­¡± he spoke absent-mindedly, playing with souls in the black mist on his arm. ¡°I have stored some good women. We will rebuild. And with this power, I will have time. I wanted your woman as one of the stock; however, she thought herself too good for me.¡± Jianling turned, sensing something. ¡°Where is she!?¡± A skinny hand of warts and pus teleported around Jianling¡¯s neck. ¡°WHERE IS SHE?? I TOLD YOU TO LEAVE HER TO ME!!¡± Finger exploded on contact, and a slap bashed the nine circles to the ground. And clouds of mist kept the silver-haired mage locked down. ¡°I don¡¯t know, friend.¡± Jianling bent to pat his rune master. ¡°I guess she couldn¡¯t take it. But look at the bright side; she took out the opposition.¡± Tears burst from Vel''s eyes. ¡°Aya, why cry? You made this happen. Okay, back to your office to calm down. When you have, you¡¯ve got demon-cursed collecting to do.¡± A finger click disappeared the mage. ¡°A mage¡­¡± ¡°The new Heaven Demon needs to be the best. Stages and Mage Circles are branches of the same tree. Feed the tree well-¡± Jianling levitated Yuran''s limp body close, and his Jian glinted, ready for a beheading. ¡°And it will bear fruit. Any last words, Yuran?¡± ¡°None that you, my dear brother, will truly hear.¡± ¡°Mmm¡­ Then I will say mine. Have you talked to a demon, listened to the woes? They are very sad creatures, very lonely, very homesick. Day after day, the demon regales his time in the holy land, lording over its perfectness. In that perfect land, they build. They create worlds, stars, and interstellar objects too giant to comprehend. They create life.¡± A head rolled. ¡°Perhaps when I am bored with this small world, I will make a visit.¡± The vision cut out, and four of us returned to the darkness of the mindscape. ¡°Jianling¡­¡± I said as my heart raced "What happened to Kyros?¡± Vanessa asked. ¡°He bored Jianling,¡± Yuran spoke. ¡°His job was done. So was his usefulness.¡± ¡°The only silver lining in this whole story. Only met the prick for a few minutes and already wanted to kill him. Why did you marry such a fool, Haru?¡± Vanessa asked her future self, and Haru shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know, maybe because a better option died by poison.¡± All four of us laughed in the levity of the moment. Haru touched Yuran¡¯s shoulder. It''s getting a bit sticky out there. It''s time.¡± Letting his love go with a gentle kiss, Yuran gestured the saints together. ¡°But first, let me have a little chat with my friend of there.¡± With Yuran¡¯s arm around my shoulder, suddenly Vanessa and Haru¡¯s bright light illuminated in the far distance. ¡°You realise the night is not over.¡± ¡°Yes¡­¡± ¡°I cannot help you anymore.¡± ¡°Mm.¡± Hands on my shoulder, he turned me to him. ¡°Are those circles still worth the price?¡± I stayed silent. ¡°Ruin your body with endless training; take as many drugs as possible; you will not pass that limit.¡± Silent still, but I heard his every word. But why couldn''t I give them up? Was it the time I spent building from scratch? The extreme pain I endured... Yuran¡¯s sigh echoes in the mindscape. ¡°Greystones and their stubbornness.¡± Any liuen accent left Yuran''s voice, and he voice sounds like a recording of mine. ¡°Have you ever wondered why there is not a single Duke in a millennium who has gained eight circles yet rules the lands with impeccable skill and strange ability? Loran and his strange ice. You have the power to absorb mana like a black hole. Dragon fucking scales, mate! Think, you daft idiot. ¡°...A Descendent.¡± I finally spoke. ¡°Yes! A being manifested as a living cursed weapon, the dragon stood on humanity''s side in the holy war. His blood protects his descendants to this day. Embrace the demonic blood you left untapped! Shatter the chains that hold it back!¡± I am silent yet again. Yuran spoke with sadness in his voice. ¡°My Vanessa sacrificed herself for me... because I lacked power. Will it be the same-¡± ¡°NO.¡± Yuran winced in pain as I gripped his arms around my shoulders. ¡°I¡­understand¡­¡± I let go. "Good, great to-¡± A right hook from me sent Yuran tumbling. ¡°Never control my body like that again.¡± ¡°Yeah, haha, of course.¡± Yuran picked himself off the dark floor. You don¡¯t need to worry about that anymore.¡± His liuen accent and a click of fingers brought us back to the two Vanessas, ¡°I am ready. Time to save our dumb brother. ¡°So I was hearing right¡­¡± Yuran interrupted me with a wink. ¡°Haha, it was fun.¡± Yuran hugged with his love, and golden ether simmered off his body. ¡°But I will have to admit, I was jealous at times. You change so much. Done what I had always dreamt of. And I always wanted to kill my stepmother myself.¡± Ether erupted, twisting around the couple. ¡°You will get your chance!¡± Beside me, Vanessa shook her head. ¡°I can feel her, Tarion. To kill Vel, Haru must have used most of the Ether that joined us. And Yuran barely has enough for Joshua...¡± ¡°Mm¡­ One last question!¡± Yuran broke eye contact with his beloved, awaiting my question. Why Me? Who brought me here? For What Purpose?¡± I yelled as the ether grew into a whirlpool of swirling holy power slowly, turning the mind space into infinite white. ¡°Win. Save my world, and you will get your answers. ¡°Bloody tease, haha.¡± I put a fist up. ¡°Thank you for everything.¡± And Yuran looked at it strangely. Haru moved his fist to bump mine. Tarion and Yuran, but not Edward. ¡°And Haru¡­ I have forgiven you. So stop getting sad about it.¡± Haru ran to me for a small hug before holding Vanessa tightly. ¡°I wish I could have seen her one more time¡­ Take care of her for me. ¡°You can! Merge with me!¡± ¡°No¡­ My time has passed.¡± Haru cupped Vanessa¡¯s face like an older sister would. ¡°Don¡¯t be weighed down by my future; experience your own.¡± A gust blew the couple apart, and I held my tearing wife, feeling a heavy heart as well. as the storm of ether grew too large and loud to hear anything but wind. Light flashed, and white consumed all. ¡°Tarion. Your hand.¡± ¡°Vanessa¡­¡± I held Vanessa''s arm in a dark tent. Letting go, a sharp pain wormed its way into my head. All senses seemed to be super sensitive. After a few breaths, it calmed down. I had never felt so alone. So free to think, to feel. Grass moved in the distance. Many beings with irregular pace and a few heavy-footed warriors surround the camp. Feel the glow of holy light. Hand to heart. I tried to engrave the sound of my grinding circles to my memory. ¡°Shaved hid with the city walls.¡± An elder voice said in the dark. A tap of his crystal-tipped cane created a protection spell. ¡°Rogue mages aid them, whilst summoners keep your butler busy. I sent seekers. But it may not be enough.¡± ¡°Tower master¡­¡± The dark-skinned mage sat in the corner. ¡°Things have changed; the shaved and rogues have made their move on your army. The seekers can no longer stand by. Go. Your wife will be teleported-¡± ¡°And let thousands of the injured die? I''m staying.¡± Vanessa said without taking her eyes from Joshua. ¡°Beatrice¡±, I called. Four shadows kneel. ¡°With your life.¡± ¡°It would be an honour.¡± All four salute, and back to the shadows they go. Almost ready for the inevitable, I took my brother¡¯s hand. To his cheek returned its usual glow. ¡°Good¡­good¡­¡± Letting my brother heal in peace, I wrapped my arms around my busy wife. I miss her smell so bad; I miss her touch. ¡°I am in the middle of something.¡± As my love turned back, our lips locked like missing pieces. Amber light brightened, as with our love, as we delved deeper into each other. A small hand hit me hard enough to cough. ¡°I said I was busy¡­¡± Said my blushing dame. I love you. Love you too¡­ NOW LET ME HEAL! When we get back home¡­ I shook my head of horny thoughts and thought of the mission ahead. If it''s the key they are after, shall we give them a chase? I forgot my thoughts spoke to no one else. So freeing¡­ From my inventory, a vial of poison flashed into my hand. I gulped, dreading its taste. It ends how it began. I drank the poison. I resonated with black liquid, flowing directly to my heart. Circles made with such care crumble away. Now! Qi rushed to my chest, and poison was vomited on the ground. Hammers and axes pound against the tent¡¯s shield from outside. I understand. My middle dantian/Mana heart was underused. So reliant on circles when it could be powerful on its own. Qi user. My true strength. I sucked in one breath, and my middle dantian was full. A sharp pain came out of nowhere. Every part of my body felt like it was ripping apart, cell by cell. Qi flowed calmly on my skin, healing damage. I surmised I overdid my training in body Stage, and my body was due for a reconstructing So much to learn. Exciting! My left hand rang a bell as knuckles smashed the shaved warrior¡¯s nose inwards. A palm destroyed his innards. Dozens of the shaved and bandits halted while I hopped over the corpse. I remembered Zhi¡¯s teachings. Resonate. I clapped, and a gust pushed enemies away. I had an idea. Inspired by the stone skippers, wind collected below my boots. A single jump brought me kilometres above the trees, and I caught sight of the wall of Maize lit by fire. STATUS. Good. Still there. But wow¡­ It¡¯s all gone. He was really gone. 105 to agility. With Qinggong, the night sky became my road, leaping miles with every step. I am free, unburdened at last.