《Chaos: Genesis》 CH. 1 Arc 1: Spero of the Red Sand Midday, in the desert heat of Aria, a golden eagle sores through the sky. Below, a valley stretches for miles, nestled between two large mesas, and at their edge sits a group of five masked bounty hunters.
"Is that really him?" a slim, reptilian hunter asks, pointing to a man walking through the valley sands. "What do you think?" a female hunter replies. "It''s the first person we''ve seen in hours. He''s wearing red and his limbs are covered in bandage wraps, just as we were told." She adjusts her white top, and her black ponytail flows in the wind. She points her long, obsidian claws at the reptilian. Their leader, a dark elf with dark-blue skin and grayish-white hair, stops their bickering. "The Assassin of Anshan, Spero of the Red Sand. What is the king''s personal assassin doing all the way out in Arian territory?" The group exchanges glances and a giant with a metal jaw speaks up. "Are we going to attack? His bounty is high, about ten talents. I''m a hefty boy, so I''m sure to get paid the most." He let out a deep chuckle. The dark elf takes out a knife, spins it in his hand, throws it up, and catches it. "If we attack, we must be careful, the rumors about him may be true" another hunter with one-eye states."There''s no way a king would have such a thing protecting him. It''s against the ways of their people," the clawed woman says. "No he''s right," their leader says. "We mustn''t take him lightly. A bounty this high is not based on speculation." He juggles the knife again and holds it in his palm. The reptilian licks his sharp teeth. "I want to kill him. Let me kill him!" The dark elf gives the signal and the other four dash toward their target. The leader spins his knife one more time before throwing it at the stranger at breakneck speed. Their target, Spero, strides through the valley, seemingly unaware of what''s happening. His bandana whips around when a strong wind sends a cloud of sand at him. When it clears, he sees a knife hurtling towards him and quickly catches it. A large blur appears in front of him, and a gigantic axe comes flying over. Spero dodges it by leaning back, his feet planted steady on the ground. Seeing his reflection in the axe as it passes centimeters away from his nose. He springs back up and holds the knife in position. He then dashes to the left and in the corner of his eye, he sees a gleam¡ªan incoming spear heading toward his throat. He jumps backward and spots a man with a porcelain mask. Spero blocks an incoming slash from the reptilian''s left dagger. He then slashes with his right dagger, but Spero grabs both of his foe''s wrists holding him in place. "I''ll cut you up!" the reptilian says, flailing his lizard tongue in Spero''s face. Repulsed by the lizard''s actions, he kicks the hunter in the chest and swiftly blocks the strikes coming from the female hunter''s sharp claws. Spero backs up a couple of steps and analyzes the situation. There''s a giant; metal jaw, wields a one-sided axe, medium to long-range. Their race is slow but powerful. Reptilian. Slim, no tail, double daggers, short-range. Race known to be fast, but this one is weak. Claw hunter. Sharp claws¡ªten in total¡ªshort to medium range, quick. She''s a humanoid but could also be a mutant. Then there''s doll mask. Uses a spear, medium to long range, great form, quick but not as experienced. Most likely human. Alright, I think I have a plan. When facing multiple enemies, there are a few rules to follow. Rule number one¡ªseparate them and try to fight them one on one. With a plan in mind, Spero is ready to engage. The lizard and hunter rush toward him. He blocks two attacks from the lizard''s daggers and then returns two punches: one in the lizard''s chest and one in the jaw. Spero then ducks to his left to dodge the incoming claw strike from the hunter. When her ponytail flows in front of him, he grabs it and yanks it back. She gasps and his knee meets her back brutally hard, causing her to collapse to the ground. In the corner of his eye, he sees the doll-mask hunter spin his spear, striking to the left and right of Spero just grazing his clothes. The spear gets caught on the sword on his back, and Spero notices that the hunter''s mask is only covering one of his eyes. Left eye, blind spot. He swings his left leg and high kicks his opponent on the side of the head. The giant appears behind him, veins bulging in his neck. "Try to stop this!" Don''t block, redirect! Before he can reach for the sword on his back Spero parries the axe to the right of him with the knife chipping off pieces of the blade. He kicks the giant in his knee causing him to stumble backward. Spero shuffles away to reanalyze the situation. He looks up and sees the dark elf sitting on top of the cliffside, watching the fight. He''s studying my movements. I can''t give him an advantage! Let''s show as little as possible. Spero refocuses when a spear is lunged towards his neck. He slides back, and the claw hunter enters with an uppercut; he shoots his head back, brings his right foot up, and kicks her straight in the chin. Spero hears a whistling noise and juts both legs up as the axe flies under his feet. Spero, stuck in midair, spots the reptilian, and the enemy jumps towards him. Spero twists his body sideways and kicks the lizard away. However, a dagger sneaks through and cuts his thigh. Spero uses the momentum of his kick to land on his feet. As they surround him, Spero memorizes their positions, The claw hunter and reptilian are at his 2 and 11 o''clock; the doll mask and the giant are at his 8 and 5 o''clock. Rule number two¡ªif you get surrounded, use their teamwork against them. "He''s really pissing me off!" the reptilian says, pointing his dagger at Spero. "We have to time our attacks together. Focus!" the claw hunter shouts. They both charge in and crisscross, switching their positions. The claw hunter gets in front of the lizard and strikes Spero. He blocks her first attack, but the second strike grazes his right shoulder. Spero executes two quick jabs: one to her stomach and the second to her cheek. The reptilian cuts Spero''s forearm but blocks his other dagger. The doll hunter shoots his spear forward, but Spero grabs the lizard''s head and uses it to block the spear; the doll hunter reacts and redirects his weapon, brushing the side of the lizard''s face. Spero cuts the doll hunter''s left shoulder as a large shadow covers him. The axe comes crashing down and Spero barely has time to slide back before the axe slams into the ground and cuts his back. The claw hunter sneaks from behind once more, but Spero steps back and trips her. She falls and smacks her face against the side of the giant''s axe. Spero readjusts his stance, but a spear comes spinning at him, he skips side to side and kicks the bottom of the spear, breaking off a part of the handle. The wooden piece flies towards the giant hitting him in the right eye. Spero takes a deep breath and prepares himself. Stolen story; please report. Rule number three¡ªwhen their teamwork falls apart, go for the kill. Spero rushes toward the reptilian and punches him in the throat. The lizard gasps for air, and his tongue flaps out. Spero cuts it off and the lizard swings his daggers wildly, screaming in pain. Spero dodges the blades and dashes toward the doll hunter. Shocked at what happened, the doll hunter attempts to stab his foe with his halved spear, but his limited reach prevents a hit, and Spero slips past him. He rolls onto the back of the doll hunter and slices his neck as he lands on the other side. As his body begins to fall, Spero snatches the spear and chucks it into the claw hunter''s right shoulder. The giant strikes down his axe once again, but Spero backs up. He tosses his knife high in the air distracting the giant, and takes the opportunity to jump on top of the axe. The giant notices and picks his weapon up. Using the momentum of the axe, he launches himself up. Spero kicks the giant in the chin with his right foot, twists his body, and scissor kicks with his left to reach the handle of the knife that''s free-falling in the air. He strikes the knife, sending it directly into the forehead of the panicking reptilian. Spero turns his body again and lands behind the claw hunter as she manages to remove the spear from her shoulder. Spero grabs her head and snaps her neck. Further enraged, the giant rushes toward Spero and swings his axe at him. Spero sprints forward and slides on his knees to the right side of the giant, dodging the attack. As he''s sliding, he unsheathes his sword and slices the giant''s right kneecap. The hunter collapses, trying to keep his balance, and swings his axe in the opposite direction. Spero slides under his weapon again, slicing his other kneecap. Unable to stand, the giant releases the axe and falls onto his hands. Spero looks at him and pierces his head with his sword. He pants and wipes his weapon clean with a rag. As he does so, a clapping sound echoes behind him, the dark elf announcing his presence. "That was impressive." Spero whips around and sees the leader a few meters away. "You''re as dangerous as they say. Who would''ve thought we''d run into a bounty as rare as yourself? I must thank you. Now I can keep the reward all to myself." "I''m in a hurry, can we move this along?" Spero says, standing tall. The elf''s eyes perk up as he grins underneath his mask. Spero analyzes him. Dark elf¡ªa race known to have light movements, high agility, great precision, and high levels of magic. The large sword will slow him down, medium to long-range. The elf dashes forward quicker than Spero expected. He manages to turn his face away, but the blade lightly cuts his left cheek. The elf bombards Spero with a multitude of attacks. Spero blocks and parries most of them, but a few slip by, marring his arms and torso. The elf slashes down and the blade cuts the strap of Spero''s scabbard, sending it tumbling to the ground. How can he swing a sword that size with such ease and accuracy, Spero thinks, shocked. The elf strikes, but the attack is blocked. Spero tilts his sword touching the flat sides against each other, slides his sword against the large weapon, and slashes the elf in the chest, leaving behind a minor wound. He sends a quick jab to Spero''s nose and swings his sword. Spero blocks the incoming strike. The heavy hit rattles his arms and causes him to stumble backward. Noticing the loss of balance, the elf lunges his sword into the ground. A blast of wind propels his body forward, and he kicks Spero in the chest, sending his opponent crashing into a rock wall. The enemy''s sword flies toward his head. Spero swoops down as the blade cuts through the rocks and lops off a piece of his bandana. Spero, now crouched, notes a silver light shimmering on the blade''s hilt. He ignores it and launches himself into the elf, tackling him to the ground. Their bodies tumble across the sand, but the elf stabs his blade into the floor again and kicks Spero away. Spero''s body bounces across the hot sands for a moment, but he quickly regains control. He also strikes the sword in the ground, allowing him to slow down to a halt. They both clamber to their feet, resuming their fight stances. That''s an unusual elf-fighting stance. He keeps most of the weight on his front foot... His form is a bit rigid; I can get past his speed with his lack of form. "A dark elf that doesn''t use magic? That''s rare." "You think I would use magic against a divinian?" the elf responds snarkily. Spero chuckles. "I guess you''re smarter than I thought." The elf raises his sword, and they both rush in throwing multiple slashes, their blades colliding. He tends to aim for my hand that''s holding my blade. He''s also trying to strike my back leg. Let''s give him what he wants. Spero leaves his left side open, and the elf smirks and slashes his back leg. Spero parries his blade out of the way and uppercuts the elf''s gut, he lets out a heavy wheeze and recomposes himself. The elf kicks Spero in his shin causing him to land on his knee. The dark elf swings his sword with a heavy attack. Spero turns his blade vertically, the handle above and the blade covering his side. He blocks the attack, but the large sword shatters Spero''s blade. Shards of metal scatter everywhere. The elf closes his eyes to prevent the shards from getting into them. Spero reacts and completely spins around holding his broken blade, and stabs the elf in his shoulder. The elf yells and uses the bottom of his handle to punt Spero in the head. Spero grows dizzy, his vision blurring. In the short moment, it takes the divinian to sober up, the elf strikes down with his sword. Blood splatters, dripping onto the sand. Spero is holding the blade, which is barely embedded into his shoulder. "Damn... I went way too easy on you, "Spero mutters. The elf grits his teeth. "Ridiculous! The bounty is mine!" the elf shouts feeling insulted. Spero looks up at him. "You were using magic this whole time, weren''t you? Not on me but on yourself." The elf''s eyes enlarge. "How did you¡ª" "You use wind magic. That''s how you were able to move around so easily. I noticed when you were propelling yourself forward, the rune on your blade would activate. That''s why most of your body weight was on your front foot." The elf gets heated and pushes his sword further into Spero''s shoulder, but he''s stopped when Spero grabs the blade harder, causing it to crack where his fingertips meet the metal. "Training''s over," Spero says, punching the side of the blade, and cracking it more. Tiny streams of black smoke appear out of his hands. The elf''s eyes widen with fear. "I-It''s true! You are a daeva!" Spero hits the metal again, and it shatters into pieces. The elf tries to back away, and Spero chucks the remaining piece of the sword at him, cutting off the elf''s hand that''s gripping the handle. The hunter screams and Spero snatches the other half of the sword out of the dismembered hand and pierces the elf''s chest. The dark elf collapses on the desert floor. A horn is played in the distance, and another follows. Spero turns around and sees an army of Arian orcs behind him. A group of archers are also on top of the left cliff and another on the right. The soldiers in the center move to their respective sides, opening the group up. A bulky orc with bronze skin walks through to the front. The Arian orc general grabs his double-sided axes off his back.
Spero looks relieved. "Took you long enough." He takes off the bandage that covers his mouth and wraps it around his injured shoulder, gripping it with his teeth to tighten it. "It looks like I''ll have to be serious this time", he says, extending his right arm. Chaos Variant: Sword of Madness! A symbol glows on his right shoulder and black mist seeps out of his palm, forming a thin blade. Dark energy continuously flows out of the blade. His eyes turn black, and a glowing, red symbol appears in the middle of his oculus.
"Let''s make this quick. I hate using this power." Worried, the group of orcs step back muttering in Orcish. "It''s him!" "Daeva!" "Spero of the Red Sand" "Kill the demon!" Spero rushes toward the general, his weapon gleaming. CH. 2
Spero arrives back at his home in the Kingdom of Anshan, he walks through the town square, which is packed with citizens, merchants, and food stands. Spero notices a child looking in his direction. The boy''s mother grabs him close and shields his face. "Don''t look at him! Stay away from us, you filthy Daeva!" She ushers the boy away, glancing back to make sure Spero didn''t follow. With a heavy sigh, he continues walking through the square. A man glances at him, witnessing the commotion, he sees Spero trailing off and decides to follow. * * * A merchant is sitting by a table full of treasures and goods, propping his head up on his palm, fighting sleep. His black hair is tied up and messy frails stick out on all sides of his head. His eyes begin to close when suddenly, CLANK! He wakes up in a panic and sees a bloody, battered helmet lying in front of him. "What the hell, Spero?! You''ve soiled my merchandise!" Spero laughs. "Deliver this to the king, will you, Ramin?" "I''m not your personal courier," Ramin replies in annoyance. "I keep the true origin of your ''relics'' to myself, so you will continue to assist me." Spero turns away. Just as Ramin was about to reply, a black-bearded man bursts into the shop. "Brother, I''m glad you''re back. You look a mess!" Spero looks down at his body. His arms and legs are covered in cuts and bruises, and his clothes are stained with orc blood. "Escaping a whole army is not an easy feat, Cyrus." "Well, get cleaned up. Father''s speech will begin momentarily." Spero waves goodbye to Ramin and departs with his brother. * * * On the balcony attached to the throne room, King Cambyses I stands in front of Cyrus and Spero. He stiffly adjusts his crown and glances down into the plaza below. "Citizens of Anshan, we are one step closer to expanding our nation. Claiming territory in Aria will not be easy, but we have pushed back the orcs long enough. Our army has planned a direct assault against those barbaric beasts. As Divinians, we must keep our race alive and prosperous. Our resistance to magic makes us the perfect counter to other races, even the elves envy our everlasting youth, and our cunningness combats the humans'' mindset. We are Divinians; the gods have blessed us and deemed us the divine race. We will remind the Arian orcs that they made a grave mistake threatening our people, our kingdom... For Anshan!" The crowd cheers and whistles. "For Anshan! For Anshan! For Anshan!"
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After the speech, Spero and Cyrus walk to their favorite hilltop overlooking the kingdom. "Once we take half of the Arian territory, we''ll become lords," Cyrus says, sitting on a large stone. Spero sits next to Cyrus and eyes him begrudgingly. "You will become a lord." "Our father... My father sees you as part of our family. He may not show it, but he does. Ever since we took you in, our family has never been better. My relationship with my birth parents has improved, and you are never excluded from any family meeting or event. He knows that you are valuable to our kingdom. The people see that you have importance." "Yeah, right. I''ve lived here for over a century, yet I''m still seen as an outsider." Cyrus places his hand on Spero''s shoulder. "Is this about the mother and her boy?" Spero looks away. "I''m used to it." "Our people have a deep history with the Daevas. Your presence reminds them of that dark past, but you shouldn''t let their judgment define you." "Easier said than done. It''ll probably take another century for the people to even acknowledge me." Cyrus stands and proclaims to Spero, "As my brother and the prince of the Anshan, I will convince the people to respect you, acknowledge you, and see you as a part of the royal family. It may take some time¡ªdecades, even¡ªbut I won''t rest until they do." Proudly, he puts a fist in the air and stands tall. Spero laughs and Cyrus, a little embarrassed, joins in. "You and your kingly speeches. There''s no denying you''re the son of royalty." Cyrus nudges Spero. "As fun as this is, I should get going. We have an important meeting tomorrow, so get some rest. See you, brother." As Cyrus walks back down the hill, Spero looks at the setting sun and senses a disturbance. "What do you want now, Astral?" A young man appears, with glowing, icy-blue hair, and illuminated symbols on both sides of his face. "I''m just checking up on you." "I know the real reason you''re here," Spero snaps. "You don''t have to lie." He stands up and backs away. "I don''t need you spying on me every second or reminding me about my abilities. I know the repercussions." Astral walks towards him. "The dark energy... You used it quite excessively today. I can feel it growing." "If I hadn''t, I''d be dead. There are times when it''s appropriate, but you know better than anyone how much I hold back." "You''re right... I apologize. Your father did ask me to help." Spero glares at him. "Sure, my father asked." Astral notices that he crossed a line. He receives an alert in the form of a magic rune. "I must go. Trinity is requesting my presence." Spero stares at Astral. "Tell your parents and the others to leave me be." Astral nods and teleports away. * * *
Astral appears in the Divine Realm which hosts all deities. He appears in front of the Trinity, the top three deities. Evaline, the Spirit of Life; Azrael, the Angel of Death; and Chronos, the Timekeeper. "How was the visit with your... friend, son?" Azrael states. "Leave him alone, dear. Their friendship is important to our mission," Evaline says. Astral shrugs it off. Chronos steps forward. "Astral, as the Protector of the Eight Realms, you have the most important part in this. All three of you have your assigned tasks and keep monitoring for potential allies and threats. The timeline must not repeat." The deities all pin their attention on the Timekeeper. He looks into his shards of potential futures, a 4-dimensional mosaic sculpture, each shard gleams like a mirror and reflects a part of the past, present, and future. "The history of this timeline is unclear, but we will not let these worlds be destroyed again."
CH. 3
A young boy is training. He strikes a wooden sword against some dummies made of hay. A tall man with a thick, black beard and wavy hair tells the boy, ¡°For faster recovery, return to your main stance then follow through with the next attack after your initial strike.¡± The boy hits each dummy once. ¡°What¡¯s rule one, son?¡± the man asks. ¡°Separate them for one-on-one fights,¡± the young Spero responds. He then backs away, stares at the dummy to his far left, and strikes the dummy cutting it in half with his wooden sword. ¡°That¡¯s my boy! You¡¯ll be the strongest warrior in all the desert!¡± The man picks up Spero, and they both laugh together. The man places him down and sets his hand on the boy¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I miss you, Spero.¡± Spero wakes up from his daydream as Cyrus nudges him to focus. They¡¯re standing next to a table with a large map displaying multiple territories: Aria, Assyria, Babylonia, Media, Qedar, and other parts of the desert.
Three generals are standing on the other side of the table. General Basir calls Spero out. ¡°Spacing out in the war room, as expected from an outsider.¡± Cyrus, about to speak up, is interrupted by Spero. ¡°Might I remind everyone that this outsider is the sole reason any of your battles ended in victory?¡± The other two generals stifle a chuckle. ¡°Basir, if you¡¯re done with your comments, may we continue with planning?¡± Cyrus calmly asks, displaying his authority. Basir grits his teeth and looks down at the map as Cyrus continues. ¡°Their outpost is located 30 kilometers out, only a day¡¯s travel. We will divide into three groups. General Parsa¡¯s group will be stationed here, and Ashkan and his men will be on the opposite side at the foot of the outpost. Basir, your soldiers will be in the back. If any orcs slip behind us, your archers should help pick them off or keep them at bay. Spero and I will be the first ones to infiltrate the camp. Spero will neutralize the mage and brutes, and I will be the main shield for all of you to rush in.¡± Ashkan points to the camp on the map. ¡°How many orcs are we expecting?¡± ¡°Roughly a hundred,¡± Cyrus replies. ¡°And we¡¯re only bringing sixty troops of our own?¡± Ashkan asks. ¡°That is correct.¡± ¡°We can¡¯t sneak that many men through the desert without being detected, so the fewer the better,¡± Basir chimes in. ¡±However, these are orcs; they each have the strength of five men, and they outnumber us.¡± ¡°Won¡¯t they notice us approaching?¡± Parsa asks. Orcs have an incredible sense of smell.¡± ¡°Perhaps we could use a magic barrier to hide our scent,¡± Ashkan suggests. Spero intervenes. ¡°Orcs can also smell magic from 100 meters away. We''ll wait until midday when they are preparing food. They use a heavy amount of spices in their cooking, so our scent will be masked.¡± Parsa nods in agreement and looks at Spero. ¡°How do you propose we handle the number difference?¡± ¡°Since I killed their general, this platoon of orcs lask formation and tactics. Positioning them won¡¯t be an issue, but their immense strength will be. Orcs, unlike giants, are a bit quicker. They¡¯re not as strong, but their warrior instincts are at a high level. Their skin is similar to a boar but tougher. Try to target their joints, eyes, and neck. Their tactics have evolved since the last time our forces faced them.¡± ¡°Our people have always pushed back against the orcs from a distance,¡± Cyrus said. ¡°This is where Basir¡¯s archers will be critical. Our archery skills are close to the proficiency of the elves, and we will be able to keep them at bay for the beginning of the attack. Try to weaken as many orcs as possible with your arrows so we can finish them off quickly.¡± Everyone accepts the plan and leaves the war room to prepare for the assault. The following morning, the Anshan troops make it to their destination. They are about half a kilometer away from the orc camp. One of the scouts uses a magical tool to enhance his vision to see the orcs.
¡°They started the fire, and are preparing the food as we speak,¡± the scout informs the soldiers. Cyrus signals his men and alerts the generals. ¡°Good. We¡¯ll get into position. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. Each soldier goes to their assigned position behind large boulders and hilltops that surround the camp. The other generals signal to Cyrus, letting him know that they are ready. The orcs are below enjoying their meals, the air around them filling with the aroma of spiced meat and grilled vegetables. Cyrus raises his sword. The archers in Basir¡¯s squad prep their bows, and Spero sneaks down to one of the tents where two brutes are eating. He stabs one in the neck with a knife and slashes the face of the other with his sword before they can make a sound. He then gives the signal, and arrows rain down on the orcs below. Cyrus sprints down, sword and shield in hand, boasting a war cry as soldiers follow. Parsa¡¯s and Ashkan¡¯s squads come down as well to fully surround the camp. The orcs frantically run to retrieve their weapons and try to collect themselves. Arrows are embedded in the joints of their arms and legs, and a few of them are killed in the surprise attack. The orcs grab their armor and weapons and begin to defend. Cyrus rushes in. An orc tries to get up but is bashed by Cyru¡¯s shield, sending the foe toppling to the ground again. He¡¯s finished off with a stab to the shoulder. The men behind scatter their spears and push in. A couple of Divinians are pummeled by clubs and an orc kicks them away. Cyrus ricochets an axe swing and slices an orc¡¯s achilles. To his side, Spero stabs five orcs in a matter of seconds. Another group surrounds him, but he grabs a log from the campfire. He tosses it into the air and kicks it, spreading ash and flame. The orcs cover their eyes as the cloud of hot dust coverers their skin, and he kicks one in the knee causing the enemy to collide with another. A blade comes flying down, but Spero dodges and grabs the orc¡¯s belt to redirect him. Spero uses him as a shield to block an incoming club, then stabs the orc four times and moves off to the side. As blood splatters around him, the orc that was knocked down tries to get up but Spero stabs his hand into the ground. As the orc screeches in pain, Spero shuts him up once he punches him in the jaw. As another orc closes in, he jumps over him and cuts his neck from behind. He then launches himself forward and quickly slashes the two remaining orcs. Crash! Rumble! Tents and Divinian soldiers are flung around. As wood and cloth are thrown, the sand vibrates increase and an orc brute comes charging in and knocks Spero into a tent. The brute is in full armor. The shoulder plates are adorned with horns surly to cause damage. The orc takes out his large club with metal spikes, twirls it, and rushes in, causing another tent to be demolished. Spero continues dodging and backing up to get a chance to slow down the assault. Hmm¡­ Orc brutes are elite warriors, fast, aggressive, and strong. Should I create some distance or get as close as I can? Spero jumps on a nearby rock wall and launches himself into the brute. Confused, the orc swings his club and cuts Spero¡¯s arm. Spero recovers and elbows the brute, knocking him back before delivering a jab to the brute¡¯s chest, ribs, stomach, and kidney. He then dodges another attack and kicks the orc in the liver. With the orc unable to focus, Spero slashes at the monster¡¯s legs and delivers a killing blow to its chest. Cyrus glances at Spero from across the camp. ¡°The mage. Where is the mage?!¡± Spero¡¯s eyes dart around, searching for the mage. A fireball hits a group of Divinans and knocks them to the ground. A blast of stone spikes hurtles toward him as he braces for impact. He gets blasted by the magic attack and is forced to the ground. As he gets up, he sees the mage. Orc Mage¡­ Unlike normal mages who only specialize in magic, their orc counterparts have all the advantages of a warrior with the added benefits of mana buffs. They may not be the best fighters, but their long-range attacks make up for it. The Divinians can withstand the mages¡¯s spells due to their natural magic resistance, but the orc¡¯s spells are of a higher caliber. Spero may not be able to kill them instantly, but he¡¯s weakening their body. The mage realizes that direct spells have no effect. A green circle appears at the top of the mage¡¯s staff, transitioning into a neon-pink light. It surrounds the orc warriors providing them power and defense buffs. The Divinian mages try to keep them back with rock and fire spells but to no avail. ¡°We need some mana buffs!¡± a soldier shouts.¡°I need some healing for my men over here!¡± another man relays. ¡°We can¡¯t use spells with that mage around,¡± Persa informs. ¡°If we deactivate our mana shields, the orc¡¯s spells will kill us¡± Spero sees that their army is being overwhelmed and decides he must use his powers. Chaos Variant, Sword of Madness! Noticing his power shift, some orcs charge towards him. Spero swings his sword, and the orc blocks it. A second later, it looks down to see its chest has been ripped open and blood gushes out. Spero then unleashes a flurry of attacks on another orc. Six blades flash around the orc, making it unable to distinguish which blade is the real one. With confusion setting in, the orc swings and misses, leaving him open to be cut down by Spero. ¡°Why are the orcs trying to block and dodge attacks that aren¡¯t there?¡± Ashkan asks Cyrus as he watches the fight. ¡°I don¡¯t fully know what that power is capable of, but it¡¯s fantastic!¡± Cyrus says as he pulls his weapon out the chest neck of an orc. Spero swings his sword and the orc blocks it. However, it seems as if the blade phases through the orc¡¯s blade without breaking it. The orc¡¯s sword serves no defense, and Spero¡¯s blade slices his opponent¡¯s stomach open. Spero then approaches the. Damn you Divinians! I will feed you to our kin and grind your bones to dust,¡± it growls in Orcish. The orc creates a tornado of fire around the both of them and uses the flames to coat his bladed staff before charging forward. Spero dodges and kicks the back of the staff causing the weapon to go off balance. The orc uses sand magic to trap Spero¡¯s feet into the ground, but Spero ducks to avoid a strike. The heat of the blade singes his clothes. He then breaks free from the trap and jumps back. He points his sword toward the mage and takes a deep breath. ¡°Sword of Madness, Mirage of Shadows.¡± A black cloud reaches the orc, and the mage blasts it away with a wind spell. The mage is frightened and sees multiple Speros rushing toward him. The orc blasts a few of the clones which he strikes down. Spero¡¯s madness sword blocks the blade, and darkness engulfs it absorbing the heat. One of Spero¡¯s clones cuts the staff in half as another clone kicks him in the gut. The orc loses composure and creates an energy ball of heat. Spero strikes the ball before it can fully form, igniting his sword as darkness spreads and creates a dome around him and the mage. When the darkness dissipates, the orc is lying on the ground in a pool of blood. Upon seeing this, the other soldiers are in disbelief. They have never seen Spero use these powers in person. To everyone, it seemed that the mage had gone insane and was frantically fighting nothing. A few men said they spotted more than one Spero. Spero¡¯s right arm begins to shake, and his head erupts into a bout of intense pain. He doubles over, clutching his head and rubbing his temples, quickly de-summoning his sword. When he does, the pain fades. * * * After a hard-fought battle, the soldiers travel back through the desert to the kingdom of Anshan. The sun is setting, and they are looking for a place to camp out for the night. They find a cliffside and head over. In the lead, Cyrus hears rocks crumble as he scouts the area. He signals those behind him to stay quiet, then whispers to the mages to put up a barrier to seal their scent. Magic circles appear around them, and a dome appears around them. Spero joins Cyrus at the front and sees what has caused them to slow down. A long scorpion tail swings back and forth, and a thick mane shakes off the sand from its head. ¡°What is a monster like that doing here?¡± a soldier asks, surprised. ¡°As long as we wait for the manticore to leave, we should be safe. This isn¡¯t its nest, so it won¡¯t stay for long,¡± Cyrus states as he motions everyone to lower their voices. Another soldier steps forward.¡± I heard a manticore¡¯s venom is extremely valuable.¡± ¡°We have several dozen men, we could kill it,¡± another man adds. A female archer points to Spero and asks, ¡°Haven¡¯t you faced one before?¡± Spero turns to her and crosses his arms. ¡°I have, many years ago. And I almost died in the process.¡± ¡°I will not sacrifice my men to make a few bags of gold,¡± Cyrus snaps. ¡°Now, shut your mouths and wait for the creature to leave.¡± After a few minutes, the manticore leaves, and the group sets up camp to rest. CH. 4 It''s morning and Spero is walking with the rest of the men back to Anshan. He spaces out for a second and feels a dark presence. Sending shivers down his spine as something whispers inaudibly in his ear. he snaps back to reality, and when he looks around, everyone is gone, and it is the middle of the night. Spero frantically looks around and yells out for anyone. "Spero", a sinister voice calls his name, but he can''t locate where is it coming from. "Daeva...one of us!" The sand begins to engulf Spero as the voice exclaims, "Your anger! Your darkness! YOUR HATRED!"
The voice crescendos, multiple sentences, and voices overlap. Spero desperately tries to claw out the sandpit but it swallows him up in pitch darkness. There is a glimpse of light and other voices that are familiar to him. He gets closer to the light and , a wall of fire blocks his path. He shields his eyes when he removes his hands from his face he notices them drenched in blood and a body lays in front of him, battered, beaten, and pouring blood. "No!", Spero screams and reaches out but the body disappears. He is surrounded by a city up in flames, filled with screaming citizens. He looks below into a puddle of water and sees himself as a child. The voice returns, "You did this! You will do this! Everything is caused by you!" Spero unleashes his power. Darkness and red energy burst out of him vigorously and the chaos symbol appears in his eyes as he screams from pain. Multiple flashes of events, death, and blood appear in his mind. The voice yells one last time, "YOUR POWER WILL BE MINE!" Cyrus wakes Spero up by pushing him to the side, "Finally... it''s daylight. Time to head home" Spero, confused, sees that everyone is around him, they''re gathering up the gear and preparing for the journey back to the kingdom. He nods and gets up, looks at his hands and they are not covered in blood. He takes a couple of breaths and readies his belongings. Once they arrive in the kingdom, Spero breaks off from the group to a secluded location. He casts a spell, "Astral" A symbol glows in his hand and a voice appears, "Yes, old friend" Spero turns towards Astral.
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"I was...attacked, a mental attack from a dark presence" Astral pauses for a second and continues, "Were you stuck in an illusion?" "Yes, but this illusion didn''t feel like normal magic, it wasn''t trickery it was...real in a sense." Astral''s eyes widen, Spero continues, "The voice knew of my power, and showed me what seemed like memories of my past, future, and events that I have no recollection of" Astral gets serious and approaches Spero, "Do not follow that voice, ignore it at all costs, do not listen, and do not engage!" Spero is shocked to hear Astral so direct, "Who was that presence?" "You say its name, and they will find you. The less you know, the safer you''ll be.", Astral disappears. Spero now intrigued by the lack of information given to him tries to look deep into his mind. He remembers a time during dinner with his Father "There are daevas out there, which feed on dark energy. Your power, they are attracted to. Do not let them corrupt you, stay far away. If the voice finds you block your mind and fight back if you can. I have tried to kill as many as I can, but he will be looking for you." Spero regains consciousness, Information is always being withheld from me. I''ll find my own answers. King Cambyses is standing on his balcony as his conversations with his servants'' end, and they leave the throne room. He turns away and looks out at the kingdom and the night sky. "My King." Cambyses hears this and turns around to see Spero kneeling. The king walks to his throne and sits down, "Excellent. On time as always. Your mission against the Orc General was an astounding success. Their forces have weakened and they are fearful of our strength, especially with the last assault. As you know our meeting with my informant from the Medes Empire is approaching, but this one will be a bit different. An official is delivering some classified information to the King in Medes and I want you to intercept that scroll and deliver it to my informant. Make sure you kill the official. I will provide you with the location and time where the carriage will be." "Yes, my King." Spero gets up and heads towards the exit, "Do not let my son, Cyrus, know of our meetings. I do not need him getting into any political quarrels at this time." Spero nods and leaves.
A two-horse carriage travels along the trail of the desert. The official sits inside with two guards. Spero sees the carriage approaching and hides behind some foliage. As the carriage passes he grabs onto the undercarriage, climbs to the back, and eavesdrops. Shortly after, he pierces the carriage with his sword and with that, the official. He then slides through the carriage doors and swiftly assassinates the guards. Spero sees the scroll, takes it, and escapes the carriage without the driver noticing anything. Later that day, Spero meets up with the Medes Empire informant, "Greetings, Spero, it has been long." Spero hands him the scroll, "What information can you share about this scroll, Harpagus?" "The Medes King sent the official to the Elves of Old Elam and tried to create an alliance with their minor clans. It turned out to be successful. If the surprise you left them arrives, this allegiance will be severed." "It seems the tension between your king and ours is beginning to rise. Cambyses is steadily advancing his plan." Harpagus perks up, "That is great to hear. King Astyages has become quite wary of your King, and was hoping the Elves would be able to breach your walls and take out your kingdom without breaking the treaty" "I will be sure to inform Cambyses.", Spero states as he begins to walk away. "Will Cyrus be joining our next meeting?" Spero stops and slowly turns around, "No, if he learns what happened to your son he will blame himself. It would cause a problem with our plans, so best to leave him in the dark for now." Harpagus takes a step forward and places his hand on his chest, "He is not to blame, I chose to spare his life!" "When the time is right, maybe, but for the time being he must not know." "I...I understand." Spero heads back to the Kingdom of Anshan and shares the intel with the king. CH. 5 Cyrus and Spero stand in the training grounds, watching as the soldiers engage in their sparring and the mages perfecting their magic. Cyrus faces four opponents, easily blocking two of their strikes with his shield, shoving them back. He smoothly swings his sword to disarm the other two and in a single push sends them tumbling to the ground. One of them scrambles to their feet, but Cyrus is ready, swiftly bringing them down with a kick. Spero looks beyond Cyrus and spots an unusual duo entering the area. A young boy strides in and standing next to him is an imposing sorcerer with a bone-like face, wearing a deep purple robe. Cyrus spies them from the corner of his eye, curiosity flickering within him at their strange entrance.
"Darius you came, welcome nephew!", Cyrus embraces him in a tight hug. Darius awkwardly tries to turn away, but Cyrus holds him firmly, "It''s good to see you, Uncle" "You''re finally old enough to join the fight and uphold our Divinian tradition, Greetings Nefarious" The sorcerer bows his head and places his right hand across his chest, "Greetings, my prince. I hope all is well." Cyrus steers his nephew towards where he will be training, passing him off to the recruits for introduction. Spero stares into the distance, his gaze locked on Nefarious. The Sorcerer notices his glance and looks directly at Spero, before trailing after Darius to his training area. Cyrus returns to Spero''s side, "What is a sorcerer of the Divine Covenant doing here?", Spero questions. "He has been an advisor for his side of the family for a couple of centuries, they have an agreement, he protects their kin and they provide him the necessary equipment for his experiments," Cyrus explains. "Providing funds for a Necromancer to work on secret experiments, doesn''t sound suspicious at all." "That may be true, but without Nefarious, our mages wouldn''t have been close to their level of mastery if it weren''t for his contributions." Spero stops to think for a second, "Well, I''ll be keeping my eye on him for now." Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. After training, Cyrus wanders the kingdom, talking to locals and buying food from vendors to donate to needy families. Throughout his journey, he can''t help but think back on a fond memory from his childhood in his old village. He remembers running around and playing pretend with his friends - imagining that he was king - and marvels at how they all looked up to him with such adoration in their eyes. Suddenly he hears a call from his parents that dinner is ready. What can I do for this kingdom? As a prince, I can assure you that the people here are content, but will it last? What if I become king? I don''t know if I can live up to my father''s legacy. The Divinians have been seen as enemies by the other races in these lands for millennia: Can I bridge our history and create peace? Is this something our people want? I am not sure... Cyrus is lost in his inner thoughts when a small staff suddenly lands in front of him. He picks it up and notices some kids gesturing for him to throw it back to them. He grins, then tosses towards their direction before heading home. A week later, Cyrus is at the training grounds and observes Darius performing admirably against the other recruits. "He''s learning quickly," he thinks admiringly, "I''m quite impressed." "Well he is very intelligent for his age, it''s no surprise. You were the same when I began training you," Spero remarks. "Yes, but I progressed far quicker...But that is because you barely held back," Cyrus chuckles. Darius knocks a soldier to the ground and he stops to look at Spero and Cyrus. "Since I arrived, I haven''t seen Spero training." A soldier standing by replies, "He doesn''t need any training, he''s the best fighter here." "How so? Even the best warriors need to polish their skills.", Darius responds. The soldier who was knocked down gets up and joins the conversation, "The only person who trains with Spero is Cyrus, no one here would be crazy enough to practice with him." "I''ve heard he accidentally killed someone when practicing." "He''s a mad man, his fighting is unnatural." Soldiers around begin airing their thoughts, and Darius glances toward Spero before striding in his direction. Spero is seated when he looks up and gazes upon Darius standing in front of him. Darius takes a deep breath, tucking away his training sword, "I would like to spar with you." Spero stares at Darius in shock, the soldiers behind him falling silent while the others pause their training to stare in disbelief. Cyrus bursts out into laughter. "Hahahaha, this is the first time in decades someone has asked him that." Cyrus slaps Darius on the back. Spero stands up and looks down at him, "I appreciate your confidence, however, you are not ready to train with me." "I may have just started but if I want to be a great warrior why not learn from the best." Spero pauses and thinks for a moment, a slit grin pokes out, "Very well, but on one condition..." Spero points at Cyrus, "You have to spar with your uncle first." Darius confused, looks back at Spero, "Why is that?" "I trained him since we were children, he will be your first trial. If you can touch or graze Cyrus with your sword, then I will train with you. You have no time limit, take as many days as you must. You either succeed or you give up." Darius agrees. Cyrus grabs his wooden sword and approaches his nephew, "I will not be going easy on you, prepare yourself, these next few days will not be enjoyable" Darius'' nerves flutter, but he knows there''s no turning back now and readies his practice sword. They lunge forward in unison. CH. 6 Six weeks drift by and Darius fails to land a single blow on Cyrus. He gets knocked down time after time. As training nears its end for the day, Darius makes one last attempt. Lunging towards Cyrus, his uncle''s sword comes crashing down and Darius blocks it, sending himself tumbling to the ground. Skidding past Cyrus in a cloud of dust, he scoops up some dirt in his hand and hurls it at his uncle. Cyrus shields his eyes and retaliates with a kick of sand. Darius covers his face, only to be quickly hit with a shoulder thrust from Cyrus. Darius manages to latch onto Cyrus'' arm, but he easily parries the sword swing from his nephew with his sword. He then swiftly sweeps behind Darius'' knee, tripping him onto the ground. Darius refuses to release his grip, spinning his body and attempting to slash Cyrus'' legs with his sword. Reacting quickly, Cyrus kicks Darius'' wrist, successfully knocking the weapon away. Cyrus swiftly wraps his arms around Darius'' head and chest, trapping him in an armbar. Darius desperately clenches his hands together to stop Cyrus from locking in the hold, frantically searching for a way out. His gaze falls upon the sword lying just a finger''s length away. He releases his grip and reaches for the hilt of the sword with his fingertips. As he touches it, Cyrus violently yanks on Darius'' arm and tightens his hold. Darius'' muscles strain as he reaches for the sword, his fingers just barely able to grip its handle. With a final burst of effort, he brings it down on Cyrus'' knee with a slight tap, completing his task. "Well, you touched me with your weapon, so you win." Cyrus laughs, "You may have lost the actual fight but a deal is a deal. Tomorrow you will begin actual training with Cyrus and me", Spero announces. Darius strains to heave himself up, his lungs laboring as he pants for breath. A smile curls the edges of his lips in relief, knowing that he has passed his first trial. The next few months of training prove to be rigorous and Darius is struggling to keep pace with Cyrus. Spero demonstrates the techniques, drilling them on how to respond in a wide variety of scenarios. "Before engaging an enemy, it is important to analyze your surroundings. Can you escape if things go south? Will the terrain impact your mobility? Can you use it to your advantage? Once you''ve gathered all the necessary information, assess your opponent. What race and species are they? Are they known to wield mana or spirit energy? Which weapons do they have in their arsenal? You need to be prepared for any situation and opponent. Once you have mastered your techniques, forms, and defenses, you can then focus on the power of your attacks." Darius hoists his shield and Cyrus barrels in, pummeling Darius with multiple strikes and delivering a hefty front kick to his shield, sending him flying backward. In an instant, Darius realizes that he won''t have enough time to raise his defenses. He slides the shield forward desperately in an attempt to stop Cyrus from advancing. Yet Cyrus easily evades the shield and strikes. Darius jumps up to block the strike, desperately dodging his opponent''s blows. He can feel the sheer power radiating from every strike, sapping away at his defenses. He quickly becomes winded as he struggles under the onslaught, feeling a sharp pain in his arms as he tries to keep up with his assailant''s powerful attacks. Exhaustion and pain become too much to bear, and finally, Darius drops his sword in defeat. "When defending, learn to slightly redirect the attack to avoid taking its full power. Failing to do so against an Orc or Giant could result in your arms breaking. At times, it is best to back away and readjust your approach." Cyrus turns to Darius and reaches out to hand him back his weapon. Spero strides up to the pair, the sound of their boots crunching on the gravel beneath them. "You may experience times when your defenses become weakened. A good strategy is to allow your opponent to tire themselves out first, turning the tides in your favor. However, there are races such as Reptilians and Elves who are known for their endurance. They can outlast you. They will deplete your energy and slip through your defenses if you let them. As Cyrus had previously mentioned, it is not feasible to defend against attacks from Orcs and Giants. A single swing could easily break through a wall of men; the best way to avoid their attacks if unable to create distance is by counterattacking and parrying." Two years pass and Darius spars with Cyrus every day, his skills improve at a speedy rate. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
Spero approaches him, "Darius come here. It''s finally time you face me." Cyrus quickly halts him, leaning in close, "Spero fights unlike anyone you have seen before, he will sneak in a few punches and will grab your clothes to control you when he gets the chance." Darius nervously nods toward his uncle before cautiously approaching Spero. His heart races with anticipation as he feels his knees trembling and the sword in his hand quivering. Spero immediately notices, "Take a deep breath and relax. When facing an opponent you know is of a higher caliber, the last thing you want to do is show them you''re nervous." Darius inhales deeply, feeling the tension in his body slowly dissipate as he readjusts his grasp on the handle. He readies himself for battle and gets into his fighting stance, "Are you ready?" Darius nods in agreement, leaning forward. In a flash, Spero vanishes, SMACK, his vision goes black. He blinks open his eyes to find two blurry figures looming over him. Gradually his vision comes back into focus, and he realizes it is Spero and Cyrus looking down on him with concern. "Oh, he''s alive!" "Maybe I should have held back a little more." Darius gets up confused and dazed, "What the hell happened?" Cyrus hits Spero''s shoulder, "My brother knocked you out." "But we didn''t even start yet, how did he..." Spero scratches his head, "Let''s try this again, I''ll go easier this time." Darius and Spero square off, their weapons poised and ready. In a blur of motion, Darius is struck five times and crumples to the ground. He quickly springs back up, yet Spero dodges his sword swing and grabs him by the collar. With a powerful heave, he throws Darius back onto the ground once more. Darius stands, grabbing a fistful of dirt from the ground. Before he can throw it, Spero snatches his fist, stopping him. Spero punches him in the jaw and kicks him away, sending the dirt spiraling to the floor. Darius is helpless against his power; his blocks are unable to stop Spero''s sword from gliding past with ease. "You''re easy to read, you''re loading your attacks for too long, without the proper speed and strength I know the direction of your movements." Spero lectures Darius as they fight, "Watch your back foot, make sure it''s firmly planted on the ground when you move forward" Spero snatches Darius''s sword and swiftly swipes his back foot, sending Darius crashing down to the ground. With a determined grunt, Darius rises and lunges at Spero. But Spero quickly kicks the blade out of the way with his right leg, then deftly performs a backspin kick with his left, landing the blow to Darius''s ribs. Wincing in pain, he holds onto his side as he grits his teeth in agony. Darius desperately swings his sword in a controlled, yet frenzied manner, keeping Spero at bay. His frenzied movements are surprisingly precise and calculated as he strives to stay unharmed. Spero charges in and deflects the sword away with a quick swipe, but he pauses for a moment. Darius, sensing his hesitation, stands his ground, clenching the handle of his sword tight and swinging it forward with all the force he can muster. As the wooden blade comes crashing down, Spero stares at Darius through menacing eyes before dropping his own weapon. Surprised by this sudden action, Darius misses a beat and begins to lose composure. Spero grabs his wrist to halt the sword''s approach. He swiftly bends Darius''s arm behind his own back, and with a swift kick, sends the handle of the sword flying back up into his waiting hand. In one fluid motion, he slashes it toward Darius''s throat, stopping a mere hair away from its deadly edge. Spero lowers his sword, "What you did was the correct move." Darius a bit agitated looks at Spero, "Correct? I got my ass handed to me" "When I hesitated, you seized the opportunity to strike me at your best. Your form was great and your attack had just the right amount of power behind it. That would have been the right approach against an average fighter; however, when facing an advanced opponent, hesitations are bait. You can tell when someone is truly hesitating by the look in their eyes." Darius gathers his belongings as Nefarious enters their training grounds, "Darius, your father summons you." Spero stares from afar and tries to dissect him, but he is unable to read his demeanor. Nefarious approaches him, "I believe we still haven''t met, I heard many great things, Spero of the Red Sand. I am Nefarious, one of the thirteen mages of the Divine Covenant." "Pleasure." "I have heard your abilities are unique and your fighting style is...unorthodox." "Yes, well I learned to craft what best suits me." Nefarious pauses and a slight smile sneaks across his face, "Your parents must have been great instructors, creating a warrior of such high stature." Spero''s eyes glare at Nefarious with distrust, "Yes, my parents taught me very well." Nefarious nods his head and turns to Darius, "We must leave, the boy has an important meeting." Nefarious leaves with Darius. Cyrus approaches Spero, "He''s a little creepy isn''t he?" "He''s hiding something." Spero spills out. Cyrus and Spero leave the training grounds. CH. 7
After a couple of years of vigorous preparation, the Anshan army is now ready to embark on its mission of expansion. Darius marches with them on his first venture, and Spero gallops beside him on horseback. All around them, a few dozen armed soldiers march in formation, eagerness and determination gleaming in their eyes. "This will be your first time in a life-or-death situation. Facing an Orc will not be an easy task but defeating a strong enemy is beneficial for quick improvement." Cyrus rides up, "Don''t you worry brother I will be by his side the whole battle, stay behind my shield nephew, and learn as I fight." Darius nods and Spero rides up ahead, Cyrus follows. Basir sneaks by, approaching Darius, "Being trained by the outsider himself, I don''t know if I should be impressed or worried for you." Darius examines the general, "It is only sensible that we learn from the most skilled; if more soldiers possessed his level of expertise, our army would be an unstoppable force." "You are not wrong, but for an army to be the best, trust within the ranks must be upheld. The majority of the soldiers fear him, unlike the prince; who is regarded as a man we can all see as king one day. Spero on the other hand is seen as a parasite in our Kingdom." "I''ve heard the rumors but why is Spero so feared, he''s done nothing but help our advances." Basir gives a stern look in the direction of Spero, "Once the fight begins, you''ll see." Basir gallops to the side, back to his platoon. After a few hours of riding, they arrive at their destination. Basir, Cyrus, Spero, Darius, and several other soldiers congregate. Cyrus speaks out, "The Orcs are set to meet a few Reptilians for trade shortly. Both groups should be of small numbers. When the trading is about to commence, we will ambush them. Basir and his men will deal with the Reptilians, making sure to seize whatever they hoped to barter with. Spero shall attend to their beasts, while Darius and I take care of subduing the Orcs." "What are they trading exactly?" Basir questions. "Mana-infused weapons, the Reptilians stole them from some Dwarves down south." "If we get those weapons it would be a massive boost for our foot soldiers." an archer in the group states. "Do we let any escape?", Spero interrupts and the meeting gets quiet. Darius gets a slight chill from Spero. "Yes, they need to inform their superiors that we are on their every move," Cyrus responds. As Cyrus finalizes the plan of attack, the group settles into camp, preparing for the morning''s assault.
It is noon when they take up their positions for the impending assault. Three carriages arrive from the Reptilians and one from the Orcs, rolling along on their respective beasts. The Reptilian convoys are pulled by large Komodo dragons, while the Orcish wagon is drawn by horse-sized hyenas. The middle Reptilian slows to a halt, revealing a large container with a metal exterior and dwarven writings on the side. An Orc Captain strides up to the Reptilian Captain, and they exchange a brief discussion. Suddenly, an orc foot soldier arrives and hands a bag of gold to a reptilian underling. The Anshan archers tense their bows and in an instant, SWOOP, one arrow pierces through the neck of the reptilian underling, causing him to drop the bag which tears open and scatters gold coins all around. The two captains shout in unison to alert their men, readying them for the impending attack. Some reptilians scurry and burrow into the sand, while the orcs unleash their snarling hyenas. Basir warns his men, "Look at the sand below, you see it move, stab it." A Reptilian suddenly emerges from the ground, lashing out and severing the leg of a nearby Divinian soldier. Then its tail darts out, snagging the ankle of another Divinian and pulling him to the ground as a dagger plunges into his chest repeatedly. In response, a Divinian mage casts a spell that unsettles the sand beneath their feet, causing all of the Reptilian soldiers to resurface. Basir and his men mercilessly cut down the lizards. Cyrus stands defiantly against the Orc Captain, Darius by his side. An orc foot soldier manages to strike Darius, but Cyrus is quick to catch him before he falls. He propels him back up, ready for battle once more. Darius dodges the club from the Orc foot soldier and slices through the orc''s liver. "Leave the hounds to me!" Spero announces as he stands his ground as the four hyenas circle him. One leaps forward, and without missing a beat, he kicks it to the right. Before the beast has time to regain its footing, another clashes its sharp jaws down upon him. He swiftly strikes it with an uppercut before preparing for the other two to charge in. But they don''t; they merely continue to encircle him menacingly. The other two hyenas join in the fray, their high-pitched chuckles echoing through the air. Spero readies himself, waiting for them to rush forward. Suddenly, one of them charges and Spero twirls his body around, kicking up sand as he spins creating a cloud of dust. In a flash, a blade appears out of the cloud and penetrates the side of a hyena''s skull. Another hyena claws at him and he hastily chops off its left paw. He grabs the creature''s ear, yanking it in front of another beast, which gnaws its teeth on its unsuspecting ally in the confusion. The two hyenas recover and battle each other as the third one charges towards Spero and knocks him to the ground. He raises his sword, and the hyena''s teeth collide with his blade. Spero feels the warm breath and saliva sprinkling his face. He retaliates with a kick to the hyena''s stomach before forcing his blade between its two jaws, slicing through to make its lower jaw hang slightly detached. He stabs it in the lung, finishing it off. Despite missing a paw, the hyena still tries to rise, limping towards Spero only to be met by a knife thrown straight into its neck. The final hyena snarls at Spero as he brandishes his sword. He takes a step forward and the creature swipes at him; he dodges to the right and shoots a swift kick to its hind leg. The animal tumbles to the ground. Spero strikes it again, slicing through its side until the beast is no more. He strides past the one missing its paw, retrieving his knife from the lifeless body. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Cyrus staggers as the Orc Captain''s two short-handed axes flail savagely. Cyrus slams his shield into the Orc''s face and thrusts his sword into its left arm. In a moment of quick thinking, the orc hooks the shield with the bottom of his axe and rips it off Cyrus'' arm. As he attempts to extract his sword from the orc''s arm, he feels a crushing force on his skull as he is headbutted to the ground. Darius witnesses this but is unable to intervene as he is occupied aiding a Divinian soldier in his battle against an orc. Cyrus dispatches the captain with a well-placed kick to the shin, rolling back onto his feet and readying himself for the next attack. He easily dodges the swings of the axes and yanks his sword out of the orc''s arm. Cyrus backs away and readies himself, then charges forward with a powerful thrust that pierces through the back of the Orc Captain. The Reptilian Captain and a few of his troops attempt to flee, but Basir and his men close in around them. Suddenly, one lizard releases two fearsome Komodo dragons. The archers fire their bows, the arrows merely grazing their scaly hides. A mage casts out a fiery blast that slams into one of the creatures, halting its movements completely. A tail lashes out, sending a soldier crashing to the ground as another lizard clamps its jaws around a soldier''s arm, tearing it off. The survivors do their best to ward the creatures off, but Basir charges towards the Reptilian that released them and plunges his sword into his chest. In response, a Reptilian''s tail whips out of nowhere and swats Basir''s sword from his hand. He recoils as a dagger scores across his shoulder. Basir rushes in and hurls himself at the Reptilian, unsheathing his knife and thrusting it into its neck. His allies are getting tossed around by the immense lizard beasts. Its long tail swings down towards a mage, WHOOSH, only for the tail to be chopped off and sent flying to the ground. The reptile roars in anguish as Spero dodges its snapping jaws and scrambles away. "Don''t let their saliva touch you!" Spero yells out as a Komodo dragon spits its toxic saliva at a Divinan''s shield. Darius and Cyrus draw nearer to the action, allowing Darius to witness Spero in his element. He expertly slips past tail swings and bites, skidding on the sand to avoid harm. He slices off an arm of one lizard and the tailless one rushes in, its massive jaw snaps hungrily at him. Spero raises his forearm to block the creature''s neck and plunges his sword through its jaw and into its skull with a single thrust. He dashes across spryly to the final animal, climbing on top of it as he drives his blade deep into its back repeatedly. Dark energy seeps around Spero, an eerie whisper barely audible in the darkness, "Stop them..." He watches with dread as several orcs and reptilians scurry away. He sprints towards them, chopping off the orc''s leg and viciously yanking the tail of a reptilian. Grasping it firmly, he swings it at the reptilian''s head with all his might before stabbing the orc, still writhing on the ground, and planting his foot on the reptilian''s chest with a sickening crunch as his rib cage shatters beneath him. Darius stares in horror at the savage violence Spero unleashes, as Cyrus dashes over. "Spero stop!" Spero instantly halts his assault upon hearing his brother''s voice, his eyes softening as the ravenous energy around him dissipates. A Divinian mage quickly weaves a spell, summoning a towering rock wall to block their enemies'' escape as soldiers surround them. "They''ve surrendered, no more," Cyrus speaks calmly as Spero reluctantly lowers his sword. A few soldiers bring the corpse of the orc captain and lay it at their feet. The orcs stand in mute shock, while the Reptilian captain grits his teeth. "Your deal is over, we will take your goods and send you on your way. We just ask you to deliver a message to your leaders. This desert belongs to the Divinians, the Kingdom of Anshan will not back down, we will control these sands and all who live on it", Cyrus proclaims. The reptilian captain retaliates, "Screw you and your people! These are our lands, you and your divine judgment. Your race is no better than a human!" Cyrus raises his blade to the Captain''s neck, "This will be our last warning, you do not want to go to war with us." The captain spits contemptuously on Cyrus but he maintains his composure. Darius notices Spero, and a flash of dark energy pours out of his hand as his visage shifts. The captain rambles in their native tongue, Retila, "We will skin your bodies and burn your children!" Spero walks forward, "We only need a couple to escape right?" Cyrus asks, "What do you mea..." With a flick of his arm, Spero slices through the neck of an Orc standing nearby, SLICE. He strides over to the Reptilian captain and grabs their head tightly in one hand, his eyes filling with fear as they glimpse into Spero''s own wild, bloodthirsty gaze.
Spero swings his sword with a deafening shriek, SLASH, cleaving through the scaly flesh of the captain, and launches their severed head toward the last remaining Reptilian soldier. He beheads the Orc captain''s corpse and hurls it at the last remaining orc soldier. "We only need to send back one of each, now this will get the message across." A suffocating silence envelops the area as the soldiers part, creating a path for their enemies to retreat. Cyrus grits his teeth and clenches his fists, struggling to contain his fury, "That wasn''t necessary..." "We need them to know that our threats are serious" Cyrus looks at Speros''s hand and can see dark energy lingering, "Your hand." Spero looks down, awestruck that he activated his power unknowingly. "Be more attentive brother," Cyrus says sternly. Spero and Cyrus stride towards the carriage, laden with goods. Darius trails after them, his gaze traveling from Spero to Basir who meets his eye knowingly. Two mages chant in unison, their words weaving together as Dwarven runes shimmer around the container, magic circles form and runes activate before unlocking with an audible snap. A soldier reaches for a blade, Spero stops her, "Don''t touch anything. We must be careful, Dwarven technology is highly advanced, we need to make sure that there aren''t any failed safes." Darius joins in, "Aren''t their weapons dangerous, if you activate the magic runes incorrectly won''t they explode?" "Only the prototypes, they spread that rumor through the lands to prevent thieves, they mix the fake weapons in their exports to ensure security measures." Cyrus gathers everyone''s attention, "No one is allowed to touch or handle any weapon in this container until they are analyzed by our blacksmiths, attach our extra horses to the carriage and we will all head out." The Divinain soldiers follow his orders. CH. 8
At night, flickering flames dance around the campsite, illuminating the faces of triumphant soldiers who chatter and sing with joy. Darius sits alone at his campfire, quietly savoring his meal. "Do you mind if I join you?" Basir asks. Darius motions with his hand, making room for Basir on the large boulder. Basir carefully turns the stick to make sure that his meal is cooked evenly. He leans in and blows away a small flame that lingers on his food before taking a bite. "You saw it didn''t you?" Darius takes a sip of water, "Ye...yeah, I think so" Basir hears the tremble in Darius'' voice, "I warned you, unpredictable, unsettling." "He may have overreacted but surely it was the right move.", Darius defends. "That''s how it starts, his drastic choices are ignored and the consequences will grow." Darius stops eating and turns towards Basir, "What do you truly know, why do you have so much hostility towards him?" Basir sets down his plate of food and looks over at Spero, who indulges in his meal with Cyrus. "Because I''ve seen what he truly is.....a daeva." Darius''s eyes enlarge as he chokes on his sip of water, "A daeva? His powers are questionable but there''s no way he''s one of them." Basir''s hand begins to shake, "Do you want to know why our soldiers, our people are wary of him?" Darius, intrigued, nods his head. Basir continues, "We were deep in the desert, many decades ago, the journey home was arduous and a fierce battle raged between us and the elves. We managed to escape their clutches, but not before half of our army had been wiped out. Their magical powers were far beyond ours at the time." He pauses for a moment before continuing. "On the fifth day of our journey back, at sunset, we were ambushed...Dune Dwellers crawled from the depths and attacked us out of nowhere. Our mages were killed instantly and our cargo was destroyed. We fought hard, hoping for a way out, but it soon became clear that Spero, Cyrus, and I were the only ones left standing. We were surrounded, I thought I was surely done for and at times...wished it would be over. But what happened next is forever etched in my memory - a sight so horrifying that I wished to burn it out of existence. With my left knee broken, I collapsed onto the ground while Cyrus was stabbed through his hip and could no longer move." Basir takes a deep breath, his bottom lip begins to quiver, "Spero...it was the first time he had revealed his powers, which had been hidden from us. I wondered if their use earlier would have saved us all, but then again, when faced with that dark presence, death seemed preferable. His fighting was effortless...every movement was as natural as water flowing down a stream...he sliced through enemies without resistance or thought. I could feel the horror radiating off of him as he killed them without a hint of remorse. When a warrior takes an enemy''s life, we usually feel some regret - I''m sure you did today. We may become accustomed to it over time, but that feeling still lingers in our minds...but with him...it was second nature. His eyes were ablaze with a ruby-red hue, and his body was obscured by shadows darker than obsidian. He snapped their bones with a single hit, cut their bodies up like ribbons, and tore their limbs with ease. His face - it was blank... no, I take that all back. What I saw was...suppressed rage. The glow in his eyes flickered with every kill. I saw a ravaging beast whose hunger will never be satisfied. The remaining enemies fled in absolute terror. He stained the desert in blood, the dunes as crimson as his eyes...Spero of the Red Sand." Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
Darius, unable to fathom Spero in this light, notices the fear that has overwhelmed Basir. "You saw what he did, how shamelessly he executed the prisoners!", Basir says raising his voice. "Yes of course I saw that, but we can''t pin him as our enemy." "The only reason he is still with us is because of the prince. He would never abandon his brother, but he is blinded by their bond. What happens if Cryus is no longer here? Who will be able to keep this monster tamed? The only reason Spero hasn''t retaliated is because he believes Cryus will be by his side for centuries to come." "If you''re worried about this outcome, berating and making him your enemy is the last thing you want to do." Basir''s anger slowly ebbs away, while Darius tries to finish his meal, but his mind is filled with worries and uncertainties, robbing him of any appetite. The following morning, the soldiers begin to break camp. Cyrus kneels by his horse, tightening his saddle straps with care. "I''m off, I have something I need to do", Spero announces. "Very well, I''ll make sure the cargo is dealt with correctly and I''ll let Father know..." "No, this is not one of his assignments.", Spero interrupts. Cyrus, confused, replies, "...Alright." "I will see you in a week, maybe more." Spero begins walking away. "Brother, I never ask for any details of your missions and I trust your judgment. All I ask is that you watch yourself and only use it when necessary." Spero nods and walks away.
After a day of trudging across the land, Spero peers into the distance. A shape is visible, but its outline is distorted by the heat waves that shimmer across it. As he draws nearer, he begins to make out a figure. It''s an old woman in a long cloak holding a staff that was crafted from branches and roots; she sits upon a log taking respite from her travels. Spero approaches cautiously, "Good afternoon, I was wondering if you could help me find something of importance?" The old woman looks at him, "Why do you assume that I would have that knowledge?" Spero spots a rock and takes a seat across from her, "I know a Druid when I see one, why else would an elder be in the center of the beast valley?" "AHAHA, Not surprising from the Assassin of Anshan himself. Now Spero, what would you like to know?" "I need information about someone or something, a daeva to be precise." The Druid looks at Spero with worrying eyes, "I may know all the myths that cross these sands but daevas are a path I stride through very carefully." "I just need to know how to find them. Any information would suffice." "I see, well there have been tales of a connection with the daevas and your powers for many decades. The unknown similarities and the aura that is portrayed. The daevas are scattered through these lands, and the gods have tried eradicating them but to no avail. But the one you seek.....I do not dabble with such matters concerning this dark entity, but I do know of someone who will be of greater assistance." Spero leans forward, and the Druid points to her right, "Travel to the far end of the Babylonian empire that touches the seas, there in its highest mountain you will find a hidden entrance to a being who will guide you." Spero stands up, "Thank you" As Spero is leaving the Druid warns him, "The journey you are on is a risky one. Those who seek the daevas are a threat, the gods will be listening, and they will be watching." As Spero turns and strides away he mutters, "I plan on it." CH. 9 After days of cutting down monsters, traveling across hostile lands, and slipping past Babylonian guards, Spero stands atop the mountain. He inspects the rock walls around him in pursuit of a concealed entrance just as the druid had described. He closes his eyes and concentrates on the energy that permeates the air. He feels a strange presence to his top left and looks up, his gaze resting on a rune carved into the stone. Without hesitation, Spero stretches out his hand and whispers an activation spell under his breath. The rune glows with a blinding white light as the rock wall in front of him vibrates and shifts before him. The rocks form into triangles as they rotate out in a spiraling motion, opening up like an iris to reveal a gate of solid bronze. As Spero approaches the door, it creaks open. Torches suddenly ignite and line the corridor, guiding him forward as he steps inside.
Spero follows the flickering fire until he reaches a desolate plaza. The ceiling above him opens up, allowing a sliver of sunlight to infiltrate and awaken the runes that edge the room. "What brings you here traveler?", A dark eerie voice announces. "I was told you hold knowledge of daevas." The being materializes before Spero, its large and slim figure swathed in a tattered black robe. Its four bat-like wings are ripped and torn, its slender arms each ending in four bony fingers. Its head is crowned with twisted elk antlers, and the pallor of its ghostly face stares down at Spero. "You wish to learn about daevas, what an odd request. Especially from a Divinian, a race blessed with eternal youth, immune to all disease. Your people have a deep fear towards such beings." The spirit draws nearer to Spero, a cold finger grazing against his neck and uncovering a symbol that confirms him as a Divinian. It glows from his skin as Spero hastily covers it with his hand and stares at the creature, full of courage. "What is a shadow spirit doing in this realm without a medium?" The spirit is taken aback, emitting a chuckle of disbelief, "How perceptive. These chambers are my medium, the runes provide enough mana for me to stay in this realm for centuries to come." Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Before Spero can ask his question again the spirit approaches him quickly, face to face. "Spero of the Red Sand, raised by a fantastic warrior, one who had a great deal with daevas, but sadly could not rid them all." Spero''s eyes light up, "Do not speak ill of my father." "I would never, he was one of the few gods I admired. You wish to learn about daevas, the rejected gods, these evil spirits who haunt the mortal realm, yes?" As the spirit imparts this knowledge, a hazy mist swirls around them, displaying visions of past events and timeless tales that have been passed down for generations. "The two elder gods, Ahura Mazda and Ahriman, a battle between good and evil. Ahura Mazda created this realm amidst his struggle against his twin brother. In a rage, Ahriman conjured up an army of dark spirits and daevas. Ahura Mazda harnessed his power to assemble an army of Yazatas and spirits of light to battle against evil forces. The brothers have fought endlessly, and you wish to be a part of this battle that has gone on for countless millennia?"
"I was brought into this battle the day I woke into the world, a daeva has already made contact." "Ah yes...a demon god has caught an interest in you." "Who is this demon god?" The spirit backs away, "I cannot say, this demon god is one of the personal warriors of Ahriman. Say thy name and your mind is lost to them." "I need to know any details of this being, why do they want my power, what is my power exactly?" "Your power is unlike any I have sensed, it is not of a demon, it is far more...sinister. These demons are attracted to your aura, they believe that your power holds significance to aiding Ahriman, and has similar characteristics to their lord. Have the gods of Azura Mazda not aided you? Your father was highly regarded within their ranks." "Ha, the gods...they''re but mortal beings who use their powers to lie to the weak. A few attempted to kill me believing I was a threat. They never assisted me, they even abandoned my father when he took me in." "I may not be able to give you the names of those who search for you but I may know of a tool that will assist you. However, it will require some sacrifice, you must pass three trials, and this artifact will be yours." "What is this tool exactly?" "It is one of legends, one that will be very useful." Spero pauses for a moment, weighing his options, before finally accepting the offer. The spirit gestures towards a door in the wall, spreading its hands wide open in an inviting gesture. Spero crosses the threshold and prepares himself for the first trial that awaits him. CH. 10 Spero enters the empty room and takes a hesitant step forward. Suddenly, a deafening CRACK reverberates throughout the chamber, followed by relentless CRACKLE and CREAK of rocks shifting beneath his feet. Emerging from the ground, skeletons rush towards him with menacing intent. He reacts quickly dodging their advances. With each slash of his sword comes a sickening RIP and CRACK as he breaks their bones. Spero is halfway through the group when he hears an ominous clatter. Suddenly, a blade whizzes past him, grazing the back of his shoulder. The skeletons around him are coming back to life - while standing on top of a pile of bones, their ribs suddenly fuse, trapping his ankle inside.
An enemy slices his forearm and Spero boots three away, leaving him surrounded by fifty skeletons. He channels a wave of wind magic that blasts them away. He sheaths his sword, activates Mirage of Shadows, and summons his Sword of Madness. A group of Speros burst out and assault the remaining skeletons. The spirit observing, He can create illusions, how interesting. The undead are simple. They are attracted to sound and visual stimuli so it shouldn''t be a surprise. Spero looks at the walls and then the ceiling, Undead: Skeleton soldiers. Usually cast as fodder for Necromancers, weak but in numbers, they can easily overwhelm an opponent. But to regenerate consistently requires either a high-level sorcerer or a large amount of energy. There has to be something causing them to regenerate, without a mage controlling them there has to be a point of mana that is being used as a source. Spero notices that the spaces from which the skeletons emerged were distributed evenly within a perfect circle, forming a transmutation diagram. He sprints to one of the exits and thrusts his sword into the center of the hole. He unleashes his energy into the circle, creating a block of mana that shatters a dozen skeletons in one fell swoop. Spero moves on to the next point, obliterating each spell until finally all of the skeletons have been decimated and he has completed his first trial. BOOM! CRACK! RUMBLE! The walls quake forcefully, sending chunks of debris tumbling down from the ceiling. Suddenly, hands burst out from the walls and three stone golems emerge. Spero re-summons his Sword of Madness as he stumbles backward in surprise. The first golem hurls towards him, aiming for his head but he nimbly sidesteps its attack.
Golems: Tough to pierce, heavy damage but slow, puppets created to focus on a single target or objective, mainly used to guard or protect. He quickly creates his shadow copies, and they hurry towards the golems, only to be neglected and directed straight towards Spero. He quickly dodges a colossal fist that slams into the earth next to him. With a determined swing of his sword, he strikes at the golem''s arm, but it merely grazes off its hardened surface. Using his shadow slash, he redirects another golem''s attack away from himself. He fakes out his opponents with three fake strikes, but the golem blocks his main attack. Spero is too close, and another golem slams him into the wall. He scrambles to his feet and spits out a mouthful of blood. My madness isn''t working on them. I''ve only fought a golem once before and that was with help, but now I''m facing three at once. Their joints are weak, but golems were specifically made to reassemble themselves. The spirit chuckles for a bit, Illusions won''t work on golems, they are purely drawn to their target''s energy, if they can sense where their main target is located, they will not stop attacking until their objective is complete. Spero gets back up and thinks, Their power comes from a gemstone that is embedded inside their torsos, but for me to break my way in, I need more time, at this rate it''ll take too long. Spero rushes towards them dodging attacks, he slashes and stabs but only chips the surfaces of the golems. He jumps on top of one and pinches his sword on its shoulder, the sword gets stuck for a second and another golem knocks him to the ground. Spero dashes headlong toward the golems, deftly dodging their strikes. He swings his sword and stabs at them but only manages to scar their surfaces with thin chips. Leaping on top of one of them, he attempts to jam his sword onto its neck, momentarily wedging it in place before another golem knocks him to the ground again with a harsh shove. Gritting his teeth in pain, Spero sees one of the towering creatures raise its foot for a crushing stomp - he rolls onto his side and narrowly avoids being crushed. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! Screw it, I have to use this...Chaos Variant: Blade of Sorrow.
A blue symbol materializes in front of his chest, and the hilt of a sword slowly emerges from its center. Spero grasps the handle tightly, yanking it out with ease. As a golem''s fist barrels towards him, he swiftly uses the blade to redirect it, causing it to veer off to his right with less speed than before. Spero darts between its legs and strikes its ankles, and the golem collapses to its knees. He quickly turns his attention to the other two golems, "Blade of Sorrow, Pit of Despair" Spero''s whisper sends a wave of energy rippling past them. Their movements slow to a crawl and their attacks become easier to withstand and deflect. The spirit stands in awe, This blade allows him to slow down his enemies? No, it''s a debuff. Is he temporarily decreasing their speed and power? Spero whirls around to find the first golem slowly rising, its right fist failing to grasp while its left slams down next to it. He dashes towards the golem, leaping onto its back and furiously striking it with his blade, chipping away at its rocky chest. The golem brings its right arm up, but Spero quickly thrusts his blade into the joints of its elbow, freezing it in place. He then delivers a powerful punch into the center of the cuts, shattering the stone to reveal a gleaming gemstone beneath. Spero yanks his sword from his elbow and plunges it into the stone, shattering it and causing the golem to break apart. SMACK, CRASH, Spero is thrust into the air, colliding with the ceiling as one of the golems resumes its original speed. He wheezes as he struggles to regain his breath. Exposing the gemstone takes too long, and the effects of my sword wear off too soon........Rule 2: Use their teamwork against them. Spero jumps back to his feet and the golem comes barreling towards him. He somersaults out of the way and grabs a fistful of rocks off the ground, hurling them at the other golem to distract it. The second golem advances on him as the first swings its arm, though Spero slices through it with his blade, hindering its movements. Spero springs onto the golem''s arm, and as the other golem advances to strike he leaps off, causing it to break its comrade''s arm. Spero unwinds the bandages from his forearms, he sprints between the behemoth''s legs and swings around its arm with one long piece of fabric. The golem hurls its fist with such force that Spero is sent tumbling across the air. Taking advantage of this, he uses the momentum to propel himself onto the wall, aiming right for the golem that was busy repairing its arm. Racing forward, he manages to slip past its legs and as it kicks out in reflex, the bandage binding it tightens, and it topples over. Spero directs the golem towards him as he leaps onto its chest. The golem clobbers down, but Spero slips out of the way, leaving the golem''s fist to crash into its ally''s chest and shatter it open, revealing the gemstone. Spero slams them with another Pit of Despair, slowing their advances. He smashes the second gemstone and lunges his sword at the torso of the last golem. The stubborn creature refuses to give in, but its resistance is futile against Spero''s weapon. Finally, it falls and Spero triumphantly celebrates his success in completing the second trial. Panting and bleeding from his eyebrow, Spero winces as he rubs his injured shoulder. Unearthly noises slither from the shadows of the room, a cacophony of clicks and hisses that echo through the darkness. He spins around, searching for the source, but sees nothing. As he slowly turns back to face nothing but darkness, all is still except for a faint clicking and hissing that lingers in the air. CLICK CLICK CLICK, HISS, HISS...Spero lifts his sword, SLASH! He jumps back in pain as he feels a cut on his thigh, and four Night Stalkers emerge from the shadows and slither closer.
Two retreat to the darkness, while the remaining two pounce with intent. Spero quickly kicks one away and slashes through the other with his sword. The Night Stalker ignores the kick and fades into the darkness, while the other beast injured by Spero''s sword moves more slowly and frantically attempts to reach the shadows. Just as Spero charges forward, another beast suddenly appears and he instinctively slides out of its path. The beasts vanish into the night, leaving only a lingering sense of uneasiness in their wake. Night Stalkers: creatures of the dark that can fade away into the shadows, dog-like beasts. Quiet killers, unpredictable. Spero stands at the ready, listening intently. Suddenly, Night Stalkers come leaping out of the shadows, and he instantly responds by dodging, blocking, or attacking as they appear. He can''t keep up with their relentless onslaught; each time they emerge together he gets cut off and knocked back by their combined force. He stands motionless, eyes closed as he draws a deep breath. When he opens them again, his Chaos eyes appear. Spero stares into the shadows and sees the night stalkers lurking within, their dark forms flickering in and out of sight as if concealing multiple pathways for the beast to spring from. A beast lunges at him and he deftly moves aside, slashing the monster''s side in one fluid motion. His eyes scan the battleground, anticipating incoming night stalkers that he dodges with ease. He parries and attacks them all with precision as four of the beasts descend upon him at once. Swiftly switching between his Sword of Madness and Blade of Sorrow, Spero fends them off without breaking a sweat. Those eyes of his, how unnerving. How is he able to predict their movements? The spirit questions. With his Chaos eyes, Spero can anticipate potential attacks mere seconds before they occur. He sees all the possible movements the creatures can make, but he must choose the correct actions. He braces himself as a night stalker lunges towards him and he thrusts out his sword, piercing the creature through its heart. He watches as it collapses to the ground with a sickening thud. Sliding to his right, Spero spins and kicks one of the enemies to the ground before stabbing it. The other two lunge towards him simultaneously, but he darts up to his left and swings his sword down diagonally to the right, slicing them both. With this final strike, Spero completes his third trial. CH. 11 Spero clutches his chest, a searing pain engulfs his body. He collapses to his knees, panting and gasping for air as sweat beads on his forehead. Gradually, the agony ebbs away and his breathing returns to normal. "Your power is very intriguing; however, it eats your body from the inside. Your mind will eventually corrode." Spero stands up and wipes the sweat and blood off, "I completed the trials, what''s the item?" The spirit unlocks a hidden vault, the doors creaking open to reveal a solitary pillar standing in the middle of a chamber. Spero slowly steps forward, pausing as his heart starts to thud in his chest. He turns to face the spirit, eyes wide with apprehension. "Ah, you can feel it as well, you have keen senses", the spirit praises Spero. "Is this...it can''t be?" Spero draws closer to the pillar and notices a glittering object in the stone. A ring made of a gold insect with a deep blue gemstone, and inside of the gemstone was a magic seal.
"Yes, that is the artifact of a master sorcerer, the ring of King Solomon. The very ring he used to command demons to build his temple." "Why are there still the souls inside?", Spero questions as he can faintly hear the voices calling out. "These were his minions, they were not released before his death, therefore they remain imprisoned." "Why are you giving me this...a tool to control demons isn''t something you just hand to anyone." "I believe that a day will come when you will be able to wield this power, and if any demons approach, you can ward them off with this tool, consider this a protection against the unknown." Spero reaches out and grabs the ring, feeling a sinister energy emanating from its surface. The spirit bows its head and an intense light radiates around Spero''s eyes. He opens his eyes to find himself standing in front of the bronze gate, which he promptly passes through. A chill runs through him as he looks down at the ring, twirling it between his fingers as if mesmerized by its mysterious aura. The ring moves steadily towards his fingertip, the voices of the demonic souls emerging from the ring growing louder with each passing second. He can barely block them out as he brings it closer and closer, little by little. The ring almost on his fingertip, their calls and chants threatening to overwhelm him. Spero suddenly hears the harrowing growls and screams of the souls, jarring visions filling his head. He drops the ring, watching it bounce and spring across the floor. As he reaches down to retrieve it, a presence of pure nothingness invades his senses. He draws his sword. Standing before him is Azrael, the Angel of Death. He hastily tucks the ring into a small weapons pouch at his waist. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "A holy artifact of that caliber should not be in the possession of a mere mortal." Spero sheaths his sword, "Once a divine object is gifted to the mortal realm, deities cannot confiscate it." He pivots on his heels and strides away, when suddenly Azrael materializes in front of him again. "That may be true, but if you use this divine object to break a universal law then all bets are off." "I won''t be using this device any time soon....unless I''m given a reason to." Spero and Azrael stare at each other holding their ground. "You smell of wickedness...I''ve come to warn you, Spero, we have given you opportunities to work with us, but those chances are no longer." "I have no interest in helping you deities, leave me be. I get to direct my life as I see fit, without all of you interfering with my endeavors." Azrael leans in, his gaze burns into Spero''s soul. His ghostly face shifts, morphing into a skull as darkness and red energy radiate from his empty eye sockets. Black wings protrude from his back and Spero''s heart seizes in his chest, the rapid beat echoing in his ears like booming drums.
He stands frozen as Azrael looms over him and threatens, "If it wasn''t for Chronos I would have killed you many years ago, but we have laws. If there is even a slight chance that you bypass our jurisdiction, I will cut you down." "Your rules mean nothing to me." "I can take the lives of a million souls with a mere thought...do not test me." Spero takes a step back as his body quivers, "Are we done here?" Azrael stands up straight and changes back to his original form, "Be careful about how you use your powers next, we have tried helping you in the past, do not regret your decisions." Azrael disappears. Spero''s eyes pinch down in anger. Azreal enters the divine realm. He enters the Timekeeper''s chambers and approaches him, "Why must we keep this boy alive? Ending his life would make it easier." "We don''t know what the repercussions would be if we killed him. Without my full powers, I am unable to see far into the future....and his future is especially uncertain.", the Timekeeper flips through some pages of text with a whispery rustle, then levitates the books in the air and moves them around. "We must wait, out of all the potential threats he is the most unpredictable." Azrael agrees and leaves the Timekeeper''s chambers. After a week, Spero returns to Anshan and takes a stroll around the palace. He reaches into his weapons bag and takes out the ring, admiring its intricate engravings. A faint whisper echoes from within, hauntingly beckoning him ever closer. "Brother you''ve finally returned!", Cyrus strides in from behind, a cunning look in his eye. Quick as lightning, Spero slides the ring into his pocket. Cyrus halts mid-step and sizes Spero up warily, his expression quickly shifts. "You said you would be careful." "I was." Cyrus approaches and removes a bandage from Spero''s arm, blood trickles down, "And yet you''re covered in wounds." "That''s what happens in battle." "Allowing the enemies to injure you? You are the best fighter I''ve ever known, yet you willingly allow yourself to get hurt." "I have to hold back; you said it yourself I can''t be using my powers often." "I''m not talking about your powers, and you know that." Spero looks to the side, "It''s all part of my training, if I can keep fighting while injured, I''ll be ready for any situation." Cyrus grabs his shoulder preventing him from walking away, he raises his voice, "You are not to blame for what happened to your father!" Spero shoves Cyrus''s hand away, "I have somewhere to be." Spero walks away and Cyrus looks at his palm which is smeared with Spero''s blood. CH. 12 Spero stands at a cliffside a few kilometers away from Anshan. He has a vivid flashback to when he was just a child. He was running around, laughing and enjoying himself when he heard faint whispering coming from somewhere behind him. Curious, he stealthily creeps across the uneven terrain and peers around the corner of a large boulder. "You know you can''t protect him forever, the other gods will turn their back on you." Says a young beautiful woman, wearing a white dress and a gold crown. Spero''s father responds, "I do not care, I refuse to abandon my child, I partook in these wars and I will no longer allow the carnage to resume on these lands." "This boy will cause nothing but trouble, you cannot change his true nature. An angel taking care of a daeva is blasphemous, is your life worth raising him?" His father stands over her, "He is worth more than the ground I step on and the air I breathe. The other gods have gone too far, they have abandoned these people...and I will stand for it no more." He puts his hand on her face and leans in, "You know it to be true, stay with me, stay with us, and together we can change all of this and make it the way the deities dreamed it could be, the way we have dreamt it."
The woman leans in close, but she shoves him away, "No! This child will perish this land and I will not be a part of it! You have betrayed the Yazatas and you have chosen your path...goodbye Verethragna." She walks off and Verethragna walks toward her, "Anahita, please, don''t do this...I will not be your enemy!" She pauses and slightly looks past her left shoulder, "You are no longer a god among us, nor mine." Anahita leaves and Verethragna stands in dismay. Spero ops out and approaches his father. "Sp...Spero, are you done playing already?". He leans down and pats Spero on his shoulder, holding a false smile. "Are you alright father?" Verethragna gets up, "Yes, my son...I''m going to lie down for a bit. I will see you when the sun rises, don''t stay up too late." He strides away, pausing after a few steps. He wills himself not to look back as he bites his lip to prevent any words from slipping out as he marches off to catch some sleep. In the present, Spero stares down at the ring in his clenched fist, his eyes gleaming with fierce determination and a thirst for vengeance. His gaze turns to the horizon. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. Spero returns to Anshan and spots Nefarious wandering around the plaza. He follows him, carefully tailing him as he goes. Nefarious eventually stops at a wall and begins chanting a spell. Suddenly, a door forms in the wall and opens up with a slight creak. Spero examines the wall and finds an alternate route nestled within its structure.
Nefarious lays his staff down and strides toward his laboratory table. Before he can reach out for his feathered quill, he whirls around, conjuring a magical circle in the palm of his hand. Spero stands silently at a meter''s distance. "How the hell did you get in here?" "I''ve found my way inside plenty of hidden chambers, yours was trickier than most," Spero admits while playing with some items lying around. "You managed to slip by a five-structure lock spell...what is it you want?" "Don''t worry, I''m not here to spy on you or your secret experiments, I came for information." Nefarious smirks and brings his hands together, "And what will you offer in return?" "A seat in an ongoing revolt in the Median Empire." Nefarious''s face goes blank, "Now that is an intriguing offer, what do you seek?" "As part of the Divine Covenant, you must have made contact with certain gods in your time." Nefarious gets quiet, "What is it you''re truly asking of me?" "I want to know of any alliances and or locations of gods or demons in the desert." The sorcerer leans on his table, "Are you absurd?!" Spero puts down a jar that has eyes floating inside, "The Divine Covenant is considered the most powerful sorcerers in the world. You have plenty of connections." "Even if I had that knowledge, sharing such information would be detrimental to my clients. "Don''t worry, I''ll keep your name out of my mouth if I''m spotted." "This isn''t a matter of who knows, it''s a matter of what could happen if you mess with the wrong individuals. This could cause conflict with multiple cities and spark a grand war between gods." "No need to be alarmed, I have no interest in creating any pointless battles, all I need is a name and a general location, and I will figure out the rest. Someone like you should have an interest in daevas. Magic that dapples with the dark arts is your specialty, correct?" Nefarious grabs his forehead and shakes in regret, "Asto Vidatu, the demon god of death. If you travel close to the body of water near the edge of Old Elam you will find an abandoned cave that used to belong to him. There are old testaments and artifacts of Daevas and other gods. I only had a short time to glance over that information, but it was overrun. It would be best to travel there in the next two seasons, after that period the demonic beasts should have migrated to a new nest for the time being." "Thank you." Spero then shares with Nefarious a few details of their ploy against the Median Empire and the inner conflict between King Astyages and Cambyses. Nefarious agrees to assist in the matter ensuring he gets accommodations worthy of his contribution. "Before you leave Spero, I do have a question for you." Spero nods his head with hesitation. "Once we conquer the Medes, will you be so kind as to let me research your power?" "Why?" "The dark energy you produce is rare and incredibly unnatural to the structural tree of all energy types." Spero, also curious as to what his true power is, hesitates to answer, he stares at Nefarious untruthfully but gives in to his self-discovery. "Perhaps in the near future." Spero leaves and Nefarious grins with excitement. CH. 13 King Cambyses stands before his generals and advisors of Anshan, addressing the matters of the kingdom''s next move in expanding their territory. His advisor shares, "The dwarven weapons apprehended by Cyrus and Basir have been added to our arsenal. After proper examination, we have determined that 5 out of the 23 were higher class items, 10 of them were impostures and the remaining weapons were prototypes."
Parsa steps forward, "Who will be chosen to handle such weapons?" The King responds, "They will be kept in safekeeping for emergencies, and when the time comes, they will be handed out to our generals and top soldiers to use." "Apologies my King but why aren''t we going to use them for our next assault?" "Carrying around dwarven weapons would attract too much attention, they are extremely valuable assets." The advisor continues, "With the Orcs and Reptilians creating an alliance, we can no longer wait until we are attacked by both sides, as the King suggests we must pursue an assault immediately before they can gather their forces and outnumber us." Cyrus steps forward, "The best course of action would be to split up our forces and attack both camps around the same time, one to handle the Orcs and another to handle the Reptilians. If we pursue the Reptilians during the night, the desert cold will slow them down and on the following day, the Orcs will have their turn. They have roughly five camps each near our territories, so we will start with the ones closest to us and continue outward." The King responds, "Cyrus, you will lead the midnight assault on the reptilians, Basir and Parsa will attack the Orcs the following morning, and Ashkan will stay back and watch for any advances toward the kingdom." Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. The generals and advisor all agree and leave. "Spero, stay for a minute." Spero turns around and stops, Cyrus looks back towards the door as it closes. "The Elves of Old Elam are starting to create alliances with the surrounding races, it won''t be long until the Dwarves in the south get wind of this. I have a separate mission for you. I need you to head towards the ruins of Susa and gather any information you can on the Elves. Do not kill any of their leaders, I still have a use for them in the future." Spero accepts his mission and leaves. Days drift by, and Cyrus and his men are stealthily inspecting the Reptilian camp. Darius strides up to Cyrus, "The perimeter is secure." Cyrus motions his men to prepare. They drop to their bellies and silently slide across the sand. Their delicate footsteps whisper in the night as they advance on the camp. Two soldiers slink behind the unsuspecting guards and swiftly slice their throats. The mage strides through the night to their herd of cattle, weaving a spell of drowsiness to keep them sleeping soundly. Cyrus and Darius plunge their blades deep into the bodies of the slumbering Reptilians, while the other soldiers follow suit. The surprise attack is a success, and they scour through the supplies, collecting whatever is valuable to them. Basir and Parsa stand at the edge of the Orc camp, surveying their surroundings as the sun''s warm rays slowly crest over the horizon. The archers draw their bows in anticipation, eagerly awaiting orders as the two generals exchange hushed words. "We need to make sure your archers are to the east, Orcs need time for their eyes to adjust to the morning sun," Parsa explains as Basir motions for his archers to advance to their place. Parsa marshals his forces and descends the cliff to start their attack. Meanwhile, Basir strides westward with a swarm of men to attend to the hyenas. As the orcs wake, arrows fill the sky like rain. Basir and his soldiers set fire to the hyenas, sending them scattering through the camp in a wild panic. Parsa and his team rush in wielding their spears and shields, herding all of the orcs to the center of the camp. A mage utters an incantation, and a deep trench appears beneath the orcs. As they clamber to their feet, arrows rain down upon them. Basir calls to another mage who casts a fire spell, engulfing them in flames as Parsa and his men thrust their spears into the burning mass. After looting the camp, they march onward with the spoils of victory in tow.
CH. 14
Spero arrives in the mountainous region of Old Elam and enters the decimated capital of Susa. As he moves through the trees, he can hear voices in the distance. Elves are congregating just outside their village walls, a captain leading them as he commands his scouts to spread out into the forest and remain vigilant. Spero spots an elf perched upon a tree and darts behind the trunk, peeking to the side. The Elf has not noticed him, and Spero clambers his way up. He stealthily creeps behind the scout, claps his hand over their mouth, and plunges his blade into them from behind. He peers down, watching as the two other scouts venture further into the woods. He shifts his attention beyond the village walls, where he spots a group of elves entering a hut. The meeting is starting. Spero scampers through the branches, nearing the walls before taking a graceful leap over them. Slipping along silently, he advances towards the hut, where scouts watch from all sides. Taking an alternate path, Spero manages to catch onto the top of the hut and peers through a crack in its ceiling. Inside are several Elf elders and captains conversing in elvish. "The Divinians of the Medes have decided to continue our alliance." This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. "Excellent, ever since that little incident, their trust in us has been wary." "Anshan is preoccupied with the Arian Orcs and the Reptilians from Parthia. We can surround their kingdom and take control while their soldiers are out for battle." "We must be careful of the King''s Assassin, he has taken out some of our best warriors, and our magic will take time to pierce their natural defenses." "Do not forget we have a rivalry with the Dwarves down south, if they get wind of our assault they will strike our villages." The chief elder speaks, "I have received intel this dawn that an alliance with some humans from Maka has come to fruition." An Elf captain mutters, "Maka, don''t they have a Tetradian warrior among their ranks?" "Precisely." Spero''s eyes widen, Tetradians: Blueish-skinned, four-armed warriors that come from the north, the same region as the dark elves. They''re extremely skilled in close combat. They are not the best archers but can output double the speed and volume of arrows. But The Champion of Maka...Dalu, right? He is considered one of the best swordsmen in these lands. The chief elder continues, "I have already sent word for him and his troops ahead of time to travel towards Anshan and finish off the troops when they''re returning from their attacks." "How long ago was that?" "A weeks'' time, I had my assassins gather intel in advance." Spero gets up frantically, A week ago...that means...! Spero rushes out of the village, heading straight for Cyrus and his platoon.
CH. 15 Spero is racing with all his might, This whole time they''ve been hiding in our territory, how did we not notice them?! It takes Spero two days instead of the expected four to reach Cyrus''s camp. He eventually arrives, panting for breath but not daring to take a pause. He arrives amid battle - the clashing and clanging of weapons and war cries ringing through the air. The Wood Elves and Divinans are locked in an intense battle, their spells of magic intermingling with the loud clang of metal-on-metal.
Spero charges forward, expertly parrying a flurry of arrows that threaten to strike his comrades. His sword gleams in the light as it carves through the air, blocking every incoming projectile before it can find its mark. He bellows out a mighty cry as he moves with agility to protect his allies from harm, "CYRUS!" Cyrus strikes down an elf with a powerful blow, then whips his head to the left, "BROTHER! Assist the calvary!" Spero''s eyes frantically scan the battlefield as he weaves through slashing blades from all sides. His gaze snaps 100 meters to his right and he spots the carriages, their soldiers battling to keep their horses and cargo secure. He propels himself towards them, soaring over a group and kicking elves out of his way. Finally, Spero reaches the cavalry just in time as most of them are unmounted. "Spero!" a soldier shouts with relief, "They have us pinned, they took down six of our horses and burned two of our carriages" Spero uses a wind spell to repel the advancing group of elves, quickly assessing the situation. Fifteen wood elves surround the ten of us, and half of our men are injured, we need to keep the radius of their magic attacks to a minimum to prevent our cargo from being damaged. We can''t let one elf slip past our defenses. An elven mage flings a fireball at them, and a Divinian mage retaliates by conjuring an insulating water shield to stop it. A cloud of steam engulfs them, masking their sight with its dense mist. "Spray water in front of us on the sand now!" The mage channels another water spell, a light blue magic circle appears, and water sprays out of it dampening the sand. Five elves dash into the steamy cloud. Their feet sink deep into the wet grains, but they are undeterred. The soldiers thrust their spears at them and strike them down. Arrows soar through the fog of steam and skewers three of the Divinian allies. As the cloud starts to dissipate, Spero lunges forward and slams into the elven mage. He yanks the staff from their grip, smacking them in the head with it as he spins around and disarms two of them in one swift motion. With a wave of his hands, he unleashes a zapping electric shock spell that leaves all three of them stunned. He thrusts the staff through the mage and slices through the other two. With only twelve elves remaining, Divinian soldiers rush into attack. The Divinian mage sends ice spikes flying towards them, diverting their attention and weakening their defenses. The other soldiers strike them with spears and swords, ensuring victory as the cargo is kept safe. Cyrus clenches his shield tightly and thrusts the forces back. He blocks a few arrows flying toward him, and an elf lunges a spear dangerously close to his waist. With admirable speed, he whacks the hilt with the edge of his shield before fending it off with his sword. He then charges forward, using the arrows stuck in his shield to pierce an elf coming toward him and kicks them down to the ground. In the distance, Cyrus spots the Tetradian, Dalu, cutting down a group of Divinian soldiers with his four short swords. With a powerful whirl, a pile of bodies falls to the ground below. Cyrus rushes towards the Champion of Maka. Dalu catches sight of Cyrus advancing and readies himself, anticipation humming through his veins. He strikes forward with both arms, only to have them blocked by Cyrus. His back arms come arcing from above, but Cyrus intervenes with his sword, the clash of their weapons ringing out in the air. They push away from each other and take a few steps back, circling clockwise as Cyrus keeps his shield held firmly in front of him at an angle, while Dalu rotates his wrists on his front arms and holds his back arms up high in the style of a praying mantis.
He''s keeping his back arms as piercers while his front arms keep me occupied. Cyrus scrutinizes Dalu''s stance. The Champion takes an aggressive lunge forward, his blades slicing through the air in a crisscross pattern. Cyrus darts to the right, raising his shield as a barrier between them as he anticipates the upward strikes. As soon as the clanging of metal-on-metal rings out, he presses forward with a purposeful step. He yearns to close the gap, his arms ready to reposition. Cyrus lunges forward with his blade, but Dalu quickly springs to the left and forces him back. In one quick movement, Dalu sheathes two of his swords and grabs Cyrus''s shield, bringing both blades dangerously close to cutting through his neck. Cyrus ducks and quickly discards his shield as he slides back in an attempt to escape death''s grasp. Dalu clutches the shield and surges forward, Cyrus tries to step away, but Dalu moves in too fast. Cyrus swings his sword but encounters only a blocked defense. He thrusts forward, yet finds his wrist seized by Dalu who then brings the shield down with force. Cyrus retaliates with an unleashed shoulder tackle that redirects Dalu''s sword which manages to scratch a shallow cut across his side. Dalu throws a powerful punch at Cyrus'' cheek and slams him in the chest with his shield. The force of the impact causes Cyrus to stumble backward, his body trembling from the force of the attack. Dalu continues pressing forward, throwing another punch that connects squarely on Cyrus'' jaw. The sheer strength of his blows sends ripples of pain through Cyrus'' body as he desperately tries to counterattack. Cyrus is knocked down, and Dalu stabs the ground with his shield and then strikes down with both swords. Cyrus quickly rolls away to safety. Dalu stands menacingly over him, but Cyrus hooks his legs around Dalu''s right thigh and clasps tightly onto his ankles. With a deft move, he brings The Champion crashing to the ground. Dalu catches himself with his back arms and Cyrus tries to clamber up but is kicked back down. Dalu springs up and slices Cyrus in the leg. He takes all four swords at once and swings them rapidly. Cyrus quickly becomes overwhelmed by the barrage of attacks, taking one step after another backward in retreat. Cyrus lunges forward and drives his knee into Dalu''s stomach, followed by an elbow cutting the side of his temple. Dalu whips around and pushes Cyrus away with a kick to the ankle. Cyrus quickly recovers, tumbling back onto his feet as he hears Spero charging closer. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. "Took you long enough!", Cyrus pushes himself up with the scant breath left in him and wipes the blood away from his brow. Spero gives him a fiendish grin, "Let''s see if you can keep up." Spero and Cyrus press forward, their swords clashing with Dalu''s. He valiantly fends them both off as they close in around him. Spero grabs tightly onto one of Dalu''s arms while Cyrus propels a punch straight into his face. In retaliation, Dalu elbows Cyrus and strikes a ferocious blow to Spero''s body. Spero cuts him on his leg and cheek, while Cyrus sends a slash to his forearm. But Dalu parries the next strike and lands a deep gash in Cyrus'' chest. They all take a step back, watching each other warily as their blood drips on the ground. "You might have to continue this alone", Cyrus declares, clasping his chest. Spero nods, allowing Cyrus to ease back and take a moment of rest. "Spero of the Red Sand, I''ve been wanting to face you for so long", Dalu says as he lowers his swords, and Spero lowers his weapon in response. Their blades come to rest gently, a peaceful reprieve from their fierce battle. The air is heavy with tension and anticipation as they stand. "The Champion of Maka, ever since your victory I''ve also been curious." Dalu stares, "They say you''re the best swordsman in the Median Empire....let''s see if your reputation precedes you." Spero''s eyes gleam with excitement as he readies himself in a southpaw stance, his sword held lightly in his left hand and feet planted firmly shoulder-width apart. His right hand is raised slightly, poised and ready for attack. Dalu responds, raising both of his front arms and back arms in a piercing stance. Mantis form mixed with a standard right-handed sword stance, four blades, attack and defend at the same time. I''ve never fought against a Tetradian, so this will be interesting. Spero rushes forward with two swift stabs, Dalu raises his sword to block and executes a mantis attack. Spero quickly slides to the left, leaps into the air, and unleashes a powerful kick with his back leg toward Dalu''s head. The sharp crack of impact echoes through his ears, and Dalu topples forward. Dalu stunned, Spero slashes at his adversary but he manages to parry and knees Spero in the forearm. Dalu lunges for Spero''s exposed chest, but he quickly catches his wrist and twists it back. Desperate, Dalu launches a mantis strike, but Spero parries each one with ease by pulling on Dalu''s wrist and manipulating his direction. Every attack misses its mark as Spero continues to dodge and evade. Spero sidekicks Dalu in the knee, delivering two swift jabs to his jaw. Dalu shoves him back, giving himself a small reprieve. Dalu''s frustration builds, and his form transitions. His front hands now grip the blades in a reverse grip, and his mantis stance shifts to a defensive posture. He uses his back arms to shield the front of his body from any incoming attacks. Dalu drives forward with relentless force, his strikes growing in speed and ferocity. Spero defends stoutly, parrying and blocking every attack, but he can feel the toll of battle weigh him down - his reaction time slowing. Each retaliatory strike is nullified by Dalu''s guard, pushing Spero further back on the defensive with each passing moment. Dalu jabs Spero in the arm and severs a shallow cut down the side of his neck. Spero delivers a powerful front kick, pushing Dalu back. Spero brushes his fingertips against the wound on his neck and takes a split-second to peek at his bloodied hand before flicking it away. "I admit, you''re pretty good" "I didn''t expect the King''s Assassin to struggle so much." Dalu smirks. "Let''s try something, a bit more fun then," Spero states firmly as he switches his sword to his right hand, shifting into a battle-ready stance. Dalu''s eyes widen in surprise, and he takes a moment to size up the situation. Spero inhales deeply, steeling himself before launching forward with blinding speed. He is now standing right next to Dalu in a split second, sword at the ready. Dalu tries to spin around, but he''s clobbered with a mighty blow from Spero. Just in time, he manages to brace himself and ward off the impact. His body shakes as Spero launches an onslaught of assaults on Dalu and his defenses are overwhelmed; cuts and punches slip by him with ease. Spero leverages Dalu''s blades to ricochet his attacks each time he blocks or parries. Dalu retreats, yet Spero relentlessly presses forward. He hacks and jabs with quick motions, unleashing a flurry of strikes and knees when they move nearby. Grabbing Dalu with one hand, he manipulates him masterfully, keeping the upper hand in the fight. Dalu stands in a defensive stance, then wildly spins with his whirlwind attack causing Spero to stumble back. He immediately shifts the balance of power by focusing his stance on full-on aggression. His muscles tighten as he readies to make the next move. As Spero dodges, weaves, and kips out of the way, he is met with a flurry of jabs from all four of his opponent''s blades. They move at different paces, keeping Spero from getting closer. Damn, I could end this with my abilities, but where''s the fun in that...I can''t always rely on them. Plus, I haven''t fought a swordsman this skilled in years. Spero hurtles past Dalu, delivering a swift kick to his side. Dalu staggers, "I thought I''d be in trouble once you switched hands, but I still feel your talent...a bit lacking." Spero annoyingly comments back, "The Champion of Maka huh? You''re good, but that''s all you are." Dalu raises his voice, "Time to end this!" Spero relaxes his body, and the air around them falls into a stillness so deep that Dalu notices it and stops in his tracks. "Sword technique, Forbidden Style...Randomize" A freezing sensation runs through Dalu''s spine as Spero strides confidently towards him. He lunges forward to attack, but Spero''s blades beat him to it. Dalu retracts his arms and hastily positions them in a defensive guard, peripherally aware of the enemy swords plunging closer to his vulnerable body. Spero swings his sword with lightning speed, thrusting it up before quickly shifting it diagonally and cutting Dalu. He effortlessly repeats the move, deftly moving the blade to the left before darting it downward. Dalu desperately fights to keep up. Is he changing the direction of his attacks midway? How is he able to keep his speed and power? I can''t read his movements. Dalu attempts to guard himself from the relentless assault, but Spero accelerates his pace and accuracy. With a sharp slash to the right, Spero quickly veers left and ends up cutting off Dalu''s left hand at the wrist. Dalu screams in agony as Spero delivers a forward strike with his sword, slicing into Dalu''s back right arm and cleaving it off in one clean motion. The terror within him is palpable as Dalu lets out a quivering yell. Spero swipes to the right and then down the left diagonally, slicing past Dalu''s body. His eyes are blank and stares at Spero, a trickle of blood streaming out from his mouth as he emits a few soft coughs. He watches as the world begins to tilt. The Champion''s torso collapses to the ground, followed by his lower half. The Elves who had been watching in horror witnessed their best fighter slain and quickly spread the news. The Divinian soldiers surge forward, driving back the elves. Spero sheaths his sword but is met with a pulsating pain in his skull. His energy depletes as he falls to one knee. I haven''t used this technique in so long... I forgot how terrible it felt afterward. The Elves quickly retreat in disarray.
CH. 16 A carriage clatters across a forest, its wheels clanking on the stony path beneath. Inside, a young Cyrus looks out at the trees and land passing by. Suddenly, there''s a sharp CRACK, and the carriage comes to an abrupt stop. "Sorry my prince, but it seems we hit a rock, we need to replace the wheel" The driver announces and Cyrus, along with a guard, steps out of the carriage onto the side of the road. He begins to pace back and forth anxiously, his feet shuffling over the gravel as he surveys his surroundings. "I need to pee!", he informs the guard, who nods in response. Cyrus then hastens behind a cluster of trees. Once his task is completed, he notices something stirring in the shrubbery nearby. An excitable sparrow shoots across his vision, lightening its wings to rest on a nearby limb. Its small head peers around as though it were cautiously studying Cyrus from afar, before trilling into its song and hopping closer to him. Cyrus stifles a giggle and attempts to reach out for the bird, but it flies away. Cyrus races after the bird but it eventually leaves. Cyrus looks around as he struggles to recall the way back, but he is uncertain. Before he can make a choice of which direction to take, he hears leaves rustling. He stands still in terror as a young lion strides toward him.
Their eyes lock and Cyrus''s entire body trembles. The predator advances, yet Cyrus remains motionless. Just when the lion lunges toward him and his screams fill the air, SMACK! The beast is sent sprawling to the ground by a young boy wielding a dagger. Spero dashes to the lion, his feet pounding against the dirt. He takes a sturdy stance and kicks it away with all his might. The enormous cat roars, its voice echoing off the trees. Its tail tucked between its legs, it slinks back into the shadows of the forest. Spero turns to glance at Cyrus before attempting to make his escape. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "Wait!", Cyrus yells out and Spero halts. "Thanks for saving me...I''m a bit lost." Spero nods and carefully assesses Cyrus''s attire. His gaze lingers on the fine fabrics, the intricate embroidery to the polished buttons. "Let''s get you back on the road...little prince." Cyrus stands speechless, yet profoundly awed, "What are you doing alone in this forest?" Spero continues to walk silently. "Do you live around here? Or are you just passing by?" Cyrus presses on. He sighs, "No, and yes." Cyrus asks, "Are you Persian?" Spero replies, "I guess so, maybe, I never really asked." Cyrus feels a wave of confusion but realizes that the boy probably does not want to converse. They meander through the forest, their feet crunching on fallen leaves and sticks. Off in the distance, they hear the Guard and driver shouting his name. As soon as their eyes meet, Cyrus waves frantically and sprints over. Panting heavily, he explains what happened and his gratitude towards Spero for his help is evident. Cyrus asks, "Where are you off to?" Spero replies, "Haven''t decided yet, I''ll figure something out." "Nonsense! Why don''t you come with us?" Spero and the Guard both gawked at Cyrus in disbelief. "Is this some sort of trick?" Spero questions. "Prince, I''m not sure the king would allow this" The guard states. "He saved my life, surely the king would like to thank him personally.", Cyrus explains with excitement. "You are right, come along then." Spero looks around unsure then shrugs his shoulders, "Oh, what the hell, I have nothing better to do." Spero climbs up on the carriage, and Cyrus reaches his hand out to him. "My name is Agradat....I mean Cyrus." "I''m Spero" They clasp each other''s forearms. CH. 17 Spero, Cyrus, and Darius are at the training grounds. "Alright, Darius let''s refresh our knowledge on some basic battle scenarios. Ever since the sneak attack from the elves we need to be diligent." Chaos explains to Darius. "I wish we were able to assist," Darius replies. Cyrus then interjects, "It took us all by surprise, you and Basir''s men were still a day or two away from our position. "Alright scenario 1, you''re outnumbered 3 to 1, what is the first thing you should do?" Spero questions. "Back up and create space, try to find a way to retreat," Darius replies. "And if there is no option to run? What if they put pressure?" "Rule 1: separate them, try to fight them one on one. Space them out, attempt to secure the high ground, avoid getting surrounded at all cost." Spero paces around Darius, "Good, what do you do if you get surrounded?" "Rule 2: Use their teamwork against them. If I''m surrounded, I will try to lure them as close to each other as possible, that way they have to be careful when attacking, they would be too focused on injuring their allies if they are shoulder to shoulder." Spero stops pacing, "Okay great, I''m sure you''ve experienced some of these scenarios when on the battlefield, but we made sure you always had someone next to you the whole time. Now let''s see how you fair against us two, alone." Darius nods, preparing himself to face Spero and Cyrus. He raises his shield and grounds himself firmly as he grips his short sword. Cyrus slams against Darius'' shield with his own, causing a metallic clang, rattling through him but remaining unfazed. Cyrus thrusts his sword forward, but Darius parries it away with the side of his shield. Spero lunges forward with a front kick, slamming into Darius'' shield and pushing him back two steps. Cyrus hurls three rapid slashes, and Darius swipes up his sword to parry them. Spero lunges forward, gripping the top of his shield and slamming it down as he swings for Darius'' head. He ducks and scurries away, scrambling for distance between himself and his two opponents. Cyrus chases after him as Darius casts his eyes around the area. A few practice targets and large logs come into view, and he hastens towards them. He zig-zags between the obstacles, determined to separate Cyrus and Spero. Darius ducks behind one of the targets, listening as Cyrus stalks by, his sword piercing through the object but finding no one on the other side. Suddenly, Darius springs out from the side and knocks over the target with a loud crash. As it tumbles towards Cyrus'' head, he quickly catches it with his shield and hoists it away. Darius takes off, but Spero quickly blocks his escape, spinning around to deliver a powerful strike. Darius slides beneath the attack and springs back up, kicking Spero firmly in the back of the knee. The blow throws off Spero''s balance and Darius darts away.
Stolen novel; please report.
"That was a good attempt boy!" Cyrus announces loudly. Darius drops his weapons and sits down, and Spero walks up to him. "That was nice, but you need to throw some more attacks, being defensive is great but if you don''t retaliate, the enemy will know that you''re struggling." Cyrus gets close, "You need to use your parries as opportunities to counter, if you only block you''ll be stuck in taking hits." Cyrus hefts his shield and sword, preparing to meet Spero''s attack. He blocks the blade with his shield and thrusts forward with his sword. Spero ducks the blow and counters with a fierce slash. Cyrus parries the blade away again and steps forward, delivering an aggressive strike with his sword. "Like this. It''s a continuous back and forth, you need to match the flow of your opponent to get a feel of their movements and tempo. With this, you learn their patterns and you can time your blocks accordingly. Once you can predict their next attack, you counter." "Alright, but what if they use magic?" Spero chimes in, "It''s the same principle, many magic spells can be blocked by a shield or dodged unless it''s a crowd control attack, then you need to get out of the spell''s radius. You could always counter it with your own spell if you have time." "Uncle, what kind of spells do you use to get away from a group of enemies?" Cyrus gives Darius a large smile, "I don''t." "What do you mean?", Darius asks confusedly. "I can''t use magic." Darius is stunned by his uncle''s answer. Spero replies, "I''ve taught Cyrus how to react to any possible battle scenario, why do you think he''s such a great fighter? If you can''t use mana you''re naturally at a disadvantage in this world, but what happens once you run out of mana? You use your fists." "What about you Spero, I''ve seen you use spells before." Spero glances at his hand and back at Darius, "That is true, but I only use basic elemental spells." Darius gives a stern look at them both. "You know... I''ve never actually seen you two spar, I''ve always heard stories from the other soldiers, that Spero would only spar with you Uncle." Cyrus and Spero pause and stare at each other curiously. Cyrus and Spero chuckle. "Well, Spero has already taught me everything he knows." "I guess... but it would be great to see two fighters with your experience battle it out." They glance at each other, shrugging their shoulders in anticipation. Gripping their weapons tightly, they eye each other warily. Darius gawks in wonder as he braces himself for the first strike. In an instant, they hurtle toward one another and collide with a clang of metal blades.
The generals solemnly gather around the wide war room table in the castle of Anshan, each man huddling over maps and battle plans before them. The King sits at the head of the table, listening intently to their reports of success so far and what strategies they think should come next. "We must secure allies due to the elves'' recent advancement," Parsa states. "The reptilians and orcs have retreated, but we cannot wait until they take us from all sides." Ashkan suggests, "What if we attempt to hold a meeting with the dwarves down south?" Basir counters, "We have possession of their stolen weapons; I highly doubt they will be cooperative." Cyrus interjects, "The elves and dwarves have been fighting for centuries. If we can reach an agreement with them, we might just be able to get them to work together with us." "We can''t afford to hand back the weapons, those tools are invaluable," Ashkan replies. The king proclaims, "What if we barter? What if we offer them one of our weapons?" He surveys Spero with a piercing gaze, who reluctantly casts an uneasy glance and sighs heavily. CH. 18 Verethragna, the god of Victory and War, is a legendary deity revered by the Persian people. He embodies the essence of power and fearlessness, charging into battles with an indomitable spirit. But his story extends beyond that of a mere god or deity; he is a Warrior Angel who actively fought in the celestial conflict between heaven and hell. Throughout his existence, Verethragna has faced countless demons, vanquishing them one by one with his mighty sword and shield. His reputation as an unbeatable deity precedes him, striking fear into the hearts of his foes. However, his mission doesn''t end there. He was entrusted with the task of hunting down any escaped daevas, those wicked beings who sought refuge in the Astro Realm. As Verethragna soared through the skies above the Persian lands. With every beat of his powerful black wings, he came closer to the sands below. It was at this moment that Ahura Mazda, the revered God of Light and Wisdom, warmly welcomed him. Ahura Mazda stood at the pinnacle of the Persian pantheon. His presence exuded an aura of authority and awe-inspiring splendor. Verethragna agreed to assist in the complete annihilation of all forms of evil in this ongoing war. Devoted to Ahura Mazda, he swore his unwavering allegiance as one of the revered Yazatas. His mission led him to become the faithful assistant of Asha Vahista, the mighty guardian of fire. Verethragna''s encounters with countless daevas who unfortunately experience his exceptional prowess. With masterful precision, he vanquished these malevolent creatures one by one, causing tremors of terror to reverberate through their very being. His immense power instigated a paralyzing fear, which relentlessly gripped the hearts of these vile demons. Radiating a golden aura, Verethragna unleashed devastating blasts of energy that tore through flesh and left scorched reminders of his wrath upon their territories. None could compare to his unparalleled combat skills, earning him esteemed accolades from fellow Yazatas.
Amidst his valiant journey, Verethragna observed that the Persians had become the target of these dark forces. With unwavering resolve, he decided to lend them his aid. In the heat of battle, he harnessed his powers, channeling energy to fortify the Persians'' strength and boost their morale. Those who fought alongside him quickly recognized Verethragna as one of the True Gods, a beacon of hope in their darkest hours. With a triumphant cry, Verethragna activated his Victory Call, imbuing the soldiers with an unstoppable surge of power. Their spirits lifted, and their might increased tenfold as they fought relentlessly. But today was different. Today, Verethragna decided to view the aftermath of this battle. As he approached the ruins of a nearby once-thriving village, he could feel a sense of dread gnawing at his being. The devastation before him was unacceptable. Homes that once stood proudly now lay in crumbled piles, the haunting smoke of destruction filling the air.
The mournful silence of the fallen echoed in his ears. The earth beneath his feet was stained with the blood of countless lives lost. Verethragna''s heart sank. "What is this?... What have I done?" Naive to the brutal reality of these lands, he had simply offered his gifts to those who sought his aid, expecting them to wield their newfound power for noble causes. But here, in the ruins of a once-vibrant village, he saw the bitter truth. The power he bestowed had been twisted and used selfishly. The consequences of his blind trust unfolded before his very eyes, a harsh reminder of the darkness that could reside within even the most noble hearts. As he stood there, surveying the devastation and mourning lives lost, Verethragna felt a fierce resolve take hold. No longer would he offer his gifts freely, nor blindly bestow his power upon others. A sparrow, with its vibrant wings, flies past Verethragna, catching his attention. It lands near a home, it chirps again. Intrigued, Verethragna approaches and listens intently. Among the debris and burned remnants, he hears another noise, faint but distinct. He uncovers its source, Verethragna carefully moved aside wood and dirt that blocked a broken doorway and stepped into the abandoned home. As he passed the lifeless bodies of a man and a woman, their arms outstretched towards the corner of the room. A soft whine called out and Verethragna followed the sound to that same corner. He noticed a large cloth on the ground and, with a gentle pull, uncovered a hidden basket beneath. Inside, wrapped snugly in a blanket, laid a precious baby. Verethragna''s arms impulsively reached out, cradling the child in his embrace. As he held the infant close, Verethragna sensed a remarkable energy emanating from the baby. "I am sorry little one..." He looked at the bird that chirped away, and he looked back out at the ruins. "I will make things right, I will make sure these changes...you...you will be my hope, the one who can help me undo all the wrong in this world, all the darkness. You will be my Spero.'''' Verethragna, takes Spero under his wing, teaching him the ways of a warrior. With fierce fortitude and unwavering zeal, Verethragna imparted his knowledge to his adopted son. In the heart of the forest, amongst towering trees, Verethragna instilled in Spero the art of wielding a multitude of weapons. From the swing of a sword to the release of an arrow, Spero learned the intricacies of combat, each move masterfully executed under Verethragna''s watchful gaze. But the training didn''t stop there. Verethragna, with his battle-scarred hands and a purposeful glint in his eyes, enlightened Spero on the art of hand-to-hand combat. In the depths of a secluded training ground, they engage in rigorous sparring sessions, their movements fluid and swift. Spero''s strikes were growing more precise with each passing day. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "Make sure your feet are planted before you throw the enemy," Verethragna explained to Spero, Spero hip-threw a sack filled with rocks and hay to the ground, placed his knee in the center, and started jabbing at it with his fist. Not content with mere combat skills, Verethragna delved into the art of survival. In treacherous terrains and unforgiving climates, he guided Spero through the wilderness, teaching him the secrets of gathering food, finding shelter, and navigating uncharted territories. From soaring mountain peaks to the dense untamed desert, Verethragna taught Spero on the primal instincts necessary to conquer nature''s formidable challenges. "Always stay vigilant my son, there will be many who try to deceive you, and take advantage of your ignorance, never blindly trust those around you, once you build a foundation, then trust can grow." "Is that why the gods have so much influence?" Spero responded. "Precisely, but it works both ways. These people know nothing of what the gods truly are, their fictitious hierarchy. Those who are in despair, reach out to those in power. These gods use this desperation to fuel their endeavors. But if they''re not careful, those people will use their gifts for their own selfish goals. This causes a cycle of distrust." "What if they all knew the truth?" "It could cause even more tragedy if done incorrectly. People aren''t pleased to hear that they serve false gods, they believe that their way of life is the correct one. We all walk a path surrounded by false realities." Verethragna found himself entangled with the divine Anahita, the Goddess of Fertility. Anahita had known Spero since he was an infant, introduced to her by Verethragna after the tragic circumstances. Together, they took on the responsibility of caring for this child. Anahita, with her wisdom and grace, guided Spero in the ways of language and knowledge. She regaled him with tales of the vast Persian lands, painting vivid pictures of their beauty and secrets. As time passed, however, a shadow of concern began to creep into Anahita''s heart. With each display of Spero''s growing powers, fear nestled deeper within Anahita''s mind. Gradually, she began to withhold information from him, sharing fewer stories. Her once warm and nurturing demeanor began to twist and morph, transforming into an unsettling mask that hid her true thoughts. Spero, who had relied on Anahita''s loving presence and guidance for so long, began to question their connection. The caretaker he had trusted without hesitation now gazed upon him with eyes devoid of warmth, replaced by suspicion masked behind a disingenuous smile. On a momentous and fateful day, a Celestial Being descended upon the land before Verethragna. Radiating with an ethereal aura, he was clad in resplendent armor, shimmering with hues of gold and blue. His mere presence commanded respect and exuded a boundless energy that seemed to electrify the very air. With an authoritative voice that echoed, the Celestial Being questioned Verethragna, "Angel, where are you hiding the demon?" The penetrating stare of his glowing blue eyes glared at him. In response to this divine inquiry, Verethragna quickly activated a mystical rune near Spero, the rune signaled Spero to conceal himself, and he dashed to the hideout. Though hidden, Spero''s keen eyes remained fixated on the unfolding encounter. The angelic being challenged, "Where did you acquire this false information?" "The rumors have spread far and wide, the gods won''t shut up about it," came the steadfast reply. Unwavering, the angelic being shook his head and spoke with a voice laced with fortitude, "Then it is best to look elsewhere." As his eyes narrowed, the Celestial Being cast a glare of scrutiny upon Verethragna, as if attempting to peer into the depths of his mind. "I have always admired a warrior such as yourself " he acknowledged, "Yet I implore you, to surrender this threat to me. It must not be allowed to unleash devastation upon this world again." Spero''s father, standing tall and defiant, met the Celestial Being''s intense gaze and firmly declared, "And I will ask you once again to take your leave elsewhere." Upon hearing these words, the celestial being let out a weary sigh, "Very well," he resigned. "It is a shame." Goldish orange energy blasts towards Verethragna. The mighty angel stands strong amidst the smoke and debris. His black and gold armor shimmers with a radiant golden energy, while his weapons are firmly in his grasp. Verethragna charges forward, leading his opponent away from the mountainside. As the celestial being and the angel clash their blades, the landscape trembles under their mighty blows. Explosions erupt, ravaging the surroundings with force. Each strike creates a shockwave that shakes the very ground they stand on. Even from afar, Spero can feel the aftershock of every hit, witnessing the immense power unleashed in this battle. Verethragna unleashes his ten transformations, each one more formidable than the last, but the Celestial proves to be a worthy adversary. With each transformation, the angel is defeated, reverting to his original form. The weight of exhaustion bears down on Verethragna as he wipes sweat and blood from his face. Struggling to raise his sword and shield, he gathers his remaining strength to face his opponent once more.
In a fatal move, a sword pierces through Verethragna''s heart, leaving the deity with a sense of worry about what he has done, the deity departs. After the coast is clear, Spero rushes over to his fallen father, hoping to provide aid and support in this dire moment. "My boy...before I go, take this." The gold energy seeps from his hand and enters Spero as he sobs by his father''s side. "You... are the hope... this land needs... even if they''re not ready to accept it." The God of Victory''s eyes go blank as his hand slides off his son''s cheek. Spero is now alone, his father dead, and his mother gone. Spero found himself lost in a world where even the divine turned their backs on him.
CH. 19 Arc 2: Uncertainty Nefarious and Darius are training alone. The air crackles with anticipation as Darius conjures a red magic circle in his hand, its fiery glow lighting up the dim surroundings. With a rapid motion, he unleashes a weak fireball, the flames dancing at the edge of his control. Observing Darius''s technique, Nefarious frowns slightly.
"You''re too preoccupied with the form of the flame, neglecting the essence of power and acceleration," he remarks. Darius inquires, his breath heavy with exertion, "What energy should I focus on harnessing, and when should I transition my focus?" Nefarious beckons Darius closer, casting intricate holographic images depicting mana''s nature, one of the three fundamental energies shaping this world. "Mana is a potent force, capable of transforming energy into spells, incantations, and diverse manifestations of power," he explains, "To channel mana effectively, one must use a magic circle, rune, or sigil as a conduit to convert energy into tangible forms. It''s important to remember that the duration and intensity of a spell depends on the amount of mana infused into it. The more energy you invest, the longer-lasting and more powerful the spell will be." With a solemn nod, Nefarious continues, "Mana is different from physical stamina, as it is a unique energy source that varies from person to person. By practicing and dedicating yourself to it, you can expand your mana capacity and unlock its limitless potential." Darius looks at the experienced mage with a furrowed brow and a hint of confusion. "Wait, didn''t you say earlier that stamina and mana are separate sources of energy?" he asks, seeking clarification on the subject. "Indeed, I have. Consider this¡ªafter a rigorous battle, have you ever experienced such exhaustion that even the simplest tasks, like eating or speaking seem daunting? Your body demands rest, and time to recuperate before engaging in further activities. Similarly, the manipulation of spells requires a surplus of energy. Should your physical form be too depleted to even stand or move, casting spells becomes an arduous challenge. Only in dire circumstances, when your mana well runs dry, should you resort to converting your stamina as a temporary measure." Darius straightens his posture and speaks decisively, "Understood. I must direct my focus on my mana pool and by doing so, focus on each step of the spell." "Yes and execute the five-stage process of this spell. Remember to maintain the formation of the spell or the flame will collapse on itself." Darius stands at the edge of the clearing, the air heavy with anticipation as he raises his hands, feeling the familiar tingle of magic coursing through his veins. It was time to demonstrate his mastery of the fireball spell, a complex dance of energy conversion that requires precision and focus. First, he begins with stage one - the formation of the magic circle, a delicate balance of control and power. He draws an intricate circle in his palm, the symbols shimmering with energy as they take shape. Moving on to stage two, Darius focuses on igniting a spark, a small flicker that grows into a roaring flame as it meets the oxygen in the surrounding air. The heat intensifies, causing the temperature to rise as he prepares for the next step. In stage three, he channels the flame, shaping it into a perfect sphere that hovers before him, a mesmerizing display of raw elemental power. With a steady hand, he guides the fire, willing it to obey his commands as he moves on to stage four. Charging up the energy was the most critical part, requiring unwavering concentration and control. Darius feels the magic surge within him, growing stronger with each passing moment while preparing for the final stage. And then, with a deep breath and a sense of exhilaration, he releases the energy in a single direction, watching in awe as the fireball shoots forth like a comet, blazing a trail of destruction in its wake. The target stood no chance, consumed by the inferno as Darius basks in the thrill of his success. Impressed by his quick wit and skillful execution, Nefarious couldn''t help but commend him on a job well done. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
"Take a rest, Darius." After an hour of rest and some extra magic lessons, Nefarious and Darius sit. "You''ve faced more battles with your uncle, Cyrus, haven''t you?" Nefarious inquires. "Yes, he has taught me a lot, shared battle tactics and tips on the political understandings of our kingdom." "Indeed, with such knowledge, you might find yourself ascending the throne one day," Nefarious muses, his voice carrying a weight of mystery. Darius chuckles softly, a wry smile playing on his lips, "If only I could build a new kingdom of my own," As Nefarious regards Darius with a knowing look, he asks, "Are you not a direct descendant of Teispes?" Darius shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly, a hint of complexity in his smile, "Well, yes, but it''s a bit more complicated, my great-grandfather would say that the old kingdom was divided with his brother, but that ancient dispute stretches back through centuries," he explains, a sense of history weighing on his words. "So, in theory, you could be the next in line after Cyrus?" Nefarious points out. Darius looks at the sorcerer, uncertainty evident on his face, "I suppose, in a way, my side of the family has similar rights to my uncle''s, but you know, the King''s sons have priority." "Yes, that is true, but it''s something to keep in mind in case something dire were to happen," the sorcerer responds. Darius''s expression shifts as suspicion creeps into his mind, but Basir interrupts the conversation. "Darius, there you are. I have come to inform you that tomorrow morning we have an important meeting with the King. Only a select few of us will be attending, it seems to be urgent." "Thank you. Do you happen to know what it''s about?" Darius inquires. Basir clenches his fist before stroking his chin, contemplating. "If I had to guess, it might be about the plan to ally with the dwarves. The King wanted to send Spero, of all people. Sending someone as dangerous as him could only lead to conflict with the dwarves." "How can you be so sure?" Basir stands tall and firm, "Spero has a history with them. During his early days as a soldier, he assassinated one of their high generals during a trade. That is why the dwarves no longer sell their goods in these lands." "That is concerning. Does the king remember this?" "Who knows, we shouldn''t let him get close again, he is a danger to us all." Nefarious stands up, "I think the King has provided a good plan. Presenting a powerful asset that the enemy knows is a threat and offering to share that asset for their own endeavors could easily work in our favor." Basir scoffs as Nefarious continues, "But Spero is quite unpredictable. I have studied numerous forms of magic and countless races, yet he remains a complete mystery to me." Darius looks down as he considers his relationship with Spero and remembers that he is not aware of his past. The questions he asked Spero always led to short responses or vague remarks. "I will see you at the meeting tomorrow, Basir," Darius walks away and heads home. CH. 20 At the break of dawn, amidst the golden rays peeking through the castle windows, a sense of gravity hung in the air as the generals assembled in the throne room of King Cambyses. With solemn expressions, Cyrus and Spero stand to the sides of the King. Soon, the shadows of Nefarious and Darius loom into the chamber, adding to the gathering of formidable figures. King Cambyses addresses the meeting, "Gathered here today, we stand on the brink of a decision that will be a crucial step for our kingdom, this plan will change the course of our lands forever." An air of tension wraps the room as gazes dart between each other, uncertainty knitting the brows of the attending generals. Darius shoots a quizzical look towards Nefarious, silently questioning the unfolding events. A subtle nod from the King signals the entrance of a new arrival; as the doors creak open, a man emerges - Harpagus, his demeanor respectful as he bows before the assembly. "My liege, esteemed Prince, and honored generals... greetings," Harpagus speaks. As the room turns to regard Spero, curiosity spreads through the ranks. Locking eyes with the group, King Cambyses breaks the silence, "Many of you may recognize our guest, a distinguished general in service of King Astyages. He has come to lend his expertise in this matter that lies before us," the King declares. "I have acted as a spy for your King this past decade. After Spero saved me and my men from some bandits, I approached him with an inquiry. That I would need help to overthrow the Median empire." The room falls silent, murmurs rippling through the room. With all eyes fixed on Harpagus, Cyrus steps forward, his voice cutting through the hushed whispers, seeking to unravel the mystery that now enshrouds the loyal general. "Why..." Cyrus demands, his brow furrowed in confusion, "...would you betray your kingdom and your king?" Harpagus takes a heavy breath, as his eyes glint with defiance, reflecting a fire burning within him. "Our King..." he declares, voice tinged with resolve, "...has become selfish and disillusioned with power. He has forgotten his people. There are already small factions rebelling against him. Spero has helped increase this divide. Yet, we are still far from gathering the numbers we need to face the King head-on." Darius locks eyes with Basir. Nefarious looks at Darius with unwavering determination. Cyrus interjects, a note of skepticism in his voice, "My grandfather has always been a troubled man. Clearly, he is not fit to rule, but why take such a risk now? Harpugus, you are closest to the King. Information wise, understandable but I sense a more personal reason." Harpagus, the weight of his past grievances heavy upon him, bows his head briefly before straightening his back. He begins to recount the tale that severed his bond with the King, the story of betrayal and disillusionment that fueled the flames of resentment. In a time, long past, King Astyages found himself plagued by a haunting nightmare that shook him to his core. In his vision, he saw a sudden and terrifying occurrence where water surged from his daughter, Mandane''s womb, flooding the entire kingdom in its wake.
Alarmed by the ominous message hidden within this dream, the distressed king sought counsel from his Head Magi, who interpreted the vision as a dire warning of imminent disaster threatening his rule. Determined to avert this calamity, King Astyages arranged for Mandane to wed Cambyses, the ruler of the comparatively weaker city of Anshan, believing this strategic alliance would ensure the security of his reign. Yet, when rumors reached his ears of Mandane''s pregnancy, a new and equally foreboding dream haunted the monarch. This time, he envisioned vines sprouting from his daughter''s womb, spreading uncontrollably throughout the empire, and leaving ruin in their path.
Faced with the terrifying prospect of this second prophecy coming to fruition, the king and his Magi felt compelled to take drastic action for the sake of the kingdom''s survival. Thus, they decided to separate the newborn child from his parents, informing them of the tragic news that the infant had not survived. Desperate to protect his empire, King Astyages turned to his most trusted servant and general, Harpagus, seeking a solution to the ominous threats that loomed over his dynasty. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. "Take this infant into the depths of the forest, and slay it", Commanded the king. Harpagus, taken aback by the shocking and unconventional directive, hesitated before daring to voice his disbelief, "My King...surely you do not mean what you say?" Astyages, his tone growing stern with urgency, retorted, "I will not repeat myself; do you wish for this kingdom to fall?" "No, my King, I would never!" "Then do as I say." Stricken with conflicted loyalty, Harpagus finally relented to the monarch''s decree, inwardly tormented by the weight of his actions. Carrying the innocent baby into the heart of the woods, he placed the child on the ground, preparing to carry out the dreadful task. As he raised his blade, memories of his son flooded Harpagus'' mind - the joy of his birth, and the tender grasp of tiny fingers around his thumb. Overwhelmed by a surge of compassion, he faltered, the glinting knife slipping from his grasp to the forest floor. Tears streaked down his weathered face as he gathered the infant in his arms, "This is madness!" Harpagus sensed movement up ahead. As he cautiously peered through the dense foliage, a farmer passed by leading a herd of cows. Intrigued, Harpagus decided to follow the man, his mind already forming a daring plan. As they arrived at a humble farmhouse, Harpagus carefully placed a baby outside the home, then quickly retreated, throwing a rock at the door to create a diversion. To his surprise, the cowherd Mitradates and his wife, still mourning the loss of their stillborn child, discovered the abandoned baby and saw it as a gift from the gods, and deciding to raise him as their own. Thus, Cyrus, now known as Agradates, grew up in this quaint village for ten years, unaware of his true lineage. Years passed, and Agradates found himself playing with the other village children, who playfully declared him their king. But dissent lingered in the group as one boy, envious of Agradates'' newfound status, refused to acknowledge his rule. In a swift move, Agradates commanded the children to fight and imprison the rebel. Word of this incident reaches the father of this boy, a nobleman, who wasted no time informing the King of this injustice. Astyages decided to personally visit the village and meet these Agradates, only to be struck by the uncanny resemblance the boy bore to his daughter. He interrogated the cowherd, Mithridates, about the unexpected discovery of Cyrus. Enraged by what he learned; the king summoned General Harpagus to shed light on the situation. With a heavy heart, the general confessed his inability to carry out the task of eliminating Cyrus, citing his weakness. To everyone''s surprise, the King spared Harpagus upon realizing that the prophecy no longer posed a threat since the children of the village had already crowned Cyrus as their king. Resolving to reunite Cyrus with his birth parents due to his royal lineage, Astyages arranged for the young prince to be transferred to his rightful heritage. A week later, a grand banquet was held in honor of Cyrus''s return, attended only by the king, his generals, and a select few nobles.
During the gathering, King Astyages stood before the assembled guests and proclaimed with delight, "Welcome, esteemed guests! I am pleased to see you all gathered here on this momentous occasion. The noble bloodline of our kingdom thrives with the discovery of my grandson, Cyrus." Amid joyous conversation and laughter, with the aroma of a delectable feast lingering in the air, the King of the realm steers his gaze toward Harpagus. The King inquires, a faint, peculiar smile playing on his lips, "General Harpagus, did you enjoy your meal?" "Indeed, my king, the meal was delightful as always." The king gives an unnerving smirk. Satisfaction flickers in the Astyages''s eyes as he remarks, "I am pleased to hear that, for this dish was specially crafted for you, my most reliable soldier." With a mysterious grin, the King proposes, "This particular dish required an extra dash of skill. Would you like to carry the remaining portion with you, so that it does not go to waste?" Harpagus is taken aback by the unexpected request but collects himself to respond, "Yes, of course, Your Majesty." The King''s gesture beckons a servant, who approaches with a plate covered by a lid. Placing the tray in front of Harpagus, the servant unveils the contents, revealing a horrifying sight. Harpagus can feel his heart sink into his stomach, a chill creeping through his body, leaving his mouth dry. Before him lies a ghoulish spectacle - the head of his son, surrounded by his hands and feet, arranged like a roasted pig. The guests'' reactions are visceral; glasses fall, and some clench their jaws to prevent them from gagging. Standing tall, the King declares, "Now, enjoy your seconds, and remember...that an order should always be followed." With trembling limbs and clammy palms, Harpagus attempts to rise. He places the lid on the tray, lifting it as he bows courteously, "Yes, my king, thank you for this... meal." Harpagus leaves. He is then hunched by a tree with a grave nearby. He is forcefully vomiting, tears flowing freely, blood adorning his knuckles from pounding the rough bark. His eyes, strained and red, reflect a turmoil of malice and fury etched onto his face. The room envelopes in a heavy silence, the weight of sorrow and anger on the faces of those present. Harpagus addresses the group seriously, "This is why I have sworn to rid ourselves of this monster who masquerades as our king." Cyrus steps closer to Harpagus, "Words cannot express the depth of pain you have endured all because you showed mercy and spared my life..." "I do not blame you, Cyrus. It was I who disobeyed, and thus, trading my son''s life...but the only one to blame is Astyages." Cambyses'' voice rumbles with righteous fury, "He snatched my son from my arms, attempted to take his life, and showed utter disregard for your own son. Astyages must face the consequences of his actions!" The room pulses with shared agreement as Nefarious steps forward, "Our plans are in motion, yet success hinges on the unity of the remaining tribes joining our cause." "I will speak to them; I will persuade them," Cyrus pledges. With a resolute nod from Harpagus, the group pushes forward, plotting and strategizing on their next moves to bring justice and retribution against Astyages. CH. 21
Spero arrives at the southern region. As he nears the Dwarves'' village, he is immediately halted by hidden guards who lurk behind stones and shrubbery. ¡°Halt, who goes there!¡±, one guard calls out. Spero observes his surroundings and notices two guards perched up a hill, holding throwing axes. He then focuses on the main guard and the dwarf standing behind him. "King Cambyses of the Anshan Kingdom has sent me," Spero announces confidently. The guards exchange puzzled glances before bursting into laughter, "What do those Divine Beings want now? Do you want us to lay down some roses and wash your hair for you?", one guard mocks. Spero lets out a weary sigh but steps closer as the guards ready their weapons. "I''ve heard that you''ve lost some valuable weapons. I may know where they went", Spero offers, trying to regain the guards'' attention. The lead guard gives him a stern look, sheathes his dagger, and shouts in Dwarven. "Open the gate, we have a guest!", the lead guard commands, signaling a shift in the guards'' suspicious demeanor towards a more welcoming one. Spero is guided through the winding paths of the fortress until they reach a towering metal gate that looms before them, adorned with intricate gears and sturdy notches. With a resounding creak, the gears shift, and the gate grudgingly swings open, revealing a world of heat and industry beyond. The scent of molten metal wafts in the air, and the rhythmic clanging of hammers reverberate through the halls as the blacksmiths toil away, forging powerful weapons. Spero is led further into the heart of the fortress, where they finally reach the presence of one of the high chieftains. Looking around the room, Spero notes the vigilant watch of the guards stationed at regular intervals, all armed with formidable dwarven weapons that gleam menacingly in the dim light. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. ¡°I have been informed that you possess crucial information that could aid us,¡± Spero¡¯s gaze flickers between the chieftain and the vigilant guards surrounding them, a three-meter distance between each guard. ¡°I heard that you had some unique items stolen from you¡±, Spero ventures, sensing tension in the atmosphere. The chieftain responds, ¡°It is true that we have suffered losses, items stolen from under our noses. Do you know of their current whereabouts?¡± ¡°The Reptilians were involved, but word has it that the items were subsequently taken by another party,¡± Spero reveals, unraveling the intricate web of deceit and intrigue that surrounds them. ¡°Why are you actually here?¡± the chieftain probes, his keen eyes scrutinizing Spero''s intentions. Spero weighs his words carefully before replying, ¡°We both seem to be having some issues with the surrounding territories.¡± ¡°Yes, we know of your conflicts with the Arian Orcs and Reptilians of Parthia.¡± the chieftain acknowledges. Spero, with a confident expression, lifts his chin, "Precisely, but now the Elves of Elam are beginning to interfere. It appears they aim to expand their territory across the entire mountain range." As murmurs erupt among the Dwarves, their leader hushes them, ¡°Those pointy-eared fools have no rightful claim to these mountains. What are you proposing?¡± "If we manage to divert their attention away from your lands¡­", Spero suggests, ¡°...our Kingdom would like some equipment built for us, we will pay of course, but we also seek knowledge in return." The Dwarven leader inquires, ¡°What information do you require?¡± Spero stands tall, ¡°How to harness the full potential of your weaponry.¡± At this request, some guards bristle in anger and curse towards Spero. Seeing the tension rise, the chieftain rises from his throne, his eyes blazing with fury, "How dare you come into our village and make such audacious demands! You possess our weapons; we could easily kill you and seize them back from Anshan ourselves." As all the guards ready their weapons, Spero activates a shadow energy barrier around himself. One guard takes a step back, a look of recognition crossing his face, ¡°Doesn¡¯t he look familiar, that aura is something I¡¯ve heard of before.¡± ¡°Yeah, you''re right, that red attire is hard to miss.¡± Suddenly, a guard calls out, his voice booming, ¡°Spero of the Red Sand, he''s the King¡¯s Assassin!¡± ¡°You Divinians dare send an assassin to threaten me? Cease him!¡± the leader bellows, drawing their weapons. But before any further action can be taken, Spero raises a hand and speaks, ¡°Yes, I am an assassin, but that¡¯s precisely why I am here. Not as an enemy but as a mercenary.¡± The leader, intrigued, signals all guards to halt, ¡°We will hear your demands. Perhaps Anshan can be of use to us.¡± Spero smirks confidently. CH. 22
Spero strides purposefully through the early morning plaza as he enters the bustling market. He searches for something to satiate his hunger, his nose guiding him toward the aroma of sizzling meat on sticks emanating from a nearby cart. The atmosphere is tense, with wary gazes following his every move as he moves through the crowded space. As he walks through, he senses the demeanor of those around him. Piercing looks surround his peripherals as worry and distaste flow past with every step. A sensation he knows all too well, since the day he stepped foot on these lands, every day, everywhere he goes, for decades. Approaching the cart, manned by a gruff merchant, Spero confidently makes his request for a few sticks of the tantalizing food on offer. The merchant signals his child, and the young girl leaves and runs behind a drape in the back. His demeanor reflects the general air of disdain in the market, "What is it?", he responds in a snarky manner. "I would like to buy a few sticks", Spero says as he points at the food. The merchant looks at him and snarls, "Yeah, yeah, here." He begrudgingly throws over the skewers of meat. Spero luckily, saves the food from a potential mishap as he catches the tossed sticks of meat before it meets the sandy ground. Unfazed by the merchant''s hostility, Spero meets his stare with a gleam of defiance before tossing the coins onto the ground in front of the merchant. The clink of metal hitting sand rings through the silence, causing the merchant to flinch at the unexpected display. Spero journeys from one cart to another, determined to find some tasty local bread. He stumbles upon a vendor''s stand that seems promising, and his steps quicken in anticipation. As Spero counts the coins in his hand a sudden jolt at his side sends the currency scattering to the ground. His look then shifts to a small figure beside him¡ªa child who had fallen amidst the commotion. "Are you alright?", Spero''s voice was gentle, as he crouches down to meet the child''s eye line. The young one nods silently, eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and relief. Before Spero could offer a helping hand, another arm swoops in, seizing the child in a protective embrace. "We are on our way, no need to cause any trouble!", The mother spouts, her face etched with worry and hurry, hastily gathers her little one, eager to flee the scene. Annoyed by the abrupt interruption, Spero watches as the sand under her feet tosses his coins around. Just as he let out a frustrated sigh, a voice, soft yet firm, cuts through the bustling noise. "You could at least help pick up your kids'' mess!" words rang out, accompanied by the sight of thick, dark hair dancing in the breeze, revealing a hand with sun-kissed skin and eyes that shimmered like emeralds,
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"I swear, these people nowadays." Observing the interaction with a mixture of surprise and curiosity, Spero''s sense of gratitude washes over him as the woman bends down to assist in gathering and cleaning his scattered coins. Their hands briefly touch as the coins are returned to their rightful place, and a simple "Thank you", tumbles from Spero''s lips. With a warm smile, the woman replies, "Don''t mention it." Spero and the woman lock eyes briefly before a silent understanding passes between them. Spero makes a sudden decision and begins strolling away, the woman''s curiosity piques as she finds herself instinctively trailing behind. The woman couldn''t help but inquire, "You''re Spero, aren''t you? You''re part of the King''s family, right? A soldier, general?" "Yes, I''m Spero, technically, and not really." The woman holds in her laugh. "A great warrior but not the best at talking, I see." Pausing for a moment, Spero offers a gentle smile and admits, "Sorry, let me start over. I''m not used to Persians striking conversation with me." "You don''t say? Haha, I''m Nazanin, nice to meet you!" "Likewise," They proceed to the cart where loaves of bread entice them, both to make a purchase. The merchant, intimidated by Spero''s imposing presence, avoids direct eye contact, a subtle detail not unnoticed by Nazanin. As they walk away, Nazanin couldn''t help but remark, "Is it always like this?" Spero looks at her, then slightly down, "I''m used to it." Nazanin implores, "You shouldn''t have to." Spero''s eyes widened with surprise. The woman continues, "You''re not a stranger to this kingdom, I may not have lived here as long as all the rest of these Persians, but I''ve most definitely heard of you. Saving lives, helping expand our kingdom, you don''t seem that scary, people do exaggerate...." A wave of relief and comfort envelops him as he listens to her tangent, a rare experience in a world where pretense often overshadows authenticity. It had indeed been quite some time since someone had approached him with such genuine regard, seeing him as a common person. As laughter bubbles up within him, he couldn''t help but chuckle. "Yeah, my reputation certainly has its fair share of myth," Spero admits with a grin, his eyes alight with amusement. "Oh, so the stone-cold assassin does show emotion after all," she teases, a twinkle in her eyes as they continue their stroll around the plaza. Eventually, they find themselves perched near the edges of the kingdom, the vast expanse of land stretching out before them. The bright sun painting the sky in hues of bright blue. "I know we''ve only just met, but can I ask you something personal?", she inquires, her voice gentle yet probing. "...Sure" "Many say you''re a daeva,", her words laced with a mix of disbelief and curiosity, "Firstly, this ridiculous, but that accusation carries a lot of weight with our people," She reveals, her gaze searching his for a hint of truth. Spero falls into a contemplative silence, his eyes drifting into the distance, "Of course not, but to be honest, I don''t know what I am. I was born beyond the borders of Anshan, nor is my energy the same as others. I''ve asked myself this question a million times." Nazanin, sensing the gravity of Spero''s inner turmoil, softens her expression, she could never fully comprehend his innermost struggles, but tries a genuine effort to connect with his emotional plight, "Well ever since Verethragna stopped responding to our people''s prayers, and the increase of demons in these lands, Persians have grown wary and closed off. They feel the Gods have abandoned them, maybe punished them for their past mistakes. Maybe that''s why they still harbor some resentment." "I guess there is something I have in common with them after all.", Spero states. Nazanin''s expression shifts to one of mixed curiosity and perplexity, trying to unravel the layers of Spero''s enigmatic presence. Nevertheless, she chooses to forego further inquiry and instead settles into a companionable silence with Spero, the two of them admiring the expanse of the sky and clouds.
CH. 23 A young Spero and Cyrus, find themselves comfortably perched at the grand dinner table in the royal hall. King Cambyses sat at one end while Queen Mandane occupied the opposite. Cyrus, a spark of enthusiasm in his eyes, began recounting the day''s escapades with a sense of animated fervor, regaling his parents with tales of their little adventure around the kingdom. ¡°Spero was able to climb up one of the watch towers and he also taught me this move on how to throw people twice my size.¡± Cyrus proclaimed his words dancing with the thrill of their exploits. ¡°That''s wonderful my boy. If Spero keeps teaching you skills you can be my next general in a year¡¯s time, the King declared with a hearty chuckle. However, the Queen, ever perceptive with a keen eye for nuance, cast a glance of concern towards her husband. Sensing this, King Cambyses swiftly donned a mask of composure. ¡°You boys aren¡¯t getting into any trouble, are you?¡±, inquired Queen Mandane, her voice a gentle yet firm. ¡°Of course, not, mother. We would never do anything like that.¡± Cyrus reassured her with a confident grin. Spero returned a slight smile that he quickly disguised. The dinner comes to an end, and Cyrus retreats to his chamber. Unable to find rest, Spero wanders the corridors of the grand palace. Somewhere in the distance, he catches whispers drifting through the air. He follows the faint sound down the hall, leading him to the voices of the King and Queen. ¡°I¡¯m not sure having Cyrus around that boy is a good idea.¡±, Mandane, voices her concerns. The king dismisses her worries with a calm demeanor, ¡°They''re just children, they might get into trouble from time to time.¡± Mandane shakes her head, ¡°No, that''s not what troubles me. It''s been two weeks, and we nothing about him. His past, where he comes from, his family?¡± ¡°He must have had a tough childhood, but his past shouldn¡¯t matter.¡± ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right. I''m grateful that he saved our boy''s life, but¡­that aura he gives off¡­I just don''t want us to lose Cyrus again.¡± Embracing his beloved queen, the king responds, ¡°I know my love, I will make sure this doesn¡¯t happen.¡± Meanwhile, hidden in the shadows, Spero listens intently. A frown tugs at his features but disappears as quickly as it appears. With a heavy heart, he retreats to his chambers. A week passed by, Spero found himself summoned into the grand chambers of the King. As he stood before the throne, the King''s voice filled the room. ¡°How have you enjoyed your stay here in Anshan?¡± "It has been pleasant.¡± ¡°And do you plan to return to your family or travel elsewhere?¡± "No, Your Majesty, I have no such plans.¡± The King noticed a flicker of melancholy in Spero''s eyes. "You are welcome to stay here for as long as you desire," declared the King. Surprised by the King''s generosity, Spero''s eyes widened in gratitude as he bowed his head in respect. "However," continued the King, his voice taking on a more solemn tone, "I have a favor to ask of you. You may remain in Anshan, but in return, I ask that you watch over my son, Cyrus." Spero''s brow furrowed in confusion, unsure of what to make of the King''s request. "You once saved my son''s life, and a bond has formed between you two that even I can see," the King explained, "My Queen and I have suffered the loss of our boy once, heartbroken that she wished to bear no more children. Cyrus is alone in this vast kingdom; he had to leave his other parents and his friends to return home to us.¡± Spero gazes down at the King, a glint of understanding in his eyes. With a steady nod, he acknowledges the weight of the royal decree, "You, Spero, shall serve as Cyrus''s devoted protector, his shield in times of turmoil. But more than that, you shall be regarded as his brother, a trusted member of this royal family. Moreover, it falls upon you to hone Cyrus''s combat skills. Can you do this for me?" This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Spero lets a silence linger in the air as he contemplates the King''s words. Glimpses of his past life flicker before his eyes - his childhood nestled in the mountain''s embrace; memories of his father etched in his mind. Yet, the heart-wrenching sight of his homeland ravaged and destroyed, a stark reminder of his irreversible loss, tugs at his resolve. In that poignant moment, gazing steadfastly at the ruler before him, Spero''s determination kindles like a flame in the darkness and he pledges his allegiance to the royal cause. Spero settled into his new home with growing ease as time marched forward. The King''s support was unwavering, granting him freedom with a single condition: uphold his duty. Cyrus, a newfound brother figure, filled the void left by the family he once knew. However, it was the Queen who captured his attention like a riddle waiting to be solved. Her eyes pierced into him akin to Anahita''s. It bore through his facade, searching for secrets buried within his soul. Each encounter with her unveiled a shield of protection she silently cast over him, leaving him to ponder her cryptic words and seeming indifference to his presence. Young Spero found himself grappling with his inner turmoil. Amidst these challenging times, a shimmering figure known as Astral emerged sporadically to check on his well-being. Astral, appearing in a youthful and ethereal form. ¡°How¡¯s your new home?¡± ¡°It¡¯s comfortable, I can train as much as I want. I¡¯m not tied down by any curfews or many rules.¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad, but how are you doing?¡± Astral''s gaze deepened, a touch of concern shadowing his features. Pausing to gather his thoughts, Spero murmured, ¡°I¡¯m fine¡­I have a new family, so that helps¡­. Have you figured out who was responsible?¡± A flicker of frustration danced in Astral''s eyes as he replied, ¡°No¡­you know you can¡¯t keep obsessing over this.¡± ¡°Why not? That deity had no right to interfere.¡± Drawing closer to Spero, Astral explained, ¡°Celestial beings aren¡¯t bound by the same rules as Celestial or Cosmic Entities¡­.¡± Spero interjected with a fiery resolve, ¡°They should be, they can pick and choose when they decide to do something. They only benefit themselves.¡± Spero''s anger simmered beneath the surface, a dark energy swirling around him ominously. Astral, always the voice of reason, intervened, "Control yourself," Astral admonished gently. Spero grudgingly nodded, his frustration evident in his expression yet an understanding glimmer in his eyes. "See you soon, friend," Astral bid farewell as he vanished into thin air, reappearing in the Divine Realm in his true older form. "He''s asking about it again," Astral informed his mother Evaline, the Spirit of Life. "He''s far too young and weak to seek a deity," Evaline responded. "It would also be foolish," Azrael, the Angel of Death, interjected. "The deity has already faced punishment; that cursed child should forget about it," Azrael added firmly. "I''m sure he is still reeling from the loss of his father, but time will heal his wounds," Evaline reassured. With their respective thoughts lingering in the air, the family dispersed, each going their separate ways in the vast expanse of the Divine Realm. Years later, after many adventures through tombs and valleys in search of artifacts and clues about the gods, Spero found himself face-to-face with a mysterious visitor. Emerged from the shadows before him was Azrael, "Hello, demon," Azrael''s voice echoed, sending a shiver down Spero''s spine. It was the first time he felt the overwhelming presence of fear itself and powerlessness. "The longer you search, the more perilous it will become for you," Azrael warned. Spero, though trembling with fear, managed to find his voice, "Wh¡­what do you mean? How do you know this?" "You will never locate the deity you seek. And even if you were to stumble upon him, your fate would be sealed... and I would be there to claim your soul," Azrael intoned. Spero''s voice crescendoed, "You know who it is? Tell me!" Azrael sighed, "My son was correct. This does become tiresome." Spero was caught off guard, "Wait... your son?" "Yes, Astral is my son, why else would an Entity as mighty as him align himself with a mere mortal like you?" In the heat of the moment, Spero''s rage ignited a storm of dark energy that crackled and seethed around him like an inferno. A primal fury consumed him as he confronted the deity, ¡°You damn deities are all the same!¡± Azrael, taken aback by the raw power emanating from Spero, felt a tremor of recognition deep within him. Memories of battles fought during the legendary demon and angel war flickered in his mind before he decided to withdraw from the volatile scene. He warns Spero, ¡°Beware of what you speak, it could be your last breath.¡± Spero left alone in his wrath, dashed away and called upon Astral, who materialized before him in a shimmer of cosmic light. "Hey, what''s happening?" ¡°What the hell?! Your parents sent you to spy on me?! Astral struggled to find the right words to explain, eventually managing to stammer out, "Yes...and no... I had to ensure that your powers remain in check. Your father was also worried¡ª" ¡°Don''t you dare speak of my father! Why are you and every damn god so obsessed with my abilities, huh?! Why does no one tell me anything? Nothing but lies and hiding the truth!¡± Astral held back his words, his eyes reflecting a hidden secret. Spero meets Astral''s gaze with disappointment. Their tense exchange hung heavy in the air. "I''m sorry¡­", Astral finally broke the silence, "...but I can''t tell you right now." Spero glared at Astral with disappointment, Spero''s glare intensified, and a sense of hurt crept into his words, ¡°I thought we were friends¡­¡± ¡°We are!¡± Spero''s walls went up and their trust shattered. "No, we aren''t! Go back to your parents and tell them and every deity you know, they can screw themselves." With those cutting words, Spero turned away, leaving Astral standing there, sadness and remorse etched on his face. The weight of their unspoken bond lingered in the air. CH. 24
Spero embarks on a journey to the villages beyond the Anshan territories. He approaches the citizens, seeking any hints about the mages of the Divine Covenant. He was greatly disappointed by Nefarious''s unhelpful advice before leaving, "I don''t keep in contact with the others, they are all bothersome. Perhaps one of them is towards the West." Spero relentlessly presses on. After numerous inquiries, Spero is directed to a group of mages. As he approaches them, one of the mages turns. "We''ve heard about you... searching for a sorcerer of the Divine Covenant?" "That''s correct." With a knowing expression, the mage reveals, "If you go to the tower in the Northeast of the City, you will find the one they call Zatara." Zatara: The grand mage of talismans and artifacts. She has the knowledge of ancient ruins and magical tools that I need. "Thank you." Spero nods in appreciation before heading towards the tower in pursuit of Zatara. Spero ventures into the tower. As he ascends the winding staircase, each step seems to crackle the air with mana. Upon reaching the top of the tower, Spero is surprised to find the door ajar. Stepping inside, his look is immediately drawn to a striking woman standing before him. Her tall frame and light blonde hair give her an ethereal appearance, accentuated by the tight black dress she wears. Her piercing bronze eyes lock onto Spero, exuding a confidence that both intrigues and unnerves him. "You''ve been asking about me?", she inquires, her voice laced with coyness. Spero, though caught off guard, quickly composed himself, "Yes, I have a few questions for you." "Oh, well you''ve always been quite interesting yourself." Her lips curl into a knowing smile as she gestures for Spero to take a seat. With a graceful movement, she conjures a spell, and the chair slides towards him. "Please, sit," she invites, her tone tinged with both warmth and intrigue. Spero slowly unclasps his sword from his back, the weight of the hilt comforting in his grip as he settles it down carefully beside him. His eyes darted from the sword to the woman before him. Zatara''s stance exudes a calm confidence, her body at ease and her gaze fixed intently on Spero, waiting for his words to break the silence. In a moment of respite, Spero allows his muscles to relax slightly, "Out of all the artifacts you''ve studied, how well-versed are you in holy relics?" Zatara smirks, "Well I''ve been fortunate enough to examine many, a few temples across these lands have one or two of them, but only a select few have actual ones from angelic beings. Why do you ask?" "Because I''m interested in how they compare to demonic ones." A sudden hush fell over the room, BAM, the abrupt sound of the door slamming shut behind Spero. His hand instinctively reaches for the comforting weight of his sword. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. "Don''t be alarmed. I don''t want any ears listening...tell me what you know." Spero''s breaths slows as he collects his thoughts, "There are some aaevas who have an interest in me. I do not know their names, but I need to study them." Zatara sits in her dimly lit study, feeling a mix of nervous energy. Understanding the gravity of the situation, she focuses her thoughts and chants a spell. A book from her cluttered shelf floats towards her, guided by unseen forces. She grasps the ancient book, its pages flipping rapidly on their own until they settle on a chapter about demons.
She turns the book around to face Spero. "As you know demons have specific weaknesses: holy weapons, blessed tools, and even light magic or energy. The names of many daeves in these lands are unknown but there are old temples of worshipers with scriptures.... however, they are usually protected by powerful magic." "Yes, I figured, I''ve had my hands on such tools before, but I no longer have access to them. But I was given the name of one daeva, Asto Vidatu." Feeling a shiver run down her spine, Zatara ponders the risks involved in confronting such a formidable foe. "The demon god of death, are you insane?" "It''s the only lead I have." She rises from her seat, pacing the room, lost in thought, her finger pressed against her lips in a gesture of contemplation, her voice tinged with uncertainty, "Asto Vidatu possesses incredible magic. His ethereal rope is said to seize the very soul, rending it from the body." Spero ponders silently, his thoughts racing, If I could somehow get a hold of this rope, it could benefit me in the long run, but that seems to be an impossible task. Spero voices his question to Zatara, whose eyes gleam with suspicion, "Does this rope work only on mortals?" Zatara''s gaze sharpens, a silent warning veiled behind her piercing stare, "No, not only mortals, but it can also affect any being that contains a soul, well that''s what the myth states." "One last question, what do you know about the gods that watch over these lands?" Zatara gets close to Spero. She speaks in a hushed serious tone, "Who the hell are you?" The air crackles with unspoken truths. Meeting Zatara''s intense gaze head-on. "That...", he declares with quiet conviction, "...is precisely what I am looking for." Sensing a shift in the currents of their conversation, Zatara takes a cautious step back, "There are only two Yazatas that I am aware of. Most of them have wandered territories beyond. Atar the god of fire and Vayu the god of wind." Spero couldn''t shake off the feeling of disappointment lingering within him from the scant information he had acquired. As he reflects on the details he had garnered, he finds solace in the fact that he now possesses the names of two gods he could potentially seek out. A faint smile plays on his lips as he mutters, "Thank you for your time." Spero rises from his seat, his hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of his sword. Zatara, noticing his movement, straightens up and raises her voice, "Wait... There''s something that''s been bothering me, not just your aura but something you carry." Spero pauses, his grip on the sword tightening as he turns to face Zatara, his expression guarded. She speaks again, "I would like to see it... if you are willing?" Reluctantly, Spero lets out a soft sigh, acknowledging that Zatara posed no threat. With a deliberate motion, he reaches into his pouch and retrieves the ring. Zatara''s eyes widen in disbelief, her voice fills with awe. "Oh shit, it can''t be! The fabled Ring of Solomon. How did you acquire this?" "It was given to me by a dark spirit in the mountains past Babylonia" Spero replies, a hint of weariness in his tone. Spero hands the ring to Zatara. She carefully examines the artifact, holding it up to the sunlight that streamed in through the window of her study. Her eyes widened with excitement, "This ring has been lost for generations. I''ve been wanting to research this for so long and I''m finally holding it in my hands! This tool built his great temple. The legendary sorcerer, who commanded 72 powerful demons!" She then turns to Spero with a serious expression, "I see, I have one piece of advice to give you. Do not use this ring." "Why not?" "This artifact is far too powerful, even for a mage of my caliber. You will not be able to control the mana from inside, it will only consume you. The souls trapped here will never be completely under your command." He accepts the ring back from Zatara and secures it in his pouch. With a nod of thanks, he prepares to take his leave. But before he departs, Zatara says, "Come by anytime, I would like to learn more about what you find." She smiles and winks at Spero as she effortlessly opens the door with a flick of her hand. He blushes, nods his head and leaves. CH. 25 After Spero leaves the tower, a pair of eyes follow. This shadowy figure stalks far behind him as he takes his leave outside the city walls. This unknowing person tails Spero for quite a while but she is not as inconspicuous as she may think. This person has been following me this whole time. I''m starting to get impatient. Just attack already.
As the moon rises high in the sky, casting a glow over the landscape, Spero finds solace next to a dying bonfire, its embers flickering into the night sky. The hunter seizes her chance, closing in on Spero, she draws her dagger, the metal glinting in the moonlight as she prepares to strike. The assassin lunges forward, however, a forceful kick pushes into her gut. She rises to her feet, a hint of pain evident in her eyes as she rubs her stomach. Her gaze pierces through the darkness. "You were supposed to be asleep," the assassin speaks. Spero observes her closely, Woman, relatively small. One long dagger, curved. With a knowing smirk, he remarks, "You''re not good at hiding your Vita energy." She takes a step back and stares at Spero. "Who sent you?", he questions. "I don''t work for anyone." she quips. "I see, another bounty hunter", he sighs, "Let''s get on with it then." Spero unsheathes his sword as he gets into his left fighting stance. The assassin utters a soft whisper, her words inaudible. Spero squints, focusing intently as he tilts his ear towards her, straining to catch the elusive words that escape her lips. Suddenly, a surge of green energy erupts around her feet in a swirling circle before shooting up her body in a dazzling display of power. She dashes towards Spero, he dodges her strike, his reflexes sharp as he slides to his left, narrowly avoiding her attacks. He reaches for her shirt, but she ducks down, evading his grasp. Undeterred, Spero slices to the right, but she blocks his attack. Surprised by her agility, Spero shoots his head back to avoid an impending upper slash from her dagger, a move that saves him but leaves him vulnerable to a hidden blade in her left hand that pierces his ribs. Blinking in disbelief, Spero looks down, expecting to see blood and feel the searing pain of the wound, yet there is none. Confusion clouds his mind as he stares at his opponent. Immediately after, a knife slides from her left sleeve, and she tries to stab him. Spero smacks her hand down with force, she backs up, creating enough distance, and reassesses the situation. What the hell was that? Why did that feel so familiar? Spero thinks to himself. He stands, perplexed, as he closely observes the woman before him. He notices the subtle movement of her chest, as heavy breaths escape her nostrils. As he contemplates his next move, the assassin whispers something under her breath again and a sudden glow surrounds her. Without hesitation, she charges towards Spero, striking with precision - first her right hand, then her left. Spero manages to block the initial attack but is taken off guard by the second blow. In a nimble move, she ducks and spins a kick towards Spero''s side, but he grabs hold of her leg. To his surprise, her leg seems to fade away from his grasp. Regaining his composure, Spero looks forward as she attempts another spin kick. However, instead of aiming for his ribs this time, she redirects her kick towards his shin. I caught her leg...didn''t I? He regains his balance and counters with a powerful front kick, pushing her back. Once again, she activates her ability. What is she saying? Spero eyes her closely, noticing the beads of sweat trickling down her face and neck. It was evident that her energy levels had significantly dwindled. We just started this fight moments ago...how is she losing stamina so quickly? Spero boldly charges ahead, thrusting his blade towards his opponent''s shoulder, making contact as it pierces through. He blinks and she is not in front of him. She evaded the strike, quickly repositioning herself to his left. The assassin retaliates by cutting Spero''s left shoulder. Spero steps back momentarily before surging forward, driving his knee towards her gut. She blocks the attack, standing her ground firmly. Spero grabs the back of her head, aiming an elbow strike towards her face. To his surprise, her image blurs and dissipates, leaving him confounded. The woman pushes Spero back, her body envelops in the shimmering green aura as she charges toward him. With a series of swift movements, Spero attempts to slash and slice, yet she evades each of his maneuvers. There''s no way she''s reacting to all my attacks. Her fighting skills are subpar. Spero finds himself caught in a whirlwind of shifting realities, uncertain of what is genuine and what is a mere illusion. Determined to gain an edge, Spero begins counting the passing seconds each time his opponent activates her mysterious aura. 5...6...7 1...2...3 Every 5 to 10 seconds she activates it. She creates space between us and says something, but I can''t understand that damn word. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Spero''s senses sharpen, he anticipates each move before it is made, as if he is drawing from a well of premonition, seeing glimpses of her attacks. The woman, her energy waning, faces Spero who now focuses on his auditory perception, hanging on every sound around him. In a moment of stillness, a faint whisper reaches his ears, carrying the word, "¦¥¦Õ?¦Ì¦Å¦Ñ¦Ï?" Spero fixates on her lips, thinking, And what the hell does that mean?! Spero evades the woman''s attacks and counters while his mind races to decipher the mysterious word. Okay, ¦Å¦Õ?¦Ì¦Å¦Ñ¦Ï?, it sounds like ef¨ªmeros, break it down...ef¨ª - meros...¦Å¦Õ?¦Ì¦Å¦Ñ¦Ï?? Ef¨ª, ef¨ª, sounds like ep¨ª...it''s Greek! Ep¨ª = ?¦Ð? = on, upon meros...hemeros...hemera = ?¦Ì?¦Ñ¦Á = day...ef¨ª - meros = ephemeral = a short period of time. That''s it! Spero clutches the woman and hurls her a couple of meters away, a smirk playing on his lips as he watches her rise once more. Just as she is about to speak, Spero intercepts, his voice joining hers, "¦¥¦Õ?¦Ì¦Å¦Ñ¦Ï?" "¦¥¦Õ?¦Ì¦Å¦Ñ¦Ï?" The Greek woman meets his eyes, her expression a compelling mix of shock and disbelief. We move back to when the assassin woman is stalking Spero. Quietly, she creeps closer and closer until she stands right beside him as he sleeps, ready to strike him down with her dagger. But to her surprise, Spero is not as defenseless as she thought, and he kicks her back. Their eyes lock in a brief yet intense exchange of words until she whispers, "¦¥¦Õ?¦Ì¦Å¦Ñ¦Ï?" Energy begins to gather at her feet and form into a small circle. Green vita forms from her soles and travels up her body as the light dissipates rapidly. She rushes at Spero, who manages to evade her attack by shifting to the side. He tugs at her shirt, pulls her closer, and delivers a fatal blow to her chest with his sword. WHOOSH! The assassin reappears in front of Spero clutching her dagger once more. "¦¥¦Õ?¦Ì¦Å¦Ñ¦Ï?" she whispers again, She charges at Spero with relentless determination. Spero quickly dodges her lethal strike once more, but this time she anticipates his move and ducks. In a split second, he adjusts his grip on his blade and executes a swift strike, cutting her throat. WHOOSH! She appears in front of Spero, dagger in hand. She thinks, He''s a lot harder to fight than I heard. This is going to take a while. She faces off against Spero, their blades clashing in a flurry of steel. She blocks his first strike, but Spero dodges her subsequent attacks and scores a deep cut across her chest. WHOOSH! Undeterred, she recalibrates her strategy, recalling Spero''s tendency to shift to her left side. With a decisive thrust, she surprises him with her hidden blade, drawing a gasp of pain as it finds its mark in his ribs. Spero seizes her wrist, overpowering her with a forceful twist that leads to a sickening CRACK as her wrist snaps. Spero extracts the knife lodged in his side and aims for her vulnerable neck. WHOOSH! She tries again, and the woman pulls the blade out just in time, aiming for Spero''s ribs once more, only to have her hand deflected by his swift smack. She backs away. What? That didn''t happen last time... I stabbed him in the previous run. Taking a moment to gather her breath, she wipes sweat from her brow and then her cheek. I can''t keep using my ability this quickly. I need to step up the pace. She activates her ability, and she continues the duel with her bounty. Each skirmish ends with her death as she constantly resets her approach, analyzing Spero''s tactics and adjusting hers accordingly. Yet, with each reset, the outcome seems to only shift slightly, keeping her on her toes. 1...2....5...8 I need to create space; my timer is about to finish. Aware of the dwindling time on her internal clock, she manages to retreat a few paces, feeling the weight of exhaustion settling in, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she readies herself for the next round of their battle. How the hell is he doing that? Why do his attack patterns keep changing? It shouldn''t be possible! After a few new save points and resets the assassin finds herself on the brink of exhaustion, but her determination to claim the coveted bounty keeps her going. Okay...just a couple more times. Her energy levels are rapidly depleting, with each inhale through her nose, she draws in the last ounces of her reserve strength. With a voice strained but unwavering, she speaks, "¦¥¦Õ?¦Ì¦Å¦Ñ¦Ï?" "¦¥¦Õ?¦Ì¦Å¦Ñ¦Ï?" Spero''s eyes lock onto his opponent and he smiles as they exchange identical words, a moment of eerie connection before the battle erupts. He runs forward and his fist connects with a swift punch to her face, followed by a solid kick to her hip. Grappling with ferocity, he rains down non-lethal blows upon her. The woman''s expression shifts, worry creeping into her features as the countdown in Spero''s mind reaches ten seconds. At this critical moment, Spero pushes her away, the force of his action sends her stumbling back. Frustration boils within the assassin as she bellows out the word, "¦¥¦Õ?¦Ì¦Å¦Ñ¦Ï?". Energy engulfs her. Blades collide, and Spero delivers a punishing uppercut to her stomach, following through with a strike piercing her chest. Time seems to stand still as the blade slashes down her body. WHOOSH! The woman''s gaze meets Spero''s across a distance of a few meters. STAB! A sharp, searing pain lances through her as she looks down to see the sword embedded in her chest. In Spero''s perspective, he has just completed the count and she jumps back, creating distance between them. In a heartbeat, he seizes the opportunity, flipping his blade around and launching it like a javelin, hurtling straight toward her with unerring accuracy. The woman falls to her knees, blood spilling from her lips. In a weary and breathless tone, "How....did you...?", she struggles to speak amidst coughs and gasps for air, Spero approaches her deliberately, a sense of accomplishment visible in his gait. "It took a sometime, but I managed to figure it out." Kneeling before her, he meets her dimly lit eyes, "I haven''t practiced my Greek in a while, but I guess it came in handy." Her question echoes, "how?" "Time abilities tend not to work against me", he states as he removes the sword from her chest, his stare unwavering. She can manipulate time? How is this allowed? The Timekeeper would have prevented her from using this.... unless...those damn deities get to pick and choose. She slumps over, blood trickling from the wound, but Spero steadies her by the shoulder, refusing to let her fall. I need a power like this, something more, anything! As his hand starts emitting black energy, his eyes transform into the unmistakable chaos symbol. A dark voice echoes in the depths of his mind as Spero stares down at his prey. "DO IT!"
The assassin''s eyes widen in fear as Spero places his hand on top of her head, the dark energy emanating from his palm enveloping her face. The woman''s piercing screams fill the air as her vibrant green energy oozes out from every pore of her body. It flows into Spero''s hand, merging with it in a pulsating dance of light and darkness. The woman''s eyes dim, and her body goes limp and lifeless, collapsing to the ground. Spero inspects his hand, now pulsing with the new, potent energy that had been absorbed from the woman. A surge of power courses through him, filling his sense of strength and control. CH. 26 Spero makes his way back to Anshan. He sets his sights on paying a visit to the enigmatic Nefarious at his hidden lair. As Spero approaches the dimly lit chamber, it is filled with the musky scent of potions and arcane energies crackling in the air. Nefarious stands among his mystical concoctions, his sharp eyes fixated on a vial filled with an unknown substance. Nefarious approaches a table where a bird¡¯s corpse lays still, its feathers ruffled in the dim light. Pouring the mysterious liquid over the bird''s body, he utters ancient incantations causing a magical circle to illuminate the room. The bird stirs, its movements erratic and unsettling as life returns to its once-still body.
¡°Ooo¡­. spooky¡± a voice chimes in with a hint of amusement. Spero stands casually to the side of the room, his presence unnoticed until that moment. Nefarious, unamused by the interruption, fixes Spero with a cool stare, ¡°Can¡¯t you knock like everyone else?¡± Spero steps forward with a mischievous glint in his eye as he watches the revived bird take flight, ¡°It¡¯s more fun this way.¡± The sorcerer lets out a weary sigh, ¡°How can I assist you?¡± ¡°I recently saw an old acquittance of yours¡± as Spero paces the room. Nefarious raises a single eyebrow. ¡°I met with Zatara, and she mentioned some information about that Demon God, you told me about,¡± Spero reveals. The sorcerer rolls his eyes and mutters dismissively, ¡°Oh her, my old apprentice, how is that mischievous woman doing?¡± Spero a bit shocked at this reveal, continues, ¡°She said that Asto Vidatu has an item called the ethereal rope?¡± ¡°Ah yes, that is one of the main reasons I went looking into the cave. The energy properties of that rope astonish me. Similar to that of the reaper¡¯s scythe, I would love to get my hands on it and examine it.¡± Spero leans in closer, his hand resting on the table, ¡°And how would someone grab it exactly?¡± Nefarious falls silent for a moment, a knowing smirk playing on his lips, ¡°The weapons a demon possesses is not just a tool they carry, but an extension of themselves. Demons never leave their weapons unattended.¡± ¡°Then why go into the cave?¡± Spero asks with a hint of caution. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. ¡°General knowledge, perhaps a scroll indicating information about the rope itself, maybe some books on demonic biology. Asto Vidatu is a scholar such as myself, we ponder the aspects of death and being able to extract life from the lifeless. Sadly, I was not able to search for long.¡± Spero places his hand on his chin and inquires, ¡°You told me that the demonic beasts should have migrated by now. If I were to bring back some information, would you be able to decipher it for me?¡± A grin spreads across the sorcerer¡¯s face, ¡°I would gladly.¡± Nefarious steps towards him. Spero instinctively steps back. Nefarious''s gaze falls upon Spero''s pouch as he mentions, ¡°Now let¡¯s discuss what you¡¯ve been hiding since our first visit.¡± Spero is caught off guard, ¡°You knew this whole time?¡± Nefarious moves towards his chair, taking a seat behind the table. ¡°Of course, it permeates dark energy. At first, I was not sure if it was your aura or something else.¡± Spero pulls the ring out. Before he can fully bask in the glory of this discovery, Nefarious suddenly rises from his seat, eyes wide with shock. ¡°How the hell did you get that?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll tell you later,¡± Spero replies. Nefarious holds the ring up to a flame to examine its features. ¡°Oh my, it''s as beautiful as the tales have told,¡± he mutters, almost to himself. ¡°Zatara told me not to use it, but since I¡¯m heading to that cave, maybe you could give me some insight.¡± Nefarious pauses, ¡°Well, that is one thing she and I agree on.¡± Nefarious began cautiously, ¡°This artifact is far beyond your capabilities. Solomon was a world-class mage, surpassing even the Divine Covenant in his prime. But one thing I can recommend is this: keep this ring hidden. It holds immense power, and the whispers it carries can lead even the strongest astray.¡± Spero nods solemnly, tucking the ring away before preparing to depart. However, just as he turns to leave, Nefarious halts him with a final inquiry, ¡°You didn¡¯t mention to Zatara who provided you the information about Asto Vidatu did you?¡± Shaken by the implication in Nefarious'' question, Spero meets his gaze with a steely resolve, assuring him with a slight shake of his head. "No, I didn''t," he replies firmly. ¡°Good, I do not wish for any uninvited guests.¡± Spero takes his leave. Spero stands atop the hill outside the city, the wind tousling his hair as he calls out for Astral. He speaks, "I¡¯m pretty sure you already know, but I will be going to the Cave of Asto Vidatu." Astral listens, a hint of disappointment in his expression. "And I know that no matter what I say, you will go anyway," he remarks. "But I can at least make it easier for you." Spero opens his ears keenly to Astral''s words. Astral continues, ¡°Magic seals from Demonic Magic are more difficult to break, so the method of traversing the mana circle is backward to what you¡¯re used to.¡±
¡°I need to concentrate my energy flow in the opposite direction?¡± ¡°Not just that¡± Astral elaborates, his tone serious. ¡°You also need to worry about counter spells and undetectable traps. Demonic magic is highly sophisticated; eons of development have made most of its properties still foreign to modern magic.¡± Spero agrees, but before Astral leaves, he offers a warning, ¡°If you happen to encounter a Daeva¡­ do not hesitate to use that ring¡­.¡± Spero contemplates this new information with a furrowed brow, as this contradicts everything the mages spoke. He gazes down at the intricate ring resting in the palm of his hand. As Astral teleports away, Spero slowly returns the ring to its rightful place in his pouch.
CH. 27 A few days pass. Before setting off to the cave, Spero makes a stop at Ramin''s shop to gather supplies. As he pushed open the creaking door, his eyes fell upon the familiar sight of Ramin assembling a gadget. "What are you working on?" Spero asks. As Ramin delicately places the parts together he responds, "It''s just a toy a customer ordered. anyway, what can I help you with?" Spero lists, "I need some lockpicks, trap disarms, and some vials for sample collection." "Sample collection? That''s a new one", Ramin remarks. "Yeah well, this mission is new," Spero responds. Ramin raises an intrigued eyebrow, "I know we usually keep our engagements professional, but may I ask what this might entail?" Spero leans in, "I do have a favor to ask..." The shopkeeper leans in as well. Spero continues, "Once I return, I want you to keep some of the items I find and look at their contents" Ramin stares at Spero, uncertainty written all over his face., "You''re not leaving me with a griffin''s heart again, are you?" he asks, a hint of fear in his voice. Spero looks him straight in the eye, his expression serious yet full of trust., "No, no... but you''re the only person I know who can keep these safe." Ramin nods slowly. He gathers the items for Spero. Once the transaction is complete Spero leaves for his journey.
As he makes his way through the dense forest surrounding the area, a sense of peril looms closer with every step. Upon reaching an open clearing, the ground is littered with bones and remnants of nests left behind by demonic creatures. Spero picks up a tooth from the ground, unsure what animal it could belong to. He carefully collects the tooth, traces of dried blood, and decaying flesh, in vials for further examination. Ahead, the cave entrance waits, its dark maw beckoning Spero to explore its depths. Mindful of the potential threats lurking within, Spero proceeds cautiously, studying the surroundings for any sign of traps. He notices old footprints on the ground and decides to step on each one, following a path towards the cavern entrance. As he nears the opening, a sense of danger stops him in his tracks. Placing his hands on the rocky surface, Spero channels his energy, sensing hidden traps that lie ahead, including one directly in front of him. Recalling the advice given by Astral regarding the nature of demonic magic, Spero focuses his energy, unleashing it in reverse, and begins to disarm the spell. He unravels the intricate eight-structure lock spell, attempting to break the barrier that stands in his way. After 20 minutes pass, Spero finally takes a step through the entrance of the cave. With cautious steps, he ventures inside, his senses alert and his eyes scanning every shadowy corner. As he advances further, a glint of light catches his attention, leading him to a thin string carefully laid along the wall. He takes out a trap disarmer, he uses the tool to clamp the string in place, keeping it tightened, he then cuts the end and glues it to the ground. Spero navigates through the study and deactivates the hidden traps and alarms spread throughout. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
The shelves are lined with mysterious potions and jars akin to those found in Nefarious''s quarters. Spero''s eyes settle on a small jar on a lower shelf, which he stows away in his pouch. His curiosity piques, Spero turns his attention to a library of books. Among them, he discovers a book with an unlabeled spine. He pulls it from the shelf and cautiously opens it, revealing a trove of information within. The pages are filled with entries, intricate sketches of magic circles, mysterious rune symbols, and detailed lists of ingredients. However, Spero is unable to decipher the writings. He places the journal in his bag, Spero walks to the main table covered with several maps and scrolls. His eyes lock onto the maps, detailing the known lands and peculiar spots marked in red like drops of blood. The calligraphy is a bit rough but Spero can read it. A sense of foreboding creeps over him as he recognizes the name.
"Ahriman", isn''t that the Demon God of Chaos? Are these locations of their bases? Spero takes the map and beside it lies scrolls, tightly sealed with wax. As his fingernail claws under the wax, a slight rush of energy tingles his fingertips. Ignoring the sensation, Spero carefully unfurls the scroll and scans the unfamiliar scripts etched upon it, the words remaining a mystery to him. This is written in the same demon language as the journal; it must be Daimon. Maybe Nefarious can translate this. Turning his attention to another scroll, he is met with a peculiar sight¡ªan intricate illustration of landmasses adorned with cryptic symbols. As he delves deeper, he falls upon a detailed sketch of a goblet. This... looks familiar. He paces his finger down the drawing, its sides marked with enigmatic lines. 5, 6, 7... 7 lines? And next to it are the words written, "J¨¡m" Grappling to understand the cryptic information, a distant memory struck. A tale that Anahita shared with him when he was young. A mythical chalice gifted by the gods to a legendary king. The cup that promised eternal life to those who dared to sip from its rim. The Cup of Jamshid. Are the daevas searching for this relic? Yet, before Spero could absorb the full weight of the scroll''s message, a malevolent presence crept upon him, sending a shiver down his spine. Spero turns rapidly and looks up. Don''t hold back! BLAST, BOOM. A deafening explosion tears through the cave roof, unleashing a torrent of fiery energy. Spero draws his sword with lightning speed, blocking the searing assault with a resounding clash. The sheer force of the impact sends him hurtling across the cave, crashing into the rock face. Pain sears through his body as he struggles to rise, his battered arms quivering with the effort. His sword cracked and was on the brink of collapse. Through a haze of agony, Spero''s gaze lifts to behold a being cloaked in shadow, an ominous figure whose malevolent aura eclipsed the very sunlight above. The enemy''s piercing red eyes burn onto his prey below.
CH. 28 Spero brushes off the dust and debris, feeling the hairs on his arm stand up. The mysterious man drives his blade into the ground with a sharp clang. "You''re still alive, very impressive." his voice dripping with a hint of amusement. In a flash, the man appears in front of Spero, he strikes his fingers forward like a knife. Spero narrowly dodges, feeling a slight graze of the man''s fingernails against the side of his neck. Spero strikes his sword down, only to shatter upon impact as the man deflects the blow with his forearm. Shards of metal scatter through the air as Spero runs for the cave exit. As he dashes through the study the light from outside gets brighter, SMACK, Spero is knocked back. The man stands in his way as he intercepts his attempted escape. I didn''t see him move! The man locks eyes with Spero. "What a surprise that you''d be here?", he muses, flicking off a stray piece of stone from his shoulder. "When I sensed an alarm was set off, I just knew I had to see it myself." Advancing slowly toward Spero, the man scans the room with a knowing smile, "Ah you''ve done some reading, how nice?" Spero''s patience wanes, "What do you want?" The man halts abruptly and slowly turns his head to him, "What all the gods want." Spero leaps back as the man''s sword slashes up at him. "You''re more notable than I''ve been told" he congratulates. Without hesitation, Spero activates one of his abilities, Victory Calls. A rush of gold energy covers his body like a layer of armor. "Angelic magic, you truly are the son of Verethragna" The man states. He rushes at him and kicks him with a foot covered in red flames. It sends Spero flying back. "It seems my magic still has some effect on you, Divinian." Spero contemplates, What the hell was that fire, it was magic, but why did it hurt so much? Is this what Astral was warning me about? Spero activates his Chaos eyes and his Sword of Madness. A grim smile crosses the man''s face. Spero uses his mirage of shadows and sends some shadow slices towards the enemy. With a single stroke of his sword, the man effortlessly disperses the mirages. They rush at each other. Spero''s Chaos eyes analyze the potential moves, though the foe''s tactics prove challenging to anticipate. The man swings his sword, and Spero blocks, but the man''s sword goes through his Madness blade and Spero cuts his shoulder. "Well, well, well, that''s a nice blade you have. Made of pure darkness, tangible yet intangible at your command." The enemy acknowledges. Spero tries to anticipate the next move, but a surge of red energy propels from the man''s fist, striking Spero with a force that cracks his golden armor. The impact sends him tumbling to the ground, fortunately, he manages to catch himself. A foot slams down and Spero spins himself out of the way. He kicks the man in his ankle, then punches the back of his knee to halt his advancement. Creating distance between them, Spero observes in astonishment as the cut on the man''s shoulder heals before his eyes. Great... that makes things easier. That last attack wasn''t Mana...that was pure Vita energy. The strength of him is insane. My eyes are barely able to read him. His speed is similar to my father''s. Their blades clash and Spero aims a powerful left hook at the man''s kidney, only to discover that his adversary''s body seems impenetrably hardened, absorbing the blow with little effect. The man retaliates by head-butting Spero, blurring his vision for a second. Spero wraps his arms around his body and grips his hands together. He pushes his right knee in between his legs and spins around bringing his enemy to the ground. Spero gets above him, he smashes a couple of punches, most are either blocked or dodged, but manages to land only two. He tries to strike his sword down, but the man pushes his foot into Spero''s hip, bumping him off. Regaining his footing, the man rises to his feet and casually cracks his neck. "That was a good one. Maybe you should join us?" Spero stands baffled. "What the hell are you talking about?" "You know far better than anyone that the daevas have an interest in you." "How would you know?" The man''s smile fades. He rushes at Spero again and sends a fiery punch. Spero deflects the fiery blow with his Blade of Sorrow. It scarcely slows down his enemy. "I know what it must feel like." The man speaks as their blades clash, "Not knowing what you are, being abandoned by everyone around you." A sharp slash meets Spero''s thigh. Spero redirects his blade towards the man''s forearm, drawing blood and momentarily halting the next strike. "They label you a monster and leave you for dead." his voice tinged with bitterness.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Spero approaches a cabinet full of potions and topples it down on the man. The enemy blasts through it all with a burst of flames. "Both taken by gods, criticized for being different." Spero stops. "Taken by gods?" He mentioned angelic magic, his fire is deadly, his strength high, and my powers seem to barely affect him. "You''re a Nephilim?!" A hearty chuckle escapes the man''s lips, "You are quite the surprise indeed." Unleashing the power of Pit of Despair, Spero envelopes himself in a swirling vortex of blue energy, leaving the Nephilim momentarily dazed, thinking, This is peculiar. Why do I sense the feeling of dread, my lust for violence depleting? This power feels... relaxing. Spero sprints towards the cave''s exit, BOOM, SMACK, he is abruptly hurled back by a powerful force, crashing to the ground again. The man advances. "This conversation is far from over." Spero faces the relentless strikes of the Nephilim, overwhelmed by the onslaught. Despite his efforts to defend himself with both his madness and sorrow weapons, they prove ineffective. As Spero attempts to use his technique of Randomize but realizes his energy levels are too depleted. With each blow landing on him - an uppercut to the gut, a sharp elbow to his jaw, and countless slashes across his body - Spero senses his strength waning. The cuts on his skin sting with every movement. His body, getting heavier and more numb. His chest burns with each laborious breath, his nostrils failing him as he struggles to draw air through his mouth. Sweat envelopes his skin, his muscles scream in agony as he fights to lift his sword, the weight feeling like a burden of a hundred kilograms. As Spero''s vision blurs and the sounds around him fade into a distant hum, his legs tremble to maintain his stance, his mind is consumed by one resolute thought... Survive. Struggling to defend himself as he is mercilessly tossed and pushed around. The Nephilim''s face lowers, "This is beginning to bore me." As the half-demon stands still, Spero catches his breath, unluckily his leg gives out, and he falls to one knee. A burst of hot air brushes his face, and a bright orange glow reflects in his eyes as the Nephilim conjures a large ball of flame. Spero''s jaw drops in awe, That''s not magic... that''s spirit energy... that''s... "Hellfire!" the half-demon shoots a powerful spiral of flames. Spero plunges his sword into the ground and pushes his body away. The scorching heat sears his right side as if 10,000 needles pierce his flesh and melt his skin. Rolling on the ground in agony, Spero fights to extinguish the fire that threatens to consume him. As he looks up, his breath rags and his body trembles, a wave of nausea washes over him. Struggling to hold back the urge to vomit, Spero''s body teeters on the brink of collapse, Survive, Survive, SURVIVE! In the heat of the moment, a sliver of crackling energy surges through Spero''s veins, empowering his fingertips as he aims toward the imposing Nephilim. With a defiant gesture, a brilliant streak of green energy is unleashed from the ring on his hand, transforming into a piercing laser that shoots through the half-demon''s thigh with unyielding force. Spero''s mind echoes with the words of Astral''s warning, "If you happen to encounter a Daeva... do not hesitate to use that ring..." Frantically rummaging through his pouch, Spero''s heart races as he clutches the ring tightly. Another searing blast engulfs Spero, but the fire dissipates immediately leaving him momentarily frozen, his eyes glazed over in an otherworldly trance. As the Nephilim advances cautiously towards him, curiosity mingles with trepidation in his stare. Suddenly, a sinister sensation surges forth from Spero''s being, shrouding him in swirling black infernos tinged with vivid blood-red hues. The unknowable transformation causes his Chaos eyes to swirl erratically, embodying a pure darkness that seems to give life to a threatening shadow that looms around him. The Nephilim falters, consumed by a potent brew of fear and impending doom as the very essence of Spero shifts before his eyes.
Spero extends his hand with a mesmerizing grace, his lips parting slightly as he utters. "Sword of Descru..." The half-demon activates his demonic blood sword, its surface pulsating with hellfire and vivid red energy. He drives the blade deep into Speros'' left side, and the impact hurls him towards the cave entrance, causing it to crumble. As Speros succumbs to unconsciousness, the Nephilim gathers himself and strides towards his fallen foe. "You didn''t kill him, did you?" a voice interrupts the scene. The half-demon turns, "Of course not master." A tall and bulky stature, the demon god emerges, his sinister grin forms across his face, "Excellent work my apprentice, he will be most pleased."
Drawing closer to their incapacitated target, the demon god employs his spiked club to move Speros'' body, revealing a glinting object on his finger that emits a faint blue glow. Confused, both lean in to inspect the mysterious object, and they take a large leap back.
"What the hell? How is that possible?!" The Nephilim spouts. "Damn it, don''t touch him!" the demon god commands. "Now what?" "Let''s clean up Asto Vidatu''s mess and collect as much as we can." Before departing, the duo hastily gather valuable scrolls and books and set ablaze the remnants of the cave. Time slips by when a group of Persian soldiers maneuvers through some bushes. A cry pierces the air, "There! I found him!" Cyrus dashes past the soldier and presses his ear against Spero''s chest. "He''s still alive!" Nefarious emerges from behind and casts a healing spell. "This will keep his wounds closed temporarily." Cyrus faces the sorcerer. "Thank you. What could have done this?" Nefarious looks at Cyrus and the damaged cave. "Daevas..." he whispers. As Darius rushes to join them, his usual eloquence abandons him in the face of such devastation, "How?...I''ve never..." he stutters. A collective gasp of shock reverberates through the group of soldiers as they take in Spero''s battered condition. It was a sight unprecedented in decades, Spero of the Red Sand, renowned for his strength and resilience, was now in a state of turmoil. Nefarious addresses Darius, "Go into the cave and see if you can salvage anything." Darius, torn between concern and skepticism, nods, "Yes sir." Cyrus gently lifts Spero''s limp form and places him on a makeshift cart. He and the others gather what remnants they could salvage before embarking on the journey back to Anshan. CH. 29 Spero blinks his eyes a few times as the unfamiliar surroundings of the infirmary slowly come into focus around him. To his surprise, Cyrus and Nefarious were by his side, their expressions a mix of relief and concern. "You''re lucky to be alive." Nefarious states while sitting calmly next to the bedside. Conversely, Cyrus was pacing restlessly in a corner of the room, "How could you go alone?" Despite the pain washing over him, Spero musters the strength to push himself into a sitting position, wincing as a wave of discomfort engulfs him. "If it weren''t for Nefarious you would be dead," Cyrus shouts. Spero turns to look at Nefarious back at Cyrus. "It was meant to be a simple recon mission," he explains, "Get in and get out." Cyrus halts, "Even for you, this was foolish." "What happened?" Nefarious cuts in. "As I read some scrolls, the roof caved in and... a man showed up." Spero shares. Cyrus gets closer, and Spero continues "It was a Nephilim. " Nefarious and Cyrus''s eyes meet. "How is that possible? They were all whipped out from the great flood" Cyrus interjects. "Majority were, however, daevas have continued to create offsprings. Many died during infancy but the few that didn''t, are not to be taken lightly." Nefarious adds. "He said that he was also taken by a god, he knew about my father, he knew about me." Spero warns. Nefarious says under his breath, "A Nephilim taken by a god..." Cyrus gets his attention, "Do you know who this could be?" Nefarious raises his head, "The only known daeva to take a half-breed would be... Aeshma" Cyrus raises his voice, "The Demon God of Wrath!"This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it "Precisely" he turns to Spero, "If he showed up during your encounter, you would be nothing but ash." Spero glances up, "I found a map, with indicators. Maybe it''s their bases or places they have searched. But one thing for certain... they are looking for the Cup of Jamshid." "The chalice that grants immortality, and to see premonitions of the future." Nefarious shares. Cyrus interrupts, "This is not for us to intervene! We are mortals, this is a job for the Yazatas. We can''t face demons." "These demons are after me, you expect us to wait for these gods that do nothing?" Spero argues "They may be after you, but you''re the one chasing them." Spero and Cyrus stand in silence. "We will discuss this later; I have some matters to attend to." Cyrus stomps out. "What else did you find?" Nefarious asks curiously. "There are some journals and scrolls in my bag, you haven''t checked?" Spero replies. "No, Cyrus didn''t allow anyone to ruffle through your belongings. They are with the shopkeeper, Ramin, is his name I believe?" "Yes, most of the contents are written in Daimon, and there are some samples I collected." "Very well I will examine them in my study." Nefarious leaves for Ramin''s shop. After a few hours had passed, Spero''s eyes flutter open once more and he finds himself bathed in a dazzling bright blue glow. Astral is seated by the bedside. "I''m surprised you don''t have any burn marks from that hellfire." Spero turns to him, "More visitors, great." "He has the demon god of wrath helping him as well, this has escalated far beyond your capabilities." "Who has the power to command such high daevas? It can''t be one of the twin gods?" "No, well not yet... but the Cup of Jamshid. They can''t get their hands on that." "What do you suggest? I nearly got killed by a halfling, there''s no way I can stop multiple demon gods." Astral stands up from the chair, he approaches the small pouch placed nearby and points towards it. "You need to learn how to use this ring. I would prefer if you didn''t, but you no longer have a choice. There are more demonic creatures in their control, they will come for you." Spero stares at him with blood-stained eyes, "Tell me, who is the one leading them." Astral takes a slight breath, "You will eventually learn, but I truly hope you never do." Astral vanishes away. Spero slams his fist on the edge of the bed. The more I learn the more that''s hidden from me.... Damn it all! Spero reaches for the ring and peers into the gleaming gem, hoping for a sign, a clue, any hint of what was to come. A faint echo brushes against his ears, "Condemn, unlock your thoughts, unforgivable." As the whispers in his mind grow louder, Spero feels both a pull towards the unknown and a sense of apprehension. He hurls the ring back into the pouch. He looks up at the ceiling, his eyes whimpering.
CH. 30
Nefarious examines the documents that Spero collected from the demon¡¯s cave. Darius passes by and hands him a flask. ¡°What is this for?¡± ¡°I need to examine the biology of this organic material Spero collected,¡± Nefarious responds. Darius scans a page of the journal and sees sketches of demonic symbols. ¡°Should we be delving into these kinds of things? If the people found out about this-¡° ¡°Do not worry, my student. This information is to be kept solely between the prince and us,¡± Nefarious reassures him. ¡°I never expected Spero actually to face a daeva, I thought he was more careful than that.¡± ¡°Even the wise can be fooled by curiosity.¡± Nefarious mixes some translucent orange liquid into the flask as he sprinkles pieces of dried flesh. ¡°Do you wonder why they have an interest in him?¡± Nefarious halts his experiment and turns to Darius. ¡°His powers are unique, his vita energy is unlike anything I¡¯ve sensed, his mana is delicate yet complex, and his aura leaks malice.¡± ¡°So, they just want his powers?¡± ¡°It¡¯s far more complicated than that. They wish to turn him. Daevas wouldn¡¯t waste their time. If they wanted his energy they would have killed him by now.¡± Darius gets a serious look and his mind races. ¡°Lately I have noticed Spero to be a bit more distant. I haven¡¯t trained with him for a while now and he¡¯s been using his powers more often.¡± ¡°Keep an eye on him, the more you observe, the better you will understand the situation. This applies to magic and those you surround yourself with.¡± Darius catches the tension in Nefarious¡¯s voice and heeds his words but brushes off the creeping paranoia that threatens to cloud his judgment. As they delve deeper into the cryptic files, he gathers some more items for the sorcerer.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. ********** Spero lies on the bed, taking a sip of water and closing his eyes. When he opens them again, he is standing in a dark corridor. With each step he takes forward, the walls crack and the floor crumbles behind him. The surroundings shatter, leaving only a dark void in its wake. A voice, familiar, calls out to him. "Spero, your survival is impressive. You prove yourself more and more with each challenge you face." Spero turns around, trying to locate the source of the voice. ¡°You¡¯ve learned about my secret. The cup, yes the cup is what I seek.¡± Spero speaks, ¡°What do you want with that chalice?¡± ¡°Ah, it is not for me, it is for a far greater being. We will finally stop the Yazatas and destroy those pesky gods.¡± ¡°Then go do it, leave me out of this.¡± ¡°Tisk tisk tisk, oh Spero, you do not realize. Your power is far too important for this plan.¡± ¡°Why? What¡¯s so great that you must constantly annoy me?¡± Suddenly, cracks begin forming in the void, and dark blue energy seeps through them. ¡°You have a power that our demons do not possess. Ahriman needs it. So close you are to him, so similar.¡± ¡°I am nothing like you daevas.¡± The cracks grow stronger. ¡°You hate the gods as much as we do, you have a sinister within that you can¡¯t hold back for much longer, you yearn for power!¡± His fists clench as he activates his Chaos eyes. ¡°Yes, those are the precious jewels we search for¡± the demon god speaks. As the cracks spread around him, visions start peering into his mind. Images of fire, blood, and destruction, as a shadow reaches out for him. Spero unleashes a blast of energy. ¡°Who the fuck are you?!¡± The cracks fade away, plunging Spero into an abyss of darkness. From the depths emerges a pair of piercing dark blue eyes, gazing intently at him. Strands of inky black hair reach out like grasping vines, ensnaring Spero''s limbs, while a gaping maw splits open with tusk-like fangs inching menacingly closer to his face. A sense of dread, akin to his harrowing encounter with the Nephilim, sends involuntary shivers down his spine.
¡°I am, Aka Manah.¡± Spero¡¯s once-flushed skin turns an ashen hue. Demon God of the Mind Spero fights frantically against the encroaching god, straining to free himself from the suffocating hold of the demonic force. A surge of raw energy surrounds him as he wrenches and twists, each strand of hair tearing away with agonizing slowness. The Demon engulfs Spero in its mouth, engulfing him whole. Spero''s consciousness flickers back to life, he finds himself jolting awake in a cold sweat, his heart thundering in his chest. Gasping for breath, he surveys his surroundings, the sights of the infirmary grounding him back to reality. With a sigh of relief, he sinks back onto the bed, the remnants of his nightmarish torment still vivid in his mind. CH. 31 Spero, now almost completely healed, can stand and walk around for short periods. ¡°I knew you were faking your injuries.¡± the voice taunts at him. Spero turns to see Nazanin entering with a freshly baked loaf of bread in hand. She playfully tears off a piece and offers it to Spero. ¡°How¡¯d you know I was here?¡± Spero inquires. ¡°I ran into Cyrus a day ago. After his rant about how you¡¯re careless, and you never ask for help, blah blah blah, he told me where you were.¡± Spero gives an embarrassing smirk as he bites into the bread. They both sit on the edge of the bed. ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Nazanin voices softly. ¡°I¡¯m almost healed, I should be out of here pretty soon.¡± ¡°I can see that, but I mean, how are you actually feeling?¡± Spero looks at her with puzzled eyes, ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡± She scoots closer to him ¡°You were hurt pretty badly; I mean you almost died. Someone as strong as you -¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been close to death before¡­¡± Nazanin, sees Spero¡¯s hand slightly tremble as he goes for another bite. His gaze tilts away from her. She gently places her hand over his. ¡°This time seems different, right?¡± Spero sighs a bit. ¡°You¡¯re right, this time¡­I actually¡­felt, afraid.¡± Spero straightens his back. ¡°Of course, I¡¯ve felt fear before, especially when I was a child, but¡­ I¡¯ve never truly felt the fear of potentially dying. I¡¯ve always known that I would make it out alive, this time, I wasn¡¯t so sure.¡± Nazanin leans her shoulder against his. ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re back¡± Spero¡¯s ears and cheeks flush as his body gets tense. He glances at her and relaxes. They finish the bread together.
Spero, having finally recovered from his injuries, is training in a vast field. As he gazes down at his hand, the memory of his intense fight with the Nephilim flashes before his eyes. He extends his hand, seeking to replicate the powerful attack he unleashed in that fateful confrontation. Focusing intently, Spero taps into the Vita energy coursing through him, channeling green light to his fingertips. The light envelops his hand as he unleashes a slender beam of energy into the distance. ¡°You gained a new energy type. Congrats¡± Astral voices uninvited. ¡°You always come and go as you please huh?¡± Spero challenges. ¡°What number is that now?¡± ¡°Well, I have Onyx, Azure, Crimson, Gold, and now Verdant¡± ¡°Yeah, but this one is Vita correct? Your other abilities are variations of Aura and Mana?¡± With a nod of acknowledgment, Spero launches another burst of energy, the raw power crackling in the air around him. Astral materializes beside him, observing the pulsating energy with keen interest.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. ¡°You were born with red, blue, and black; gold was given to you, but this green energy, how did you obtain it?¡± Spero halts and replies slowly. ¡°I took it.¡± Astral''s visage darkens with concern. ¡°How?¡± ¡°I absorbed the energy out of an assassin.¡± Astral ponders, ¡°Have you ever heard of the ancient being Volcar?¡± Spero looks at Astral with a hefty smile. ¡°Of course, a mere human who mastered all forms of spirit energy, controlling all the elements. Who gained the respect of Cosmic Entities, the Elementals.¡± ¡°Yes, as you know there are three energy types in our universe, Aura - also known as spirit energy, Mana - magic, and Vita - the energy within.¡± Astral projects a holographic diagram. ¡°All these energy types consist of ten color variants, each representing a form of energy that is used by those who can control it.¡± Spero stares at it. ¡°I know all of this already.¡± ¡°But you don¡¯t know how Volcar mastered his powers¡± Spero stays quiet and focuses on Astral¡¯s words. Astral continues, ¡°When Volcar was studying magic he failed time and time again to conjure the simplest of spells. He studied desperately and learned all he could about energy transfer and manipulation. However, one day he realized he was attuned to Aura, and he was able to slightly move the current of a nearby stream. With this, Volcar mastered the element of water. But he was not content with this. He wanted to control more elements but failed again and again. He observed the way water moved, the way it, flowed, and how its form changed shape. A bright idea popped into his mind. He decided to restudy the basics of magic, alchemy. What if he used the same steps of alchemy to convert, generate, and control the energy? He focused on his Aura and went through these steps, using the energy to transfer it to other elemental types. Finally, Volcar was able to master all elements. He was able to control all of the elements at once, using all energy variants simultaneously is almost an impossible feat for a mortal. His power rose significantly that the Elementals sought him out. They asked for him to become a deity, but he refused to join their ranks. This caused conflict with Volcar and they battled. Able hold his own for a while but ultimately was beaten. The Cosmic Entities made a deal with him however, they will all provide him a source of their power as long as he became a guardian of the elements.¡±
Spero frowns and his eyebrows pinch together. ¡°So, the deities gifted him golden chains.¡± Astral ignores his comment. ¡°If you were to implement these same steps Volcar did, perhaps you would also gain more energy types.¡± Spero stares intently at his hand as he absorbs this information. The ability to harness multiple energy types simultaneously could be the key to unlocking a multitude of new powers and abilities, propelling Spero towards a realm of strength akin to that of the gods. Spero attempts to use his Verdant and Onyx energy, but the power dissipates before he can fully activate them. ¡°I¡¯ll let you get to it,¡± Astral says. ¡°Wait.¡± Spero stops him. ¡°Who is Aka Manah?¡± Spero questions. A hush falls over the surrounding environment, the tension palpable in the stillness that descends upon the scene. The only sound that dares to break the silence is the whispering breath of the wind. ¡°How do you know that name?¡± ¡°The Demon God of the Evil Mind, he visited me when I was healing, he trapped me in another illusion. Why did you hide his identity from me?¡± ¡°He who says his name will be found, he who calls for him will be lost.¡± ¡°What does it matter? He already knows how to contact me¡± ¡°You need to push him back, do not engage with him when he interacts with you. The more you let him in, the higher chance he has to control you.¡± Astral reveals. Spero calms down a bit. ¡°Are they just toying with me? They can take me at any time¡± ¡°There could be a chance that he doesn¡¯t know your exact location, only that he can simply connect with you. Daevas are selfish creatures, they will do everything their way, Aka Manah especially enjoys long torture, he hates taking the easy route.¡± Astral vanishes leaving Spero to contemplate his next move in solitude. Gathering his thoughts, he materializes before Chronos. ¡°Timekeeper, it seems what we feared has come. Spero can steal energy and make it his own.¡± Chronos settles into his chair, his hand gently stroking his beard in a contemplative gesture. ¡°He has joined the other anomalies. Keep a close watch, and mark down every variant he adds to his collection. We can¡¯t risk another irregular in this timeline.¡±
CH. 32 Cyrus, along with a small group of soldiers, ventures beyond the borders of Anshan into other regions of the Median empire¡ªtheir mission: is to forge alliances with the tribes residing in the surrounding territories. A soldier rides up to Cyrus. ¡°Which tribe are we meeting with first, Sir?¡± ¡°We are going to the Northeast to meet with the Sagartii.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t they just herdsman?¡± ¡°Yes they are mainly nomadic, but a branch of the Median royal family directly rules them. If we can persuade them, it would greatly increase our numbers right away.¡± They press on until they finally reach the outskirts of the tribal camp. Passing by grazing cattle, they make their way toward the heart of the settlement, where Cyrus dismounts his horse and approaches the gathered herdsman.
¡°Greetings Sagartians, I am Cyrus, son of Cambyses, Prince of Anshan.¡± A herdsman steps forward. ¡°Anshan? What brings you from all the way south, Prince?¡± ¡°My men and I are visiting all the tribes of the Median Empire to see how things are going. If enough support has been given and if there is anything that the Empire can do to improve trade among our clans.¡± ¡°It¡¯s been many moons since we last had a check-in. They usually only bring a mere scout here, not a prince from another kingdom?¡± Cyrus carefully evaluates his next words, ¡°This time is more important, as we want to bridge the gap across these lands and make trade much easier.¡± The herdsman scoffs, ¡°Trade? There is no trade with you royals, they come and take whenever they please. I don¡¯t know how it is in the south but here we are given scraps for our wares.¡± Cyrus gets a bit closer, and lowers his tone, ¡°Then it seems we have something in common.¡± The man is baffled as Cyrus continues. ¡°Lately we¡¯ve heard that Astyages has been causing a bit of trouble with tribal leaders. Punishing them over minor discrepancies.¡± ¡°Not just that, his men have been using our land without notice. Their soldiers ruined good soil.¡± The man protests. ¡°Your tribe has direct ties with the royal family yes?¡± ¡°Yes, every four seasons we have a meeting with the king and his noblemen¡± Cyrus ponders, ¡°We thought it would be best if all the tribes came together to share our grievances about Astyages and present them to the king. Perhaps you would be interested.¡±If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. The herdsman and his companions huddle together, engaging in soft murmurs and deliberations amongst themselves. ¡°Cyrus, daughter of Princess Mandane huh? It would be great to have the grandson of the king himself on our side.¡± Cyrus tilts his head down with a slight nod, ¡°Fantastic, may we find a place inside and discuss this further?¡± The nomads invite Cyrus and his men into a larger tent. After cementing their bond with the Sagartians, they set their sights on the next tribes in line. The Derusiaei, Mardi, and Dai, with their diverse strengths and loyalties, pledged their allegiance to Cyrus without reluctance. However, amidst their progress, there were a few who hesitated or clung to their fears of Astyages'' wrath, refusing to join the growing rebellion. Despite his best efforts, recruiting the elusive Panthialaei, Germanii, and Dropici proved to be a fruitless endeavor. Nevertheless, Cyrus knew that one crucial tribe still lay ahead, holding the key to the success of their uprising. He embarks on a perilous journey to the tribe of the Pasargadae, the domain of the chief tribe where the influential Achaemenid, the revered royal house of Persia, resides. The stakes were high, for the support of this powerful house could sway the other significant Persian tribes, the Maraphii and Maspii, to stand beside them in defiance. As they approach the tribal camp of Pasargadae, guarded by imposing towers and vigilant soldiers, Cyrus and his companions are met with a commanding presence. They are ordered to halt, and Cyrus speaks with authority, requesting an audience with the Achaemenidae. He proclaims his title with unwavering confidence, Cyrus is then granted passage into the heart of the tribal stronghold.
¡°The Prince of Anshan, the first time you have stepped in these walls I believe?¡± one of the royals states. ¡°Yes, I have been told about this house by my father many times, now that I am a general, I thought I would have a visit¡± Cyrus shares. The chief speaks, ¡°What favors do you have for us?¡± Cyrus casually responds, ¡°Whatever do you mean?¡± The chief takes a sip of tea. ¡°You may be the grandson of Astyages, but he does not see you as such. Anshan was a way to keep you away from the main kingdom as well as to keep your father¡¯s power in check. So why else would you be here?¡± Cyrus takes a bite of some bread. ¡°As you can see, our kingdom hasn¡¯t been the only land whose power has been limited.¡± The men begin to whisper around, as the chief silences them. ¡°You¡¯ve heard the rumors.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard and seen the truth.¡± Cyrus explains, ¡°I have visited a few of the other tribes, they shared the reprimands that have been put on them and the ridiculous demands disposed on their people.¡± ¡°Astyages and his Magi have gone mad. Believing dreams as some sort of prophecy.¡± A nobleman spouts. The chief continues, ¡°What are you proposing?¡± Cyrus sits up straight as he lowers his cup. ¡°The tribes of Sagartians, Derusiaei, Mardi, and Dai have all allied with us to show the Median Empire that we no longer wish to be treated with disrespect.¡± The chief and men all begin to chatter. ¡°Are you saying we betray the king?¡± ¡°I¡¯m saying that we need a new system of power¡± Cyrus continues. ¡°There are already small factions within the Median army that have voiced their opinions against the king. As well as some generals who have blatantly disobeyed his orders.¡± one man shares. The chief asks him, ¡°With this new power shift, who will lead? You?¡± Cyrus stands up, ¡°Have you forgotten that I am related to the royal throne? I am a direct descendant of Teispes. However, my father, Cambyses will take reign, and I will lead the charge.¡± ¡°He is right, having someone of Achaemenian decent will prove his legitimacy with the Persian people.¡± A nobleman states. The chief speaks, ¡°There will be a meeting of the high council of all tribal leaders with Astyages in a month. We will make sure that you and your father are present.¡± ¡°Thank you for your time¡± Cyrus states as he leaves the camp back to Anshan. CH. 33 Nefarious and Darius, venture out into the field. Today''s lesson focuses on the intricate art of mana infusion, specifically infusing weapons with magical energy. "The most proficient way of infusing mana into a weapon is by using Runes. These can be carved or engraved. Runes, as you know are symbols that help amplify your energy. Each rune has a meaning and by using multiple runes within a magic circle it tells the energy how you want to convert it, just like the individual steps of the spell. You must activate each one in the correct order. But instead of engraving a magic circle onto a weapon you can just engrave multiple into it because the weapon itself acts as the vessel. We use magic circles because we are the temporary vessel for the spell to be activated and the lines and circles guide the energy" Nefarious explains.
"Once we infuse the magic into the rune, what happens when the magic is depleted in the weapon?", Darius questions. "You must refill the weapon with mana, just like how our bodies can run out of mana, so does the weapon, but many mages use mana-infused weapons to persevere their reserves. Since all magic spells are temporary, they require refueling." "Magic is temporary. In what sense? I''ve seen lock spells last for centuries." "The spell depends on the amount of energy infused, how simple the spell is, and how powerful the mage who cast said spell." Darius gazes at Nefarious''s mage staff with curiosity, as Nefarious proudly presents it to him. "My staff acts as a catalyst to my spells. I have runes engraved around it. It assists me in creating stronger spells at a quicker rate." "So, runes can help preserve mana but also increase the speed at which they are cast. Makes sense, it''s a lot quicker than saying the spells or having to form a magic circle every time you use a spell." Darius confirms. "Remember to always restore mana in any tool you are using in battle, that extra reserve will save your life. In desperate situations, you can transfer the mana from that infused weapon to yourself." He studies the engravings on the staff, noting how they are strategically positioned along its length. "When you say magic spells are temporary is that the same with elemental spells?" "Since both Mana and Aura use elemental properties, they both manipulate the elements per se, however elemental users control the element itself, as magic spells only convert the elements. Aura users can change and shift the element at a whim. When they create a wall of stone it will remain permanent, if I cast a spell to create a stone wall, it will only stand until all the mana is depleted and will eventually crumble." Nefarious reclaims his staff and polishes it with his robe. Darius stands up straight. "Speaking of elementals and spells, how does dark magic fall into the color variants?" Nefarious eyes open unexpectedly. "I would not have imagined you to be interested in that concept." "Lately I''ve been introduced to darker energy than I''m used to." Darius shares. "Dark magic is complicated. It''s not attuned to a specific color variant. It depends more on the purpose of the spell and the origin of the energy. White and Yellow energy typically represent healing or protection spells, while black and purple represent more ominous spells. My necromancy is Amethyst, but other necroes may use Green or Verdant. Even with certain color variants some hues exist between. But every color does have specific properties they follow." "What makes dark magic different?" "Dark magic is usually performed when you are borrowing life energy from another and converting that energy to your own. It''s magic that takes sacrifice and precision." "Whose life energy are you using?" Darius asks. "It can be energy from a plant, animal, yourself, or another person," Nefarious explains with a hint of desertion.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. "Borrow? Sure, let''s go with that." "Warlocks are especially known to make contracts with higher beings to use their energy, even spirits are considered a form of borrowed energy when we summon them. Unfortunately, the drawbacks of dark magic can corrupt the user. Their mind can become clouded with negative emotions, their thoughts could get twisted. That is why you must master every aspect of magic before you dip your nail into darkness." Darius looks off to the side. "Alright, I understand.
Spero approaches them. Darius was caught off guard. "Hello, Spero?" "Darius" Spero nods his head slightly. Nefarious explains to Darius. "Spero and I have an important meeting, we will continue your training another time." Darius gathers his belongings, preparing to depart. Before he could leave, Spero gently taps his shoulder. "I know I''ve skipped out on our training a few times, but soon we will have a refresher." Darius elicits a subtle smile, though his expression is tinged with disbelief. He leaves as Spero and Nefarious head to the sorcerer''s lair. Nefarious and Spero sit amidst the resources gathered from the demon''s cave, surrounded by scrolls, journals, and vials. Nefarious delves into the collected samples, "The fur and flesh you collected were from a hellhound and the teeth are from an Armored Fang." He turns his attention to the map. "These landmarks are covered with the red lettering are locations that have been taken over by Daeva nests while the ones in black lettering mean that these are places where they searched for the chalice." "They''re spread out. No real pattern or logic to their locations." Spero chimes in. "It is quite unusual even for demons. The journals are also quite encrypted, a few words of daimon I was able to translate but many smudges purposely made on certain letters and words." "Daimon is a language that rarely anyone can read, so why would they feel the need to hide this from other daevas?" Nefarious casts a spell to reveal the smudged writing. "They are working independently". This unveils cryptic instructions that warn of the necessity to safeguard these discoveries. The ancient text hints at a hidden alliance between three powerful demon deities, exchanging information about their devoted followers across warring factions. Nefarious continues. "The Demon god of death, wrath, and...who could be the last one?" Spero''s pulse quickens, a signal of trepidation as he hesitates to open his lips. "...Evil Mind" Nefarious briskly snaps the journal shut. "What.... How did you come to that conclusion?" "A demon who can communicate through large distances in an instant, the text indicates of one who can help others see the truth...also.... he has communicated with me a few times." Nefarious rises from his seat. "No wonder they seek your power, that demon is a part of all of this. The Evil Mind? Even I can''t comprehend his level of magic and dark prowess." He paces the room frantically. "We have to keep our distance from this, if he is leading them there''s no telling what horrors are to come. We found out what they want and where they have been but it is best if we stop now." In a burst of frustration, Spero''s voice pierces the silence. "No! I can''t let them toy with me until I learn the truth!" "They have all the power they need to string you along; I will not be one of their targets...I could assist with any artifacts or scrolls you may find but I will not help pursue." Nefarious responds. "Fine... I guess I understand" "You did say you want to find the truth; I could still help you understand your powers a bit more if you are still willing?" Nefarious remarks. Spero looks at him and exhales deeply. "I did make a deal with you" Spero conjures a small mist-like ball of darkness infused with red hues in his palm. Nefarious, with a curious gleam in his eyes, fetches a simple stick and passes it through the mist. His eyes widen as the red hues pulsate brighter upon contact with the stick. "You seem to have control of the darkness element, yet this crimson energy is unique while being intertwined with this darker energy. There are properties of dark magic, yet it is not fully mana." Spero asks, "So you don''t know?"
Nefarious then procures a hollow stone adorned with a transparent center. He positions the stone in front of the mysterious mist, activating ancient runes etched on its corners. The runes come alive with a faint glow, and the transparent center emits a beam of light that weaves through the mist, channeling its energy into the stone. "With this sample, I can learn a lot more" Nefarious carefully sets the tool on the table. "Alright then, I''ll let you get to it then." With a silent nod, Spero takes his leave, the door closing behind him with a soft clang. Left alone in the room, Nefarious stares intently at the stone, a sly grin stretching across his face CH. 34 At high noon, beneath the scorching sun, King Cambyses leads a platoon of soldiers toward the heart of the Median Capital. Accompanying him are his loyal companions - Spero, Cyrus, Nefarious, Darius, and Parsa. The other generals remain steadfast in Anshan, safeguarding the kingdom in the king''s absence. Upon arriving at the grand gates of the kingdom, they are greeted by various parties from neighboring tribes, some offering new alliances and others still uncertain. As the gates swing open, a grand procession unfolds, and each leader and high-ranking official is announced to the cheering crowd lining the city''s main strip.
Within the crowd of onlookers, some keen-eyed soldiers catch sight of Spero, sparking hushed whispers among them that soon spread to curious citizens nearby. Unease settles over Spero as he notices shady figures lurking in the alleyways, their eyes following him. A silent exchange of concern passes between Spero, Cyrus, and Nefarious as they gain notice as well. In the regal throne room, the group leaders and personal guards assemble for a crucial meeting. Cambyses and Nefarious sweep in with an air of authority. Following closely behind is Cyrus and Spero, the latter is halted at the threshold by a stern guard. "You are not allowed to enter" a guard declares firmly. "He is with the kingdom of Anshan; he is one of my father''s trusted guards." Cyrus insists. "Apologies Prince, but despite your lineage to the King, his kind is not allowed." The guard reiterates. Spero locks eyes with the guard, his gaze piercing and unwavering. A drip of sweat drops down the man''s forehead as he struggles to retain eye contact with him. "He is one of my guests." a commanding voice interjects, "You will allow him entry," Harpagus demands. "General, with all due respect, the king may not approve." "I will address any repercussions later. Let him pass," Harpagus orders, his tone leaving no room for argument. The guard reluctantly yielded, allowing Spero to join the assembly. Spero and Harpagus exchange a silent nod as they enter the grand hall, a hush falling over the room as all eyes turn towards Spero. Harpagus raised a hand, silencing the murmurs, and gestured for King Astyages to begin. The king greets the guests with a warm smile before launching into discussions about the upcoming harvest, the state of the battlefronts, and the pressing need for supplies. It was then that King Cambyses spoke, "My lord, Anshan has stood firm against our enemies, facing the Orcs and Reptilians head-on. However, the Elves have proven to be a formidable foe. We may soon require assistance with supplies to sustain our defense?" Astyages'' response, "While I appreciate your valiant efforts, we are unable to fulfill your request at this time." Cambyses retorts, "Respectfully my King, but we have been in this fight for years, we have been the main defense for your territories, for us to proceed with this push back we would require more than what we can foster." "We have been allies in this fight for years, Cambyses. We have leaned on your strength as our main defense. But I understand your need for more support. We may be able to offer aid, but we will require some assurance for such a commitment." Cambyses, clenches his fist and jaw, uttering a respectful,. "Thank you, my king" As the meeting continues, Spero becomes hyperaware of a mysterious mana pervading the meeting room, he sees the piercing gaze of the King''s Magi fixed upon him. In a silent exchange of tension, Spero catches Nefarious''s eye, his concern mirrored in the sorcerer''s expression. Without a word, Nefarious gestures for Spero''s attention, his voice barely a whisper as he instructs, "Search the city. I sense the Magi have left us some surprises." Spero signals to Cyrus and Cambyses, who nod in silent acknowledgment of his directive. Spero swiftly departs the confines of the meeting room. Descending to the palace lobby, Spero joins Darius and Parsa. He commands, "Gather our men and follow me." Though confusion briefly flickers across their faces, Darius and Parsa then ready themselves without question. As their group assembles in the plaza, Spero''s sharp eyes scan their surroundings, noting the subtle movements of shadowy figures lurking in alleyways and behind carts.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. "Parsa you and a handful of men go to the northern section and take out any bandits you see. Darius and you three come with me to the east side. We will take out any threats along our way." Parsa grabs a few men. "You two, archers on each side. Climb now!" Parsa and his men head north. Darius and Spero venture eastward, navigating through narrow alleys and descending through tight staircases. The musty scent of fabrics and clothes hanging out to dry fills the air around them as they move stealthily, ears tuning to any hint of movement. Each step is taken with caution, fingers tightly wrap around the handles of their blades.
Suddenly, Spero''s urgent signal halts their advance. The soldier in the rear turns, while Darius casts a glance to his left where another exit beckons. Darius brushes aside a hanging rug, CLANG, a blade cuts through the rug descending towards him. He intercepted the attack, engaging in a fierce struggle that ended with a powerful kick to disarm his assailant. As the attack unfolds, two more adversaries drop from above, launching an assault on the group. Darius incapacitates his foe by smashing his head against the unforgiving stone wall before delivering a decisive stab. Meanwhile, the three soldiers in the rear dispatch the remaining assailants. Once the skirmish subsides, Spero confirms the team''s well-being with a glance before leading them onward. Pushing forward, they arrive at a crucial intersection, where Spero''s hand signals direct them to split up. With one soldier forging ahead, another veering left, and one holding the center position, Darius and Spero proceed down the path to the right. As the duo press forward, Spero''s voice is barely audible as he points out to Darius, "Look for any glyphs or sigils, their Magi has hidden some around here." Deeper into the unknown, a sudden motion erupts - five adversaries appear from the shadows. Spero''s fist meets one''s jaw with a resounding thud, while his front kick sends another airborne, crashing into the distant wall. Darius lunges low, gripping an opponent''s hips, and with a mighty heave, he hurls the foe down to the hard stone ground. As the remaining enemies close in from behind, Darius spins, driving his elbow into one''s side and piercing his sword through the attacker''s leg. The fallen adversary struggles to rise, only to be greeted by a fiery magic blast from Darius, sending him tumbling back to the ground. Oh right, they''re Divnians as well. Darius extracts the sword from the man''s thigh and aims for the man''s gut, delivering a brutal strike. He then dashes towards the attacker now writhing on the ground, casting a spell that summons vines to entangle the man''s limbs. Darius plunges his sword into the man''s torso. Meanwhile, Spero finds himself deflecting arrows while evading attacks from two adversaries. He incapacitates one enemy starting with a swift knife cut to the opponent''s left ankle, Spero continues his assault with precise strikes to the right knee, left wrist disarming them, right elbow, and finally the neck. He focuses on his next foe by grabbing their face and forcefully smashing his head against the wall. The enemy luckily spits some words at him, "You disgusting demon" as his eyes stare at him with disgust. Spero coldly rebukes with disdain, "I''m tired of the weak making empty threats." Igniting a dark mist of energy that envelopes the man''s face, he watches as screams of agony fill his ears. Spero inflicts further pain by repeatedly slamming the man''s head against the unyielding surface, a sight that makes Darius tremble slightly. A mysterious voice begins to echo in Spero''s consciousness, They deserve this, their insults are unwarranted. Spero drains the energy from his opponent while swatting arrows out of the air that are flying towards him. With calculated precision, he parries four arrows in quick succession, anticipating the trajectory of each one. As the fifth arrow is released from the bow, Spero hurls his knife towards the assassin, the blade finding its mark in the man''s skull. Spero manages to catch the arrow hurtling towards him as well. He turns his attention to the assassin in his grasp, delivering a series of deadly stabs to the man''s neck and collarbone. The final strike comes as Spero plunges the arrow underneath the man''s chin, its tip piercing through the roof of his mouth, ensuring his demise. Meanwhile, Darius approaches Spero, attempting to draw his focus away from the grim scene before them. Spero''s gaze remains fixed on the lifeless body slumping against the wall, his eyes blankly staring. It is only when Darius taps his shoulder that Spero shakes off his trance-like state. Parsa rushes in with the rest of the men, "We cleared the northern side," he announces breathlessly. Just as he finished speaking, a group surrounded them on both sides of the exits. SWOOP, arrows are released, flying by and dropping their assailants from above. The archers from earlier that Parsa ordered arrived at their location. Darius takes a moment to catch his breath, his eyes scanning the edge of each alleyway, a sigil had been carved into the bottom corner. "Spero, look!" he calls out. "They''re tracking every person who walks in and out" Spero states. "We need to do something about these bodies." Parsa brings this to their attention. Suddenly, Nefarious emerges from around the corner. "I will deal with it," he declares, "Cover them up with any fabric you find hanging around." Working quickly, they cover the fallen bodies with whatever they can find and make their way back to the palace. Spero, Parsa, and Darius meet Cyrus and King Cambyses as they exit from the meeting room. Cambyses scoffs with irritation, "Outrageous, he''s such a fool!" Darius and Nefarious stay behind in the kingdom for a few days to plan some extra reconnaissance. As they leave the kingdom and ride away, Parsa strides over to Spero. "Good plan back there." Spero arches an eyebrow, "Oh, thanks." He continues, "I heard about your negotiations with the dwarves. Impressive work on persuading them, especially considering... that previous incident." "It wasn''t too difficult; a well-placed threat can work wonders."." Parsa chuckles, "Well, learning how to use those weapons will greatly benefit us." Parsa heads back to his squad as the sun begins to set and the group camps for the night. CH. 35 Cambyses, Spero, and Cyrus, huddle together by a crackling campfire ¡°What did I miss during the meeting?¡± Spero inquires. ¡°That damn Astyages has been cutting the supplies to all tribes. We were lucky to gain a bit more but he¡¯s toying with us.¡± Cambyses retorts. ¡°He¡¯s been hearing among his ranks; he¡¯s desperately trying to keep his control,¡± Cyrus interjects. ¡°I was able to speak with the other chiefs, they are ready to attack when we are,¡± Cambyses adds. Cyrus murmurs, ¡°I hope they inform the other tribes; we need all three powers if we want to succeed.¡± Spero reveals, ¡°The Magi has markers placed all across the city, and assassins seeded out within the public.¡± ¡°We must tread carefully. Targeting innocent civilians is not an option. We must find a way to lure them out.¡± Cambyses contemplates as his hand wearily slides down his face. ¡°To think they were willing to kill some of the chiefs during broad daylight,¡± Cyrus adds. Cambyses enlightens, ¡°No wonder the meeting was abruptly ended, and the kingdom tour was canceled," he muses, his tone somber yet resolute. "Their actions reek of desperation and boldness.¡± In the middle of the night, a cold desert wind lightly sweeps through the campsite, extinguishing the glowing embers of the campfires. As the silence envelopes the sleeping soldiers in their tents, an eerie sense of foreboding lingers in the air. Suddenly, a distant roar reverberates through the rocky cliffs towering above¡ªthe sound of wings flapping and a gush of wind propelling ash and sand everywhere. Spero emerges from his tent and raises his voice, piercing the stillness of the night, calling upon his companions to rise from their peaceful slumber. The soldiers spring into action, grabbing their weapons and steeling themselves for what awaits them outside. As they venture out into the darkness, a menacing figure looms before them - a Manticore, its monstrous form casting a shadow over the camp.
With a guttural growl, the beast lashes out with its deadly scorpion tail, toppling tents and sending debris flying in all directions. In a coordinated effort, the mages encircle the creature, conjuring a ring of scorching flames to keep it at bay while their allies position themselves for battle. Unfazed by the searing heat, the Manticore spreads its powerful wings, eclipsing the fire with a chilling gust as it soars into the night sky. The mages unleash a barrage of elemental attacks, hurling wind blasts and icy projectiles at the airborne foe, their magical assault only serving to provoke the ferocious creature further. King Cambyses issues a command to his troops as they face the menacing manticore. "Make the beast retreat, do not engage closely, the last thing we need is to try to kill it!" he declares. As the manticore swoops down, terrorizing the soldiers and taking out two horses in its path, disorder erupts on the battlefield. Spero springs into action, rescuing a fallen soldier before they hit the ground. Cambyses rushes to cover, dragging an injured soldier to safety amidst the chaos. Meanwhile, Cyrus races to the mages, urgently signaling them to heal the wounded as they engage the creature. Parsa commands a group of archers to launch arrows at the manticore, attempting to keep it at a distance. ¡°It already claimed this spot as its territory, we have no choice but to slay it,¡± Spero warns the group. ¡°Cyrus, you go with Spero to help with defense while he prioritizes damage. I''ll assist in relocating our horses and essential supplies away from the conflict.¡± The king directs. Cyrus and Spero brace themselves as the Manticore lunges towards them, its massive form crashing into the ground with a thunderous impact. Its scorpion tail strikes forward, but Spero skillfully deflects the attack to the left and charges towards the beast. The Manticore slashes its razor-sharp feline claws, forcing Spero to sidestep and strike at the creature''s outer paw. As the Manticore''s left-wing descends, Spero is pushed back by the sudden force. Manticores: large creatures, with lion bodies, the wings of a demon, and the tail of a scorpion. One drop of its venom will kill you in a matter of minutes. Extremely territorial, once you¡¯re the target, it will stop at nothing to chase you down. My father killed one of these creatures years ago, I barely escaped with my life. Cyrus shouts. ¡°Gather the chains and aim for the wings!¡± Spero channels green energy, preparing to unleash a powerful attack as the wing flaps again, knocking several soldiers away. Spero unleashes a beam of energy, tearing a gaping hole in the right wing, causing the Manticore to bellow in agony. A chain is quickly shot into the air and wrapped around the claw at the top of the Manticore''s wing. A group of divinians pulls the chain down with all their might, attempting to restrain the beast. In the meantime, Cyrus positions himself in front of the other wing, using his shield to deflect the Manticore''s attacks. Two brave men stand behind him, providing support to prevent Cyrus from being pushed back. Spero seizes this moment to rush towards the wounded Manticore as a faint voice whispers in the air, Why are you helping? In the heat of battle, he brings down his sword upon the beast, its thick hide only receiving minor scratches from the strike. These people judge you. He conjures a dense dark mist, directing it towards the snarling manticore''s face, aiming to blind the fearsome beast. Another chain unfurls in the air, latching onto the creature''s second wing as soldiers work together to forcefully pin it to the ground and hammer the chain down. They call you a monster. Let them suffer. Leave them.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Spero, undeterred, presses on, but a sudden backhand from the beast sends him hurtling backward through the air. As he lays there, shaken and bewildered, he whispers under his breath, ¡°Why now? Why at this time?¡± The urgent voice of the king breaks through the chaos as he rushes to Spero''s side, urging him to rise once more, ¡°We need you! Get up!¡± Cambyses extends a helping hand to Spero. Cyrus and Parsa acquire more chains, preparing to ensnare the creature''s tail. However, the manticore deflects the chains with a swing of its lethal stinger. The mages diligently attend to the wounded, casting spells that barely scratch the surface of the manticore''s resilient hide. Cambyses rushes in behind Spero, who is blocking the creature''s front paw, creating a momentary opening for Cambyses to stab the beat¡¯s arm and retreat. The monster chomps toward Spero¡¯s face, Spero dashes back and plunges his weapon into the monster''s eye, while Cambyses strikes the bottom jaw. The manticore retaliates, lunging menacingly with its stinger, Spero deflects the attack, and Cambyses takes a bold swing at the beast''s tail, only to be met by the impenetrable exoskeleton. Recognizing the danger, they both strategically retreat, ¡°We can¡¯t keep his wings down for long! Get in closer!¡± As soon as these words escape Cyrus''s lips, the beast lets out a deafening roar. Its immense wings suddenly break free, causing the chains with soldiers desperately clinging on to be flung around wildly. They are too weak to protect. Spero momentarily pauses to collect himself, intensifying his focus. Amidst the chaos erupting at the campgrounds, the beast charges forward, carelessly demolishing tents in its path. Soldiers are swiped by razor-sharp claws and stung by the manticore''s poisonous tail. The mages struggle to heal the poisoned, while attacks only seem to further enrage the beast. Amidst the cacophony of screams and commands, Spero dashes in to divert the manticore''s attention before it can prey on an unsuspecting mage. He strikes the beast''s face with his elbow, causing his sword to graze its cheek. The manticore recoils, jerking its head back, preparing to launch its stinger downward. Spero locks eyes with the deadly needle hurtling towards him, bracing himself in a defensive stance. But suddenly, he ceases his attack, freezing in his tracks. What is the point anymore? You don¡¯t belong here. You¡¯re being used. I will show you your true purpose. STAB, the stinger of the manticore pierces deep into their chest, releasing its lethal venom. Spero''s glance reveals the dire situation as his comrade Cambyses struggles with the deadly stinger between his ribs. The king is gripping the tail as he valiantly fights to maintain his grip. The tension is palpable as veins bulge in his head and arms. Taking a deep breath, Spero readies his sword, summoning all his strength for a decisive strike. The blade cleaves through the air with a resounding impact, severing the tail of the manticore and causing the king to reel back.
Despite the mage''s desperate attempts to heal Cambyses, it becomes painfully clear to Spero that their efforts may be in vain. Meanwhile, in the distance, Cyrus watches the scene unfold. A single tear cascades down his cheek as he lets out a gut-wrenching cry, his anguish echoing across the battlefield. Together with Parsa, they engage the monster with stabs and cuts, eliciting pained reactions as the creature struggles against their onslaught. Spero signals the mage to aid the rest of the soldiers while he remains by Cambyses'' side. ¡°Cambyses why?¡± Spero questions remorsefully. ¡°Spero¡­ you are far too important to lose. Not just for our combat but for my son and me.¡± Cambyses says with a cough and groin. ¡°You¡¯re the king, the kingdom still needs you." ¡°I know I could never replace your father. I know that I haven¡¯t acted much like one as well. I never treated you like a son¡­however, I always viewed you¡­as one of my own.¡± ¡°I¡­I¡­¡± He grabs Spero by the forearm. ¡°Watch over Cyrus, protect our kingdom, you have the power to do it, don¡¯t let anyone doubt what you have done for us.¡± ¡°I will¡­thank you¡­for everything you¡¯ve done for me¡± Spero rises from his position and dashes towards Cyrus, ready to take his place in this dire situation. Meanwhile, Cyrus hurries to where his father lies on the ground, a scene of undeniable urgency. Cambyses, with a grave expression on his face, gently places his hand on his son''s cheek. ¡°Oh, my boy, I¡¯m so blessed to have found you once again, you have grown into a fine leader.¡± Through tear-filled eyes, Cyrus observes the ominous sight of veins coursing through the king''s body, spreading like creeping tendrils as the venom tightens its deadly grip. He watches in anguish as his father coughs up blood, his body convulsing under the influence of the venom. ¡°Father!¡± ¡°Take care of your mother for me and don¡¯t be so hard on Spero. Make sure to cut down bread, you always ruin your appetite.¡± Tears stream down his face, Cyrus stands amidst the chaos, with his loyal soldiers shielding them from the advancing monster. Spero, with a steely gaze, fixes his eyes upon the fearsome beast, fortifying his energy. ¡°Cyrus, you are now King of Anshan, I am so proud to make you my successor, and lead our people. Make a true change, be true, be yourself, and be great.¡± ¡°I will, I will.¡± A fleeting smile crosses Cambyses''s face before his hand falls limply to the ground.
Cyrus wipes away his tears and rises to stand beside Spero, united to confront the looming manticore, their swords gleaming in eagerness. Parsa yells, ¡°Now!¡± Massive fire blasts erupt, engulfing the monstrous beast''s wings in scorching flames, causing its skin to sizzle. Next, the air was filled with the swish of heated arrow tips finding their mark and piercing through the wings. Chains are deployed, wrapping around the creature''s injured wings and tail, with soldiers working in unison to hold, pull, and stabilize the chains. In the heat of the moment, Cyrus and Spero charge into the fray. Cyrus raises his sturdy shield, deflecting enemy attacks, and pushes forward with mighty force, while Spero aims his blade, striking after each block and Cyrus adding an extra slash after. Rinse and repeat, that was their strategy. They engage in a deadly dance with the manticore, pushing it back with each well-executed move. Together, the duo manages to force the manticore to rear up on its two front legs, exposing its vulnerable underbelly. With a triumphant battle cry, Spero targets the beast''s left ankle, causing it to stumble and falter. The soldiers continue to hammer the chains, gradually pulling the beast closer to the ground. In a final decisive move, Cyrus seizes the severed stinger, driving it deep into the manticore''s neck. The once fearsome creature lets out a final, anguished scream before succumbing to the combined might of Cyrus, Spero, and their valiant comrades. Cyrus stands confidently before his assembled soldiers. "King Cambyses has sadly passed." The weight of the news is evident in the gasps and confusion that ripple through the crowd. But Cyrus does not falter. "He will not be forgotten because I will lead in his place," he declares. "I, Cyrus II, son of the late King Cambyses, will accept the title of King of Anshan." In a show of solidarity, Parsa raises his sword high, his voice booming, "All hail our new leader, King Cyrus!" The declaration is met with a chorus of praises and cheering. Meanwhile, Spero''s gaze falls upon the mage whom Cambyses had saved, now covering the fallen king''s body with a blanket. A wave of self-reproach washes over Spero as he reflects on his failures as a personal guard, realizing the deep impact of losing another father figure in his life. Regret gnaws at him for not fostering a stronger connection with him, for not recognizing the true importance of protecting those who mattered most. CH. 36 The Nephilim, sits on a weathered log amidst the whispering trees, focusing on the task of polishing his demon-blood sword. The blade gleams with an otherworldly sheen under his careful ministrations. Aeshma, the formidable Demon God of Wrath, approaches him with purpose in his step. "If you continue to fiddle with your sword in such a manner, you risk dulling its edge," he warns. "I am merely applying a light coat," he replies, his gaze returning to the sword in his hands. As Aeshma settles down across from him, setting his mace against a nearby tree, he calls for the Nephilim¡¯s attention. "Kalthus," The half-demon, slightly annoyed, pauses his polishing. "Yes, master," "We must discuss your ongoing mission. How do you find yourself regarded by the Queen of the Massagetae?" Aeshma inquires. "She has honored me with the title of top general. The people''s respect... or perhaps fear, serves as a testament to my authority," he explains, a hint of satisfaction coloring his words. "Good. Have they divulged any information regarding the cup?" Aeshma presses on. "They guard their secrets well, but I will try my luck to the far deserts in the west. The Egyptians may hold the key or possess artifacts of similar power," Before Aeshma could respond, a new presence made itself known. Asto Vidatu, the Demon God of Death, appears with a quiet intensity. "I see you two are still drawn to the filths of nature.¡± ¡°Well, if it isn¡¯t the mage with a high nose¡± Aeshma mocks. ¡°We had to clean up your mess.¡± Demon God of Wrath points towards a neat stack of scrolls and books. ¡°I appreciate the effort. What caused such a ruckus to pursue?¡± ¡°We had an intruder. He saw everything, and even took some valuables we missed.¡± Kalthus responds. ¡°Well, that is surely a nuisance.¡± Asto Vidatu, the elder demon mage, remarks. ¡°He learned about the chalice; you need to do a better job at hiding such clarified information.¡± Kalthus challenges. ¡°Know your place half-blood,¡± the demon mage spouts. Aeshma stands tall and glares down at Asto Vidatu. ¡°Kalthus is right. You exposed our secrets because of your incompetence.¡± The demon mage lets out a derisive scoff and rolls his eyes. ¡°Very well, I sincerely apologize for my slight mishap. Who was the culprit that scattered away?¡± Kalthus reveals, ¡°Spero of the Red Sand.¡± Asto Vidatu¡¯s eyes spark. ¡°Ahh, the boy of Verethragna, well how did a valuable target escape your grasp?¡± he scorns. ¡°He had in his possession¡­ the Ring of Solomon.¡± ¡°Preposterous!¡± The Demon God of Wrath confirms. ¡°The boy is right; I saw that retched insignia with my own eyes.¡±Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. The demon mage paces. ¡°This is highly unfortunate. We can¡¯t approach him with that tool around his finger¡­ hmm¡­we will have to either hope he fails to control the power or is corrupted by it.¡± Aeshma informs, ¡°I will relay the message to him later.¡± ¡°Now, Kalthus, anything else worth reporting?¡± the mage asks. Kalthus continues, ¡°He was able to hold his own for a while. He blocked some of my powerful attacks, he has remarkable swordsmanship. He was even able to inflict damage on me. Aeshma steps forward, ¡°AHA remarkable!¡± ¡°He has Verethragna¡¯s angelic energy protecting him.¡± Asto Vidatu stops pacing, ¡°I see why he has such an interest in this mortal.¡± Kalthus falls silent for a moment, contemplating his next words before breaking the silence once more. ¡°Not only that, but I saw the darkness within. Just when I thought he was on the brink of death¡­a disturbing force released¡­I¡¯ve never felt such a deep sensation. A slight bit of worry¡­fear even¡­flashed in my mind¡­I sensed the unknown¡­the presence of chaos itself.¡± The two demon gods exchange a glance filled with concern. The demon mage replies, ¡°It seems we truly came across an interesting specimen. We must keep a careful eye on him. Until he finally decides to stop playing with his food.¡± Aeshma hisses at the suggestion of patience, eager to pursue their target without delay. However, they all agree to continue their evening as usual, resuming their activities as Asto Vidatu carefully sifts through the pile of his belongings, inspecting their conditions. ¡­.. On a gloomy, cloudy day in the kingdom of Anshan, the people gather at the central plaza to mourn the passing of their beloved king, Cambyses. Amidst the somber atmosphere, a sense of anticipation hangs heavy in the air as whispers of the future swirl among the crowd. Cyrus stands by his grieving mother, offering her comfort and strength in the face of their loss. As the advisor takes to the podium, the gazes of the kingdom fix upon the young prince, who was soon to be crowned the new King of Anshan. With a steady voice and a determined gaze, Cyrus accepts the mantle of rulership, his speech echoing the resolute words he had once spoken to his soldiers on the battlefield. The crowd erupts into cheers and applause, As the ceremony concludes, Spero makes his way through the crowd to meet Nazanin. She rushes to him and envelopes him in a warm, tight hug. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry to hear about your father,¡± she says sincerely. ¡°Thank you,¡± Spero says as he drags his feet. Nazanin looks down and checks his posture. ¡°So, what¡¯s next for you and your brother?¡± ¡°We will have a meeting with all of the generals soon, but we will most likely continue with our plans. This won¡¯t stop us.¡± ¡°Alright, well I¡¯m glad to see you pushing through.¡± She remarks with a sincere smile. Spero and Nazanin weave through the crowded streets, the air was alive with whispers of the recent news. The townsfolk''s hushed conversations carry hints of secrecy and mention of Spero alongside the news of the king''s demise. Despite the mixed reactions from the onlookers - some curious, some indifferent - Spero presses on. Nazanin catches snippets of these murmurs, prompting her to stop and face Spero. ¡°You know¡­ I¡¯ve never been inside of the palace before.¡± Spero, caught off guard by her confession, furrows his brows before a playful grin spreads across his face. ¡°I can give you a personal tour.¡± With a bold move, Nazanin reaches out and clasps Spero''s hand and together, they set off towards the grand palace. ¡­.. Cyrus rides in on his stallion to a quaint village nestled at the foot of a towering mountain range. As he dismounts his steed, the villagers pause in their daily activities to look in awe at the visitor. Cyrus confidently strides towards a humble hut. With a firm knock on the weathered wooden door, it creaks open, revealing a warm interior filled with the scent of home-cooked meals and laughter. Two figures emerge - a compassionate woman with gentle eyes and a rugged man with a weathered face. They envelop Cyrus in a tight embrace. "Oh, my look how much you¡¯ve grown!" the woman exclaims. "I¡¯ve been the same for over a century, Mother," Cyrus replies with a hint of humor dancing in his eyes. "Oh, my boy, how are you Agradates¡­I mean Cyrus?" the man stumbles over his words. "No worries, Father, both of you may always address me by that name," Cyrus reassures them with a smile. Cyrus settles in and recounts the news and how he is the new King of Anshan. His adoptive parents listen with rapt attention, showering him with praise and sympathy for the losses he has endured. Cyrus finds solace in the unbreakable bond he shares with these two who have been his pillars of support throughout his journey. In the face of challenges ahead, he takes comfort in knowing that in his adopted parents'' humble abode, he will always find refuge and unwavering love. CH. 37 Arc 4: Rise of an Empire A week later, the generals gathered in the war room. Darius, Nefarious, and Spero were among them. "Our silent revolt against the Medes is no longer an option. Astyages sent a messenger to summon me to his court in Ecbatana," Cyrus reveals Parsa voices his concern, "Did the messenger disclose the reason for the summons?" "He wanted to congratulate me as the new King of Anshan. I declined his summons; it was obviously a trap," Ashkan adds, "Especially after his men tried to ambush my platoon during my last mission, that solidifies his suspicions." Cyrus nods before continuing, "With this new information, we have to push our assault sooner than expected. I have already instructed our couriers to send out messages to other tribes. Now, we will distribute the dwarven weapons." Spero had secured vital information from the dwarves on how to use these weapons in advance. Five servants walk into the war room, each carrying one of the weapons. As Cyrus states who gets which, a servant hands them the weapon. "Ashkan will receive the hammer. Basir will have the ax. Parsa, the mace spear. Darius, the sword, and I will possess the shield." Five servants enter, each bearing a weapon. As Cyrus allocates the weapons, a servant dutifully hands them out to each recipient. Amongst them, Darius is handed a sword, which draws a surprised reaction, "Why am I being entrusted with one of these weapons?" he inquires, peering at the blade in his hand. Cyrus turns towards his nephew. "Your dedication and prowess in swordsmanship throughout the years have not gone unnoticed," he begins, "Combine that with the magical training under Nefarious''s guidance, and you possess the skill set needed to wield this mana sword to its fullest potential." As Darius examines the sword, his eyes fall upon a circular shape near the cross guard, a large white pearl in the center hinting at where the potent mana is housed. Engrossed in the gravity of the moment, Cyrus divulges the details of the forthcoming battle plans to the assembled group, who ready their supplies in preparation for the impending expedition. ****** After a long journey, they finally arrive at the outer kingdom of Ecbatana. As they survey the area, the tribes of Sagartians, Derusiaei, Mardi, and Dai lurk around, waiting for the opportune moment to strike. The leader of the Pasargadae, the royal Persian house of the Achaemenid, sought an audience with Cyrus. "King Cyrus, it is great to see you. We were lucky to receive your letter, we are all ready for the assault. I was able to persuade a few other tribes to join our cause. The Panthialaei, Germanii, and the Maspii will be arriving later." Cyrus responds, "That is wonderful news. What of the Maraphiia and Dropici?" "Unfortunately, I was unsuccessful in recruiting them." Cyrus furrows his brow slightly. "Missing one of the great tribes is upsetting, however, we have most of the tribes present here. I thank you for your efforts." The tribal leader quickly rides back to his army, and Cyrus turns to Spero. "Get to your position, we need to know the status before we begin." Spero nods stealthily and makes his way toward the walls. Approaching them, he spots vigilant archers scanning the surroundings. Archers? There shouldn''t be any soldiers watching the outside of the walls. What happened to the revolt within? Spero climbs the towering wall, eluding the watchful eyes of the guards as he maneuvers his way to the summit. From this vantage point, he navigates stealthily across the rooftop terrain, effortlessly blending into the shadows. Amidst the maze of buildings, Spero''s sharp eyes catch sight of billowing smoke and the lingering scent of charred debris drifting towards the focal point of the city. He presses forward, guided by the faint murmurs of conversation. Drawing closer, Spero is met with an unfortunate scene - a group of soldiers held captive in the plaza. His keen observations reveal a fortified perimeter around the plaza, with guards stationed at every crucial juncture. Spero silently retreats from the precarious situation, retracing his path back to the rendezvous point with Cyrus and the assembled generals. "Our first plan has been exposed, Harpagus''s forces within have all been captured." Spero relays. "Damn, was Harpagus imprisoned as well?" Cyrus asks. "I did not see him. If he followed our plan, then he should still be undiscovered." The generals all whisper among themselves. Spero continues, "They''ve increased the guards patrolling the city and several archers at every vantage point, on the other hand, all civilians have already been evacuated from the kingdom." Cyrus rubs his fingers through the curly strands of his beard for a few seconds. "Our plans will have to shift. We will need to deal with their scouts before we rush the main gate. Ashkan inform our messengers and have them send word to all the tribal leaders. With the civilians out of the way, we have more room to improvise." The information spreads like wildfire, everyone rapidly assumes their positions for the impending battle. Spero sneaks back in once more from his familiar patch, neutralizing a few archers with quick strikes. Meanwhile, some tribes boldly charge into the fray, their archers unleashing enchanted arrows that streak toward the sandy terrain. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Billows of smoke clouds rise and explode. The median troops recognize the threat and sound the alarms, but it''s already too late. The tribes and Ashkan''s squad pour in, and a relentless tide of cavalry and foot soldiers trample the field. Over the deafening clatter of hooves and carriages, the soldiers'' unified battle cries echo through the surroundings. They press on amidst a storm of flying arrows and magical blasts, some falling from their mounts while others valiantly push forward. Amidst the chaos, Ashkan, dismounts as his soldiers secure the gate guards. Racing towards the towering entrance, he grips his dwarven hammer tightly, bracing himself as blue energy crackles at its core. With a mighty shout, Ashkan swings the hammer forward with a resounding impact, the reverberating smack echoing through the air as the hammer meets the gate with a forceful blow. BLAST! An explosive burst of energy detonates, shattering the obstructing stone and metal in their path. Allies surge forward to join the fray. Parsa positions himself at the left flank of the imposing gate walls, guiding his men as they climb and scour for the entrance on that side. With a powerful blow, they break down the door, propelling themselves toward their primary objective - the armory.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.
Meanwhile, Basir and his gallant companions embark on an expedition to the right side of the city walls. Spero previously informed them that a narrow crack through the stone walls was present, enabling them to slip inside. Wiping away the dust and grime, they outlined in search of the stables. As Cyrus and Darius make their way into the city, Nefarious issues a reminder. "Once we enter the main streets of the city, their magi will know our exact locations. Nevertheless, I will receive the same knowledge of their whereabouts. They have a handful of enemies in each alleyway and stationed on every third rooftop." Amid the previous meeting with all the tribes, Nefarious managed to manipulate the sigils left behind by the magi. This granted him access to the same valuable information as their enemy. "I will rescue those who have been taken captive. Men, with me!" Cyrus declares boldly, they race towards the narrow alleyways that lead to the heart of the central plaza. Meanwhile, Darius, accompanied by a band of soldiers, steered their course towards a designated rendezvous point with Spero on the right side of the battlefield, where they had convened during their prior visit. As they weave through the labyrinthine alleys, Darius takes the lead, his sword poised and ready, with Spero following closely behind and the soldiers trailing in formation. Spero reaches out and taps Darius on the shoulder, prompting him to halt abruptly. Darius extends his sword towards the center circle and infuses it with a surge of mana. The pearl shimmers with silvery energy, as a vortex of wind begins to swirl around its gleaming edge. WHOOSH A gust of wind shoots out, sending rags and clothes flying in a frenzied dance. While the cloth is flung away, hidden adversaries are unveiled, poised to strike. From the far end of the narrow passage, an archer aims, releasing an arrow in an instant. Spero intercepts the projectile with a swing of his blade, protecting Darius in the nick of time. "Now!" Spero shouts. They hunker down, advancing. Spero deflects incoming arrows, while a fellow soldier at their rear retaliates with a well-aimed shot that hits the enemy archer. Another pair of soldiers veer off, scaling the buildings to confront the adversaries lurking on the rooftops. The rest of the group presses onward. Their footsteps thunder down the dirt and stone alleyway until they reach a crucial intersection, where they gather around Darius, forming a protective circle. Darius activates his sword once more. He quickly raises it, wind swirls around the group blocking a flurry of arrows that come at them from all directions - left, right, and even from above. Meanwhile, their allies positioned above neutralize the enemy archers with arrows of their own. The soldiers surrounding Darius, now free from the rain of arrows, turn their attention towards the remaining enemies on the left and right flanks, taking aim and eliminating them one by one. Suddenly, a clatter echoes from above. BLAST SMACK An Anshan soldier lands in front of Darius, his comrade tossed off the roof and gruesomely splats on the floor below. Mages hover above, casting wicked spells down upon them. Darius sends a powerful blast of wind toward one of the mages, interrupting a deadly fire spell just in time. Spero, quick on his feet, darts to one side of the wall, then jumps to the other side and ascends upwards to the rooftop. On the roof, he spots a rag and snatches it. He flings it toward the mage, covering their face before making a series of lethal stabs. With a glance around, Spero notices enemy reinforcements heading their way. Spotting a bow and arrows near a fallen comrade, he seizes the opportunity, grabbing hold of the weapon. As he pulls back the string, the feeling of tension builds in his muscles. The side of his index finger rests against his cheek, he looks down at the tip of the arrow, and his eyes blur in and out. His focus sharpens, and his eyes fixate on the enemies entering the alleyway below. Spero releases the arrow, feeling it soar past his ear and hit its mark. Spero rapidly releases five more arrows, each one piercing a Median soldier. More soldiers pour in, forcing Darius and his soldiers to retreat to the intersection to gain breathing room. From his elevated position, Spero yells out, "Darius, rule number two!" Darius analyzes, When surrounded by the enemy, use their teamwork against them. These are narrow alleyways, they must be careful swinging their weapons, one wild move and they could harm their own. Darius shoots a blast of wind on the left side of the soldiers pushing them back momentarily. He then conjures a powerful blast of wind that knocks down the soldiers on the left flank. As the enemies close in from the right, Darius thrusts his sword, impaling his opponent before using the cloth attached to his armor to disorient the next adversary. Darius strikes, leaving a deep gash on the enemy''s chest. He executes a front kick sending his opponent hurtling backward, and colliding with another soldier. Darius drives his sword forward, catching both enemies off guard and dealing a decisive blow. Spero leaps off the roof and lands on the enemy below, his feet strike the enemy''s face, the impact shattering bones and sending them crashing to the ground. He ducks down evading a slash and sidekicks their knee with a sickening crunch. He swings his sword up and cuts down the perpetrator. The hairs on the back of Spero''s head tingle, he turns his head to the left, and a goldish glow reflects in his eyes. He lunges forward just as an enemy mage raises two fingers; gold static sparks sprinkle from her fingertips. Before the magic circle can fully materialize, Spero ruthlessly slices through the mage''s palm, severing all five fingers in a single stroke. The mage''s agonized cry fills the air as Spero quickly pierces her abdomen. Spero looks up as his senses detect Anshan archers appearing on the rooftops, providing reinforcements and helping to suppress the enemy soldiers pushing through. Darius delivers a powerful punch, sending the enemy hurtling towards Spero, who reacts by raising his right leg and kneeing him in the face. As the enemy is momentarily stunned, Spero turns to see another opponent attempting to flank him. Spero rotates the same right leg back to deliver a fierce sidekick to the foe''s ribs. Meanwhile, Darius slices through the soldier who felt the impact of Spero''s knee strike earlier. Spero races towards the enemy he just kicked, changing his grip on his sword to a reverse hold. The enemy attempts a swing, but Spero catches their wrist, and with a rapid motion, uses the bottom of the hilt to disarm the soldier by smacking their wrist bone. He slams him forcefully against the wall, Spero delivers a punishing blow with the cross guard, causing the opponent''s face to erupt in a spray of teeth and blood. As the battered opponent staggers, Spero locks eyes with him, his stare firm despite the bruising and swelling. Spero places the blade of his sword against the enemy''s throat. He slices across, ending the threat with a fatal slash that cuts the opponent''s throat. Blood spurts out onto Spero, staining his clothes as he locks eyes with Darius amidst the chaotic frenzy of combat. Though they were surrounded by enemies, Darius couldn''t help but notice the expression on Spero''s face. It was the same look Basir had warned him about - a hidden rage simmering just beneath the surface. These actions were not solely for defense or protection; there was something darker at play. A hint of satisfaction gleamed in Spero''s eyes, a shy grin sneaking its way onto Spero''s face, just a fleeting moment of wicked delight that sent a shiver down Darius''s skin. Darius unleashes a fierce fire blast at the enemies closing in from behind him. Spero acknowledges him with a nod of gratitude, but Darius hesitates to reciprocate the gesture. During the relentless battle, with enemies seemingly multiplying around them, Spero and Darius find themselves trapped in a tight corner of the alleyways. Feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on them, Spero makes a split-second decision to escape with Darius by his side. Just as he was about to share his plan, a mysterious crackling sound echoed from below. Streaks of vivid purple energy surged through the walls, illuminating the alleyways in light. CRACK CRUMBLE Hands burst out, while eerie heads pop up from the ground. Undead soldiers, adorned with glowing purple eyes and decaying flesh, rise from their graves with an insatiable thirst for battle.
Their bony fingers latch onto the Median soldiers, veins pulsating with a violet glow, as they unleash a frenzy of attacks upon their enemies. Whether it was through vicious bites, relentless clawing, or strategic immobilization, the undead soldiers eliminated their prey. Spero ponders, That devious necromancer, a heads up would have been nice. While the undead minions provide cover, striking fear into their enemies and leading to a hasty retreat, Spero and Darius waste no time escaping. They dash through the disordered battleground. They look beyond the fighting and the grand palace stands in the distance. They race towards it, driven by the urgency to rendezvous with Harpagus and strategize their next move. CH. 38 Cyrus forges ahead through the narrow alleyway with Nefarious''s covert strategy. He emerges into the vast plaza, his eyes locking onto the location where his fellow rebels are imprisoned. The enemies on guard notice Cyrus and his companions approaching, and without hesitation, they unleash a rain of arrows and spears in their direction. Despite a few projectiles finding their marks, Cyrus rapidly raises his dwarven shield. The center of the shield illuminates, generating a luminous force field that materializes into a protective half-dome before him and his soldiers. They press forward, closing in on their adversaries. Cyrus deactivates the shield at just the right moment, to parry and strike down several opposing soldiers. Yet, a sudden crackling sound fills the air. He swivels his head just in time to witness shards of ice hurtling toward him, aimed directly at his head. Cyrus raises his shield again to deflect the sharp icicles hurtling towards him. The icy projectiles shatter against his shield, scattering cold droplets and flakes of ice all around him. Anticipating another attack, Cyrus focuses the energy into the center of the shield. True to his prediction, a second barrage of magic ice spikes comes soaring toward him. As the icy tips of the icicles make contact energy field in the center of the shield, they momentarily freeze in place. Suddenly the ice shards reverse direction, shooting back towards their origin point and striking down the mage who had conjured them. Cyrus and his allies manage to defeat the rest of the assailants, freeing their comrades in the process. "Thank you, King Cyrus," a grateful soldier expressed. "How were you all discovered?" Cyrus requires. "The Magi," the soldier responds, "He knew from the start. As soon as we initiated our rebellion, he had soldiers prepared and waiting. The timing of the attack, everything was known to him." As Cyrus looks into the distance, he spots Darius and Spero sprinting towards the palace. Be careful brother and nephew. ****** Spero and Darius, fight their way through the heavily guarded palace doors. Their eyes widened as they stepped into the grand main lobby, beholding the Magi standing at the center. In a hushed tone, Spero urges Darius, "Find Harpagus," Darius sprints towards the left hallway, and with a mere wave of the Magi''s hand, a massive rock wall materializes. Darius plunges his sword into the blockade, manifesting a fierce wind blast that cracks the rock wall. Meanwhile, Spero retrieves three sharp blades from his pouch, sending them hurtling towards the Magi. However, the Magi''s defensive shield, a shimmering field of energy, intercepts the blades. Spero quickly shifts his focus towards the rock wall behind the Magi, unleashing a green laser that pierces through the stone, creating a small breach. Darius conjures another wind spell from his sword, channeling his energy into breaking down the weakened barrier, shards of rock scatter as he races past. As Darius disappears down the hallway, Spero remains behind to face the Magi. ******
Outside the palace walls, Basir reaches the stables with his loyal men by his side. Together, they loosen the ties of the enemy''s horses, causing the bewildered animals to gallop freely. They open the gates of the cattle pens, sending the livestock stampeding into the city. Amidst the commotion, Basir and his men seize a handful of horses, mounting them as they charge headlong into the heart of the impending battle. Meanwhile, Parsa and his warriors make quick work of the guards defending the armory. They loot whatever supplies they can carry, leaving nothing behind but the ashes of the remaining stockpile as they set it ablaze. On the other side of the city, Ashkan gains control over a section of the city, securing safe passage through the main gate for the incoming tide of the remaining tribal armies. The tumultuous clash of steel and the thunderous hooves of warhorses ring through the city streets as the factions fight for dominance in the kingdom. The center of the city resonated with the sounds of battle, a relentless tug-of-war between the struggling tribes and the overwhelming force of the Median soldiers. Cyrus, feeling the weight of leadership on his shoulders, fought tooth and nail to assert his command amidst the disorder, only to find himself facing a constant stream of enemy reinforcements. The undead servants of Nefarious lay defeated, and their necrotic powers dwindled. With the situation growing dire, Cyrus urgently calls for the tribal chiefs to meet, seeking a strategy to regain control of the battlefield. However, a triumphant blast of horns pierces the air. From the distant horizon, the tribes of Dropici and Maraphiia descend upon the fray, their warriors rushing into the city to add their strength to the rebellion. The Maraphiia, the third great house of the Persian tribes, arrives at last to stand united with their brethren. ****** Spero stares down the Magi. I have no idea what kind of magic he is capable of. Nefarious only warned me that his level of mana is higher than I can perceive. I can''t risk taking any chances. Spero detects peculiar fluctuations of mana energy scattered across the lobby. Instantly, he summons his Sword of Madness, unleashing shadowy slashes toward the locations emitting this suspicious energy. His strikes disrupt the mystical spells and shatter the hidden sigils. The Magi''s expression sours with irritation. With a rapid incantation, the very pillars of the room shoot rocky spikes that hurtle toward Spero. Spero dodges and deflects the stones reducing them to mere clouds of dust upon impact. Spero lunges forward, his Mirage of Shadows technique creating a wall as he advances. In response, the Magi conjures a fierce torrent of water, a powerful stream that cuts through Spero''s illusions. Evading the deluge of water with a rapid crouch, Spero feels the chill of the water flying past him. "Those feeble illusions will not do the trick." The Magi voices. Spero ready to strike his opponent with all his might is met with an unexpected turn of events, a massive stone wall materializes beneath his feet, rushing upwards as the clang of metal meets the stone. The sword bounces off the rocky surface. Spero withdraws his Sword of Madness as his senses alert him to a subtle noise behind the rock wall. Spero pivots to the left just as a powerful torrent of pressurized water bursts through the wall. Spero instinctively reacts, unleashing a surge of green energy and beaming it through the wall as well. However, his attack is neutralized by the Magi''s defensive shield, causing the energy beam to dissipate. Without wasting a moment, Spero darts around the mystical wall and summons his Blade of Sorrow gleaming with blue light. With a strike, he brings the blade crashing against the protective field. A wave of shimmering blue energy erupts. The protective field surrounding the Magi is cracked and Spero shatters through it with a resounding kick. The Magi, quick to react despite his slightly slowed movements, manipulate the remaining fragments of the field to swirl around and forcefully push Spero away. The Magi unleashes a powerful water spell aimed directly at Spero, who deflects it with his blade, yet the force of the impact sends him sprawling to the ground. Unexpectedly rocky spikes emerge from above, plunging downwards towards Spero. He evades the impending danger by darting from right to left, only to be caught off guard as a barrage of smaller stone projectiles pelt him from behind. The pellets crack his Divinian mana protection. His magic is more powerful than most mages, he can cast spells quicker than most I''ve seen. My resistance won''t hold out much longer. My mana isn''t strong enough to counter his, plus he''s a Divinian as well. My Blade of Sorrow barely affects him, I must use a stronger attack just to give me a little more time. "Victory Calls!" Spero shouts.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. Golden energy emanates around Spero''s body. He propels himself forward, evading each incoming attack before the effects of the slowing debuff dissipate. He brings his blade down with a mighty force. CLANK The clash of metal rings out as his blade meets the Magi''s staff, creating a shower of sparks that crackle with electricity, sending a jolt of energy coursing through Spero''s body. Despite the shock, he clenches his jaw, his muscles coiled like springs as he exhales a defiant command, "Pit of Despair!" Though physically and mentally slowed, the Magi remain composed, knowing this respite is only temporary. Spero unleashes a flurry of punches and grabs, using his opponent''s momentary weakness to his advantage. With a swift motion, he executes a hip throw, sending the Magi crashing to the ground. The Magi conjures rocks to shield himself and water to impede Spero''s advance, the nimble warrior vaults over the obstacles, bringing his sword down with precision. The Magi rolls away just in time and summons a small crystal ball. "Sight Swift," the Magi utters, his voice dripping with confidence. In the heat of the moment, the ball emanates a brilliant glow, casting a mesmerizing light that envelops Spero''s surroundings. As the dazzling radiance touches his keen eyes, a sudden burst of blinding white light momentarily obscures his vision, leaving him disoriented. Focusing his gaze on the enigmatic Magi standing before him, a mysterious energy surges through the air, causing a bewildering shift in Spero''s perception of reality.
Spero is regularly in his signature southpaw stance, however, a bewildering revelation unfolds before him as he looks upon his hands. To his astonishment, his left hand, the one that usually wields his sword, has been inexplicably replaced by his right hand, grasping the blade firmly. This is not the stance I started in. Oh well, this shouldn''t be a problem. Spero brandishing his sword, sidesteps the treacherous rock spikes hurtling towards him. The Magi retaliates deflecting Spero''s blow with a torrent of water summoned from his staff. Witnessing the Magi conjure a barrier of crystalline water in his path, Spero summons his inner strength and plunges headfirst into the shimmering cascade, braving the chilling water. As the Magi unleashes a stunning surge of electric energy, Spero finds himself momentarily paralyzed by the potent attack, the crackling currents sapping his vitality. Spero pushes through the tensing pain as he aims to strike a blow. But then again, his perspective shifts abruptly, throwing his attack off balance and disrupting his intended strike. With the equilibrium of the skirmish momentarily shattered, Spero''s trajectory goes astray, his blade missing its mark as his adversary evades his faltering assault. Spero fights on and gets acquainted with the constant vision shifts being cast by the magi. Spero gets close enough he can kick the magi down, allowing Spero to cut his leg. The enemy summons a massive boulder towards Spero, sending him tumbling back. The boulders impact fracturing his Victory Calls protection. Determined not to be defeated, the magi extended the crystal ball upwards, and with a blinding flash of light, a spell was cast upon him. Despite his effort to shield his eyes, the overwhelming brightness seeped through. Struggling against the disorientation, Spero noticed a new peculiar phenomenon - every movement he executed with his right hand seemed to move his left hand instead. He shifted my perspective again, but which side is which? Spero has a multitude of spells cast on him in a matter of minutes. Left is right, right is left. His movements grow ridged. Shit, this is annoying! It feels as if I''m relearning how to fight! Frustration and weariness creep into Spero''s mind as he grapples with relentlessness. Maybe I should try to escape and call for backup. The magi strike Spero''s shoulder with a pressurized stream of water, its chilling touch cutting deep into his skin, the mist and droplets stinging his face. Gold energy breaks off his body as the blood and water splash past him. Spero de-summons his sword and finds refuge. I can''t fight keep fighting like this. My mind and body feel disconnected. I can''t risk using my special abilities. Suddenly, the stone pillar is split in half, collapsing before his eyes. Jumping out of the way just in time, a small stone pillar rises from the ground, catching him off guard and striking him under the chin. Shaking off the daze, he regains his footing and quickly maneuvers to the right, then promptly changes direction to the left, and dashes for the exit. However, his escape is hindered as the Magi, sends sharp shards of stone racing towards him. WHOOSH Spero is unable to raise his arm in time to defend against the barrage of stones. SMACK, BOUNCE An energy field forms around him, deflecting the attack. To his right, Nefarious approaches with a sinister grin on his face. "If you don''t mind, I would like the opportunity to test this mage?" the sorcerer proposes. Casting a spell with a flourish, Nefarious restores Spero''s senses and movements, allowing him a moment to catch his breath. "I''ll meet with Darius." Spero proclaims. Spero makes his way towards the meeting point with Darius and Harpagus. Meanwhile, Nefarious locks eyes with the Magi. "At last, a worthy challenge," the Magi taunts arrogantly. Nefarious extends his hand graciously. "You may go first." The magi tilt his head back, baffled. He turns to his crystal ball and a light flashes. Nefarious sees his perception flip. "Neat trick." He casts a spell cancelling the effects. The magi grit his teeth and send shards of stone at him. The orb on Nefarious''s staff glows and a magic circle forms in front of it. It draws all the stone shards towards it, spinning them into a hypnotic dance before flinging them away with a forceful energy. A stream of water surges towards Nefarious and he counters it with the same spell. Nefarious uses shadow magic, and a whip emerges from the magi''s own shadow, snatching the staff from his grasp. Nefarious brings his hands together, releasing a cloud of dark mist tinged with purple hues. From the mist, a swarm of crows flock out, spiraling towards the magi with menacing cries.
Desperation clouds his senses as he struggles to fend off the unyielding birds that were no mere illusions, but dark summons. With a sinking feeling, the magi realized the true extent of the malevolent magic he was up against. Nefarious advanced towards him with tranquil steps. As a magic circle glows beneath the magi, undead hands arise from the earth to drag him down to his knees, the cawing of crows filling the air like a haunting chorus. Surrounded by the muddled swirl of feathered assailants, the magi could feel the cold touch of death clawing at his skin. With each peck at his flesh, the darkness threatens to consume him completely, broken only by fleeting glimpses of light that pierce through the storm of wings. More hands emerge from the ground, their grasp firm as they pull him inexorably closer to the earth below. Nefarious steps into the heart of the storm, meeting the magi eye to eye amidst the frenzy of avian torment. He gracefully draws forth a knife from the folds of his robe and plunges the body-temped metal into the magi''s neck. ******** As the battle commenced between Spero and the Magi. Darius races through the ornate halls of the palace. The clashing of swords echoes around him as he maneuvers through the enemy combatants, his wind sword slicing through their defenses. Finally, Darius burst into the grand throne room, his entrance not unnoticed by a powerful blast of wind that shatters the door into splinters. Before him, King Astyages sits on his throne, guarded by his loyal soldiers, with Harpagus at his side. "Seize him!" the king rings out his mouth. Darius springs into action. A guard lunges towards him, only to be knocked back by a fierce gust of wind, while another finds himself incapacitated precise kick to his knee, CRACK. The guard winces out. Harpagus intervenes, throwing a knife to the center of another guard''s back allowing Darius to dispatch him. Astyages turns to locate the source of the knife throw, only to be met with a sharp edge touching the beard down his neck. The king watches as Darius eliminates the remaining guards just as Spero makes his way inside the room as well. "Yo...You traitor, you deceiver!" Astyages slobbers out with rage. Harpagus seizes his collar and forcibly removes him from his seat of power throwing him onto the floor met with the sword positioned a hair away from the tip of his nose. "You butchered my son," Harpagus announces, his eyes piercing his very soul. Astyages sweats down the side of his face as he struggles to say a word, his mouth dries with disbelief. Cyrus strides in with an air of satisfaction. "The city is ours." The quartet of Cyrus, Spero, Darius, and Harpagus venture out to the palace courtyard, where Harpagus maintains a firm grip on the captive Astyages. Cyrus surveyed the cityscape before him, and the teeming crowd of generals, soldiers, and allies gathered to witness their newfound glory. The defeated Median soldiers, their once defiant snarls now silenced, are left to contemplate their fate under the rule of the conquering King Cyrus. Cyrus raises his sword, jubilant cheers and applause resonating through the city. Spero gestures to Harpagus. "You may do as you wish." Harpagus, his visage twists into a devious grin, directing his eyes towards the dethroned Astyages, the initial steps of the Achaemenid Empire''s ascension now set into motion. The dawn of a new era is heralded by Cyrus''s sword elevated high and the resounding acclamation of the populace. CH. 39 Word quickly circulated across the vast desert lands about the Persians triumphing over the Median Empire. Cyrus sealed the newfound alliance through marriage. He wedded Amytis, the daughter of Astyages, thereby uniting the Medes with the various tribes under the banner of the Persian Empire. Following this momentous unification, Cyrus embarked on a journey to Pasargadae, accompanied by the esteemed royal house chiefs. It was there, amidst the awe-inspiring landscapes, that he laid the foundation of the Achaemenid ceremonial capital. Leaving behind his home in Anshan, Cyrus embraced his role as a visionary leader in the creation and expansion of this grand new capital. With the support of his trusted allies, Cyrus spearheaded a wave of architectural innovation within the city walls. Together, they brought to life magnificent structures that would stand as a testament to the empire''s power and prosperity. Additionally, under Cyrus''s guidance, lush and bountiful gardens flourished, adding a touch of natural beauty to the majestic splendor of the capital. Cyrus, Spero, and Darius gathered in the war room. Spero''s keen eyes roam over Darius, noting the subtle changes. It has been months since they last met face to face. His once brownish hair now bore a blackened hue, and his sun-kissed skin had deepened to a shade tinged with grey. Spero can sense the dark magic coating his skin. "As we secure control over these new territories, there may be challenges," Darius begins, his voice tinged with a steely edge. "The vastness of these regions makes it difficult to monitor them effectively." Cyrus ponders. "I will assign leaders to govern these provinces, much like the rule of Anshan under Media, which may provide the stability we seek," he suggests. ¡°Wouldn''t delegating authority to local leaders leave room for smaller factions of rebels to form?" Cyrus instructs, ¡°Each satrap will report to my generals, and they will report to me. Now that you and Spero are officially generals of the Persian army, you will be responsible for keeping eyes on them.¡± Spero chimes in, ¡°What about the established trade routes? We might need to make alterations to the path. Some factions under the Medes refused to join our rule, they still contain intel.¡± Cyrus ruffles his beard between his fingers. ¡°Yes, that would be wise. I will coordinate this with Harpagus and perhaps ask your shopkeeper, Ramin, for some input.¡± ¡°If we can get the dwarves to officialize our allegiance, then they can ensure that our trade routes are beneficial,¡± Darius suggests. Spero hesitantly shares, "I have an old acquaintance in mind¡ªsomeone who could assist me in the mission the dwarves handed me. He also holds connections with Maka," "Who?.... Oh, HAHA," Cyrus bursts out, barely containing the laughter bubbling up within him. "Are you truly considering working with him again?" Darius observes the interchange while Spero lets out a weary sigh, filled with apprehension at the thought of revisiting past actions. *****
In the vast city of Maka, a group of nobles stroll casually through the grand plaza. Laughter fills the air as they marvel at the opulent displays of wealth surrounding them - gleaming gold, shimmering silver, and precious gems that sparkle with allure. Their fingers eagerly exchange coins for the exquisite jewelry, their eyes alight with the thrill of indulgence. Yet, an unseen observer shadows their every move, a shroud of mystery enveloping their presence. The mysterious presence trails the nobles through the streets of the city. And then, a golden bracelet seems to defy gravity as it floats itself from a noble''s pocket and disappears in thin air. A soft chuckle sneaks out from the depths of a dimly lit alleyway. Suddenly an ethereal outline takes over - a translucent elf appears.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it VROOM His dark hair appears fully, framing a face adorned with a small scar beneath bright green eyes. "Oh, this is good!" the elf exclaims excitedly as he dangles the bracelet in the air. The glinting jewelry catches the light, drawing attention to its intricate design. SNATCH Without warning, the bracelet is yanked from the elf''s grasp, ¡°NO, WHAT!¡± As the elf looks up at a small ledge, his expression twists with a mix of horror, annoyance, and recognition as he lays eyes on the culprit. "God no!... Not you!" he exclaims with a hint of disgust. Seated nonchalantly on the ledge, Spero holds the stolen bracelet, a mischievous glint in his eyes. ¡°I stole that first, give it back¡± the elf demands. "We both know you don''t follow such rules," Spero adds mockingly, his face dripping with a smug expression. The elf kicks a nearby rock, "I was hoping I''d never have to see you again," he mutters through gritted teeth. Spero descends from the ledge and lands in front of the elf. "Is that any way to speak to an old friend?" he teases. The elf''s expression hardens as he points a finger at Spero''s face. "We were never friends!" he retorts sharply, lunging forward to reclaim the bracelet. However, Spero yanks the prized possession out of reach with ease. ¡°It''s been half a century since we last worked together, Lorien," Spero shares. ¡°Not long enough. Wait, work together? No, no, no, nope, not going to happen.¡± ¡°If you want this back, I suggest you hear me out.¡± Lorien scoffs dismissively and turns to walk away, waving his hand, ¡°You can keep it, I can find another." Spero dashes in front of Lorien, blocking his path. ¡°Oh really? Then how about we discuss your last job with the Elves of Elam.¡± Lorien''s demeanor shifts slightly, ¡°What are you talking about? You know me, I don¡¯t like messing with my kind,¡± avoiding Spero''s piercing gaze. Spero stares down Lorien with eyes of disdain. ¡°I do know you, that¡¯s exactly why I know.¡± Lorien takes a hesitant step back. ¡°Fine, yes, I may have worked with them.¡± ¡°So, it was you who was spying on our kingdom and sent their armies with Dalu?¡± Spero''s voice is sharp as he closes the distance between them, refusing to break eye contact with the elf. Lorien gulps hard, his composure starting to crack under the intensity of Spero''s scrutiny. ¡°I''m guessing you''re the one who¡­ killed Dalu?¡± his voice trembling slightly. Spero''s features soften into a chilling smile. ¡°You know me all too well.¡± Of course, we didn¡¯t notice the spies back then. Lorien was the only one present. His invisibility is almost undetectable, even to me. ¡°I have a job proposal for you¡± Spero states. Lorien lets out a heavy sigh before giving in, "Fine, fine, go ahead." "This is a mission for the dwarves down south. They want a special ore high in the mountains." ¡°Hell no! Work with dwarves, I¡¯d rather die than help those hairy gnomes.¡± Spero draws his sword and points it at Lorien''s face. "That can easily be arranged." Feeling the cold metal of the sword against his skin, Lorien reluctantly concedes, "Okay, okay!" he grumbles, ruffling his hair in frustration, "Fine, I¡¯ll help you." Spero sheaths his sword with a confident grin. ¡°Excellent choice.¡± ¡°So, are you going to share the rest of the mission?¡± ¡°Later¡± Spero responds simply as he begins walking away. Lorien trails behind. "Vague as always..." the elf mutters under his breath, his gaze fixated on the bracelet that partially protrudes from Spero''s pouch. "Since I will be assisting you on this mission, perhaps... I don''t know, you could return to your old friend, what he rightfully took?" Lorien suggests. Spero halts in his tracks. With a sly grin, he retrieves the bracelet and tosses it towards Lorien. Just as the gleaming gold is about to land in Lorien''s outstretched hand, Spero snatches it back. "We aren''t friends, remember?" Spero quips playfully before striding off. Leaving Lorien awestruck and contemplative in his wake, he hesitantly follows suit.
CH. 40 Spero set out on a mission to meet Lorien, but not before making a pitstop at his local shopkeeper, Ramin. The rising sun casts a warm glow on the horizon as Ramin is abruptly awoken by loud banging at his front door. Groggy and sleep-deprived, Ramin stumbles to the entrance, his voice gruff as he shouts, "We''re closed! Go Away!" KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK Ignoring Ramin''s protests, the persistent knocking continues, echoing through the early morning air. With a sigh, Ramin wipes the remnants of tiredness from his eyes and reluctantly opens the door, ready to give the unwelcome visitor a piece of his mind. "WHAT!" he barks, only to be met by Spero''s mischievous grin. "Your hair is a bit messy," Spero teases. "Screw you," Ramin retorts, as he turns to trudge back into his shop. "Why are you here so damn early?" Unfazed by Ramin''s grumpy demeanor, Spero casually leans against a table in the cluttered shop, his eyes scanning the scattered tools and supplies. "I need some tools for my mission today," he explains. Ramin, still half-asleep, waves his hand in dismissal, allowing Spero to rummage through the shop''s valuables on his own. Lost in a drowsy haze, Ramin''s head nods slightly as he dozes off, only to startle awake at the sound of Spero clanking the supplies on the wooden table. With a look of desperation on his face, Ramin asks, "Are you done; can you leave now?" "Not quite, I need to see some of the cave supplies I left with you." "Uh yeah sure." He then heads out through a door at the back of the shop to his personal home, returning with a sack that he hands to Spero. "Thanks." "I was surprised you had that sorcerer pick up the other materials you left with me, why not this?" "Can''t be too careful," Spero explains as he gathers his bags to depart. Ramin asks, "Where are you off to?" Spero sighs, "Unfortunately, I have to meet with a pointy-eared associate." Ramin looks at Spero with disbelief and bursts into a loud laugh. "You''re meeting him? After the last disastrous mission? Hahaha, oh my!" Spero''s expression turns to one of discontent as Ramin chuckles heartily. Before leaving, Ramin shares one last jest, "Don''t kill any generals on your way out, ahaha!" Spero mocks Ramin under his breath, repeating his words as he leaves the shop. ***** Spero and Lorien stride up a towering mountain under the scorching midday sun. The duo maintains their pace, with Spero leading the way and Lorien following closely behind. As they ascend, Lorien''s impatience bubbles to the surface. "Ugh, how much longer?" "We''re almost there," Spero assures. "But what is this mission about?" Lorien presses on. "You''ll be briefed when we meet the dwarves towards the top," Lorien''s eyes roll in exasperation. "Oh great, can''t wait," he mutters under his breath. Deciding to quicken his pace, Lorien surges forward, his back straightens, "This isn''t going to be like last time, is it?" Spero comes to a halt, turning to face his companion. "Why does everyone keep asking that?" Lorien simply shrugs his shoulders. "Well, you did kill the chief''s top general..." "It was part of the job!" Spero defends. "You stabbed him in the face, in front of the dwarven chief!" Spero looks away. "He had a high bounty." "You couldn''t have done that earlier in the mission," questions Lorien. Spero casually starts walking past Lorien, nonchalantly replying, "I forgot." "Forgot, my ass!" Lorien exclaims, quickening his pace to keep up with Spero. Spero turns around abruptly, his gaze locking on Lorien. "And what about you! You stole the bounty from me, you lanky rat!" Lorien''s face flushes as he fumbles for words. "I simply invested that gold," he mumbles sheepishly, trying to avoid Spero''s piercing stare. "Tisk, more like spent it all on wenches and booze." As Spero and Lorien continue their journey, their banter and bickering echo through the land. At the mountain''s first summit, Lorien and Spero encounter two dwarves - one standing by a wooden wagon and the other perched atop it. Tension fills the air as the dwarves exchange sour looks with Lorien, who mirrors their expressions.
Spero inquires, "Do you have all the supplies?" One of the dwarves confidently replies, "Of course. Are you both prepared?" Lorien gestures dismissively, leaving Spero wearing a puzzled expression. Realizing the lack of clarity, Spero explains, "Oh yeah, he doesn''t know the details yet." Surprised, the dwarf retorts, "You haven''t informed him?" The dwarf on the wagon chuckles, "If I were him, I wouldn''t have said a word either. Can''t risk the fairy boy fleeing." Reacting impulsively, Lorien makes a move towards his dagger, but Spero restrains his wrist. The other dwarf hushes his companion and states, "We will guide this wagon to that here cave entrance to gather some metal ore." Lorien questions, "That''s all? Why am I even here? These walking thumbs can manage on their own!" The other dwarf hops off the wagon, "The ore next to dragons'' nest, we need you two, brave ladies, to bather it all for us." "A dragon, are you fucking insane!" Lorien backs up. Calmly, the other dwarf explains, "We managed to extract the ore from the surrounding rocks while the dragon was away hunting, but it returned earlier than anticipated." Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. "Hell no, this is crazy, I''m leaving," Lorien announces. Spero grabs his collar and pulls him back. "It''s a baby dragon taking a nap, don''t be so dramatic." Lorien questions, "A baby dragon can still burn down a small village. And how do we know its mother is there waiting for us?" "It''s an Emberwing, their mothers abandon them when they''re young," Spero reassures. The dwarf interjects, "Time is of the essence. Your task is to secure the ore quickly while we load them onto this wagon. The dragon must have finished its meal by now, so we have a limited window. Let''s move quickly." The group ascends several kilometers closer to the cave entrance, eventually parking the wagon nearby. Spero and Lorien, arm themselves with supplies. "Take some of these," Spero insists, as he tosses a pick, hammer, and a bright red stone. Lorien raises a concern, "Firestones? These will wake the dragon." Spero reassures him, "These are only to keep it back if we need to make a quick escape." With trepidation, the duo approaches the cave entrance. With every step, their steps echo through the darkness. As they venture deeper into the unknown, the sound of their footsteps mingles with the rhythmic drops of water from stalactites above. Lorien asks, "Are we taking turns, or should we both gather as many ores as possible simultaneously?" Spero''s response, though unexpected, sends a shiver down Lorien''s spine, "Me? I''m not stepping foot in there." Confusion and frustration mar Lorien''s features, "What are you talking about?" Spero''s voice drops to a whisper, his eyes alight with concern, "That dragon would detect my unusual aura in an instant." The elf grabs Spero''s shoulders and shakes him. "What the hell are you doing to me, man!?" "Your ability isn''t mana based so it won''t detect you as easily. You''re the best person for this job." Lorien lowers his head, muttering under his breath, "I hate you so much." Spero chuckles softly as they make their way towards the den, a glimmer of light beckoning in the distance. Reaching a strategic point near the entrance, Spero gestures for Lorien to proceed alone. "I''ll remain here. Once you secure the ores, I''ll escort them out and return for the next batch," Spero strategizes. Lorien grumbles in reluctant acceptance, smacking his face lightly before exhaling. "Alright fine, shit, okay. Let''s do this!" Lorien''s body begins to shimmer and slowly fades from view, turning him invisible. He creeps closer to the snoring beast, every nerve in his body tingling with adrenaline.
His steps are as light as a feather as he maneuvers through the scattered riches, being careful not to disturb a single gold coin or chalice of glistening silver. Finally reaching the metal ores, he kneels and scoops up a handful, feeling their weight in his grasp. Lorien retraces his steps, making sure to stay undetected as he returns to his companion. With a quiet exchange, the precious ores are passed into Spero''s waiting hands. Lorien makes a few trips back and forth and Spero delivers the metal to the dwarves. While making his way back to Lorien, Spero ponders, Lorien''s ability is quite special, he can shield his energy from going unnoticed, including his scent. His Vita energy would be beneficial. If I had this power..., would I be hidden even by the gods? Spero pauses at a safe distance, observing Lorien''s efforts as he extracts the ores from the cave wall. If he were to die here, no one would question it. Death by a dragon...but even if I were to steal his energy...there''s no guarantee I would even gain his ability. Spero stares at his palm as he reflects on his encounter with the Greek assassin. Lorien struggles to pull some of the loose ores embedded in the cave walls. He uses the pick and hammer, rhythmically matching the dragon''s breathing to chisel away at the stone surrounding the ore. Finally freeing the ore, he returns to Spero. "Navigating would be much easier if this gold wasn''t around," Lorien grumbles. "Don''t you dare," Spero orders. "I have no idea what you''re suggesting" "You know damn well dragons mark their treasure; they can track their scent across lands." "I know, I know, calm down," Lorien reassures him. Lorien gathers the last bit of ores. As he carefully collects them and prepares to make his way back to safety, the dragon stirs in its slumber. His heart pounding in his chest, Lorien freezes in terror, holding his breath as he watches the dragon''s movements closely. With a sudden shuffle, the dragon''s tail swings dangerously close to Lorien, he leaps over it in a nimble attempt to avoid being struck. In the process, one of the ores slips from his grasp, sending it tumbling through the air. Lorien extends his hand and catches the metal just before it hits the ground, landing gracefully on one foot. Sweat drips down his nose and lands on a few coins below. DRIP, DRIP, DRIP Lorien strives to maintain his balance. However, a slip of his sweaty hand causes the ore to escape once more. CLANK, CLING, CLANG "Oh shit." Spero sighs out. The dragon awakens fully, its eyes wide with fury as it unleashes a terrifying screech that vibrates through the cavern. "RUN DAMMIT" Spero shouts. Deactivating his invisibility, Lorien races past Spero, who deploys a powerful wall of shadow energy towards the dragon, momentarily blinding the beast as they both make a desperate dash towards the exit. The dragon moves with unparalleled speed, its large form leaving a trail of scattered gold and shattered stalagmites in its path. Flames erupt from its maw, its intense heat inching closer to them. Spero hurls a firestone against the cave wall, triggering a fiery explosion that temporarily halts the dragon''s advance. Unfortunately, the dragon continues its pursuit, prompting Spero to launch more firestones in a desperate attempt to slow its relentless chase. Feeling the beast drawing near, Spero draws his sword, and attempts to strike at the dragon''s snout, only to have the blade deflected by a sturdy horn protruding from its head. Lorien''s voice cut through the chaos. "Ready the wagon! We need to get the hell out of here!" The dwarves outside rustle their belongings and ready the wagon. The beast pushes Spero back forcefully, causing him to collide with the ground. He scrambles to his feet, as he fends off the dragon''s claws and snapping jaw. The stench of spit and searing hot breath assail his senses as he desperately tries to evade the creature''s wrath. In a moment of peril, Spero''s hand instinctively reaches for the ring nestled in his pouch, but a sudden surge of apprehension washes over him. A demonic aura emanates from the ring, filling him with dread as visions of the Nephilim flash before his eyes, hellfire burning his skin alive. With a steely resolve, he releases his grip on the ring and delivers a quick kick to the animal''s neck, momentarily staggering the foe. Spero retrieves a firestone from his pack and hurls it directly at the dragon''s face, however, the creature deflects the attack with a smack of its tail, redirecting the projectile towards the stone wall. A deafening explosion of smoke, flames, and debris engulfs the area, showering Spero with ash and dust. As the smoke begins to clear, a blazing inferno surges towards him, propelled by the dragon''s fiery breath. Spero conjures a protective shield of wind magic to block the scorching flames, the crackling energy of the elements collide. With a menacing lunge, the beast advances towards him, its reptilian eyes ablaze with malice. Spero unleashes a green beam of energy towards the dragon, the flare cutting its armored scales and inflicting a shallow wound. A deafening roar of pain rings through the chamber as the creature winces. Spero dashes towards the exit. Lorien yells, "Jump!" The elf pitches a firestone at the cave entrance as Spero leaps out. The dragon''s fierce expression is illuminated by the radiant sunlight as it inches closer towards them. BLAST The rocks above begin to crumble and collapse, sealing the dragon''s fate within the confines of the cave. Amidst the settling dust and debris, a fleeting moment of relief washes over the group, but their respite is short-lived as they feel the ground tremble beneath them. "Get your asses on this wagon!" a dwarf bellows out. They scramble onto the wagon as they start its descent down the mountain path, the dwarves wielding long sticks guide and steer their transportation, narrowly avoiding obstacles along the way. As they finally reach the foot of the mountain, a sense of accomplishment washes over the group. They continue their journey towards the village. They enter the Chief''s throne room as they are welcomed by the personal guards. "Job well-done assassin, I''m surprised you followed through." The chief states. "The knowledge of your weapons aided us greatly against the Medes, I thank you for your generosity." Spero expresses gratefully, bowing respectfully to the chief. The chief smiles with gratitude and asserts his eyes towards Lorien. "And with the help of an elf no less, now I''ve seen everything." Lorien averts his eyes momentarily before acknowledging with a nod. "With this, I hereby confirm our alliance with the new kingdom of Persia. And we shall be open to discussions of a cease-fire with the Elves of Elam." The chief declares. The room is filled with a tense silence as Lorien''s stunned expression betrays his astonishment. "An...And I will make sure to relay this information to them." As Lorien exchanges a fleeting glance with Spero, a realization unravels the fa?ade of his comrade. You sneaky son of a bitch. The two unlikely companions set out from the dwarven village and venture a few kilometers out. "This is where we depart," Spero says. Lorien turns to him. "You think all of this will last?" "No, but I believe it will create a path for things to change." Lorien can see what Spero says is true. The last time they met all he knew was a mysterious thief who kept all his past locked away. Someone who he dared to never make angry, someone who was feared by all. Now, he notices a glimmer of change in this infamous assassin where he truly believes that Spero could change things for the better. As they part ways Spero''s voice rings out. "You forgot something." A flash of light dances through the air as Lorien fumbles to catch the shimmering object hurtling towards him. In his grasp lies the stolen jewelry from that random noble. With a parting wave, Spero fades into the distance, leaving Lorien smirking at the golden bracelet. Lorien sets his gaze forward and strides purposefully along his path. CH. 41 After a successful mission with the dwarves, Lorien delivered the message to the Elves of Elam. The message? A proposal for a ceasefire, a chance for peace to flourish where conflict had long reigned between elves and dwarves. Amidst skepticism and resistance from the Elven Elders, Lorien persisted, engaging in countless meetings filled with fervent discussions and impassioned debates. Eventually, the ceasefire was reluctantly agreed upon. As word of this unprecedented peace spread far and wide, it ignited a glimmer of hope in the hearts of many. Trade routes once fraught with peril now bloomed with possibilities, offering safe passage for merchants and travelers alike. The effects rippled across the lands, sparking curiosity and admiration in some clans, while others dismissed it as mere hearsay. Nevertheless, this newfound harmony inspired even minor clans to follow in the footsteps of the dwarves and elves, seeking to mend long-standing grudges and form alliances where there was once only enmity. Yet, amidst the winds of change, there were those who clung persistently to the ways of conflict. Refusing to embrace this fragile peace, some races stood resolute, ready to wage war against what they deemed as a facade. ***** In the scorching heat of the desert, the sounds of soldiers filled the air - huffing, puffing, weapons clanging, and footsteps trampling. Thousands of troops train diligently, honing their skills in armed and unarmed combat. Camps specialized in mastering specific weapons, while groups work tirelessly to enhance their proficiency in magic. Spero, the new High General of the Persian Kingdom, stands at the helm of this specialized army newly titled the 10,000 Immortals.
His commands echo across the training grounds, each order precise and sharp. "Your feet are too far apart! Keep the lance straight when you strike! Head up when you go for a take down! Don¡¯t rush the spell too quickly, it will diminish the power!" he bellows. With the rapid growth of the Kingdom, Spero knew the danger of complacency among his troops. He watches vigilantly, ensuring that each soldier maintains their edge in combat. There is no room for rustiness and no space for negligence. The enemy must never see an opportunity to exploit any weakness within their forces. As we grow, we gain more enemies. Those out of fear or mere jealousy. I need our forces to be fierce and back that intimidation with skill. They can¡¯t always rely on my powers in battle¡­. I¡¯ve been using these abilities far too frequently. Spero notices his hand shaking as vibrant bursts of black and red energy emanate from his very pores. Spero hides his hand quickly as soldiers pass by and offer salutes in recognition of his remarkable guidance. One soldier approaches him for direction on a particular combat tactic. Spero surveys the diverse faces of his comrades, every person, every Persian standing before him. The endless animosity he once felt at every corner of his upbringing, has begun to dwindle, giving way to a welcoming curiosity. As the day stretches on and the rigorous training session draws to a close, Spero receives personal farewells from his soldiers, acknowledging his hard work and dedication. Watching the sun dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the training grounds, a wave of tranquility washes over Spero''s features, a serene smile tugging at the corners of his lips. ***** After months of meticulous planning and construction, a powerful force decides to sow disorder. Rumors spread like wildfire about Lydian foes marching towards Cappadocia, with their sights set on the town of Pteria. In response, Cyrus and Ashkan gather their men, determined to thwart the impending invasion by the Cattari of Lydia. As they gallop forward, the clash of steel and the thundering hooves of their horses resound through the rugged terrain. "The Cattari have been relatively quiet recently," observes Ashkan as he rides at the head of their army. Cyrus, his eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of the enemy, nods in agreement. "Indeed. While we were busy with our trade networks and forging alliances, they must have seen an opportunity to expand their territory. And with Croesus being the brother of the Queen of Media, it was only a matter of time before he struck back." "I find it astonishing that the Cattari haven''t revolted against their Divinain ruler¡±. Cyrus steers his horse and delivers a decisive hand signal, leading their troops towards the left. "Despite their feline nature, the Cattari are surprisingly loyal people. Croesus''s intervention saved them from Astyages''s wrath and elevated their kingdom''s wealth beyond even our own." Ashkan adjusts the strap of his dwarven hammer that sits comfortably on his back. ¡°We''ve never faced their kind in battle before. I don¡¯t like running into the unknown.¡± Cyrus assures him. ¡°Spero has shared some valuable information regarding the Cattari''s tactics and abilities. We''ll make sure our soldiers are well-prepared before we confront them¡± The Cattari are humanoid felines, nimble and fast like any other cat. Remarkable reflexes and senses. They are smaller in stature. They have a powerful cavalry; how strong can they be? That is still to be determined. This will be a slight challenge. As they near the town of Pteria, the sight that meets their eyes is one of ruin. ¡°Those bastards!¡± Ashkan shouts as he grips the handle of his hammer. The Cattari invaders are pillaging through homes and enslaving the innocent Persian people.
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¡°Change of plans. We must lure them away from the town and towards the river. We need to create distance between them and our people before we unleash our full might upon them,¡± Cyrus directs. They split up into two teams - one heading east with Ashkan and the other west with Cyrus. The soldiers in the east left a platoon behind with camels and supplies before making their way toward their designated side of the town. As the soldiers on horseback ride to the right side of the town with a booming clatter, the Cattari inhabitants of the town hear their presence and raise the alarm. Persian archers rain arrows on them to lure them out, the Cattari evade the projectiles with as arrows fling past the enemy forces. The Cattari mount their horses and charge in with their cavalry. As the east group tactically retreats, the west team attempts to infiltrate the town. But the sharp senses of the Cattari pick up on the Persians'' scent, prompting them to unleash a furious response. With primal roars, the feline assailants surge forward, their claws striking out against the soldiers, leaving deep scratches in their flesh. Cyrus charges forward from the rear of the group, brandishing his dwarven shield. H unleashes a powerful energy pulse that not only blasts but also blinds their enemies. He signals his companions to join the fray, while a magician conjures sharp rock spikes out from the ground to ward off the approaching foes, allowing the Persian soldiers to approach the captive townsfolk. As the tension mounts the Cattari leader lets out a menacing growl, her gaze locks with Cyrus''s determined eyes. Cyrus clangs his sword against his shield multiple times. With a fierce battle cry, the Cattari leader slices through the rock spikes and charges forward. Ashkan''s group gallops behind them as they lead the pursuers on a wild chase. The Cattari, relentless in their pursuit, draw closer with each passing moment. As the enemy felines close in, their sleek forms leap from their mounts and pounce upon the unwary Persians, toppling them to the ground. The Cattari slash at their victims'' necks before hurtling forward, their steeds circling back around as they match the pace of the horses. The feline warriors seize the reins of their own mounts, launching themselves back into the saddle with practiced agility. Ashkan raises a critical alarm, rallying the archers to take aim at the enemy''s horses. Arrows whistle through the air piercing the sides of the charging horses, causing them to stumble and falter. The adversaries spring from their falling steeds and brandish their spears. A deadly spear impales a Persian mage as a blast of water magic fails mid-incantation. Ashkan, quick to notice their rapid response, signals his men to follow him. Darting his head left and right, he leads the chase as his soldiers trail behind. Amidst the whistling winds, a faint rustling catches their attention, the sound of water crashing against rocks becoming more prominent. A river running past the town glimmers in the sunlight, beckoning them forward. Riding close to the water''s edge, they observe their enemies hesitating to approach, slowing their pursuit. A satisfied smirk plays on Ashkan''s lips as he whispers, "Ha, knew it." They trace the path of the flowing river, ultimately guiding them back to the town. Cyrus is face to face with the fierce Cattari leader, her spear aims for him like a serpent ready to strike. Cyrus deflects her first three strikes, the clash of metal scratching against each other. As she lunges for another attack, Cyrus smacks the side of her spear with his shield and counters with a sword strike. The Cattari leader gracefully dodges to her left, her feline agility evident in every movement. As she attempts to strike with her piercing claws, he pivots to his right and evades the blow. Cyrus pushes forward with his shield held high, the force of impact rumbling through his arm as he smashes into her shoulder. But the Cattari leader was not one to be easily outmaneuvered; with a sudden leap, ascended over Cyrus, her eyes locked on her target. Cyrus raises his sword just in time to block the incoming spear stab from above. On her descent back down, Cyrus attempts a retaliatory slash, but she moves like a gust of wind, sliding past his blade with an elegant grace that belies her deadly intent. With the pressure mounting, Cyrus knew he had to regroup. He backs away, the weight of her attacks pushing him to the edge. As she lunges forward once more, her spear aims straight for his heart, Cyrus focuses his shield, the light on his shield slowly grows brighter with each passing moment. FLASH He blinds the Cattari leader with a flash of light. Cyrus slashes the side of her torso, but the quick-thinking leader manages to evade the full force of the blow. Growling in defiance, she spins her spear, creating crackling yellow sparks in the air. The tip of her spear shines with a bright golden glow as she prepares to strike back. In a blur of motion, she thrusts the spear with lightning speed. Despite Cyrus¡¯s efforts to block the attack, the sheer force of the strike causes an explosive impact directly to his shield, sending him flying back several meters. As he struggles to regain his footing, the ground shakes and pebbles dance around beneath him. A booming roar fills the air as Ashkan and his soldiers on horseback stampede into the scene, galloping towards the ongoing confrontation. The Cattari warriors find themselves cornered by the advancing Persian forces. The Cattari retreat towards the edge of the town. Ashkan and his loyal group lead the charge. As they close in, Ashkan''s voice pierces through the sounds of battle, commanding his fellow soldiers to move in. He guides them to the river, where the only hope of escape lay in the bridges their enemies had hastily constructed during their initial crossing. Just as it seemed the Cattari were being broken down the second group returns, turning the tables on Cyrus and his forces. Ashkan yells out. ¡°MOVE!¡± He charges towards the river and dismounts his horse in one motion, grasping his hammer tightly in his hand as he raises it high above his head. Crackles of brilliant blue energy emanate from his hammer as he brings it down with incredible force, sending a powerful shockwave rippling through the water below. The impact creates massive waves that drench the Cattari, knocking them off balance and flinging them off the bridges and into the river. The sounds of their startled screams fill the air as they struggle to resurface amidst the turbulent waters. As the drenched Cattari warriors scramble to safety on the riverbank, their soaked clothing clinging to their bodies, they hastily mount their horses and ride off in retreat. Meanwhile, the fearless Persian soldiers begin to cautiously advance across the now-turbulent bridge, eager to continue the battle and secure victory. ¡°Wait!¡± Cyrus commands. The faces of the soldiers etch with doubt, come to a sudden halt at his command. Ashkan emerges from the river, wringing water from his beard as he questions, "Why are we stopping?" Cyrus scans the surroundings. "They may have retreated, but we suffered heavier losses than they did." A silent understanding passes between the group as they absorb his words. Ashkan nods in agreement, his tone firm. "Very well, tend to the wounded and free the captives." The soldiers spring into action, carrying out their orders with haste. Stepping closer to Cyrus, Ashkan whispers urgently, "We cannot allow them to regroup." Cyrus nods thoughtfully. "I know. That''s why we will pursue them right away. Yet, their skill in horsemanship and agility poses a greater threat than we anticipated." ¡°I¡¯m surprised Croesus was nowhere to be found.¡± ¡°He only fights with his main unit. That¡¯s likely where they are headed.¡± As they watch the supply group enter the town, the sight of the camels triggers a revelation in Cyrus. A broad smile spreads across his face, his eyes gleaming with mischief. Turning to Ashkan, he reveals his daring plan with a mischievous grin. ¡°I have an idea you¡¯re not going to like.¡±