《TBOU: Hopebreaker》


 Prologue

    Prologue


    <hr>


    The wind blew drifts as a boy slept soundly. His brown hair was wild and messy, matching his young, elegant face. His skin was smooth, and his face was untouched by injury, blessed by the grace of youth. His grey cotton shirt clutched to his chest, even more so to his arms, allowing people to see how refined his arms and torsos were. Black pants flapped in the wind, torn up from time and usage as a single bandage wrap on his right shin.


    The wind picked up as pieces of his hair started to sway into his eye sockets, making him stir in his sleep. The wind blew louder and louder past his ears till his eyes shot open.


    There, he sees himself floating in the air, surrounded by nothing but gray clouds that appear to be daylight, but flu clouds cover most of everything. He squirms, trying to see where to grab onto, and he starts to panic; there is nothing but clouds as far as he can see.


    He finds himself suspended mid-air, enveloped by an expanse of gray clouds. It might have been daylight, yet the overabundance of thick, swirling mists obscured everything in sight.


    He writhes, desperate to find something to anchor himself to, but to no avail. The endless sea of clouds stretches into infinity, leaving him adrift and isolated. He starts to panic as his feeble attempts to search for a semblance of solidity are not one existence.


    With no reason, he is shot up straight, his body spinning wildly without restraint. His heart pounds in his chest, and breathing becomes difficult for him as he screams, but no noise comes. His arms and legs flailed around as he lost his sense of direction with each spin. His shirt thrashed wildly against the wind as his once messy hair became even more messier.


    Nausea slowly crept up on him, and his stomach wanted to hurl up what it could as he started to flip upside down. He saw no ground beneath him¡ªjust him and the open sky.


    He closes his eyes tight, begging for it all to stop, as fear crept into the back of his mind. But miraculously, his body straightens up, granting him comfort as he flies through the endless sky.


    He covered his face as the moisture in the clouds started to brush against his body. He felt his clothes slowly get dampened each time he traveled through each cloud. The wind didn''t help as it continued to roar.


    Light began to infiltrate his closed eyelids, growing progressively brighter, insistently. A warmth, both gentle and pervasive, enveloped his consciousness, igniting a spark of curiosity that compelled him to open his eyes. As he did, the warm aura that had cradled his mind seemed to extend outward, wrapping his body in its soothing embrace, encouraging him to embrace the unknown vision before him fully.


    Before him was a sun, an extraordinary spectacle that lights up the heavens as he approaches. Despite being so near, he cannot look away. The celestial giant, an orb of living flames, is wreathed in red and orange, but the ethereal ribbons of green and blue captivate him most. These colors swirl around the sun in a celestial dance, reminiscent of the aurora borealis, something he only saw in picture books, casting an otherworldly glow that enthralls him with hues beyond the reach of words.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Yet, a wave of confusion washes over him. He is acutely aware that such brilliance should render him blind, and the warmth it emits is peculiar¡ªa curious tingling sensation against his skin. But instead of alarm, a profound sense of calm envelops him. Fear and worry dissolve into the ether; his body seems to embrace the sensation, basking in a warmth that nourishes his soul, akin to the cozy embrace of a fireside on a chilly winter evening.


    He is engulfed in tranquility.


    This must be a dream.


    As tranquility envelops him, the sun''s incandescent heart¡ªa crystalline prism that unfurls before his inner gaze. It pulsates with a divine essence, casting a heavenly light that feels simultaneously cosmic and otherworldly. This spectral presence had a profound sense of importance, whispering of its intrinsic role in the fabric of the universe, drawing him into its luminescent embrace with an ethereal allure that speaks volumes of its significance without uttering a single word.


    His body continues to float, bathed in its tendered light. He feels the rhythm of his heartbeat, a steady drum in his chest. In a moment of serenity, he closes his eyes, allowing himself to drift without direction, at peace with the universe. The beat of his heart amplifies, resonating as though it synchronizes with the pulse of the sun itself.


    If this was a dream, he didn''t want it to end.


    Beneath his closed eyelids, images flickered with each heartbeat, growing more vivid and casting lights and shadows that danced to the rhythm of his existence.


    Heart-beat was steady and strong.


    In the grasp of a hand, the sun pulses with life.


    His heart-beat continued to amplify.


    Atop a mighty beast, a man stares down upon a city, lightning tearing the sky behind him. His eyes, cold and dead, hold malice; his skin is painted with vivid streaks of blood.


    His heart-beat struck against his chest.


    Around him, a sea of faces¡ªman and beast alike¡ªlifeless, tainted, and despairing, their eyes filled with a silent plea, their voices echoing a chorus of terror.


    His heart-beat faster.


    A mountain explodes, not with lava, but with a blinding, pure light.


    Fear rose up in his chest.


    He''s fleeing¡ªpast trees, past faces blurred by speed, memories, evading the clutches of agony.


    Like a knife stabbing his heart as he started to panic.


    "Stop! Leave! They will see you!"


    A voice he never heard.


    A vision of blood, haunting eyes, and more blood.


    Dread seeps in as he tries to wake up.


    A brother lies lifeless in the embrace of his lover.


    He questions what he sees as he clutchs to his heart as it pounded in his chest.


    ???l???o???????d??? ???b??????¨°?????d??? ???b???l?????????d???


    [Warning Warning]


    [Unknown is attempting to sap your Lifeblood]


    His Heart felt like it was trying to escape his body as I try to wake up from this nightmare.


    "Blood is the Enemy, not I"


    Time shatters, a mosaic of what once was¡ªeach piece a story to be healed.


    Embrace the Chaos


    I?????? ?????s??????????????????e???????????? ????????????y????¨¯???????????¨¹?????????


    [Unknown uses C?o?r?r?u?p?t?i?o?n?]


    "William!"

 Chapter One

    The Hunter


    <hr>


    "William! Wake Up!"


    William jerks up at his name, breathing heavily as sweat pours down his face. He relaxes as reality sinks in, knowing everything he sees is real. But that dream was strange. It was so vivid. The sun, the visions, everything. Looking around at his surroundings, ensuring he wasn''t dreaming again. Finally, he caught his breath as he clutched his chest, feeling his heartbeat slowing down.


    He looked down at his old, decayed wooden bed, ruined from time as pieces of the bed frame were torn off. His blanket, if you want to call it that, was ripped and knitted together. A single small circular table sat next to his bed, with an unlit lantern and a broken photo next to it. Looking at the door to his room, seeing a broken mirror and a rack holding a rusty old sword.


    William sits up, only for his head to collide with the ceiling with a loud bang. He had forgotten that the roof was slanted downward beside his bed.


    Again.


    He rubs his head as the stinging sensation pulses, gritting his teeth as he sees sunlight beaming through a hole in the roof at the other side of the room, barred up with wooden planks.


    "William!" a voice calls out behind the door from outside William''s room.


    "I''m up, I''m up!" William responds, irritated, as he shifts his legs off the side of his bed while ensuring he doesn''t hit his head.


    He looks down at his old grey shirt, stretched to his size as it clings tightly to his body, clearly showing his toned body. His black pants, old and dirty from outdoor activities, with a white bandage tied around his right shin, acting as a shin guard, as a failed attempt of knee guard on his left, clearly made of leather. Then there were his dirty boots. He remembers them since he was young. William only started wearing them when he was fifteen. His father never needed to buy more extras.


    His father either was saving money and couldn''t afford to buy nicer clothing or never needed it.


    William raises one hand to avoid hitting his head again as he stands up and approaches the table. He looks at a picture on the table, ignoring the broken glass at the corner of the frame.


    The picture shows two people: a woman with long golden hair and golden eyes that reflect the sunlight, wearing a basic tan cotton shirt. Her nose curves slightly upward at the tip, and her smile is comforting and peaceful.


    Next to her is a taller man with messy brown hair, shaved down the sides while the top is swept towards the back of his head, while the sides were cut down to the point you could almost see skin, and a sharp face, but a gentle smile. However, his face looked worn out, as if it was strained from stress or physical activity, making him look much older than he actually is. His nose is straight, and a faded shade of black runs down his jaw, hinting at a growing beard. His eyes are rough, but a solid black iris stares back at William. Through those eyes, William can tell how happy he is, sporting a black cotton shirt. The two people in the photo are very different.


    The woman appears to be a beautiful girl about twenty years old, while the man looks around thirty.


    The two were his mother and father. William, however, never met his mother. His father told him she died in a fire created by monsters of the Blight that corrupted their land. His father barely managed to save him from the fire, but it was too late for his mother.


    Ever since his father told him, William wanted to avenge his mother by fighting the Blight, like the great warriors of his country are tasked to do.


    William made his way to the broken mirror and looked at himself. His dirty brown hair was messy and long, barely touching his eyebrows and neck. His bright autumn-like hazel eyes reflected whatever light the mirror was shining off at him, and a fade of black underneath his eyebags mixed in with his slightly tanned skin.


    Signs of lack of sleep.


    Not surprisingly, an open ceiling where cold air can get in, terrible blankets, potential sounds of terrible roars of monsters in the woods, and people chatting, who would not be awake from all of that.


    At least he gets a good view of the stars; sadly, he does not get a good view of the town. William rubs his curved nose, a nose gifted from his mother''s. His father always said it was cute, but he never understood why.


    William never found anything he had on his face attractive or appealing, but that''s possibly due to him being so filthy.


    He sighed, full well of what was about to happen. His father claims it is light training. William closes his eyes as he exhales deeply.


    one hour later


    William was lying down behind bushes next to his father. His father was much taller; his hair was slightly longer on the sides than it was in the photo, but it''s clear that he maintains it. Wrinkles slowly grow around the eyes and forehead, but not too much. The hair on top, though, is still the same, swept back.


    He held an old grey-like bow, curving in towards him at the top and bottom, going outward than inwards, sharpened like a blade, while his hands held onto the grip at the base of the bow. The bow, which William had seen him use, was large, big enough to be a walking stick.


    The bow never used actual arrows; it used magic arrows created by his father''s magical energy, something William couldn''t do. The bow was fantastically maintained. William knows his father treasured that bow, as it was a keepsake from Will''s mothers. But there is a better time to be distracted, as William is hunting with his father.


    They stared off past the bushes and saw a 5-foot-tall bipedal reptile, almost looking like a raptor, as it stood on two feet. Spikes ran down its spine as a dirty emerald green covered its scale, almost like moss. The raptor''s mouth had a peculiar shape, with a snout almost boxed-like but a curved upper lip extending past the bottom like a peak, only to curve up again on either side. Its teeth were sharp and pointed, perfect for tearing flesh, but at the moment, it was using them to crunch on the herbs of a nearby tree. Its arms were thin and long, designed for grabbing eggs or switching to walking on four. It''s hind legs were thick and muscular, perfect for long-distance sprinters.


    It was a Heraraptor, and William was going to distract it.


    William''s father slowly rises off the ground, holding his massive bow and aiming it at the raptor.


    "Wait for it," he said, waiting for the right moment.


    William was getting restless, wanting to prove he could catch the beast. His father has been training him surprisingly effectively but very absurdly, though he could never catch the oversized reptile.


    But today will be the day.


    Williams''s heart raced as time started to slow down, as anticipation began to get to him.


    The Raptors always annoyed him, even though they were considered ranked C on the danger level, according to the Adventures Guild. Adventurers usually dealt with them. They were quick little critters if you would call them little, as they ate crops and tore apart farmlands. Sometimes, they got bold and took a few farm animals.


    William felt a single drop of sweat drip down his forehead as he breathed heavily. He''s getting impatient.


    "Now!" William''s father shouted as William took off immediately, leaving a crack underneath his foot where he leaped off as he jumped through the bushes.


    The raptor came into view as William dashed straight at it, his hair gliding back against the wind. However, the raptor saw him coming, evading him, making William miss as he tried to recover.


    The chase was on.


    The raptor was faster than William as he tried to keep up, its tail barely out of reach. The raptor suddenly leaped over a fallen tree trunk, causing William to press his hand against it as he poorly vaulted over it. He catches himself in time as he tries to catch back up, only to see the raptor sharply turn past a tree.


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    William grunted loudly, quickly grabbing the tree as he circled around it. Swinging himself off it, he picks up speed again, running right behind the raptor.


    As William continues to chase after the raptor, the forest slowly gets brighter due to all the fallen trees, but plenty of bushes remain just enough to be a nuisance. He tries to keep his breathing under control as he starts to slam his feet into the ground, pushing himself harder off the ground while lengthening his strides. He slowly begins to catch back up with the raptor as they both continue to leap and vault over trees and bushes.


    After getting close enough, Will reaches for its tail. However, the raptor keeps swatting his hand away, annoying William. The reach attempts felt weird, as a loud, wack-like whip kept striking his hand.


    Minutes passed, and the beast kept staying directly in front of William, and both ran deeper into the forest.


    More fallen trees lay before them, and Will expertly traversed the obstacles now, vaulting and leaping past each fallen tree, torn down by a much bigger creature. But Will didn''t have time to think about what was around him.


    William even started running straight through the bushes to stay behind the raptor.


    William finally realizes that the beast is actually toying with him. Intentionally letting Will get close so it can smack his hand with its tail.


    William curses out at the raptor. "Get back here, asshole!"


    He lunges at it, making it leap out of the way as it hops across from one bush to another.


    It''s enjoying itself, Will thought as he desperately tried to catch it, but it''s way too agile.


    The only thing keeping William going is that he knows he''s getting faster. He''s barely touching a heraraptor''s tail now, which tells him he''s getting to his goal slowly.


    After running for what feels like hours to William, the raptor was cornered by 2 massive tree trunks that appeared to have been ripped out of the ground and an enormous boulder in between.


    William took slow, wobbly steps as sweat dripped from his face, his cotton white shirt soaking wet. His eyes grew weary and fatigued as he stepped closer and closer. He spread his arms out to make himself look bigger than he did, not wanting to give the beast the idea of escape.


    "Nowhere to go now," William said weakly. He''s spent, tired, and now slow. But it''s time to do the one thing he could never do.


    Capture a Heraraptor bare-handed.


    If he succeeds, he will win his father''s deal, which was given to him when he was six. Capturing the beast would mean he''s done with his training.


    "Now you..." Will gasps loudly, using his hand to gesture to the raptor. "Stay right there..." Will breathes heavily, pointing at it, trying to regain his composure.


    But he was getting impatient. It''s right there in front of him. He was so close; just one more ounce of strength left, and he would do it. Will knew he was physically strong enough to kill it with his bare hands, or according to his father.


    Will doubt it, but it is part of the training.


    The raptor starts to hiss at William as he gets closer and closer. Even the morning sun rising behind William is assisting him.


    Will takes another step, legs shaking as his snot drops onto the wet grass. William gave the raptor a wicked smirk, wicked enough to make anyone shiver.


    Will was desperate. The raptor looked around for an escape, but Will wouldn''t have it, taking another step closer. The raptor hissed loudly as it lowered its body to the floor, ready to defend itself. Will could see its wet reptilian mouth, disturbing, but it didn''t matter.


    "Ten years it took to get me here," William mumbles to the raptor. "Ten! Long! God! Damn! Years!" William dives right at the raptor, arm spread open without hesitation or fear.


    Time seemed to slow down for Will as he approached the cornered animal.


    Finally, it''s here.


    All of Will''s hard work is now coming to an end as he approaches his target slowly but surely.


    He never knew what victory tasted like. Did it taste like this?


    The odd smell of sweat and grime rushes up his nostrils. William smiled brightly as he made eye contact with the raptor. He may even cry right there and then.


    But.


    William''s eyes widened, horrified, as he saw his mistake as the raptor lowered itself, giving way to the fact that it wasn''t preparing to defend itself; it was preparing to jump.


    Will couldn''t do anything. He''s already in the air, slowly approaching. He tries to bring his arms around the raptor as quickly as possible, only to see it jump straight up, not over him or backward, but straight up. Will turns his head, seeing it come back down to land on his face, pushing him down. His face slides across the wet grass, covering him in dirt, gunk, and grass as the raptor jumps off him.


    Will lifts his head and turns back as quickly as possible, only to see the raptor dead on the ground, a solid blue arrow pieced its head.


    William heard his father approach, laughing hard enough to echo throughout the forest. "Hahaha, did it play you as a fool? If I didn''t know any better, you got overconfident, and it took advantage of that."


    Frustrated, Will slammed his fist into the ground, his face twisted in anger and humiliation. He gritted his teeth as he punched the ground again and again, leaving a few holes as his father got closer. Will was pulled up off the ground as his father started wiping some of the dirt off him.


    His father makes a big grin, relishing the humor of what just happened. "You good?" his father asked, his face changing to that of one concern.


    William looked away, furrowing his eyebrows, frustrated and humiliated by his pathetic attempt. "I wasn''t fast enough," William said defeatingly.


    Will''s father''s face slowly turns to a grin as he pats Will on his back. "Come on, the raptor isn''t going to carry itself."


    "I know, I know," William scoffs loudly.


    Approaching the dead body of the Heraraptor, the blue arrow that had longed in its head is now gone, as is to be expected of magic arrows. Will grabs the raptor and hoisters it onto him, letting it rest on his shoulders.


    He remembers it being heavy when he first carried it, and it hurt his back that day. William brings the body as he follows his father through the woods.


    The sun is shining brightly now, and William can see the rays of light piercing through the leaves and branches of the tree, illuminating the path. The grass is wet with tiny water droplets on each stem, making the ground slippery. Trees have been uprooted here and there, leaving trails of torn-up earth. The sky is a mix of orange and faded blue as the sun rises higher. The clouds are moving slowly, and the sun is slowly making its way over the land. It looks like it''s going to be a very dark night later.


    After walking for what felt like half an hour for William, having to watch his step due to his balance with the body on his back, he and his father made it out of the forest and into a clearing. There, they spot a carriage holding many dead animal bodies that Will''s father has hunted.


    Still annoyed, William approaches it as he throws the Heraraptor onto the top. He throws it a little too hard as it slides down the left side of the carriage, but it''s not enough to fall off.


    Confirming that the carriage was prepped and ready to go, William goes to the front and grabs the wooden handles and harnesses that linked to it, pulling it towards a carved-out path.


    The ground isn''t as moist and flat, making transportation much more accessible. Sadly, Will is also annoyed that their town, specifically the country, doesn''t have as much magic tech as most other countries, like Asgard or Herios.


    Hearthglen is a town at the edge of the country Drakelene. However, Hearthglen was built inside a carved-out mountain. It''s more of a city at the edge of Drakelene''s territory, bordering Asgard, an enemy country. So Hearthglen is more of a military base for Drakelene than anything else.


    That didn''t mean nobles or civilians didn''t live there. Will and his father are prime examples.


    But their role is much more critical. They tend to the forest and farmlands for any animal that dares to cause problems to the land. They would bring these animals back for the Adventurer''s Guild and the people for food. Will''s father told him that since moving to Heartglen, the animal population has been more stable, and food production has increased. They make a good chunk of money despite being poor due to the taxes that the nobles put out.


    "Keep up, slow poke!" Will''s father shouts as he walks ahead, using his bow as a walking stick.


    William scoffs loudly, intending his father to hear him as he pulls the carriage. The carriage shakes often as it thumps against rocks and other drops in the ground. "Maybe this would be better if you helped out."


    "No, no, no. You wanted to get strong, so here you go," Will''s father humorously retorted as he lengthened his strides and got farther away from the carriage.


    William''s father is really helping him achieve his dream.


    But Will was depressed. Never before was he so close, as he sighed in defeat, pulling the heavy carriage.


    Soon, a massive mountain towered over the land, its insides carved out and replaced with pillars to keep it from falling apart. Massive support beams, large enough for people to live in, are connected to each pillar.


    It was Hearthglen.


    The city is located at the mountain''s base, spreading out in a ring-like shape. Some parts of the city are inside the mountain, while others stretch outside. The buildings are made of bricks, and the streets are paved with light posts. The height of the buildings ranges from two to three stories tall, depending on the location. From where Will and his father are standing, they can faintly see the carriages moving about the city.


    Will proceeds to look at the top of the mountain, where there is a massive castle where the highest of the nobles live. But more importantly, the Riders live there. The mountain, the pillars, and the massively connected paths to each pillar were all designed for the Riders.


    It has always been Will''s dream to be a Rider.


    But before William could think more about his dream, a loud, bellowing roar echoes throughout the sky above him. He quickly turns to it, only to see massive talons approaching him. He flinches, covering his face as huge gusts of wind toss his hair into a chaotic mess. His heart started to race, but not out of fear, but excitement. He moves his arms out of the way to see standing before him. That is the one thing he''s been working so hard to become.


    A Dragon Rider.....

 Chapter Two

    Dragons


    <hr>


    William''s perspective


    I stared in awe as gusts of wind blew past me and my father. The dragon that flew to us was bigger than our house. I can almost feel its might just by standing near it.


    Its bright snow-white scales reflected the sunlight. It opens its massive, beak-like mouth, letting loose a triumphant roar. I could even hear its jaws slamming shut, like a dog chomping down on whatever it could.


    It gazed down at me and my father with its blue-azure eyes. Three horns protruded from its head, one going straight back, following the spine, while the other two curved back on the sides, following the lining of the mouth.


    I stare at its remaining body, wings spread out for all to see, as it stands on its hind legs. Each wing has to be about twenty feet long. One flap could send a child rolling for the hills. Its four limbs bared menacing claws that could cut down trees. Its long tail appears to have a block of icicles shaped like a trident, sharpened to the tip, ready to slice whoever was foolish enough to cross the dragon''s path.


    On the dragon''s neck was a harness strapped to a saddle. The saddle was huge, designed for a person to not only sit on and ride but also stand up without the concern of falling.


    However, a white knight sits on the saddle, making me assume they are the dragon''s rider.


    The knight donned shiny white armor, appearing as magnificent as the dragon they rode. This dazzling ensemble encased him from chest to feet, a spectacle of white metal bound by ornate clasps of gold that snaked around his form. Each piece of armor gleamed with purpose and intent. Streaks of vibrant red traced the contours of his armor, emboldening the edges of his shoulder guards, forearms, and leg plate, bleeding down to his armored greaves. An intricately designed armored skirt fanned out from his waist, safeguarding the joints that the rigid plates above could not, ensuring seamless protection.


    Underneath that armor was a fabric of silk or leather, white like their armor but skin tight, designed in a scale-like pattern. I could see no ounce of what I considered everyday clothing¡ªno wrinkles, no nothing.


    But I didn''t care. I knew who they were. Especially when he wasn''t wearing a helmet.


    Without waiting another second, I shouted, "Barren," as I ran past my father to the dragon.


    The dragon lowered its neck so Barren could hop off. As he climbed off, I saw Barren''s blonde hair combed back neatly like usual, and I saw he had been trimming his beard. It looks far more elegant than the last time I saw him, two years ago.


    That made me more excited that he took my advice. I can''t believe he listened.


    His dark blue eyes matched his facial hair, accentuating a scar on his cheek. The scar didn''t do anything good for his looks in my mind, but I can easily believe all the noble women would be so captivated by him. His face was rugged, but you could still see his nobility behind it all.


    I watch him caress his dragon''s neck, sliding his hand to its snout as he approaches me.


    The dragon groans, managing to move its beak-like mouth somehow, almost like it is speaking in a foreign tongue.


    "William!" Barren said to me, baring his perfect teeth in a big smile.


    I always hate his perfect teeth. "How''s it been, you squirt?"


    I charged at him as I swung my arm at him. "A lot stronger and faster than before!" Barren laughed as he sidestepped out of the way from me.


    I gritted my teeth and smiled as I kept swinging at him. Each punch I threw was broad and heavy, which Barren took full advantage of as he kept dodging.


    "Stand Still!"


    Barren and I always "sparred," or that''s what he calls it. We always horsed around ever since I wanted to be just like him, a Dragon Knight.


    Chuckling loudly, Barren spoke, "Last time you punched me, you knocked the wind out of me." Spinning around me, evading my last wide punch, he pushes his back against me. I felt the cold metal plating of his armor against my back as I fell over. "And I was wearing armor too!"


    The next thing I knew, Barren shoved me to the ground as he chuckled. I laughed as I heard my father approaching, snickering in amusement. I sat back up, resting on my knees as I tried to recover from exhaustion.


    The running, jumping, and carriage pulling I did must have made my body far more fatigued than I realized.


    I was so excited to see Barren and his dragon that I forgot all about it.


    Finally, I looked up and saw his dragon in front of me. It moved its lips in as I made a groaning sound as if it were speaking to me.


    "I miss you too, Lady Elrid." I watch her stand tall on both legs, looking proud and dignified as she speaks again.


    Seeing Elrid again brought me a sense of joy. I would always play with her when I was growing up.


    Or, to be more specific, I would talk to her and assume what she would say. Then, there were times I climbed up her tail, and she would swing me around.


    Once, I even got onto her saddle and pretended to ride her through the clouds. She, however, only walked around. From what I understand, dragons are prideful and would only ride with one person. I was an exception to Elrid, or that''s what I tell myself.


    "She says she''s glad to see you have grown stronger." Barren spoke for her as he and my father approached each other.


    I knew well that dragons understand what we say, but only their rider can understand what their dragon is saying.


    "It''s been a while, Gwyn, my old friend."


    "It has been, Sir Barren," my father replied as he approached Barren, extending his arm to him as Barren reciprocated, latching their hands onto each other''s forearms. My father gave him a bright smile.


    I couldn''t hear much of what they were saying, and I didn''t care. Lady Elrid has lowered her snout, allowing me to scratch her. I felt her smooth, white scales press against my hands as I rubbed and scratched her snout.


    From what I was told, Barren helped my father when he first arrived in Hearthglen with me. In return, my father helped the town with its monster problems, since most adventurers don''t come to this city.


    I don''t remember anything back then. Father said I was only two when we came to Hearthglen, right after my mother passed. Thinking about her made me mad.


    Mad at the Blight, specifically. It was my reason why I wanted to be just like Barren.


    I managed to overhear my father telling Barren about my little chase, which made him laugh. "To think you were close to catching a heraraptor with your bear hands." Barren approached me and patted my shoulder. "You make a fine Dragon Knight if you can reach that level as a Rider."


    "You mean it?" My eyes widen in excitement. My goal was to become a dragon rider, especially a Dragon Knight. Maybe even a Titan Rider.


    "Of course," Barren responded sincerely. Now let me help you and your old man with your carriage. I don''t want you to hurt your back, old man." I muffled a giggle, watching Barren as he walked back to Lady Elrid, hopped onto her neck, and mounted the saddle.


    Father scoffed at him, making a big smirk. "Old man? I''m only 38."


    "Not with those wrinkles." Barren chuckled as Lady Elrid stood back up. Barren rode her as she approached the carriage, grabbing it with her front arms and taking off as gusts of wind from her wings almost swept me off my feet.


    I looked back up to see Barren and Lady Elrid carrying the carriage full of all the game my father and I had gathered from our hunt. Getting back up, I watched them fly to the city. Almost bursting with excitement, I gave a big smile, almost like a child about to scream after getting a puppy.


    "You hear that, Father!" I yell out as I jump over to my father, almost jumping out of my shoes. "He said I''d make a fine dragon knight!"


    Father puts me in a headlock as he starts to dig his knuckles into my head, making me squirm and wiggle as pain jolts throughout my scapel. "You will be a fine rider if you can pass my training," my father retorts as he continues to keep me in a headlock, delivering his painful treatment to my head as I manage to wiggle out. "And don''t forget that Sir Barren may be Knight Commander of the Riders; he isn''t a Matriarch. Only they can ensure one can be a rider."


    "I know, I know," I replied, knowing what my father says is true.


    But still, the Knight Commander himself told me I would be a fine knight. That''s enough to tell me that I''m making good progress. It has to be.


    "But don''t you think it would be time, though? If Lord Knight Commander Barren says I''ll be fine, then surely that means I''m good enough."


    "No, you''re not ready yet," my father retorted immediately. My mouth was agape in shock and disbelief as I watched him follow the path to the city, brushing my opinion off. "You haven''t completed our deal yet."


    "Come On! That''s not fair!" I yelled at him. "I''ve done everything you asked. I''ve done your weird training! I''ve pushed your carriage around for years! I''ve done your hunting trips! What more do you want me to do besides catch your damn lizard?"


    My father turned around and approached me. His steps were fast, heavy, and intimidating. But I stood my ground. I wasn''t afraid. I wasn''t. I''ve done so much to prove to him that I''m ready¡ªeverything he asked for, even the bizarre magic training he made me do.


    As he got closer and closer, I felt my confidence fade, my heart pounding as I tripped over my feet, stumbling back as I landed on the ground.


    I tried to recover, but my father grabbed my arm and yanked me off the ground.


    "This is why. You''re reckless and impatient, quick to outburst, and for many other obvious reasons." I yanked my arm out of his hands, annoyed and angry at his words.


    I yelled to the sky, walking off to the city as I kicked a mound of dirt clear off the ground.


    We have a job to do. We still have to turn in the animal bodies to the guild. Just because Knight Commander Barren took it from us doesn''t mean we are done.


    20 minutes later


    I looked up at the mountain, walking towards the Northern Gate of the city, which lies south of the Zarmen Forest. The same forest where my father and I go hunting.


    The Zarmen Forest is next to the farmlands that help the city and country thrive for food. It''s not the only place where Drakelene gets its food, but it is the only place I knew.


    Staring at the gatehouse, which consisted of two massive, sturdy brick hexagon-like towers connected through an archway-looking gate. The towers are linked to the walls that encircle the entire city, extending to the mountain. The armed guards stand ready with swords and rifles on each tower and walkway above the gate. Some parts of the old brick walls were covered in moss. Windows line the building, and the roof of each window is covered in shingles, most likely intended for protection from aerial attacks.


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    The gate itself is open, but I can see the sharp metal points of the gate protruding from the brick-arching walkway between the two towers.


    I approached the gate, passing it as my father tailed me from behind. He smacks the back of my head.


    "Stop with the brooding; it doesn''t suit you," my father chuckles as he finds my silent nature amusing.


    "I''m pissed."


    "Of course you''re pissed. That doesn''t mean you should let what I said or happened to you eat you alive from the inside. Or you will always find yourself always angry." I stopped walking and watched my father walk past me. "Instead, find ways to improve yourself. You''re still doing what I told you to do with your magic, yes?"


    "Of course I am," I groan annoyingly. "It''s the only thing you taught me relating to magic. Or even allow!" I raise my voice at him.


    Magic exists, and I couldn''t even use it. All because my father doesn''t teach me anything else but channeling.


    Easier said than done, however. I was humiliated by a stupid lizard. I was so close to completing my training, only for it to be squandered, and then I fell over embarrassingly, trying to stand up to him. I''m only glad that Barren didn''t have to see that.


    Trying to be all good and cheery isn''t something I could just do now, especially with my father''s training. At least teach me something about magic besides channeling.


    Channeling is a magic skill widespread throughout the world of Kalos. It''s the basic of the basic. Everyone can do it. It''s just pouring magic into parts of one''s body or items that allow one to enhance one''s physical abilities or to enchant items with special effects if one knows how.


    But all he teaches me is channeling throughout my whole body. I want to know why. Is that what he does all the time? Is that how his bow works? Is my father planning on granting me his bow?


    My body shivered in excitement at that thought. I could already see myself wielding that bow. Wait, he doesn''t teach me how to use bows; he teaches me how to use a sword.


    My father turns around at me and smiles. "One day, you''ll find out why. And when you do, you like what you learn."


    He proceeds to wave at the guards standing at the gate. We knew everyone in the city to some extent. Everyone had to know us. They had to. Ever since my father came to Hearthglen, the farmlands and Zarmen Forest have been cleared of any dangerous monsters that could cause problems, which has helped out merchants, businessmen, and noblemen alike.


    I tagged behind my father as he approached a building that resembled a brick mansion, its structure stretching long with two four-story towers at either end, giving it a grandiose appearance. A staircase at the building''s front leads up to a second-floor patio, acting as a bridge to the main entrance. This patio extends over the building''s rooftop, supported by beams lining the edges of the walkway. Small wooden steps carve a pathway through the patio, directing toward a door that boasts an air of elegance. Below, at the back of the building, our carriage is being unloaded, its presence momentarily ignored by the grandeur above. Flanking the entrance, a flag sways gently, adorned with a symbol of three interlocking triangles, their free sides extending into blades¡ªa heraldic emblem representing the Guild House.


    "Stay here," my father said abruptly.


    He never lets me inside to see the guild. He always says it is full of lowlifes and thugs. I agree because of what I usually see walking by and because I know about its origins.


    The guild, specifically the Adventurers Guild, was formed in Asgard. Drakelene is an enemy of Asgard. Guilds run through all the continents, countries, and kingdoms. Due to Drakelene''s animosity toward Asgard, only a few adventurers travel through Drakelene. Plus, any money from the guild in Drakelene is heavily taxed.


    Sighing heavily at the thought of my family being poor due to our affiliation with the guild. We do make money from other places, though. Only the monster parts¡ªteeth, hide, horns, and sometimes organs like eyes¡ªare sold at the guild for crafting materials. The body, mainly parts that can be eaten, is sent to the butchery. That''s where most of our money comes from, since it''s not taxed.


    We also get all sorts of herbs and whatnot in the forest, so we spend time collecting coins from other sources, like the alchemists.


    It''s not much, but we get by. I still remember my father staying in the forest all day as he left me with one of his trusted friends, Aunt Silfe.


    Leaning against a pillar that holds up the second floor''s patio, I waited patiently. I looked up at the sky, seeing that it was the afternoon. We spent half the day hunting. Sure, my father did all the work, but my main job was to capture the raptor for training and also due to its good price at the market¡ªkilling two birds with one stone¡ªor that''s what my father says.


    As I waited there, I heard the sound of jingling coins and felt a sudden pain in the back of my head. Wincing as I rubbed the little lump forming, I noticed a small brown bag on the ground containing coins. As I extended my arm to pick it up, I heard my father laughing at me.


    "Left yourself open again."


    Father approaches me as I toss the bag at him. "I was distracted. How much did we make?"


    Glaring at him as he lifted his finger up, wearing one big smirk that I wanted to slap off. "Close to a single silver plate. Better than last time."


    I sighed out loud at him in disbelief. Could he be any more of a child? A single silver plate isn''t much. It takes 100 bronze coins to make a plate, 10 bronze plates to make a single silver coin, 100 silver coins to make a plate, and 10 to make a gold coin. The most we ever got from our hunts was close to two silver plates. That''s not even considering the tax.


    "Ok." I paused for a moment. "How much do we have after tax?" I had to remind my father. If I didn''t, he would go off saying how much money we got, like we had won a bet with a wealthy noble.


    His smirking face immediately faded to a look of disgust and disappointment, cringing at the thought of how much he really got. He always does this, always ignoring stuff like this.


    The last time we went on a hunt, he forgot his bow. I had to hunt everything by myself, and it was a very long day. My sword even broke, so I had to use my bare hands.


    "Two silver coins," he said depressingly.


    Two? Two? That''s outrageous.


    They never took that much. Did they increase the taxes again? What benefit does it give them? I understand that Drakelene isn''t allied with Asgard, but the guild was designed for adventurers to collaborate and conquer dungeons or kill high-class monsters at any given time. Or bandits, or, even worse, breeder-class monsters. I can''t seem to fathom why Drakelene is so hard on the guild. Especially when the guild helps out every country and kingdom on every continent. So, increasing taxes on adventurers doesn''t make sense.


    Feeling upset about it, knowing very well that politics and guild stuff are out of my league.


    The only guild-related news I ever heard was about a goblin breeder running around a few years ago. I don''t know much about breeders, but I know everyone takes them seriously. I still recall my father telling me that breeder-class monsters are way more dangerous than any kind of monster, regardless of rank. They can create armies of their own kind in a few days. I don''t know how, but they themselves are the worst, or that''s what my father says.


    The last breeder class created an army of ruthless and powerful goblins that laid siege to the kingdom of Liane. Asgard assisted with the war. I even heard about a so-called God of War being born.


    His stories and accomplishments spread throughout Kalos. He was said to be a one-man army, fearlessly charging into battle, impaling his enemies with their own weapons that once pieced his own flesh. He was known as the Immortal God of War. There were even rumors that he had slain the Wolf King, although I didn''t quite understand the significance of that. What made the king of an ancestral species of dogs so special? But then again, these were all just rumors that I had heard.


    I think his name was Arkus or something. Arkus, the God of War.


    Looking at my father, he placed his hand on my back, bringing me back to the present as he walked me down the sidewalk. "Come on, Will. The receptionist said our loot should be getting loaded and ready to be sent to Cryken''s Butcher Shop."


    We continued walking down the sidewalk and ran into many people. Everyone we passed greeted my father, including a few merchants and nobles. I couldn''t help but notice some attractive girls among them.


    My father, however, smacks my head whenever I look at girls. Always saying, "You''re too young to be looking for a lady," or "You''re not ready."


    I''m 16. What does he mean, I''m not ready?


    As I was about to look at a woman, a young nobleman appeared before me. He was slightly shorter than me and had a girlish voice, suggesting he was around twelve. He had black hair styled in a bowl cut and a chubby face with squinty black eyes. He wore a fancy red silky velvet shirt with a white kilt on the left side of his waist. He also wore soft black pants that matched the style of his shirt and three golden bracelets with a red dragon scale on his hand. I then noticed a small creature next to him that caught my attention.


    Right next to him was a little dark navy blue dragon, the size of a dog, standing right next to his hip. Its small body was a clear sign that it was still a baby. However, it only had two legs, using its wings to support its walking. Its eyes were dark black. Horns were short and dull at the point but covered the lining of its skull as small, protruding spikes followed down its body to the base of its tail. Its webbed wings were long, like a bat''s wings. But much longer due to its body size. I could tell that its wings may surpass Elrid''s when it matures more.


    "Well, look who we have here?" said the young nobleman, toning a cocky voice as he petted his dragon.


    "You must be Lord Dimmal''s boy," my father interjected. I scoffed silently. My father knew I hated people who considered themselves high and mighty. Sure, my father always told me to treat everyone with respect, but something about cocky, entitled people just made me so mad. "Donald, was it?"


    Donald Aster. He is the youngest son of Dragon Lord Dimmal Aster. I was friends with Lord Dimmal''s eldest son, Bide. Aunt Silfe looked after us both when both of our parents went away.


    The boy spat on the ground, "That''s Sir Donald to you. After all, I am now an esteemed Dragon Rider." Grinning with confidence, Donald''s dragon squealed us along with a sharp hissing noise. "Feel free to bow before me."


    Rocks fell off the rooftops as another dragon appeared, grabbing our attention. It was huge. One wing almost covered a whole building. It was, however, not as big as Elrid. It looked almost identical to Donald''s dragon. Donning sharp blue scales, its horns sharpen to the point, with golden ornaments ringing around each horn. One clear difference between Donald''s dragon and this one was the long scar down its right eye. Its eye was fine, but the scar is there, and it ain''t fading soon.


    Shocked to see it peaking over the rooftops, I figured it was resting up there. Conveniently, the buildings and the roof were designed to handle the weight of most dragons. Anything close to a Matriarch, you were asking for a miracle.


    Most dragons tend to leave cracks on most of the buildings; luckily, we have magic to help with the damage.


    "That''s enough, Donald."


    We all looked at the blue dragon as a knight dropped off its neck, landing before us. He stood up straight, his long navy blue hair waving in the soft breeze. His sharp face gave a strong impression, and his black eyes displayed his every intent. Staring at the knight, he stood almost the same height as my father. His armor was spectacular, donning a long navy zipped-up tunic with leather armor padding on the sides of his chest. His shoulder plating, which covers his entire shoulder and upper arm, was bright silver, curving away from the body along with gauntlets that covered the forearm and the top of his hand, wrapping around his palm. A few leather belts were strapped down to his waist, with bags and pockets sewn into the belt itself on the side to avoid misplacements or distractions. His pants also had leather padding, except around the shins and boots, which sported a nice silver touch as his shoulder plates did. Dangling off the belt was his one-handed, long sword, ready to be pulled.


    If only I could see his sword''s beauty.


    "Good afternoon, Lord Dimmal," my father told the knight.


    Bide often spoke about his father, but I never got the chance to meet him. Lord Dimmal was renowned for his role as a scout. He and his dragon were known for flying fast and deep, despite his dragon''s size, into enemy territory, regardless of whether it was plagued by Blight or not. In fact, I even heard that he killed a Blight Rider when he was just a Dragon Rider.


    "Afternoon, Mr. Hunter," Lord Dimmal replied, bowing with such elegance that I was surprised a noble like him even showed us.


    "Father! Don''t show such grace before them," Donald protested.


    "Quiet. I won''t have you sullying our family name. Don''t let yourself be swayed just because you finally have your dragon." Lord Dimmal wasn''t happy. Based on what I''ve heard from Bide and what I''m seeing now, I like him a lot more. Bide spoke about how people often praise Lord Dimmal''s kindness and how he always shows grace to people.


    First, I''m surprised to hear that Donald is Dimmal''s child. They don''t resemble each other at all. Donald may be adopted, or his mother is a big woman, but he''s still young, so maybe it''s just baby fat. Who knows? However, I''m curious about his attitude. Bide was never as cocky as Donald is.


    "Isn''t it true that younger riders are easier to be influenced by their dragon?" I spun around, glaring at my father for thinking of speaking out such an idea.


    "Daad!" My tongue slipped. Accidentally, I said dad instead of father. I can feel my face start to warm up. How embarrassing. "Don''t say such things."


    How can he say such a thing? There''s no way a dragon can influence its rider. It''s an equal partnership. No one can control or influence the other. Everyone knows that, and such a thing goes against the Order of Drake.


    Drakelene follows the Order of Drake, the religion of all riders and dragons. Becoming a rider means pledging loyalty to the Matriarch, who lays the foundation of eggs for the dragons and is a lifeline to their deity, Omara, the Dragon God of Souls.


    Lord Dimmal raises his hand at me. "It''s alright, young Hunter. As bluntly as you put it, Mr. Hunter, yes, younger riders tend to be more swayed by their connection to their dragon.


    Seriously? How? Wouldn''t that undermine the Order? I swear it states that dragons and humans shall live and work together to conquer all who would threaten our home and the Order. Not one shall rule over the other.


    "Younger riders tend to be more curious and open-minded, making it easier to influence their behavior and ideas," Lord Dimmal tells my father.


    Seriously?


    "I think that''s just how kids are; I mean, how else are they supposed to learn anything if they have a thick skull?" My father responded with a loud chuckle.


    I felt targeted. "Hey!" I yelled at him. I could almost feel his eyes glaring into me.


    Donald scoffs as he turns around and leaves. "I''m perfectly fine. My dragon can''t even talk yet, so how is he supposed to be influencing me?" Donald''s dragon scurries after him, using its wings to pick up its legs for longer strides. Lord Dimmal shakes his head.


    "I apologize for my son''s behavior."


    "It''s not a problem, my Lord," my father responded, bowing to Lord Dimmal. I felt my father elbow me in the side, telling me I should bow before him too, so I did.


    "You both don''t need to bow before me," Lord Dimmal abruptly responded, raising his hands like he was pushing us away. "So, are you planning on attending the Festival of Soul?" I just realized Lord Dimmal''s face wasn''t as sharp as before. It was as if he just wanted to talk about something that wasn''t a thorn in his side.


    Before either of us could speak, Lord Dimmal''s dragon started climbing down from the rooftop. It used its claws on its wings to grab onto the brick wall, allowing it to slowly descend with such finesse that it seemed only fitting for Lord Dimmal to have such a graceful partner. Guiding its wing around itself like a dress, covering its hide and torso from us. We could only see its long neck as it moved next to Lord Dimmal.


    "Many other riders are coming here to celebrate the festival, so the sky should have the Rider''s Aurora this year." Lord Dimmal''s mention of the Aurora sent my heart to the roof.


    "Father, come on, please, just this once. I want to see the Aurora¡ªlike the ones the summoned heroes spoke about." I jumped up with excitement and gave my father the best begging face that I could make.


    "Stop it! You''re scaring me!" My father rubbed the back of his head.


    "Sure. Why not?"


    We all looked up as dragons filled the sky, howling as they flew across the country.

 Chapter Three

    Festival of Soul


    <hr>


    William''s Perspective


    I stared at the sky as dragons of all shapes and sizes flew toward the open mountain. Roars echoed throughout the sky. My back shivered at my father''s words. We can go to the festival. We can see the dragons.


    The Festival of Souls.


    A festival for Omara, a testament to her. She allows the Dragon Riders and the Order of Drake to exist, fueling the power of all riders. She is the reason we can stand against the Blight.


    Despite wanting to join the Order, I wasn''t so crazy about the religion itself. Heck, even Barren wasn''t either, and he is the Knight Commander of the Order itself and of the kingdom, serving next to the King, who surprisingly wasn''t a rider.


    "I''m fine, just a minor headache." Lord Dimmal waves me off.


    Letting go of his head, he approaches his dragon and mounts it. "I have my duties to tend to. I hope you both enjoy the festival."


    A lightning spark goes off in the streets, and thunder echoes throughout the sky despite thunder clouds now anywhere. But people throughout the city cheer loudly. We see a dragon fly over us, and a trail of lightning follows behind it.


    Seeing that dragon made me excited. I can''t wait to see more.


    Chuckling to myself as Lord Dimmal''s dragon climbed back up the building, pulling some of the bricks out as it raised its wings to take off. The wind barrels down at us from the dragon''s mighty wings as it joins the rest of the dragons flying toward the mountain.


    Before I could turn, my father pulled me into his arms. "Come. Let''s go get our money from Cryken. Can''t be part of the festival without money."


    I chuckled loudly as I tagged along with him, excited to finally attend the festival. My father never allowed me to go with my friends.


    Walking down the city blocks, spotting people of all life varieties walked along and past us. The street is filled with beasts pulling carriages or people riding them. Street lights are lit as the sun starts to go down, turning clouds into a very bright orange color instead of their usual grey. The streets and sidewalks were filled with cobblestone, trimmed and cut to a fine block, neatly organized. There are apparent signs of weeds growing between the blocks and signs of weathering and mud staining the cobblestone roads and walkways.


    The buildings, too, were changing. Since we were near the guild and closer to the gate, the buildings were designed mainly out of brick. A form of protection in case the guards must establish a new base or defendable position.


    Now, the buildings had signs of wood, brick, and stone. Mainly using stone as the foundation for the house, most of the walls had only brick lined with wood above them. The trims of each building are lined in fascinating patterns using wood, which is sometimes used as support pillars, depending on the building. Tile rooftops were everywhere, designed to be a diagonal slant on the buildings, mostly chipped due to all the dragons. Many of the towers, which were more often than not everywhere, were explicitly made out of brick and stone used for the dragons. Plenty of rooftops could hold up the dragon''s weight, but there was the tower where the buildings couldn''t. Dragon towers, we called them.


    I spotted a few people wearing cloaks and wands, walking farther down the street. Noticing a few suitcases following behind them, floating in the air.


    I was in awe; imagine how useful that must be. I wished I had that so I didn''t have to push a damn carriage.


    As my father and I continued walking down, I noticed a sign hanging from a building. The sign was made of wood, swinging from a chain connected to a metal rod attached to the building. The sign appeared to have a pig on it that was cut into pieces while surrounded by a C.


    It was Cryken''s Butcher Shop.


    I asked my father, "Am I allowed to come in this time?"


    He sometimes lets me in, but he gets mad at me when I ask questions about what we hunted or gathered. Like the time when I found out we hunted a group of animals that barely fetched a price, my father intentionally made us hunt those creatures that day.


    I was so mad at him. It''s no wonder why we are broke. Then there was the time we chased a particular lizard that had magical scales that could be sold for material, and we didn''t harvest them. We just sold the body as it is. Just thinking about it made me want to scream.


    Hearing the sounds of jingles, my father tosses me a silver coin, quickly catching it. The silver coin was cold to the touch, solid, and smooth, engraved with a K on each side. If I recall correctly, the K stands for Kalos, the name of our world.


    "Go get us some masks; I''ll meet back up with you." My father patted my back as he went inside the shop. Leaving me alone for now.


    Sighing as I turned back around and took a left down an alleyway, heading towards the mountain. People of all ages and varieties were running there as well. The road started to curve downward as I continued walking the pathway.


    The sky started to turn orange as more light posts throughout the city turned on. Children were jumping around as bards sang their songs. I even see them using magic to make musical notes float in midair.


    Watching one of the music notes float up from the musical instruments as they grow bigger and bigger. Its magical green color vibrantly glows, pulsing as it wobbles up and down the street as children run after it. I followed them, but not with the same childish enthusiasm to run after it.


    I''m not some child.


    People continued to walk down, hanging lights everywhere as many magicians started to show up. They conjured up specters of all shapes and sizes.


    My gaze soon turned to an eight-legged horse taking off into the sky as people screamed joyfully. Soon, two dragons dove after the horse as it ran through the air.


    I chucked out loudly as the specter and its pursers vanished.


    Continuing to walk down the street, a crowd formed as vendors littered the road. I took in the moment as I saw people starting to wear masks.


    The masks themselves only covered the eyes and up, but nothing more. They were all different styles and ornaments. They were designed to be based on both current and old dragon knights. But not riders.


    I jumped as the loud crowd howled behind me. Turning around, I immediately ducked as two dragon riders chased after a glowing red man with a cowboy hat on top of the same eight-legged horse galloping in the air. The man was carrying what seemed to be a red orb.


    My heart was pounding, startled by the riders'' recklessness. I stood back up, only as another rider swooped down to us, shouting at the crowd. The rider howled in enthusiasm as he flew away from us.


    My lips were curved into a big smile, I baring my teeth. From what I understand from some of the people I have talked to, this was a common occurrence.


    They could''ve fooled me.


    Flying this low was very unsafe. But then again, I don''t have wings, so it might be safer than it appears to be. After all, the dragon does the flying, not the rider. But I''ll find out for myself when I become a rider. I do know one thing. If we were meant to fly, we would''ve had wings.


    A loud, thunderous sound blasted into the sky, making me and everyone look toward the sudden noise. I stood in awe as blue lights burst outward, showering downward as they flickered in the sky. Then, I saw two more riders flying up to the lights, their dragons pushing the lights away.


    From where I stand, I can see the two riders have stopped in the air, having mid-conversation. One laughs out loud as they toss an orb into the sky, only to detonate as another burst of lights appears where the orb once was. The sky rumbles with a thunderous roar, making me flinch as red lights burst into a heart shape, slowly dimming as the sparks that made the heart go down to us.


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    I and everyone else stood there in awe, hearing the crowd "oooooing" at the spectacular as I felt waves of warmth from the sparks hit my skin. I tried to reach out to the flickering flame that floated down towards me, only for it to flicker out.


    My skin tingles at the sudden temperature change as I watch one of the rider''s dragons start to breathe fire out toward the empty sky, running straight into a fully developed ball of fire. I almost fell over as I watched anxiously, wondering what happened to the rider as he flew into the fireball. I, along with everyone else, jumped up as the rider flew out of the smoke. I could barely stay in my shoes as I watched, laughing out loud as they perfumed their displays and clapping my hands as the music started to play even louder.


    Turning to my side, I see more people putting up stalls to sell goods or food. I can already smell the fresh season of herbal meats with a pinch of salt. Turning to the source of the smell, I see a stall with what appears to be slices of cut meat on a stick, with a slight pink in the middle of the meat itself.


    Women dance alongside children and men, moving with the music. I never knew people had this much fun here.


    I understand why, but I never participated in the Festival of Soul or saw what took place. Only standing afar to see what I know to be fireworks. So, this was a whole new experience for me.


    "Little Will, is that you, young man?" An older female voice spoke out, making me turn to a nearby stall.


    I saw a woman wearing a brown corset laced in the front as her white chemise extended slightly over her corset, revealing a form of wisdom behind her appearance, clearly indicated by her slender physique. I can quickly tell who she is based on her jawline and voice. Her cheeks were slightly puffy, and a red blush was highlighted over her skin. Obvious makeup. Her jawline was simple but elegant, as it curved finely with her chin, which was oddly round. Her face was covered by a yellow scaly mask with blue lightning bolts going down both eye sockets as red feathers peaked over her long, curly hair, neatly bundled up to give her much more grace as it tucked behind her ears. Her earrings were two silver orbs dangling gently beside her elegant face. Her eyes were gray as they reflected the lighting around us.


    "Aunt Silfe! I wasn''t expecting to see you!" Running over to her stall as quickly as possible.


    She started to laugh out loud. "And here I thought you and your old man wouldn''t celebrate this year either." Her hands were placed at her waist.


    Children ran behind her stall, chasing after what appeared to be a magic specter of a dragon riding a unicycle. Aunt Silfe started to laugh at the display.


    "My father actually said that we could come this year. I''m still shocked he even agreed." Literally, I am still surprised he said yes. I tried begging my father every year, but he never budged. Why now?


    "You know how he is, Little Will. Always kept secrets despite not looking like he does. Always has a plan or two, staying at least a few steps ahead to keep the advantage. I propose you try to learn this as well, Little Will." My face started to turn red. I just realized that she is still calling me Little Will.


    "Stop calling me Little Will. I''m not a baby anymore!" I furrowed in annoyance.


    She used to call me that when I was still a baby, turning into a child. When my father went hunting, he would leave me with Aunt Silfe. He says, "I trust her not to make you a religious fanatic." I always wondered why he said that especially when he said it as if he had a grudge against the Order of Drake.


    Aunt Silfe does attend their church ceremonies like most individuals here, but she isn''t so by the book. Most nobles are, so they look down on those who are not of "Dragon Blood."


    Maybe that''s why my father let her watch over me. Keeping me as close to the religion as possible, but not too close to be, as he says, "Blinded by it."


    "Oh, please, who changed your diapers and wiped your buttocks when you were growing up?" My face turned red as I tried to cover it, hoping no one saw me or noticed our conversation. "Who taught you how to write and read while your father went out to hunt? Me! I did! And don''t you forget it!"


    I can barely remember that time. Oh, Omara, how embarrassing! I try to cover my face as I hear a few girls giggling behind me as they overhear Aunt Silfe''s conversation with me.


    I want to die.


    "Can you keep your voice down? This is humiliating."


    "Haaaaa, you think that''s humiliating? You haven''t seen a woman being caught on one of her bad days." Aunt Silfe laughed hard as she slammed her hands down on her stall. Bad days? What is she talking about?


    "Uh... what do you mean?"


    The only thing she gave me was a wink. "Anyway, you need a mask?"


    Holy crap. I forgot about the mask my father told me to buy for both of us.


    Suddenly, as if Omara herself were watching, Aunt Silfe was selling masks. Talk about convenience. I was so engaged in our conversation that I didn''t notice the masks.


    "I almost forgot," I said, blurting out. "How much for two?"


    "Just 20 coppers, little Will." I rolled my eyes at her, still embarrassed and flustered by her words. I handed her the silver coin my father gave me. "I hope you and Gwyn are getting enough coin to live off of."


    "We make do with what we can," she responds as I look down at the masks she has on display.


    They vary in color and ornamentation. Some had feathers, while others had crowns on them. That''s when I noticed a mask that represents Barren. Its scales were white like Barren''s dragon Elrid, with the same three horns protruding, one on top and one on each side of the mask. I took that mask along with a black mask, representing the great hero Elton, the first rider. Elton''s mask had black scales, with two horns protruding down the sides and two more on top. If I recall, his dragon was named Mortem.


    "I''ll be careful with that one," Aunt Silfe said, pointing at the black mask. "People say that mask tends to be a bad omen."


    I waved her off as she handed me back my change. "Aunt Silfe, you know I don''t believe in that superstitious nonsense."


    "Didn''t you want to be a Dragon Knight?" I looked back up at Aunt Silfe, stunned, not considering she would have remembered what I used to say about when I was younger. "If you still want to, you better start believing in them. You have no idea what''s out there." She gave me a wink as she pushed me away. "Now you go off and have fun."


    I run down the street as I turn around for her. "I will. Thank you, Aunt Silfe."


    She laughed as I took off towards the mountain.


    I took a moment to think about what she said: "I have no idea what''s out there." Yeah, I don''t know what''s out there since I''ve been here in Hearthglen my whole life.


    I shove that thought behind me. I can worry about that later. The festival can''t wait.


    Following behind a crowd of people, a massive, bulky lizard pulling a cart roars out. Nothing stood out about the creature. Besides, it was huge and brown. It pulled an enormous cart decorated with fancy ribbons and a red silk curtain. It was a noble''s cart, but I ignored it and kept walking towards the mountain.


    After a few minutes of walking towards the mountain, I couldn''t help but feel like I was being watched. Turning my head to the sides and behind, I couldn''t see anyone looking at me. Everyone was dancing and cheering at the rider''s display of fun. Heck, there was even a sport that they were playing.


    Before I could say anything, I felt a weak, warm presence behind me, making me turn to see a sky-blue orb flying towards me. I thought it was another magician''s magic, but it looked familiar.


    There''s no way it could''ve been a magician. It got closer and closer as I felt its warmth. My skin tingled slightly, spasming at its warm presence. It wasn''t precisely warmth that I felt, but a comforting feeling. But all magic usually has a weird sensation, even if it is a unique spell like this one. As it drew closer, I felt it press against my shirt as it floated into me.


    I could feel it inside my chest as my heart raced. What is happening? The tingling sensation of its warmth spread throughout my body as it vanished completely, leaving a sudden cold shiver down my spine as if something had left me. I immediately knew what it was as I looked back up to see my father before me.


    His face was disappointed.


    "So you went out and got yourself a mask and celebrated the festival!" he was angry. I should''ve looked for him, as my heart ached. Filled with guilt, I looked down at the ground. I was so distracted by the festival that I forgot to find him.


    "Without me!!!"


    Looking back at his face, I realized he wasn''t angry. He looked upset¡ªprobably exaggerated it, but upset nonetheless¡ªthat I had fun without him.


    I pulled out my hand, still holding onto the two masks, and handed him the black one.


    "I haven''t forgotten, father." I smiled brightly at him as he took the mask, hoping he would forgive me.


    "Mask of Mortem? Are you trying to say something to me?" he answered, smirking at me; all signs of anger or disappointment disappeared.


    Grinning back at him, "Don''t tell me you believe in that superstitious crap too."


    Watching my father take the mask and put it on, he smirks at me, his eyes matching his mask, looking as sharp as a hawk. "I don''t. Come on! Let''s head down to the show before the Matriarch shows up." Following his lead, I put my mask on as well.


    Father and I continue walking down the path towards the mountain, occasionally moving out of the way for the kids and families.


    We can clearly see the massive pillars supporting the mountain. The pillars were enormous; it was almost impossible not to be in awe of their size as my mouth dropped open, gasping out loud. I always wondered who built these pillars. From what I heard, the pillars were made out of the mountain''s stones, called quartz.


    The scene was breathtaking¡ªeach pillar formed a mesmerizing spiral, winding up to a diamond shape in the center. Bridges connected every pillar, creating a network of tunnels that extended throughout the mountain. The pillars and bridges were adorned with decorations and lights, and the quartz reflected the light, illuminating the entire area.


    As night fell, the lights created a beautiful orange tint that glistened on the ground, making it look like daylight was in the mountain. Everyone around us was partying, enjoying the stunning display in front of them.


    My nose tingles at the smell of more cooked meat, making me turn to a Wyrm Tails vendor.


    My father purchased two, one for me and one for him. We slowly make our way to the center of the mountain, feeling rubble fall onto our heads as we look up to see many dragons perch on the pillars and bridges spreading throughout the mountain. My father even smeared some of his Wyrm Tail onto my shirt.


    Then we heard it...


    A roar bellowed throughout the mountain, making the ground shake as I struggled to stand. The roar left a feeling inside my chest that made me feel small compared to everything else. Everyone cheered as I turned around to see the giant moss-green dragon flying down into the cave. How crap! It''s the Matriarch. She was not just gigantic. She could level the city itself. She easily overshadows any dragon I have ever seen. She was even more prominent than Lady Elrid.


    Holy Omara. Her wingspan was quickly over a hundred feet.


    The Matriarch lands as the ground shakes, and all the dragons cry out for her. People are running towards her, as she is part of the celebration. We have to go see her.


    "Father! Let''s go! It''s the Matriarch!" I grabbed my father''s arm, pulling him as I led him to where everyone was going.


    "Easy, Will," he responded, trying not to fall over. But I was impatient. My excitement was getting the better of me.


    However, I still felt a weird presence. It was almost as if someone was watching me, but I ignored it. I had a festival to attend.

 Chapter Four

Dragons and the Blight


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 Chapter Five

    The Test, The Egg, and The Counsel


    <hr>


    William''s Perspective


    I followed the knight, who I found out to be Lord Kevlar, one of the so-called Dragon Lords. He is high on the ranking system within the Order, not as high as Knight Commander, but close enough to be a commander.


    Lord Kevlar led me down several alleyways, leading me to the mountain wall. Sketchy as it appears, leading a young man down alleyways, I only trusted Lord Kevlar because if anything happened, all the Dragons Riders would hear me. Or I hoped.


    Before I knew it, we were approaching one of the pillars that held up the mountain. It was huge. Many people, nobles and riders alike, walk in and out of the base of the spiral.


    On the spiral itself were engravings of Dragon Riders and Knights battling the horde of the Blight; even pictures of Titan Riders were one of them.


    Titan Riders.


    The peak of the Order of Drake. Nothing can go higher than them. The apex of dragons. Out of the whole Order, there were only, like, what, ten or fifteen Titan Riders. Only the best knights can become a Titan Rider, and that''s rare. According to urban legends that Aunt Silfe told me, Titan''s are supposed to be god-like creatures.


    "Never been to one of the Spirals?" I turn my head to Lord Kevlar, staring at me, his eyes glaring right at me.


    "No, I haven''t, my lord," I responded quickly, running back up to him as he led us into the spiral.


    The base door was almost five times my size, nearly twenty-eight feet. Passed the doors, there was a stairway that everyone, even dragons, could use. The staircase was long and cracked, ruined by all the dragons that walk up and down the spiral occasionally. The stairs circled upward around the spiral walls, leaving a hole in the center for dragons to fly up and down from.


    "Or if someone wanted to take a leap of faith." I couldn''t help but smile at my thoughts, remembering that Barren used to say he would jump off the top and land at the bottom occasionally.


    Luckily, there are railings, just in case. The walls were thick enough to keep riders and dragons inside them like a small house if I recall Barren correctly. Heck, I could see one now.


    I saw a young woman in a yellow dress riding on a wingless dragon; both legs were on the same side. She looked incredibly tacky sitting like that. It is as if she is trying to establish something to others beneath her.


    Her dragon was just as on board with the tackiness. Its brown, thick scales withered by age but still had a spark to its elegance.


    But now is not the time to be distracted.


    "Where we going, my lord?"


    "Just keep quiet and follow." Lord Kevlar was blunt, his words punching me in the gut as I stepped back from him.


    Following him up the staircase, many dragons and their riders, along with some fancy nobles, all dressed up in armor and fancy silk cloths, walked up and down the stairs. They were carrying goods and weapons along the way.


    I lost track of how long I''d been walking, but my legs throbbed.


    "Dang, lots of steps," I spoke out loud, my legs beginning to cramp up. Sure, I can almost run down a raptor, but stairs are killers, especially when it''s been like, what? Ten minutes. I almost stumbled as a dragon landed right outside the spiral wall.


    At some point, I grabbed the railing because hell. Walking up massive staircases that can fit dragons the size of buildings is challenging. Even if my father said I was stronger than the average person. Stairs are still stairs. Lord Kevlar doesn''t even look tired.


    At some point, a large passageway appeared up a few more steps. I suppose this would be the first floor if it were like any other building.


    "Welcome to the Bridge Level One." Lord Kevlar spoke as he walked by the open passageway.


    "Bridge?"


    I was stunned by what I saw. The bridge was humongous, like an underground fortress, fortified by both man and dragon. Riders rode on their dragons as they either marched or flew over. Armed soldiers guarded every door that didn''t have a rider and their dragon.


    Not only that, but the design was. Well. Ancient from what I guess. Like something you see in a ruined castle. Support pillars lined up throughout the cavern, with each pillar at a clear frame wrapping around the top and bottom, where they connected to the ceiling in a symmetrical display, like a flower. I couldn''t tell if the walkway was ancient, as it looked darker than any other cobblestone path but simple, probably due to all the scratches and cracks and the need to replace them.


    "Don''t enjoy it too much; we got ten more bridges to go up." Lord Kevlar spoke out as I turned to see him walk up the stairs.


    Ten more! Is Kevlar insane? I''m already tired.


    "Where are you taking me?"


    "You find out soon enough."


    I rolled my eyes in annoyance.


    I continue to follow Lord Kevlar up the stairs. Minutes go by, and I eventually lose track of time.


    Lord Kevlar eventually walked into what I assumed to be our intended bridge. I was climbing the stairs with my arms and feet, almost like a dog. I was just tired. However, Lord Kevlar didn''t seem to care as he walked onto our target bridge.


    I stood up and began to stretch out my aching arms and legs. A few bones popped in a glorious, ow, that hurt but also felt good kinda way.


    The bridge was somewhat empty, not many riders were up here. A few guards were standing at their post. As Lord Kevlar walked by the guards, they stood straight up, arms to their sides and feet together, bringing their right hand to their chest where their heart would be, as they gestured a salute¡ªputting three fingers out and connecting the pinkie and the thumb over the heart.


    Lord Kevlar didn''t seem to care much for them as he marched past them. His face was cold and distant like they weren''t worthy of being recognized by him. "Keep quiet from here on out." He didn''t even turn to speak to me, keeping his attention ahead.


    I nodded quietly, walking past the guards, not wanting to displease him. Continuing down the bridge for what appeared to be hours to me, the interior slowly turned into a rocky cavern. The once so walkway that we followed vanished, along with the fortress design architecture.


    Tripping over a few rocks, Lord Kevlar somehow lit a torch and tossed it into the cave. There, I realized we were in a massive catacombs-like cave. I couldn''t see the walls of this cave. But I could make out what was near the torch that Lord Kevlar threw. There laid a foundation of giant stones. Each stone had its color and pattern that separated one from another. That''s when it hit me.


    "This is a Dragon''s Nest," I said out loud, completely forgetting what Lord Kevlar told me.


    But who cares? This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Only riders got to see a Dragon''s nest, as dragons are very protective with their eggs. Very understanding, knowing the power that dragons hold.


    "Yes. Here is where all new riders come for their eggs."


    Really? This is it. This is what I have been waiting for. Every step I took, every punch I threw. Every kick, every swing I did, everything.


    Wait? Wasn''t there supposed to be a test?


    I slowly approached the eggs as I heard the sound of a fire being started, turning around to see Lord Kevlar lighting up a torch on the wall. Turning back to the eggs, I approach them cautiously, considering where my foot is going.


    Each egg was up to my knees and was as wide as my chest. I slowly walked around them, not wanting to hit any of them accidentally. Not when this could be part of the test. As much as I want to run over and look at the eggs, I must control myself.


    "Most nobles would be ecstatic, overbearing, or extremely arrogant." I turn my head to Lord Kevlar as he lights up another torch.


    It wasn''t man-made, that''s for sure.


    "But not you, Mister Hunter. That''s good. It means you have a sense of self-control. But to what end?"


    I hear a loud screeching sound, like metal rubbing against metal. But before I could answer, something drew my attention. It was strange. It was like I was feeling a heartbeat. It was weak but faint. I look at one of the eggs, at the very far end of all the others. I could barely see it, but it felt like it was calling out to me. I took one step forward, ensuring I didn''t bump any eggs. Then, another step, as the heartbeat grows.


    Thump-Thump       Thump-Thump


    Each step I took felt long and tense. My body shivered as goosebumps formed across my skin. But each step closer to this one egg felt lighter, like my body was losing its weight. I took another step closer, and it felt like a layer of my skin that I never knew I had was being pulled toward it. There was no pain. The only thing I could feel was this one pull.


    Thump-Thump       Thump-Thump


    The heartbeat was clear but was still weak, like hitting a drum softly. As I got closer, I noticed the torch Lord Kevlar threw was now at my feet, so I picked it up and aimed it towards the direction. There, the cause of this pull was in plain sight. What appeared to me was an egg. Its shell was like that of a dragon scale, but its color was a deep, faded brown. It''s as if someone has been tossing it in the dirt. Its brown was so offputting that I thought it might be rotten or slowly dying. Whatever this egg was, I couldn''t pull myself away.


    Why was I drawn to this?


    "Well, that makes my job easier."


    "What?" I turned my head as Lord Kevlar approached me with a hammer.


    "One of the tests to prove one''s will is the willingness to destroy defective eggs. Dragons draw their power from the Dragon Force. It is what grants them their power. An egg becomes defective when it doesn''t tap into the Dragon Force. These defects later on become Wyrms, Drakes, or whatever reptile that flies."


    I then realized that Lord Kevlar was looking at the egg at my feet. He proceeds to snatch the torch out of my hand.


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "This egg is defected?" I stumbled back as I recoiled my arm back to me.


    "Look at it. The shell is worn and filthy like a rotten egg. And no sense of Dragon Force is coursing through it. Destroy it"


    Before I could say anything, Lord Kevlar shoves the hammer into my arms. "What?"


    "Prove to me you have what it takes to be a rider. Dragons don''t tolerate weakness. If you can''t destroy a defective egg, how can the Dragons or the Order trust you to fight the Blight?"


    I stared at him and then looked back at the egg as my heart raced. My palms started to sweat as I tried to speak. I gazed intensely at the egg, feeling its heartbeat.


    Thump-Thump   Thump-Thump    Thump-Thump


    I looked back at Lord Kevlar. "You can''t be serious. You want me to take a life that hasn''t been born yet."


    "It doesn''t matter if It hasn''t been born yet. What matters is that it''s either a dragon or not, and you being able to do what is needed." Lord Kevlar grabbed my shirt and shoved me towards the egg.


    Being closer to the egg felt like it was prying pieces of my body toward it. I could feel my body getting weaker, and all that strength was being sapped away into the egg, like how you would get fatigued when you''re sick.


    My thoughts were racing. I couldn''t just kill the egg or whatever lies in it. The Order was supposed to fight the Blight, so all life could flourish. And the Blight has driven back for now, so there is no need to do such things. But I must become a Dragon Rider. If I can smash this egg with this hammer, I can join the Order and fight the Blight. I can avenge my mother, who was taken from me. From us. Me and my father.


    I remember my father showing me a photo of himself alongside my mother and me. I could clearly see the stains of tears left on that photo. I don''t know how much it hurt, but I knew it tore him apart. He tried to cover up the tear stains, but he failed.


    I grip the handle of the hammer tightly, ensuring it won''t slip out, as I take a step forward. My legs were shaky.


    What is this? Why am I shaking?


    I started feeling nauseous as my breathing became heavy, almost labored, like someone was pressing against my stomach. Looking down at my arm, I could see my hand trembling.


    Am I doubting now? Here? After everything I have seen and done? This is the final step. The whole point of everything. Right there. All I have to do is raise and drop this hammer.


    I force my body to comply as the heartbeat continues to beat. I was feeling my arms protest as sweat dripped down my forehead. Hesitating, I slowly brought the hammer up. I then swung my arms forward. I was clutching my eyes tight, unable to bear the sight of what I was doing and taking the life of an unborn creature. But I didn''t hear anything.


    Realizing that I haven''t moved. I grit my teeth and tried to move my arms to swing the hammer forward but couldn''t.


    I then realized that my heart was pounding in my chest. I started breathing rapidly. Despite the pounding in my chest, my heart ached.


    I couldn''t. I can''t just take this poor creature''s life. It''s just not fair, just like how my mother was taken from me by the Blight. I couldn''t bring myself to be something like that. This egg was no threat to me or anyone, either.


    I brought the hammer to my front, stepping away from the egg. Turning to Lord Kevlar, I shook my head. "I can''t, my Lord." My voice cracked with doubt. But I knew better. My father always preached that life should never be taken for cruel or selfish reasons. After hunting with him for the first time when I was younger and seeing an animal howling in pain, I agreed. Sure, we kill monsters and animals in the forest where we hunt. But we kill them for the money to afford for ourselves.


    I also remembered my father spouting about how Dragon Riders are easily influenced by their dragon. Were the riders cold-blooded and took life without questioning it, and did the dragons make them worse? I knew better than just mindlessly to take a life for selfish reasons.


    "I won''t take a life so selfishly or blindly," I spoke out almost louder, but my voice was hoarse, so I probably sounded maybe ruder than I wanted to express.


    Lord Kevlar snatched the hammer out of my hand and just stared at me. His black eyes stared daggers into me, almost unreadable for a moment. It was as if everything froze as silence took hold of the room. He then let out a loud sigh.


    Before I could say anything, Lord Kevlar turned towards the egg with a ferocious look as he swung the hammer above his head. I tried to shout, but it was already too late. The hammer flew down towards the egg. I watched slowly as the hammer got closer like time had slowed down. I turned and closed my eyes as I heard the egg cracking and shattering loudly. The heartbeat stopped.


    I started to breathe rapidly from the shock as I opened my eyes to see the egg shattered on the floor. What I guess was the york of the egg spilled all over the ground. The egg was destroyed.


    I stepped back away from Lord Kevlar as he turned to me to speak. "Mister Hunter, you cannot be a Rider due to your inability to follow through with the test Rider. Your softness, kindness, and lack of a spine are your weaknesses; the dragons know that. You will never be a Rider."


    I stood there in shock, unable to speak. It felt like my whole world was crumbling. My dream. It. I can''t even say.


    "You can let yourself out."


    I didn''t even bother to look at him. He just killed some poor infant dragon or wyrm or whatever. He didn''t even hesitate. My breathing was even more hoarse than usual.


    I failed. My one thing, my one purpose, to avenge my mother, is unreachable. Everything I was trying for was just out the window.


    I stood there, silent, feeling empty. My mind was void of emotion. Like a hole that only grew bigger with each second. As I just stare at that puddle and broken shell pieces.


    I can feel the weight of it all on me, making it hard for me to breathe. I can already see my father being disappointed and wasting all of his time. He could done something better than training me for this. I bet Mother is cursing at me from the grave as well. I don''t even want to think about her. Aunt Silfe, too; she always said I should leave Drakelene and become an adventurer instead of being a Rider. Then there''s also Barren. I can see Barren looking down at me in shame, struck by heartache for putting too much trust in someone like me¡ªa filthy, worthless nobody.


    My chest started to feel like a knife had sunken into it. The knife turns each time my heart aches with guilt. The pain felt like it was crushing me with each breath I took, suffocating me.


    I can even feel the tears beginning to swell up in my eyes. I clenched my fist, digging my nails into my palm as I tried to turn the pain into anger, gritting my teeth as I fought back the tears. I was trying to keep a semblance of myself from crashing down, especially where I''m at right now.


    But it was pointless as my breath became ragged, and my vision started to get watery, warped, and distorted as I dropped to my knees. Feeling the rough texture of the ground as I hold myself up, tears falling as I try to fight it.


    I wanted to punch the ground¡ªsomething, anything, to push away what I was feeling. But I knew better. I wasn''t in the place to do such rash things.


    As I opened my eyes, I realized I punched the ground anyway, leaving a decent crack in the ground.


    Thump-Thump         Thump-Thump


    What?


    Thump-Thump         Thump-Thump


    I looked down and saw a piece of an eggshell. I was dumbstruck. I could feel its heartbeat again as I looked closer to see that the once brown shell was now gold.


    Thump-Thump          Thump-Thump


    The once so-called pull I felt returned as I reached toward the eggshell. The shell was hard but smooth with a bit of weight to it despite it being a piece of an egg. I brought the shell closer to me; something came over me. It was an odd, foreign feeling like someone else was in my head.


    Contentment. Safe.


    Safe?


    I look back at where the exit was and down at the shell. The idea of taking it with me, donning it on me until a familiar blue orb appeared from the ground.


    Father was searching for me.


    Barren''s Perspective


    I yawn as I walk through the castle walls. The walls were adorned with paintings depicting noble riders who lived for many years. All are part of the royal bloodline. Sure, Riders are considered nobles, but royalty is different.


    Continuing to walk down on a red silk carpet, I was heading to a meeting.


    Goddess, I hate these meetings.


    Looking at the cobblestone walls, I felt small shakes and tremors send dust crumbling. Approaching double doors, I pushed one open to reveal the war room.


    There sat a massive obsidian table with eight obsidian chairs. Behind the chairs was an enormous opening that allowed dragons to enter. They were just as crucial to the meeting as their rider.


    I saw six individuals sitting down, waiting for me, Kevlar, wherever he was.


    "We have been waiting for you, Lord Commander." A woman in a dark black dress. The dress reached down to the floor, but the pale skin of her leg was exposed. Her long, silky black hair half covered her face, and her eyes were sharply shaped.


    Her dragon was just as massive as mine; it extended its neck so its head was by her side, and its horns protruded down its jaw. Its black scales were riddled with battle scars as a single gash went down one of its eyes, leaving a lifeless pale eye in its socket.


    "Lady Talia." I bowed politely, knowing her reputation within the Order. "Arne, Guimar, Evette, Dimmon, Joce. Sorry, it took me so long. Had to make sure the Princess was sent on her mission." I stood back up, approached one of the empty chairs, and sat down.


    My dragon, Eldrid, found the hole behind my chair as she climbed inside. Her white scales sparkled from all the light within the war room.


    "Now all we need is Lord Kevlar," Guimar thundered and was impatient.


    Guimar''s right arm was mechanical, as his original was lost in an attack from Asgard a few years ago. He managed to find an Asgard convoy outside one of their strongholds and assaulted it. It was a massacre for our forces.


    Guimar''s arm, however, was unique. The arm was designed to allow the Dragon Force to flow freely through it. Custom made at Drakelene City.


    Guimar''s rough complexion gave him an intimidating presence, especially when he was almost seven feet tall. His dark skin matched his fiery passion along with his dragon. He wore an armored robe known as a chlamy. It was red, but the armor plating around his shoulder was burnt silver. His grey beard was messy and unorthodox.


    I look up to see Guimar''s dragon, Firewing, standing tall as horns protrude from its noise and above its eye, almost like an eyebrow stretching back from its head. A nice little horn spike down from its chin matches its age, as massive spikes trend down its four-limbed body. It was just as big as Eldrid.


    "Last time I saw him, he was getting a recruit to take one of the evaluations to join the order." Lady Evette''s voice was young and almost that of a child. She is the youngest of us.


    Her hair was brown and long, wrapped up in 2 pony-tails. She was incredibly short, as she donned tiny blue scale armor. The armor was almost basic.


    Her dragon, Rodwind, layed jagged behind her. One horn pointed forward toward the table. Its wings were slightly cut in a lightning shape, but its body was smaller due to its age. But Evette''s magical abilities and Sigil make up for that.


    "Do we know who was the recruit?" I asked, hoping it was William. Despite being older, that brat has the potential to outlast us with proper training. Training that I would be so glad to give.


    "Some peasant child he found at the festival below," Lady Talia waved her hand, signaling that it wasn''t necessary to dwell on such a topic. "What matters are the issues at hand."


    "You can say that right," the blind man Joce, known for his Sigil for being the "6 Sense." His red hair covered his eyes as he wore green leather armor. Scrawny he is, but I know no one will ever find him off guard. "The Blight has been reported to be growing in strength once more."


    "The Blight always returns after every invasion. But that''s not the issue; the issue is that every new attempt, they are stronger than before and with twice the force." Lord Dimmon is a quiet man but known to be well respected by the common folk. Except for his son, from what I heard.


    "Then we increase the number of recruits and enhance the training as we always do before. I don''t mind wiping the newbies into fighting shape."


    "Look how well we did last time we did that, Guimar. Without a way to progress Dragon Riders to Dragon Knights within days or weeks, the number of new riders does not matter, especially if they are slain and turned into Blight Riders."


    "And you expect us to do what!?! Do nothing?"


    Talia and Guimar yelled at each other until Evette voiced her own words. "While arguing brings forth nothing, we all know we need more Titan Riders."


    "Titan Rider''s is the highest level of any rider can achieve. If it weren''t for the King himself, none of us would be here in charge." I spoke up. It was the truth, even if they all hated it. None of us can compete against a Titan.


    Firewing starts to speak to Guimar. Guimar is then reminded of something as his face furrows in rage.


    "And the worst of it all is that we still haven''t found a way to make a dent into Asgard''s forces!" Guimar yelled out, holding a grudge against Asgard.


    Before we know everything, Kevlar opens the door, and it slams into the wall.


    "Apologies."


    "You can apologize by telling me about the recruit you evaluated," I said.


    "William Hunter? Failed"


    "Failed?"


    "Ha," Talia cracked out, unable to keep her cocky laughter in check. "Fitting for commoners to know their place."


    Evette sighs out loud. "Nobility isn''t the only source of strength, Talia. If a commoner is born with a Sigil, then it''s only right for them to join us."


    "Sigils are different, my dear. If you have a sense of... Oh dear."


    I stood up and approached Kevlar aggressively. "What do you mean fail? I have seen how he has progressed without being in the Order, and I know that he would make a fine addition to us."


    "Ha, Fight, fight, fight!" Guimar sang out.


    Kevlar stood his ground, his face glaring at me with annoyance and disappointment. "It matters not their ability outside the Order; what matters is what is inside the individual. William lacks the spine to do what is needed. We are all here ''cause we know what the stakes are and we know what loss is."


    "I do agree somewhat with Lord Commander, Kevlar," Dimmon rebuttal. "You have a bad reputation for having the highest number of failed recruits. Should we question your ability to judge an individual if so many cannot pass you but can pass by Lord Commanders?"


    "Lord Kevlar has also recruited the most dedicated riders out of all everyone else. But I do say his recruits are stubborn as hell. Not afraid of anything, and do tend to be heartless." Evette''s point is correct.


    Every rider that Kevlar has found has always been excellent. But they do tend to be exceptionally cruel and heartless. I should question him now, especially what happened back then.


    "It matters not what happens to the recruits; what matters is that I have news from the king." Everyone looks at Kevlar; the atmosphere is now tense. No one likes it when he has news. But this is from the King himself. "Titan Rider Narric is arriving here in a few short weeks. Lord Barren, you are requested to return to Drakelene City to ready the troops for another assault mission against Asgard. Immediately."


    Crap.


    Don''t you worry, William. I''m not giving up on you yet. I have seen and felt what you can do.


    Literally.


    If you don''t join the Order, it would be our greatest disgrace.

 Chapter Six

    Trial and Error


    <hr>


    William''s Perspective


    I ran to my home on the outskirts of the city walls. The sky was completely black as the city lit up with fireworks. I was panting hard as I tried to recuperate air into my lungs. The tracking spell my father sent out to track me hasn''t connected with me. The home was still rundown, with a cobblestone wall surrounding the front.


    I close the wooden door quickly as I lean my back against it. I was clenching the eggshell I carried here, feeling its heartbeat still beating.


    Thump-Thump                                    Thump-Thump


    Its pull was almost intoxicating, alluring as if staring at the morning sun. I ran my fingers on its now smooth surface in my pocket. Pulling it out to check on its condition, its golden color seemed to pulsate in my hands as what appeared to be dust was pulled into the shell. That strange pull even came back again, making it feel like I was being sucked into the shell as well.


    That''s when I felt a sudden, warm presence on my back. My back felt a tender prickling sensation run up to my shoulders as the sudden warmth spread throughout my body. Then, it vanishes.


    "Father!" I said it out loud. It was his tracking spell. He knew I was here now.


    I was still harboring anger towards my father, but beneath it all, guilt and regret obscured my emotions. I wanted to be alone, yet the silent company of the egg and its mysterious pull kept me tethered.


    W?????????????e????????????? ???????????????h???????????????a??????v????????e????????????? ????????????????????e?????????a????????????c????????????????h????????? ????????????o???????????????t????????????????h???????????????e??????????????????r???????????????.???


    Wait. We? What is this? Who else is in my head?


    Thump-Thump                                 Thump-Thump


    Looking down at the egg, I took it upstairs to my room. It was somehow still alive and speaking.


    No, not speaking. Feeling. But it felt different. Like it wasn''t just some feeling. It was like it was the truth, even the world knew it was the truth. That feeling was absolute.


    Thinking about it made me remember my father''s conversation with Lord Dimmon.


    Is this how dragons bond with their riders? Is this their influence? If it''s influencing me, does that make as its rider? How can this even be possible?


    "William!"


    Before I could think about it more, a loud bang came from downstairs. Apparently, my father opened the front door a little too hard. I could feel the floorboards underneath my feet quiver.


    Rushing over to tuck the eggshell underneath the pillow, my father came into my room; his face was etched with worry and concern. But once he saw me, his face relaxed as his shoulders sank.


    "Sorry for barging in like that," my father said, looking down regretfully. "My spell took a while to find you, and I was concerned that..."


    Before he could speak, I hugged him, burying my face into his cotton shirt. "You don''t have to say, Dad, I understand." I felt his hand on the back of my head and shoulder.


    "There, there. There''s nothing wrong with being upset." My father spoke as he guided me to sit on my bed, kneeling before me and lifting my chin. "It was wrong of me to keep the truth of the Blight from you. You aren''t a little boy, and I must accept that. After losing your mother, I didn''t want to lose you too. It was my job to protect her. Both of you."


    His words were reassuring to some extent, but that''s because he doesn''t know what happened. We weren''t good at having extensive one-on-one conversations like this. "Father, I get it; you don''t have to tell me." I tried to keep my emotions together, however. What he just said and what happened earlier were getting too much as tears climbed out of my sockets.


    Father sat down next to me as he extended his arm to the photo of him and my mother. "You know, I still remember this day. You and your mother are more alike than you think. Always so emotional, especially when it came to hunting."


    I wiped some of the small tears as I made a sniffle. "What you mean?"


    "Dad, it''s a cute little fox; we can''t just kill it," my father said, imitating a child''s voice.


    "I was five!"


    "It wasn''t even small, and it could breathe fire."


    My father and I stared at each other as we started laughing together. That fox he mentioned was a Fire Fox, and they are the size of an overgrown dog. They aren''t cute once they start getting violent. It took my father quite a while to kill it. It was also my first time hunting an animal that the guild wanted.


    My father manages to get control of himself as he wipes his eye with his hand. "Your mother was like that, always loving the wildlife, even if the wildlife was crazy."


    "Is that why we do a chant every time we eat?"


    "It is. The chant is a way for us to respect those who assisted in getting our food. Even if they were killed in the process." He brought the photo closer to us. "Plus, you also have her nose."


    "No, I don''t." I smacked my father''s shoulder. "I can''t see."


    "Oooow, easy; I''m an old man, remember."


    "No, you''re not!"


    "Thanks!"


    That was it; I tackled him right there and then on the bed as we horseplayed. That attitude of his bothered me. But I wasn''t angry at him. I was happy¡ªthe fact we were able to talk somewhat made me feel better.


    After getting my butt kicked, my father stood up and walked to the door. "It''s late, Will. You should get your rest. Remember that I am here if you need someone to talk to. And don''t let anyone put you down. You''re a lot stronger than you think."


    I chuckled slightly as I stood at the door with him. "I know, Father. You always say that."


    Father and I stared at each other awkwardly until he clapped his hands. "Well. Have a good rest. We have training in the morning."


    I scoffed, "Again? Really?"


    "No buts," my father responded, pointing a finger at me.


    I rolled my eyes as I watched him go downstairs. I quickly closed my door and went straight to my bed. There, I pulled out the eggshell. When I grabbed its smooth golden surface, the familiar pull from before came with it. But it was slightly more intense, almost making me feel like I was having an out-of-body experience this time.


    Father didn''t notice it, nor did I tell him about my test with Kevlar. I couldn''t tell him. I bet he would be disappointed in me if he did. Staring at the eggshell, a part of me is clinging to a dead dream.


    How am I supposed to be a rider without a dragon?


    But that can wait. My father said he would talk to Lord Barren about this, so there is hope. With a new determination based on false hope, I tucked the eggshell underneath my pillow as I lay on my bed. I laid my head on the pillow''s edge so I didn''t crush the shell. Lying on the old, torn blanket, I found it somewhat itchy, but I was used to it. I turned onto my side, sliding my arm under the pillow as I made myself comfortable. I closed my eyes and patiently waited for me to lose consciousness. I usually have to.


    Next day


    The sound of knocking on wood woke me as I sat up quickly, shouting at my father that I was up. Stretching my arms as I turned my body so I was sitting on the edge of the bed, my body was extra sore and almost feeble for some reason. Moving took much more effort than before, so I channeled more of my magic into my body.


    My father told me to constantly channel all my magic into my body. I decided to save some of it, against his wishes, in case something like this happened. However, I also noticed the lack of magic in my body.


    When channeling magic, you would feel a strange, almost ethereal-like sensation that would flow through the body depending on where you directed it, but that feeling was practically diminished.


    Thump-Thump                                Thump-Thump


    I turned around to notice something I never thought I would see. A large golden egg, shimmering brightly, rests against my bed frame.


    Thump-Thump                                Thump-Thump                                   Thump-Thump


    The heartbeat was loud and mighty, unlike before. The strong pull that once had on me wasn''t as strong as before. Reaching over to touch it, I noticed its scale-like pattern was smoother than before as well. Its golden surface reflected light off of it that seeped into my room, almost like pure gold. It felt warm. Alive.


    Hold up, wasn''t this just a simple eggshell? How did it turn back into an egg?


    My mind race with confusion as I stared at the egg. Then it hit me. I can''t let anyone know I have this. How am I supposed to tell my father about this? He would freak out. Nor would he accept it. Think. Think. What to do?


    The basement!


    "Will!"


    I could hear my father downstairs. Needing him to get out of the house, I walked over to my bedroom door and opened it. "Ya, can you wait for me outside? I''ll be right there."


    "Don''t take too long." I heard my father''s response as I could hear the faint sounds of the front door opening.


    Grabbing the large egg, I slowly took my time going down the steps, as the egg was much heavier than it looked, each step making a loud wooden creak that would terrify children. After making it to the bottom of the stairs, I looked around to check my surroundings.


    In front of me was the door; to my left was the kitchen with a massive wall that also functioned as a drawer and a counter that separated from the living room. I ran across the kitchen, buried the egg in my chest, and went straight into the living room.


    The living room had a fireplace, a small, stylish table, and three chairs on top of an old rug. In the corner was a lovely, comfortable couch. It was our best furniture for guests. There were a few decorations, but I paid no attention to them as I moved to the far corner of the rug and threw it back to reveal a cellar. I threw open the wooden door. It''s called the cellar, but my father and I call it the basement, as we store our stuff inside it. It was almost pitch black, with a ladder going down it. I placed every foot down carefully as I held the egg tighter. Each step sounded like it would break the ladder until I reached the bottom. Rushing over to a random spot, I put the egg down, ran back to the ladder, and climbed up.


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    I hope nothing happens to it as I close the cellar door and throw the rug back over.


    ____


    "You''re sluggish this morning," my father said as he swung his bow at me like a polearm. Each swing was quick and precise, and then he would throw a random jab.


    "Rough sleep, that''s all." Blocking each attack with my wooden sword. I didn''t know how to dull an actual blade, so my father made me use a wooden blade to be safe when we trained.


    "If it makes you feel better..." My father spun as he let go of his hand to allow more distance with his other hand on the bow. I dove under it, only to see him swing it back over his head, making me dive to the side. "I almost feel more sore and sluggish than usual. I''m not sure if it was the festival, emotions, or the bed."


    I pant hard as the taste of sweat dwells in my mouth. I wiped my face as I remembered what Kevlar said about me never being a rider. Those words still ring in my ears. I don''t know what will happen now that I stole a dragon egg. I hadn''t considered the consequences. It dawned on me: in Drakelene, the Order prohibits the theft of dragon eggs. Ownership is reserved solely for riders sanctioned by tradition.


    There goes my chance of becoming a Dragon Rider permanently. If the egg in the basement hatches and I become its rider, both of us and my father will be executed. If I tell Lord Barren, he can help me out. No, he can''t. He''s the Knight Commander, and it wouldn''t look good on him if he did.


    Before I realized it, my father swung the bow behind my foot; its curved hook reached around my whole leg as he pulled on it. I closed my eyes as the world turned right up. I felt my head connect with the ground with a loud thud, making me see stars in my vision.


    "You''re distracted. Focus," my father retorted as he swung his bow over his head and brought it down onto me.


    I tried to focus as I rolled out of the way, collecting my footing as I stood my ground with my sword up. He swung with broad attacks to allow himself to keep his distance. Using my sword to deflect his attacks, I tried to get closer, but his attacks hit hard. Luckily, I feinted one of my attempts to deflect, making him lunge forward at me with a jab.


    Grinning widely, I repositioned my foot quickly so I could sidestep; I managed to move out of the way. With this, I dug my feet into the ground and pushed towards my father. He was still stuck in motion from his attack as I went to knee him. I threw up my leg as I felt my knee dig into his gut, making him step back.


    Before I could rest, my heart sank as he grabbed the back of my neck and pulled me towards him. As he yanked me towards him, I felt all the wind in my gut get forced out of me as he kneed me in the stomach. He didn''t knee me once, but twice. Then three times. Then he threw me behind him on the ground.


    I coughed hard, struggling to collect my breath. I looked up at him feebly. "Just because you manage a hit doesn''t mean you stop. Always stay as many steps ahead." He walked over as I took a greedy breath and stood back up. "And don''t get overconfident in the moment because you have obtained an opportunity to strike."


    I yelled as I charged him, swinging my sword at him as he stepped out of it. Frustrated, I swung even faster until he kicked the sword out of my hand. Before I could retaliate, he raised the sharp edge of his bow to my neck.


    "Defeated," he said to me, barely breaking a sweat.


    I pushed his weapon away from me with a bit more pique than I would have liked. I was just frustrated. Father says I''m stronger than I know, and yet I feel like crap, especially with everything that has happened. So much is at stake now because of my actions. It''s been less than a few days, and I already feel more like a failure than ever.


    "Head to the shack and grab some steak," my father yelled randomly. "You need that protein, boy!"


    I scoffed at him. "Do I have to? I just got my butt kicked."


    "Yes. Now. Unless you don''t want breakfast."


    Rolling my eyes as I sighed, I approached the shack next to the house. It was much more well-kept than our house, but that''s for a good reason. I opened the wooden door, revealing a stockpile of food¡ªmainly plants and meats. However, the atmosphere was different. It was cold as white dust-like particles floated in the air.


    Magic.


    My father savaged some magic tech from one of the other kingdoms. If I recall correctly, it was Perin, the Floating City. If Aunt Silfe told me correctly, Herios, the Kingdom of Heroes, was its ally. I always wanted to avoid foreign politics. It made my head hurt.


    Perin was supposed to be this magical city that floats in the sky. Its technology is only rivaled by Asgard. Utilizing the technology, my father made a modified stasis unit inside the shack to keep our food cold and decompose slower. He never told me or showed me how he got or modified the technology. He only told me that he had the parts on hand to make adjustments.


    Walking into the shack, filled with shelves covered in food and meat hooks, I made my way over to one of the raw-cut steaks hanging over a meat hook. It was about half my size as it dangled off the floor. Father always takes about a quarter of our food from our hunts. Sometimes, we even gather herbs and plants on the way back and plant them outside. Grabbing hold of a label on the hook, it said. Buckweval. A Buckweval was a large, striped cat with a bird''s mouth. The peak was strong enough to chew down trees, and its claws could puncture iron armor. Incredibly strong. Very dangerous.


    I looked around for a knife to use. Luckily, there was one. I grabbed it and took a piece of the meat off of the steak.


    Arriving back in the house with the steak, I walked it over to the makeshift sink. At the corner of the sink sat a crystal. It had a dark sky-blue color that glowed. It was an Ether Stone. They could be found anywhere throughout Kalos, but most of them and the best quality can only be mined in Asgard.


    Ether Stones are used as a power source. My father says it''s a reusable energy source because it is made from Ether. Ether is the magical energy that flows throughout all of reality. However, the more stable the Ether is, the less it can influence the world around us. Kalos''s Ether wasn''t entirely stable, so it does affect us, according to Aunt Silfe. Sometimes, the Ether can be trapped underground and compressed into stone, forming a crystal, which is what the Ether Stone is. When someone uses the stone or magic, they release Ether back into the world, allowing it to be reused.


    Grabbing the stone, I held it above the steak as I pushed magic into it. Channeling my energy into the stone, it glowed brighter, and soon, a stream of water emerged.


    "I see your getting better at channeling your magic into the Ether Stone. Good idea to buy an enchanted one at that!" My father walked around with a few plants.


    "It''s easy because you''ve been making me channel magic throughout my body since I was a kid," I replied, focusing on the steak as I cleaned it.


    "I''m glad you''re focused on that; I can tell that you''re still upset."


    He can tell? Is it that obvious? I can''t tell him the truth. But I have to do something. Keeping the egg here isn''t safe. Keeping it here in Drakelene isn''t safe at all.


    "I was thinking about what it would be like to be an adventurer," I blurted out quickly.


    My father looked at me, "Eh? What''s with the sudden change of heart? It''s been your only dream to become a Dragon Rider."


    "I know. I know; it was just something I thought of." I looked up at him.


    "You''re still growing; you''ve got time to figure out what you want to be."


    "I know."


    "Do you, though?" I glared at my father for a moment. He had a severe look on his face, but then it lightened. "Sorry, it''s just that if you wait to decide, the world will decide for you, and you won''t like what the world will give you if it does."


    After our little conversation, we finished making breakfast and ate it quietly. Father left shortly after that, saying he had to go into town for something regarding an Elven Kingdom near the western border of Herios.


    Elves are rare to see, or pure elves are. So an Elven Kingdom is big news. I wouldn''t be surprised if all of Kalos got involved.


    I hope Asgard doesn''t get involved. A place called the Kingdom of Slaves developed its name for good reasons and was the reason why the Blight exists. It is the enemy of Drakelene and the Order of Drake. I cannot support Asgard. They would turn the elves into slaves.


    It wasn''t until later in the evening that my father returned home. A group of bandits had discovered a hidden elven city and tried to raid it. They were all killed, but the raid left the elves vulnerable and exposed. Father was concerned for some reason. He said that he''s worried about what Herios will do. Heroes tend to become very prideful.


    Father never told me much about them. According to Aunt Silfe, heroes are individuals summoned from Earth, the homeworld of humans. These individuals are given powerful abilities that separate the norms like me from them. But rumors I heard said that sometimes they aren''t from the same "Earth," whatever that means.


    I still feel like my father isn''t telling me everything, but it''s fair now, I guess. I need to do something about that egg if word gets out about me stealing it. No, no, no. It won''t get to that. But the only way I see myself escaping this is to run away.


    I can''t just run away.

 Chapter Seven

    Change of Plans


    <hr>


    William''s Perspective


    It''s been a week since the egg reformed. Both my father and I have been feeling more tired than usual. We aren''t tired in the sense of not getting enough sleep, but instead we have minor fatigue. The egg has been safe and sound away from my father. He doesn''t know about it, nor does he know about what happened.


    I plan to keep it like that. I don''t want to think about what my father would do if he found out what I have done.


    Would he disown me? Cast me out? Congratulate me? No. Why would he do that?


    My father has sent me out to collect some herbs in Zarmen Forest. I like going off here sometimes. It gets me away from everything and allows me to explore by myself. It does get lonely, though. I didn''t have many friends growing up. Sure, there were a few, but it''s been hard to remain genuinely close due to living outside the city.


    Walking underneath the tree, I look up at the branches, watching as a nice breeze blows by. The wind moved the leaves pleasantly, the sunlight piercing every so often in a way that can only be called beautiful. The leaves scatter the light onto the forest floor. I followed the light as if it were my guide, leaping over a few logs as I spotted a few herbs behind it.


    I continued walking through the forest for a few hours when I noticed something. It was quiet¡ªtoo quiet.


    I''ve been wandering unquestioningly for the past hour without distraction or sound. There was no animal, no bug, no nothing. Heck, even some of the plants here tend to be monsters. But there wasn''t anything. It was so quiet that it felt like all life in the forest had left.


    Continuing to walk farther, on guard, I discovered something new: a hole. It was huge, as if someone had dug a massive hole into the forest with a shovel.


    I stared at the hole for a while, curious about it. I got closer but couldn''t see anything but darkness in it. I noticed a lot of dark black veins stretching out of the hole. Everything the black vein spread to was dimmer, weaker, withered, or dead. I wanted to investigate it, but a part of me knew better. Especially when I didn''t have a weapon. I need to get back home and tell my father what I found.


    As I stepped back from the burrow, I heard a faint noise inside it, like a bird crying out. I looked at the burrow with concern. This was the first time I had heard something like this. I knew then that I needed to return.


    20 minutes later


    After running out of the forest with a bag of herbs, I charged straight to my home. I opened the door and immediately felt the dragon egg.


    Thump-Thump                 Thump-Thump              Thump-Thump


    Its heartbeat gets stronger with each passing day. But right now, I need to address something first.


    "Father!"


    "Will, what''s wrong?" My father replied as he entered the kitchen. He wore a long, loose-sleeved red cotton shirt with black pants and boots. "Why are you covered in sweat?"


    I sucked in as much air as possible so I could breathe as I recovered my airflow. "Zarmen Forest. It''s not right; it''s like all life there has left. I even found a hole in the ground that was never there before."


    I watched as my father stared at me and leaned against the kitchen counter, crossing his arms. "No life, you say?"


    "Yeah. There''s no sound, no nothing, not even crickets. It''s like everything is left. Do you know what''s happening?"


    "I only hope it''s not a Wendigo or anything worse." I watch as he holds his chin with his hand, watching him think. "But before that, I have something for you." My father waved his hand at me, telling me to come as he walked towards the living room.


    Following him, my heart rate was steady when I noticed he had his bow in his hand. He aimed the sharp edge towards the couch, and I saw the egg there.


    "What is this doing in the basement?"


    "I. I. I don''t know."


    "You think I wouldn''t notice something like this in my home?" I looked at my father as he glared maliciously at me. "So I''ll ask again. What is this doing here?"


    We looked at each other for a while. I was utterly speechless. Sweat dripped down my forehead as my heart throbbed in my chest with panic and fear. My mind raced as I tried to come up with something to say.


    But that moment of silence was a mistake. I watch as my father approaches the egg with the intent to destroy it, and he readies to swing his bow at it. "Stop!"


    He stopped mid-swing, making me gasp loudly in relief, realizing I was holding my breath. "Explain." His face was severe. Dead serious. I should''ve known better.


    It felt like I was just kneed in the stomach as I got anxious. Guilt was all over my face as I retold my father everything that had happened.


    "So you failed to be a dragon rider and, in return, stole a dragon egg?"


    "No. Yes. No. It''s confusing."


    "You claim that this dragon egg was once a tiny eggshell that somehow turned back into a normal egg. Will, what would happen if you or I were discovered with a dragon egg? Not even Lord Barren can save us."


    My stomach dropped with concern. The idea of us being punished for my stupid decision scares me. "I couldn''t just leave it to die."


    "And now you sentence all of our lives to death?"


    "That''s," I turned away from him, as anger and guilt were getting to me. "I wasn''t trying to do such a thing."


    "You should''ve thought about it then."


    "What was I supposed to do?" I looked at my father, disgusted and flabbergasted. "Me. A sixteen-year-old watching someone I looked up to and wanted to become do something that went against everything I knew and loved. What was I supposed to do?"


    He stood there in silence, processing everything that had happened. But I doubled down on him.


    "You always talked about how life should never be taken for cruel or selfish reasons!" I yelled at him, pointing my finger at him. "You taught me that! And look what it did! It made me a failure!"


    That sent him walking back to the counter. He leaned up against it, his back toward me. I sat down on the couch, touching the egg.


    "When I entered that place, it was as if it were calling me. Asking me to save it. I couldn''t just leave it."


    My father remained quiet for a moment. What was he thinking? Why was he so quiet? He usually had something to say, but he''s been more hesitant and silent for the last few days.


    "What did you tell Lord Kevlar?"


    "I won''t take a life so selfishly or blindly."


    I saw him turn his head toward me. "Good."


    Good?


    I accidentally cracked a smile at my father''s words.


    "Grab a sword," he said as he walked over to me, grabbed the egg, and returned it to the basement.


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    My smile immediately faded away. "A sword? Why?"


    What is happening? I was so confused. What''s he up to?


    I could almost hear a few things get tossed.


    "We are going back into that forest to investigate that hole and collect the last few things before we start packing."


    "Packing? What for?"


    "If you want that egg, we can''t stay in Drakelene anymore. We''re leaving." His words shook me. My eyes widened as my mind played his words repeatedly, like a mantra, as he walked out of the basement with a few boxes in hand.


    "Leaving? As in leaving, leaving?"


    "What else do you think?" My father answered as he pulled a leather belt with pouches all over it out of one of the boxes. "It would be better if we left sooner before the dragon hatches. Dragons don''t stop growing in power and size as long as they are connected to the Dragon Force. We wouldn''t be able to hide it."


    "But this is our home. We''ve been here since... Well, forever. We can''t just leave!" I walked towards him, seeing what else he grabbed as he stuffed his pouches.


    My father stood back up and got confrontational with me. He stood over me, making me step back as his chest hit mine. "Do you have a better plan, then? I''m not too fond of it either, but you have a choice. Either destroy that egg and we stay, or keep it and leave Drakelene. You have until we get back."


    Before I could even consider what to do, my father entered the basement and tossed me a sword with a brown sheath.


    I caught it, grabbing it by the plain wooden handle. I unsheathed the sword, seeing that it was silver in color. Silver?


    "Why a silver sword? Why do you have a silver sword?" I asked my father.


    "Biology 101: Silver is toxic to all creatures, depending on various factors." My father said this as he exited the basement, closing it and covering it with the rug. "How much silver is one exposed to? How much of the creature''s body regenerates? Silver is extra harmful to any creature with high regenerative abilities. Due to their bodies working faster, silver would also spread much faster. Silver chemically harms the body and would damage the body much quicker and more deadly. However, the effects must be constant to last as long as possible. Silver will slow down monsters, but it won''t kill them unless you can pump them full."


    I can''t believe it. My father and I are going on an adventure. Sure, we''ve gone hunting before, but we have yet to go on something like this. He only taught me how to use a sword, brawl, herbology, hunting, and channel magic. This must be serious.


    Walking to the kitchen, I opened the bottom cabinet and pulled some healing herbs and potions. "Catch." My father turned his head towards me as I threw him the supplies. He caught it with ease as he stuffed it into his satchel.


    I grabbed my brown pouch, thinking it would be wise to take it with me if I wanted. I had never seen my father so tense before. I found a belt with a slot to slide my sword''s sheath into.


    "Let''s go!" My father said this as he walked outside, holding his bow by its massive riser.


    When I slipped the sword into the slot, it clicked, connecting so it wouldn''t fall off. When I hooked the belt onto me, the sword dangled on my back, but with a few adjustments, the belt was nice and taut.


    I was ready. Walking outside, I approached my father as he held his bow differently. He was holding it by the riser instead of using it as a massive cane. "Ready."


    My father held his free hand to my chest and started to chant. I couldn''t comprehend his words as a blue light flickered underneath his palm. His hand suddenly became warm as he withdrew his arm away from me. A blue orb was in his palm, flinging it out of his hand as it hovered in the air momentarily.


    "What is that?"


    "Tracking spell. It''s how I occasionally track you. I set it to track what you found by retracing your steps."


    Before I knew it, the blue orb flew off in the direction I came from, towards Zarmen Forest. It left a floating blue trail of smoke for us to follow.


    "Let''s go," my father said as he took off, following the blue trail.


    I followed right behind him. We chased after the blue orb, following its blue trail as we entered the forest. The sky had already turned a bright orange, signaling it was close to evening.


    We ran, leaping over trees and logs and following my father''s steps. I try to understand how he ran through the woods, seeing how each of his steps was meticulous, as if he knew where to step and jump. I felt the ground sink downward with every step I took. My heart was racing from us sprinting, and my breathing started to get heavy.


    The forest was just as quiet as before. Still, empty, eerie.


    We sprinted until we finally made it to the hole. The dark veins were much more apparent.


    "Ya, this isn''t normal," my father uttered. I could see his nose scrunch up from the smell. "Damn, it smells like shit! Care to jump in?"


    The smell was something unimaginable yet familiar. But it was way too potent¡ªalmost gut-wrenching.


    "I wouldn''t have brought you here if I had already jumped in," I retorted, waving my hand near my face, hoping it would help with the stench.


    "What? Scared?"


    I turned to him, gave him the middle finger, and jumped into the hole. The wind blew past my face for a second. I was only about five down when I looked up at my father.


    "Coming?"


    "Punk ass," my father scoffed at me as he jumped down right behind me. He brought his bow up and readied it as we stared down a single dark tunnel.


    I turned around to see another tunnel behind us. Each tunnel was covered with vines¡ªblack veins similar to the ones on the hole''s surface. But after looking at the ground, I touched it. It was hard and rough, but the pattern designs weren''t like something made by hand or shovels. Something dug here and made the tunnels, and it wasn''t human.


    My father started to chant again as a blue light flew past my head, startling me as a blue trail lit the tunnel slightly. It was a very long tunnel, and the light only showed a few inches to the ground and ceiling. But the farther the light went, the darker the trail became, until you couldn''t see anything.


    "Will, watch my six," my father commanded as he started to walk down one of the tunnels. I didn''t say a word as I drew my sword and followed right behind, keeping my back towards his. "Don''t do any big swings in here. The walls are too narrow."


    "Got it."


    Staying close as each step left a loud crunch, we slowed. One step after another, I lost sight of the exit light. We continued farther in as the smell worsened, almost making me puke. Roots snapped at our steps as the only visible light we could see was from my father''s spell.


    It was way too quiet to be normal. And we saw nothing¡ªnot even a single bug. We were underground in a dark tunnel, and we saw no bugs. The silence kept us on edge. It was eerie and uncanny.


    Then we stopped.


    "Will you channel magic into your sword?" my father mumbled.


    I''m not used to channeling magic into my weapons, but it was easy since I have been training to channel. Focusing my magic into the sword, it started to glow a faint blue color, enough to give off some light, but only to see a few inches in front of us.


    "Good, over here."


    Following his orders, I turned around and brought the sword over to him, lighting up the ground. Crouching down next to him, I could determine what he was looking at.


    He held a white, oversized hat that could probably touch my waist if I wore it. It was covered in red dirt stains¡ªno, blood. But why was my father looking at this hat?


    "This belongs to Doctor Apple; she travels this forest on top of a bear wearing this hat," my father said assertively. "She never goes anywhere without this."


    "Then why is it here?"


    My father started crawling on all fours to an intersection of tunnels. There, he pulled something off the ground.


    It was an arm covered in black veins ripped off from the elbow as a yellow tumor formed on parts of the skin. The skin was ghostly pale, covered in dirt with yellow puss going down it and a single ring on the finger.


    There, I saw my father''s eyes open wide. Terror filled them as he looked up at me.


    "We have to leave," my father said, his voice shaking with fear. I have never seen my father so scared.


    "Now!"


    Not wanting to argue, I turned around and went straight for the exit. I did my best to run through the narrow tunnels, grabbing onto the walls for any leverage to pull myself.


    I was lost here, though. Why are we running? What made this place?


    Finally seeing the light, I picked up speed until I stood at the exit. My father was right behind me as he turned me around. "You''re up first," he proclaimed, bringing his hands together below his waist.


    Understanding what he was trying to do, I sheathed my sword and lifted my foot onto his hands. He proceeds to holster me off the ground as I try to stand up straight on his hand, reaching for something to grab onto. Digging my nails into the ground, I pulled myself up clumsily. Turning around quickly and lying flat on the ground, I offered my hand to him as he jumped up and took it. I was worried he would drag me down for a moment until he used his bow to support himself.


    He proceeded to grab my arm and drag me away from the hole.


    "What is it? You have been acting like you know what it is!" I yelled out loud.


    My father''s behavior was unnatural; his puzzling silence and usually calm demeanor were gone. Something is off.


    Yanking my arm out of his grip, I pulled his shoulder so he would turn to me. "Tell me what it is!"


    "It''s a Blight Nest!"


    "The Blight? This far north? The Blight has never been this close to both Hearthglen and Asgard." I explained. The idea was impossible. The Blight can''t think, nor would it come this far north. Everyone knew that the Blight attacked from the far southwest, where the Fortress of Danamon was.


    "I know, but..." Before he could finish his words, I saw his eyes widen. He was looking at something behind me as he grabbed me. "Will!"


    My father wrapped his arms around me as we leaped into the air. I could only hear a terrifying roar, wood breaking, and us hitting the ground. Or maybe that was just my head spinning from the impact.


    Trying to shake off what just happened, my father pulled me onto my knees as I looked up to see what he saw.


    A massive bear, Doctor Apple''s bear, I presumed, slammed itself into a tree as it slowly turned around to face us. Its face had a gigantic black gash going down its pearl-white eyes, and its lips were reddened from all the flesh ripped off. Chunks of the bear''s lower jaw were torn off, and I could see the bone connecting to the teeth. Its fur was just unhinged, with a black coating and a hint of yellow puss. Its front arm was hairless and elongated as black veins spread up the arm as bone protruded both out of its claws and above it, almost like brass knuckles. A sharp appendage protruded out of the elbow as fur slowly returned when going up the shoulder.


    The bear stood on its hind legs, which looked like they had been cut up with knives. They appeared to be much shorter than any bear I have seen¡ªunnaturally shorter. But that wasn''t the worst part. The bear''s torso was ripped open, and pieces of its ribs protruded outward. The teeth moved like gears on a machine, opening and closing like a mouth, as more ribs protruded out of the back, making the bear look even bigger than it already was.


    Before we could do anything, the bear slammed its front arms into the ground and released a shock wave, sending my father and me tumbling backward.

 Chapter Eight

    Test of Mettle


    <hr>


    William''s Perspective


    My heart raced, thumping in my chest and reverberating through my shirt. The world spun around me, a dizzying blur of double vision. I strained to bring everything back into focus, but all I could make out was a tall, fuzzy black figure a few meters away. It emitted a sound, perhaps a roar, but it was lost in the deafening silence that enveloped me.


    My attention is pulled away as another blurry figure appears before me. Its brown mess on top matches its blurry face. It looked familiar, but my mind didn''t process what was happening as the world turned and rotated.


    Eventually, the world started to come back into focus.


    It was my father. He was speaking, his words lost in the piercing ring in my ears. My body felt a sensation, a discomfort that I couldn''t quite place. It was like pain, but not entirely.


    I felt my whole world jerk in many directions as my father shook me, I presume. He looked behind him, then turned back to me as I saw him open his mouth.


    His voice was odd, sounding soft and quiet like a whisper. "William," my father said. "William." The more he said it, the louder it became.


    That was until it felt like my head was slammed into the ground. My head throbbed every few seconds like someone was applying pressure. Everything returned at once, snapping me out of my daze as the black blob behind my father, Doctor Apple''s bear, gave off a thunderous, earth-shaking roar.


    "William! Snap out of it," my father bellowed. I could see the frustration, anger, and fear in his eyes. I shook my head as he let go of me to face the bear. "I need you here with me!"


    I looked around to realize my sword, still in its sheath, was on the ground, and I started to crawl to it desperately as my lungs tried to collect as much oxygen as I could inhale.


    Slamming my hand onto the hilt, I stood up and swung it onto my belt behind me, hearing the same click as the one back at the house. Pulling the blade out of its sheath, I readied myself as best as I could, lining up behind my father as he faced towards the bear.


    The bear slammed its front claws down, forcing parts of the ground upward, making small boulders. Then, the bear swung its claws, smacking the boulders as they hurled toward us.


    My father and I scattered away as he shot a few magic arrows at the bear, forcing it to cover its face. A few arrows started sizzling around the bear''s claws until they exploded, but the bear didn''t flinch. It didn''t even recognize the attack.


    The bear''s roar sent shockwaves that made it difficult for me to move closer to it, so I took cover near the trees.


    Even behind the trees, its roar made the whole forest tremble. Looking down at the black veins that plagued the floor, they connected to the trees. I soon watched the trees start to wither away, eventually twisting and contorting till it was nothing but a disfigurement of its glorious self.


    I soon watched as the bear dashed towards my father. My father, however, shot an arrow at his feet as a wall of earth erupted underneath him, sending him over the bear as it charged straight through the wall, making it crumble on top of it and knocking over a few trees.


    The ground rattled from the tremors as I came out of hiding to see the current condition of the bear.


    "Well, silver is no good here!" my father proclaimed as he continued to fire more arrows at the bear as it emerged from the rubble.


    "How so?" I ask, trying to collect my breath as much as I can, my mind still reeling at the idea of this being a companion to one of my father''s friends.


    "Silver affects the living; this thing is already dead!" my father answered, pulling a bottle from his pouch and tossing it at the bear as he shot it.


    Liquid splashed all over the bear as its flesh started to burn, making it roar in pain. Its roar sent many twigs and tree branches flying.


    It turned around to face us as it brought its arms into a cross, and many bone-looking spikes appeared out of its skin.


    "Fan-fucking-tastic!" I yelled out. I was useless here. I didn''t have anything that could help my father. The only thing I can do is stay out of the way.


    The bear swung its arms open as many spikes flew out of it. I swung my sword out, cutting down some of the bone-looking spikes, but there were too many. Luckily, my father shot an arrow at my feet as an ice wall appeared before me, stopping a few of the spikes before they could hit me.


    I felt the cold air from my father''s magic around me as I ran back for more cover. I didn''t know it could attack with range. What can I do?


    I got some distance as the ground continued to break apart from the bear''s strength, watching it battle my father. I have to help him. But how? I didn''t have any magic to use. Nor was I a Dragon Rider.


    I furrowed my brow in frustration, hating my lack of strength and ability. I wish I could be more helpful. Sweat dripped down my face as I tried to collect myself.


    "Will!" my father uttered loudly at me. "I could use some help!"


    I saw my father on the bear''s neck, standing up as he shot two arrows at the bear''s feet. Ice shards shot out of the ground as the arrows made impact, trapping the bear''s legs in place. My father then proceeded to jump off the bear, firing more arrows. The arrows lunged into the bear''s back, where the rib-like appendage protruded up and out like teeth, exploding as pieces of flesh flew out.


    The wind of the explosion rushed past me as I ran up to my father. "How am I supposed to help?" I yelled at him. "I''m useless in this fight."


    The bear managed to pull its legs out and roared at us. We started to slide back from the shockwaves, sliding across the forest floor as it turned into a churned and desolated battleground the longer we fought. The bear readied to charge at us.


    My father scoffed. "Here!" he muttered as he tossed me a bottle. I caught it until I saw my father sweep my foot with his bow.


    I wanted to curse him, but before I could say anything, I felt my back connect with the ground. Quickly turning to see, my father fired another arrow at my feet, making me turn to see the bear charging at me.


    The ground slid forward with me on top of it as I screamed out. Panic filled me as I watched myself get pulled towards the charging beast. I held my breath, unable to close my eyes, as adrenaline pumped into my veins. I slowly watched as I slid in between the bear''s legs, seeing its head follow my movements as its lifeless eyes widened in shock. Its dreadful stench filled my nose as I came to see its torso-like mouth; its ribs that protruded out tried to grab hold of me. It had a pitch-black mouth with a sickly red flesh that connected the ribs and another row of bones that would crunch down on anything that entered it.


    Instinctively, I threw the bottle my father tossed to me up at it. Sliding behind it, I stopped screaming as the ground stopped pulling me. Standing up on my knees and turning around, I managed to spot my father firing another set of arrows that curved underneath the bear''s body.


    A loud bang erupted from the bear as I covered my face from incoming debris from the forest, feeling the twigs, sticks, and pebbles hitting my arm.


    "Attack while it''s distracted!"


    Not second-guessing my father, I saw the bear lying flat on the ground. Crashed and disoriented from the explosion, I ran at it from behind, hacking and slashing its hide. The sword landed, cutting through the flesh with ease.


    The bear howled in pain as it got back up, swinging its claws wide, forcing me to jump back to evade. I jumped farther back, only for it to swing its other arm at me again. I jumped farther back, only for it to swing its arms the opposite way, taking advantage of its sharpened-up knuckles. I luckily rolled forward underneath its arm and sliced at its side as I made my way to my father.


    "You''re welcome!" He proclaimed.


    "Are you kidding me!" I yelled at him, angered at the idea he almost got me killed. "I almost died."


    "You''re too stuck in your head," he replied, firing more arrows at the bear as it slammed its claws down, sending pillars of rocks at us. We scattered as the rocks impaled a few trees behind us. "Will! The trees! Cut them!"


    "What!?"


    Stolen story; please report.


    "Just do it!"


    The bear rushed at my father as he fired arrows at the ground, making the bear slide on all fours. Following my father''s advice, I made a mad dash to the trees behind us, noticing the large rocks impaled in them. I assumed the tree was thicker than my father had realized.


    "You want me to cut this?!" Is he crazy? No one can cut this down without a better sword or equipment.


    "Stop questioning and do it when I tell you!"


    Looking up at the tree, I realized why he wanted me to cut it down¡ªit was huge. But does he really believe in me to do so?


    Hearing another roar, I see my father leading the bear towards me. "Now!"


    I raised my sword, not questioning the stupidity of what I was doing. I swung with all I had, every ounce of strength my body could muster, as I clenched my eyes tight. I felt resistance, but I tried to push through.


    Opening up my eyes, I saw what could only be a miracle.


    I cut the tree. How?


    I didn''t cut all the way, though, just enough to realize it was falling over and approaching the ground. Parts of the tree stomp followed the tree, pulling the roots out of the ground. The sheer weight of it all overpowered mine, and the roots sent me flying up, howling out in surprise. Not noticing what was happening, I heard a loud thud along with a painful howl.


    I gasped as I landed on something tough and furry. The putrid smell was nauseating, and I was surprised that I hadn''t puked from the presence alone. I opened my eyes soon to discover I was on the bear''s neck, dangling off its side as it tried to bite me.


    "Will!" I heard my father shout at me.


    Adrenaline got to me as I climbed up, holding onto my sword as if my life depended on it. I stood on the bear''s shoulder, seeing it holding up the tree with its arm.


    I cut the tree; I can cut this bear!


    Swinging again, I brought my blade down to the bear''s neck. It was as tough as the previous times I slashed at the bear. No. Thicker, as I felt something hard inside the bear. I pushed even harder as my sword cleaved through the bear''s neck, decapitating it.


    The bear''s body slumped lifelessly and fell onto the ground as I jumped away from it. I tried to land on my feet but fell onto the ground, rolling out as my head spun. The tree the bear was holding up fell right on top of it, obliterating the remains.


    My heart continued to race as dust and debris filled my nose, making me cough hard as my father tackled me, grabbing my face. "You good? Your safe? You aren''t injured?"


    He started turning my head left and right, up and down, then checked my arms and back. "I''m fine, father; I am unharmed." I coughed out.


    Hearing him sigh in relief, he holstered me back off the ground. "That''s good, but now isn''t the time to rest. We must warn Hearthglen."


    My heart started to slow down as my head finally no longer felt like someone was squeezing it every few seconds. I wiped the sweat off of my forehead as I finally was able to breathe normally.


    "Why?" I asked.


    We killed the Creature of the Blight. I took its head off. Me. I did it with one cut. I did that. Sure, my father helped me and put the monster into a position that allowed me to. But I cut its head off in one cut. I did!


    Before my father spoke, a horde of screams and howls echoed throughout the forest behind us, farther up north. Some noises came from the hole as well¡ªthe Blight Nest.


    I turned to face the direction with my father. Sword at the ready as black blood poured down the blade. Black blood?


    The sky slowly darkened, and the forest was eerie black, like a shadow in brooding daylight. The only thing we could see was right in front of us: trees.


    "We are on top of a Blight''s Nest, William. Think about it." my father snarled as he readied his bow, backing away from the direction the sounds were coming from. "We are leaving. Now," he yelled out.


    Turning around to my father, we started to sprint. My heart throbbed painfully as I ran as fast as possible¡ªeven faster than my father for brief moments. He stood ahead as I tried to maneuver around the bushes, logs, and trees. Vaulting over each log sloppily, my father did it perfectly, never losing momentum.


    We continue to run together as if the devil is chasing us.


    "I can''t fucking believe you sent me sliding at the dam bear!" I blurted out loud. I was irritated that my father would make such a risky move.


    "You were panicking!"


    "That is a perfectly natural response to such a situation."


    Before I could keep speaking, I was hit with a massive wave of nausea as I came to a complete stop. I emptied my stomach. I guess the disgusting body of the bear, the battle we just went through, and all the running was getting to my body. I started to hyperventilate. My mind clouded.


    "No, no, no! Not here!" My father came to my side, tossing my arm over his shoulder as he started to carry me out of the forest. "Remember your dream. Becoming a Dragon rider and fighting the Blight so you can avenge your mother. To protect Drakelene. All of that stuff."


    My breath was heavy and fast. My mind spun as my vision collapsed like looking down into a tunnel. Trying to resist as more bile spilled from my mouth. "I failed to be a rider, father," I mumbled weakly as my feet dragged on the ground, leaving a trail behind me. "I am a failure."


    More eerie screams could be heard from the forest as we came into the clearing, where we saw Hearthglen and the mountain. "Don''t talk like that! You killed that bear back there. You took its head off in one clean cut, even chopped down a tree! Don''t quit on me now. You made it this far, didn''t you?"


    I threw myself off of my father as more bile spilled out of me. My vision split even more as my head felt like it was being crushed.


    After puking one last time, my heart finally started to slow itself down, and my vision realigned, allowing me to see. I weakly stumbled onto my knees, using my sword to push myself up off the ground and onto my feet. "Ya. You''re right," I responded half-heartedly.


    I looked up at my father, who nodded in approval and made a dash to Hearthglen. I followed behind him, returning my sword to its sheath on my back as my mind continued to spiral down.


    Even if I killed that bear in a single swing, my father did all the fighting while I was behind him like a coward. I use swords; he uses a bow, and I should be in the front. How would the Dragon Riders accept me?


    I don''t even want to imagine if Barren saw me.


    "They aren''t leaving the forest," my father remarked. His voice was filled with concern, seeing his face etched with confusion.


    "Maybe that''s a good thing. Maybe the Blight literally can''t leave this forest."


    "Impossible, the Blight doesn''t care for anything, just mindless monsters."


    We sprinted away from the forest, running across the grassy field towards Hearthglen, occasionally jumping over holes or rocks to avoid tripping.


    I don''t want a broken ankle out here.


    The ground was steady, but it wasn''t harsh like the ground where we fought the bear. The ground was brittle and mucky-like due to our battle and from all the black veins that sprouted across the floor. Here, the grass was green and healthy.


    We continued to run. My feet kept digging into the ground with each step. I pushed my legs as hard as possible to run faster, making my feet hit the ground much harder than intended. We soon noticed that the screams from the forest went silent. I thought it was weird until I felt it.


    My heart skipped a beat as cold air went down my spine. A very distinct presence came into my mind, sensing it. It was very far away, passing upon what I was feeling. I turned my head back towards Zarmen Forest.


    What am I feeling? Something was telling me that something was there, off in the distance.


    "What''s wrong?" turning to see my father looking dead at me.


    "Can you feel that?"


    "No! What is it you feeling?"


    "I don''t know. It feels like something is out there." I don''t understand it either. I could feel something familiar but different, like comparing two different-colored flowers. They are both flowers, but they are different. But what was it similar to?


    "There!"


    I soon realized we were at the gate to Hearthglen. I was so distracted that I didn''t know how close we were. The gate was closed, however.


    "Open the gate!" my father demanded, yelling fifty feet away.


    The gate guards turned to us. "What''s the rush?!" We heard an answer back.


    "Blight! In the forest!" We both shouted at the guard.


    We ran to the gate, the door still closed. We grabbed the bars and tried to lift them. "We must warn the City and the Riders now!" My father commanded.


    "The Blight never comes this far north, nor do they spawn up here. Are you sure?"


    "Yes!"


    The gate guards looked at each other as one approached the wall tower and pulled a lever, opening the door. The other went over to grab a crossbow with a bottle on it. My father and I entered as the gate closed back up, running into the courtyard.


    The guard fired his crossbow into the sky, and a black explosion detonated. Then he turned to us. "This will alert the riders of the so-called sighted Blight. Head home, lock yourself up until otherwise, and be ready for an evacuation if needed."


    The guard ran off as I tried to say something, but my father pulled my arm, leading me deeper into the city.


    "Father, where are we going? Our home is outside. Where are we supposed to go exactly?" I asked feebly.


    "The Guild," he answered as he started to run off down the streets.


    I sighed, slowly dragging my feet till I went into a light jog.


    Why are we heading to the Guild? Especially now! What is the point?


    "We are leaving tonight! I need to call on some favors and supplies." My head almost spun. I wanted to ask why but wasn''t ready to question anything. If anything, I wanted to be left alone. My father had to stop and wait for me. "This is the perfect opportunity to leave. No one would question it."


    "Figures," I muttered coldly as I caught up to him, as we turned to run together.


    How much longer are we going to run? I''m exhausted. I can feel my veins pumping in my legs and arms. My breathing was shaky, and hoarse.


    My legs were surprisingly relaxed. Usually, one''s leg would start hurting after running for a long time. Yet, the only thing I can feel is my veins pumping. My whole body didn''t ache in pain exactly. Sure, there are minor bruises and sores from battling, but nothing like being exhausted.


    "What''s wrong? Where''s your loud and usual self?" my father asked as hundreds of Dragon Riders started to fly through the sky. Roars echoed throughout the city, making us stop moving for a moment until we turned down an avenue.


    Many of the usual carts or beasts that people used to move around the city started to turn down alleyways. Everyone was starting to freak out as a few guards yelled out orders. Many massive beasts began to freak out.


    They know what''s coming.


    "A lot just happened, Father. I''m just trying to process all of it." I managed to answer as a violet dragon roared out right above us.


    A few other dragons that were grounded jumped on top of buildings, hoping from one to another as they took off.


    "Well, good. We''re almost there. You see it!" he said, pointing his finger out towards the familiar brick building we go to every time we finish hunting. It was the Guild house.


    It was a few blocks away.


    My heart throbbed from exhaustion. But we are close now. Just a few more steps, just a few more buildings an???d??????? ?????????? c????????????????????????????????n?????????? ??????????????r???????????????????????????????????????t???????????.


    §Á??????????????????????§ï?????????????????????????????????????


    My eyes widened as I fell to my knees, feeling my pants starting to tear, my kneecaps scraping the pavement. But I couldn''t feel anything. I couldn''t hear anything. Nothing...


    This sensation, ringing throughout my body and soul, forced me to listen, demanding a response. I can see my father running towards me, sliding onto the ground next to me, and yelling out my name, but I can''t hear him. My head spun as if someone was grabbing it and turning it upside down, but there was no sickening feeling of discomfort. Everything slowed down until it felt like even time stopped.


    ???G??????????????????????????????i?????????????????????????????v??????????????????????????????e????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????u????????????????????????????????????????r??????????????????????? ???????????????????W????????????????????????????????i??????????????????????????????????????????????l????????????????l????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????¨®?????????????????? ????????????????????M????????????????????????????????????????????


    The only thing I felt after was pain.

 Chapter Nine

    Orderbreaker


    <hr>


    Gwyn''s Perspective


    I felt my heart start to submerge in whatever water life could make as I watched my son begin to cry out. I watched his myoclonus body fall as he brought his hands to his chest, clutching his cotton grey shirt.


    I felt my black pants rip. The wrappings that Cira had wreathed onto my boots started to tear as I slid next to William. It was his second time falling.


    I caught him as he fell and laid him on my leg. Turning his body so he was facing me, I held his head up. "Will! What''s wrong? Tell Me!" I blurted out of desperation. But Will was unresponsive. His eyes were shut tight, and his body spasmed in waves.


    I felt utterly powerless, a sensation foreign and unsettling. Throughout my entire life, I have encountered nothing compared to this. With a growing sense of desperation, I examined the essential facets of his condition, searching for signs of sickness or disorder, hoping for some clue that would guide me through this bewildering ordeal. But there was nothing.


    I can''t lose him. I need the Guild.


    "Come on, up we go." Pulling William onto his feet and over my shoulders, his twitching subsided as I felt his drenched shirt on mine. Slowly, using my bow to support us, I hauled his frail body towards the Guild, hearing the scraping sounds beneath his boots. "The Guild must know what''s wrong, Will. Just hang in there, please."


    What''s happening? First, there was William''s attempt at being a Rider. Then there was the egg he stole, and soon after, there were the Blight nests, and now this.


    Oh, Cira. Watch over our son, please.


    My heart skyrocketed as something crashed into the building next to us. Glancing at it, I saw a Dragon rider falling to the road where we stood. His body made a loud crack as it came into contact with the ground.


    His scream pierced the air, his body convulsing in a manner eerily reminiscent of William''s. Accompanying his cries was the gut-wrenching roar of his dragon, which flailed its wings in a frenzy, shredding the building beneath it to rubble.


    The sky soon filled with more roars and screams as riders began to plummet from above. A few, by sheer force of will or fleeting strength, managed to soar for a moment longer, but even they succumbed, spiraling down to join the chaotic descent.


    The Dragon Riders were affected? What in Kalos is happening? The Guild must know what''s happening?!?


    "Come on, Will! The Guild must know what''s happening!" I stammered loudly. I started to lengthen my strides, dragging William sluggishly.


    William''s anguished cries turned into weak, sickly groans. His eyes fluttered rapidly, but I saw no signs of his irises.


    My breathing was brisk as we approached the Guild before I realized.


    A chilling shiver cascaded down my spine, carrying a sensation of dread that seemed to emanate from beyond the city''s walls. It was an intense, relentless feeling, unlike anything I''d ever encountered. The only time I''d come close to this sense of foreboding was through the pages of a book. But this was no object; it was undeniably the presence of a person¡ªa being exuding an aura so cruel and unforgiving that it carved a space of fear in the air itself.


    A palpable tension enveloped us all, the ground beneath our feet trembling with violence as I instinctively turned toward the open mountain. There, emerging from her den, the Matriarch soared into the sky.


    Her gigantic wings cast an immense shadow over the city, churning the air into chaos in her wake. As she approached the source of our collective dread, a roar of unmistakable anger tore from her throat, resonating with defiance.


    With deliberate, powerful strokes, her wings carried her to the city''s edge, where she hovered, a testament to resilience. Her moss-green scales, speckled with debris, shimmered faintly, betraying the cracks and wear of age and battle.


    An eerie silence enveloped the world, a moment suspended in time, suggesting the fragile strings of reality might soon unravel. It was in this unsettling quiet that I realized I had stopped moving. Turning, I found William, his gaze locked onto the Matriarch, a mix of awe and fear reflected in his wide eyes.


    William''s Perspective


    [Warning Warning Warning]


    [Do you accept C?o?r?r?u?p?t?i?o?n?]


    [Yes/No]


    [No has been selected]


    My head rang as words filled my black vision. I didn''t understand what it was talking about.


    Corruption? What''s that? Is that what''s making everything hurt?


    My body felt like jelly as I started to open my eyes, realizing my father was holding me up. I lacked the vigor to move myself. The only thing I felt was this undeniable sensation.


    The sensation first appeared when we were escaping the forest, subtle yet unmistakable. Now, it felt like it was tightening its grip, drawing nearer with an oppressive intensity. The sudden sensation made me jerk my head upwards, only to be met by the overwhelming sight of the Matriarch dominating the sky above the city. Her fierce and commanding roar seemed to shake the heavens themselves, starkly contrasting the barely audible whimpers of Hearthglen''s people below, whose fear and awe mingled in the shadow of her might.


    There we saw it¡ªa Rider.


    It was hard to see it as the Rider and his dragon, an ocean blue dragon covered in horrendous scars that left a horrific impression. The dragon was half the size of the Matriarch.


    Lightning tore through the sky, casting the world into an even darker shadow than the night already had. Breathing became a struggle, the air thick with the Rider''s magic. Sparks danced wildly around him, tendrils of energy reaching down to touch us all. My skin tingled at his electrifying energy.


    The Matriarch and the Rider hovered in front of each other for ages. The world seemed to have frozen in silence. It was eerie, haunting, and uncanny.


    Without warning, the Matriarch lunges her head at the Rider, attempting to kill the Rider.


    I closed my eyes as pure, shimmering light pierced my eyelids, breaching my only protection. I thought I was going to go blind. The land screeched as a titanic roar itched the sky, leaving my ears ringing in pain. It sounded like thunder. With the thunder, a ghastly roar bellowed out as I managed to open my eyes. My vision was hazy and somewhat blackened, but I saw the Matriarch after a moment.


    My heart plummeted into terror and fear at the sight of her body. It was utterly scorched as her massive left wing was severed off. Blood scattered out as the horrific sight brought terror to the people of Hearthglen. Even the riders cried out. The dragons released tear-jerking whimpers as they cried out for their lost mother.


    The Rider looked down from his dragon. Both of them looked down at us with their cold, cruel eyes. His cold, cruel, dead eyes held malice as he looked straight at me. His skin was painted with vivid streaks of blood.


    What seized my attention, freezing the blood in my veins, was the moment he raised his arms, his finger aimed directly at me. In that instant, the world came to a harrowing halt; no breath stirred the air, no sound dared break the silence, a stifling nothingness that felt like the haunting quiet before a blood-curdling scream shattered the calm. Every soul was petrified, none daring to twitch a muscle. The realization of what my father was initiating eluded me, a mix of denial and horror rooting me to the spot. It felt like an invisible force was wrenching my gaze toward the monstrous entities that loomed ominously in the sky, holding me captive in a terror I could neither escape nor fully comprehend.


    With a gut-wrenching pulse that ran straight down my spine, a flash of light enveloped the world as another thunder echoed out. But this one was far more ferocious; the sky lit up as if the sun had descended to take us away from this nightmare as a cloud of smoke and debris came straight out at us. The very land, the buildings, the people, and the dragons were all caught in it as everything was sent flying. Eventually, my father and I were caught in it, sending us flying back, busting through a building, and crashing through furniture.


    I felt a sudden jolt of pain ringing down my arm. I think something just broke. I couldn''t tell as the cloud of smoke covered everything. My ears continue to ring, muffling the terror of people screaming.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    I slowly sat up and looked out the walls of the building we just crashed into, my back aching and my leg possibly broken. I somehow managed to drag myself to the edge of the wall as I saw it.


    Before me stood a leviathan, a monstrous fusion towering as tall as the Matriarch herself; its scale-like hide was like the deepest parts of the deep black ocean. It reared on two hind legs, its body a horrifying tapestry of spikes that jutted out like crystalline growths tearing through its flesh. The creature''s feet bore an uncanny resemblance to human form, albeit grotesquely distorted, with twisted flesh torn away to reveal jutting bone.


    Its midsection presented a morbid sight: the pelvis was grotesquely oversized compared to the waist, which seemed to collapse inward like a monstrous maw. Savage, tooth-like projections sprang upward from the pelvis and downward from the torso, the upper teeth sheathed in grey, chitinous armor. This armor spiked up at the creature''s collarbone, where its neck caved inward towards the collarbone, adding to its nightmarish silhouette.


    The asymmetry of its arms changed the definition of my term for monstrosity. The right arm bore crystal spikes enveloped in a fleshy sheath that morphed into a semblance of a hand, its flesh and skin peeling away to expose the raw muscle beneath. The left arm contrasted sharply where flesh and bone appeared, replaced with crystal spikes that erupted from its shoulder and elbow, with its wrist encased in a spiked gauntlet, a grotesque parody of protection.


    Its head was a spectacle of horror, adorned with fourteen eyes that surveyed its surroundings with unnerving vigilance. A singular, massive crystal horn soared from its nose, accompanied by a jagged, lightning bolt-shaped protrusion from its chin and jutting horizontally from its jaws¡ªone side notably fragmented, a testament to past violence. Its maw was devoid of lips, revealing only teeth that mirrored the dark, oceanic blue of its scales. Behind its head, four massive horns, each notably fractured, reached towards the sky, while tendrils or spike-like appendages floated ominously behind each horn, swaying with the creature''s every movement.


    This abomination was a harrowing union of a dragon, a human, and the Blight¡ªeach aspect twisted into a singular entity of pure nightmare. In that moment, a singular thought pierced my horror-stricken mind.


    Someone screamed.


    "It''s a Titan!"


    The Titan unfurled its wings¡ªfour of them¡ªand each looked as dreadful as the Titan itself, as they were titanic enough to cover its own body. Each was tattered as if stitched and wreathed together. Every flap sent a gust of chilling wind, carrying the scent of desolation and death. The membranes between the massive bones were shredded, hanging in ragged strips.


    The sight of them was enough to freeze the blood of onlookers. They were a visual embodiment of dread, speaking of a creature not only fierce but deeply afflicted by The Blight. Black veins covered its whole body, pulsating with its corrupted life.


    The Titan took one simple step as it roared out. The sheer roar of its roar emitted a dangerous chill down my back as its voice alone propelled the land around it away from it.


    As the shockwave approached me, I heard a ring in my head.


    [WARNING WARNING]


    [A TITAN HAS APPEARED]


    Looking up at the Titan, I saw something above its head.


    [UNKNOWN TITAN]


    [Orderbreaker]


    What is this? What am I seeing?


    I looked back down and saw the shockwave getting closer. I could not move as I tried to process everything. That was until someone tackled me.


    Gwyn''s Perspective


    I tackled William, pulling him behind the cover. We both pressed our backs against the ruined wall as the shockwave blew past us, sending dust and debris into what remained of the building I and Will were in.


    Our hair ruffled wildly. I closed my eyes tightly, so nothing got in them. I forced my breathing to be steady as I felt my breath start to quiver. I pressed my hand against Will''s chest as I felt his heartbeat. It was like it was trying to jump out of his chest.


    The shockwave passed as I stood up, clutching my bow tightly. Glancing up at the Titan, I heard a ring in my head.


    [WARNING WARNING]


    [A TITAN HAS APPEARED]


    Glancing at the words that appeared in my head, I knew full well what they meant. I turned to heave William off the ground. I could see above Will''s head.


    [William Hunter]


    "Will, we have to go! Now!" I shouted as people started to scream, running in the streets with their children in hand. I noticed where they were going.


    Pulling Will by his arm, I hurriedly led him through the building, kicking down a door that blocked our way.


    "Dad! What am I seeing?" William cried out, no longer calling me father. How unbecoming. But I don''t blame him. I am, too, afraid. But I hid it away, knowing it would cause me more harm. For both of us.


    "Status magic," I answered as dragons took to the sky and their riders shouted orders.


    A rider flew close to us, ordering all civilians to head to the South Gate immediately. But I knew better. We must go North.


    "Dad, you heard him. We got to head down south," William stammered. His eyes widened with fear as he leaned onto the wall nearby.


    I approached him, checking over him. "How are you feeling?"


    "What?"


    "Answer me!"


    He shook his head, almost holding it up with his hand. "It''s just a bad headache. Besides that, I''m slightly sluggish."


    Headache and sluggishness? That''s all Will got from earlier? He must be lying. "Can you run?" He stepped off the wall and slowly walked towards me, sluggishly.


    "I''ll be fine."


    "Good, we are heading east, back to our house."


    I was walking towards the street, where civilians were running and screaming. I picked up a longsword along the way, and Will grabbed my shoulder and turned me around.


    "East? Our house? Are you crazy? That is a Titan. We can''t face that thing!" Will''s remark left me stumbling. Did he really think that was my plan?


    "We aren''t fighting the Titan; we are going around it," I replied as I turned him around.


    Yanking his silver sword, I replaced it with the longsword I had picked up. I soon pulled a bracelet out of one of my pouches. Tapping it on the silver sword made it dematerialize into bright particles that shimmered brightly into the bracelet.


    [Long Silver Sword has been stored in Storage]


    So this is status magic. How convenient. Do the summoned heroes always have this power active? How vexing?


    Before we knew it, the Titan bellowed as it slammed its foot into the earth. The ground cracked, and everything just shook. I noticed chunks of the ground jutted outward, sending buildings flying as the land changed.


    "Move!" I yelled out, and Will and I started to run down the empty alleyway, away from the now-blocked street.


    As we fled, the earth beneath us transformed, morphing the ground into cliffs that erupted skyward. Massive rock formations sprouted from the earth, casting debris and boulders that tumbled perilously everywhere. Amidst our desperate attempts to flee, fatigue began to gnaw at my muscles, making each step increasingly laborious. It was only then that I realized that we were ascending a cliff.


    "Push on to the top!" I urged, my voice taut.


    William''s silence was a stark response, devoid of any retort. The fear has gotten hold of him.


    Persisting through sheer will, we dodged falling rocks that threatened to end our climb prematurely. Eventually, our path stopped, standing way above the city. From our elevated point, Hearthglen lay sprawled before us.


    Beyond the city, the mountain stood, untouched by Titan''s cataclysmic might. The terrain was a landscape reborn by fury, cracked and warped beyond recognition by the Titan''s unfathomable might. The view is heart-rending.


    "How are we supposed to get to the house by going around the Titan? The North Gate would be destroyed. How are we supposed to get through all of this?" Will questioned me.


    He was right. How were we going to get out of this? I could feel my heart starting to race.


    I took a deep breath, closing my eyes. Then it came to me. I opened my eyes and pointed east.


    "The east gate is the closet gate towards us. We get there; we go straight to the house. After all, we have a dragon egg to save."


    The ground started to shake as the ground beneath us fell apart. I tried to reach out to Will. However, the pull of gravity grasped us both as we both fell. Fortunately, parts of the cliff jutted out, sloping downward toward the city below, allowing us to slide down. I used my bow to maneuver toward Will, grasping his shirt as we accelerated downward.


    Our hairs flocked with the wind as it pressed against our faces. I squinted as I tried to block out all the dust from my eyes as more of the earth splintered. We finally jumped off the descending cliff, landing on the rooftops. I didn''t grasp the tiles well as I slid off the rooftops. Luckily, I swung my bow, which gripped onto something, holding me up.


    Will didn''t have much luck either, forcing me to catch him at the last second. "Fuck!" He shouted as he slammed into the building, grasping my arm tightly.


    "Language, please!" I said, forcing a smile to lighten the mood.


    "This isn''t a time for a joke," William exclaimed. I decided to drop him once I saw how close he was to the ground. Once his feet made contact, I swung myself, unhooking my bow as I fell next to him. "Let''s not do that again."


    I saw him leaning against the wall, holding his shoulder. I saw his face scrunched up as if he were in pain. "Where does it hurt?"


    Will gestured his leg, where his bandage was, his right shin. I unwrapped the bandage and ripped open the fabric, revealing parts of his shin torn up, but nothing seemed broken or bleeding. "Your leg is fine."


    "It throbs painfully when I apply pressure."


    Given the rest of his tattered clothes, "probably a sprain from being tossed into the build. Along with a ton of bruises." I reached down to one of my pouches, hoping I had brought a healing potion.


    [Healing Potion (Throwable) acquired]


    I pulled my hand out of my pouch, holding a small vial of purple liquid. The status magic was already getting annoying. Pulling the cork off the vial, I dumped the contents onto Will''s leg.


    "Fuck that hurts!" He snarled at me as his torn-up shin started to fade back into its normal pigmentation swiftly. I rewrapped up the leg with the used bandage with haste. "How did we survive that shockwave? We shouldn''t have survived that."


    "Not now. We got to move," I declared as I pulled Will off the wall. "Can you run?" I asked once again.


    Watching him step forward, I see his movements as much more natural. He nodded as we both turned to run down the road.


    The road before us had transformed into a pathway of chaos. Bodies lay strewn across the ground, a grim site for those who are too used to peace.


    Panic-stricken survivors, their faces etched with terror, attempted to make their way through the mess. Desperate, they clutched at any belongings they could salvage, hoping to preserve some semblance of their former lives. They all frantically made their way to the South Gate, praying for the Dragon Riders to save them.


    Everything was in utter chaos, a vivid snapshot of humanity teetering on the brink of despair yet propelled by the instinctual drive to survive.


    I took the lead as I followed the path to the East Gate, pushing back anyone who got in the way of me and my son. My desperation to ensure William''s survival flared as I shoved everyone out of my way.


    Before we knew it, the Titan came into view, swatting riders out of the sky as magic struck it from all angles. But it barely dented it. We saw its mouth open up as the very air was sucked in. Then all the air was pushed out.


    ["HEARTHGLEN!"]


    It spoke out.


    Its mere speech triggered status magic?!?


    ["FALL!"]


    [WARNING WARNING]


    [BLIGHT INCOMING]


    Blight incoming?


    That''s when I looked at the sky and saw it. The dark clouds shifted slightly and descended on us, and I felt the earth rumble even more. I realized those weren''t clouds plummeting down towards us. My senses flared as holes erupted from the ground.


    The Blight is here.

 Chapter Ten

    Taste of Battle


    <hr>


    The world was in utter chaos. Hearthglen, once a city of peace and prosperity, was now turning into a battleground¡ªcreatures of the Blight, horrifying beings that fell from the sky and emerged from the earth. The Titan, known as Orderbreaker, was wreaking havoc as the otherworldly presence of the status magic known as The System came into view for everyone.


    The dragon riders, fearless and determined, took to the sky. They unleashed all forms of dragon magic at the horrifying beings that descended from the sky as the two forces collided. Even the Blight riders and their blighted dragons dived at the riders, letting loose gut-wrenching roars. The black sky was a spectacle of light as some of the riders transformed into Dragon Knights, their forms a testament to their bravery.


    Yet, amidst the chaos, many of the soldiers and riders found themselves in a state of bewildered shock. The elite guard, known as Wardens, usually a beacon of strength, stood frozen in disbelief with their dragons under the mountain, perched onto the spiral pillars.


    "What the hell is going on?!?"


    "What are we supposed to do? We can''t fight a titan!"


    "You saying we leave the people?"


    The soldiers and riders were engulfed in a maelstrom of confusion and doubt, their hearts and minds flooded with fear. Even their dragons raised their voices alongside their riders in an outcry of dissent. Each snapped violently at each other, making their riders more restless and scared. The situation was dire, and the air was thick with tension and uncertainty.


    The disoriented riders morphed into deafening clamors of protest. The air soon filled with death and dread from the unorganized resistance fought back at the rampant wave of undead monsters. Many riders even took the battle to the ground, swinging their weapons at each abomination as their dragons had their backs, chomping, stomping, or flinging their corpses away.


    But all in all, no one knew what to do.


    "WHAT ARE YOU ALL DOING!?"


    Every dragon rider immediately turned their heads as the loud, irritated voice echoed throughout the mountain. There, they saw Lord Guimar, his face etched with annoyance. His arrival sparked a wave of renewed determination in the eyes of the riders gathered near, a flicker of hope amidst the chaos.


    Guimar''s arrival sparked a wave of renewed hope in the eyes of the riders gathered nearby. He furrowed his brows, and his nose scrunched up as his anger radiated outward in a palpable aura. Flecks of fire rained down from the sky, bouncing harmlessly off his face, the heat brushed aside by his inherent immunity. His once-crimson cloak now draped regally over sleek, brick-red-scaled armor that hugged his formidable frame, gleaming and burnished like a mythical warrior''s.


    His angular chest plate and bracers had a commanding presence, their wicked points complemented by a massive draconic pauldron crafting dramatic shadows. Scale-patterned greaves encased powerful legs, while ornate knee and shin guards added an aura of regal protection. As Guimar moved, the intricate detailing and burnished accents seemed to crackle with life, his presence evoking the majesty of an age-old champion.


    "Lord Guimar, sir!" The Wardens, the other Dragon Knights, Lances, and many more high-ranking members shouted out in surprise.


    "We all have our duties! Protect the people of Hearthglen!" Lord Guimar''s voice boomed, filled with aggression but also unwavering determination. "Have all the Dragon Knights and riders evacuate everyone to the south gate immediately! Lances, Wardens, and Lords will take to the sky and hold back that Titan." His words were a beacon of hope, instilling a sense of purpose and courage in the hearts of his followers.


    "But Lord Guimar, we can''t beat a Titan!" the lowest-ranking Rider said as he sat upon his smaller brown dragon.


    "We aren''t going to beat it; we will stall it. Go to the top of the mountain, where the nobles live! They have a Teleportation Crystal, found only in dungeons. Use it to teleport to Franwood City. Titan Rider Narric is stationed there currently! Get him here immediately!" Everyone stared at Lord Guimar''s words. The nobles stood at the top among all the civilians. They manage all the laws and even the riders themselves. Such actions would bring misfortune to Lord Guimar.


    But he knew that. Did he care?


    No. The people of Drakelene come first. It is even written in the very Order he is part of. To lay down one''s life for the people.


    "If they don''t give it to you, then take it by force! This isn''t the time or place for nobles or politics! The rest of you! You all have your duty!"


    "Yes, sir!"


    Every Rider heard Lord Guimar as they all climbed their dragons. Lord Guimar approached his dragon, Firewing, grabbing his horn to pull him up as he mounted the saddle. Unlike regular saddles, his was meant for both sitting and standing.


    Lord Guimar stood tall, calling upon his mystical bond with his draconic partner, Firewing. Shimmering lights began flickering around his head as scales emerged from the armor near his neck. The scales rippled upward, wrapping around his head and transforming his helmet. His helmet took on the fearsome visage of Firewing itself¡ªhorns jutted forth where Guimar''s eyebrows would be, mirroring the dragon''s visage. Silver streaks arced over the crest, meeting at several pointed horns reminiscent of Firewing''s spinal ridges.


    Lord Guimar seemed to become an avatar of any fire dragon. His armor now bearing the terrifying regalia of his symbiotic bond with Firewing, he prepared to unleash the scorching fury of dragon and knight as one.


    The same power that all Dragon Riders have.


    The activation of his armor signaled to all the other riders. Their bodies were enveloped in magic akin to that of their dragon, and armor now covered them head to toe.


    Lord Guimar and Firewing dove off the pillar, and the rest of the riders followed, guided by them to the battle that raged on the ground and in the sky¡ªflying towards the Order-breaking Titan.


    <hr>


    William''s perspective


    My breathing was heavy as the sky lit up like tiny suns, and all sorts of magic popped in and out, colliding with whatever they hit.


    The Blight is here. In Hearthglen, this seems wrong.


    I remembered moments when I saw a blighted monster for the first time¡ªthe dog back at Knights Square.


    Is that going to happen to everyone here?


    My heart pounded violently as I started to hyperventilate, unable to control my breathing¡ªthe ground near me erupted in a spray of dirt and rocks. A large, jagged hole tore open, and from its depths, bony, desiccated hands clawed their way into the light. The gnarled fingers were nothing but reformed bones fused, gripping crudely fashioned blades whose rusted edges gleamed with a sickly menace.


    A mutated horror dragged itself with those gnarled arms¡ªlittle more than a shambling amalgam of rot and exposed bone. Tattered flesh clung to its twisted body, contorting with each movement. Crude augmentations of flesh and bone grotesquely enhanced its jerking limbs. The creature''s mutilated torso gaped open, organs never meant for open-air visibly pulsating within the nightmarish cavity.


    Everything in me froze as I stared at its grotesque body¡ªthe same fear that I felt when looking at the man who killed the Matriarch.


    Fear filled my body as I started to tremble.


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    The only thing I could focus on was this until my father shook my shoulder.


    "Focus, Will!" my father yelled as he turned to face the blighted creature, his bow in hand, as more blighted creatures appeared.


    Greedily sucking in air, I miraculously got my breath back as I looked around to see everything on fire. My very city, where I grew up, erupts in screams and pain.


    Looking back at the blighted monstrosities. That''s when I noticed it above their heads.


    [Blightfiend]


    [Level 17]


    Blightfiend? Levels? What is this?


    "Will!" My father snapped me out of whatever I was focusing on as I sloppily drew my long blade, gripping its handle tightly as sweat dripped down my brow.


    The blighted creatures, Blightfiends, charged at us, making a loud screech as their arms flayed wildly. More Blightfiends crawled out of the hole as the first two charged me and my father.


    I watched my father easily deflect the Blightfiend''s sword, slamming a magic arrow into its gut. I turned to see as the other blightfiend ran at me. Its eerie movements sent chills down my back, and I brought my sword up and closed my eyes.


    I heard a loud cling as I was face-to-face with the wretched thing. It pushed me back as my feet slid across the ground. Adrenaline kicked in as I pushed its sword upward, giving me time to kick the undead abomination back. It stumbles backward, trying to get its footing. I charged in a state of panic as I swung my sword at its head.


    [Blightfiend Slain]


    The words from the status magic appeared in my vision once more as I watched the monster''s head roll onto the ground. I felt relieved at how easy it was to kill it¡ªmuch easier than the bear. The flesh was more squishy.


    Before I could even blink, a massive, blighted dragon burst through the torn-up building, its grotesque, mutated form shattering stone and timber alike. The shockwave slammed into me, violently plucking me off my feet. The world spun around me sickeningly as I was sent flying backward, debris and dust engulfing me in a suffocating vortex.


    I crashed onto the ground in a boneless heap. My breath driven from my lungs, dazed and gasping, I forced my eyes open, only to be met with a swirling vortex of pulverized brick and impenetrable clouds of dirt. Instinct took over as I staggered upright, arms wheeling desperately in an attempt to disperse the choking air surrounding me.


    Racking coughs tore through my chest as I blinked back stinging tears, but there was no respite. Another thunderous crash echoed through the haze; a massive section of the ruined structure began its inexorable descent towards me. Adrenaline flooded my veins as I sprinted blindly, legs churning as I narrowly evaded the deadly rubble, smashing down mere feet away.


    Another horrific scream howled out, making me turn back around to see more Blightfiends approaching my father.


    "We got company, Will!"


    "Right," I replied; my voice was hoarse and quivering, and my throat itched with dust and debris as I coughed slightly. My head throbbed from the adrenaline coursing through me.


    I approached the Blightfiends with my father. After the last battle, I felt more confident but could clearly sense my nervousness.


    All my training with my father was paying off, however.


    I regripped my handle the way my father once told me, repositioning it to get the best leverage with each swing as I ran up to him. My breathing started to calm down as I felt sweat go down my face.


    The Blightfiends charged us as I intercepted two of them, ducking under one as I blocked the other. My father had my back as he fired magic arrows at their feet, keeping them still. I battled the two as I trusted in my training, blocking their blows as they pushed me back. Each time one attempted to keep our blades locked together, the other would try to grab me. I struggled to keep them from getting that chance as I dodged their attacks and countered.


    One of the fiends decided to swing straight down at me. I was lucky enough to slide past its attack, swinging my sword up to its neck and cleaving its head off. The other fiend roared at me as it charged itself again. Taking a note from my father''s book, I shoved the dead fiend''s body at the other one, making it trip over before me, where I finished it off.


    [Blightfiend slain]


    [Blightfiend slain]


    [Sword Skill increased from Level 12 to Level 13]


    [New Skill Acquired]


    Wow! I did it! I killed them! Without a dragon, either! I can do this!


    My smile cracked as I let out deep, big breaths. My adrenaline subsides slightly as I look back at the words displayed before me.


    Wait? Sword skill level 13? New skill acquired?


    "We got a new guy!" My father yelled out as he held a fiend in a chokehold as he kicked another back. He proceeded to push the fiend he held away and decapitate it with the sharp edge of his bow.


    I turned my attention to the hole before I could dwell on the strange words before me, only for a new fiend to appear with a strange-looking limb. What remained of the limb was fused with a cobbled-together assault rifle.


    Black and yellow tendrils running along the arm''s length seem to attach the rifle grotesquely. The barrel protruded just past the wrist. While flesh and bone had been restructured to accommodate the armament, much of the original arm anatomy remained somewhat intact to hold the rifle. The weapon''s main chassis was a heavily modified casing that encapsulated and secured the creature''s forearm.


    What I could only guess to be the magazine emerged from a slit just below the forearm, as the stock hangs onto the upper arm as the elbow piece is wholly gone. The firing mechanism connected to the trigger area appeared to be entangled by razor-tipped tendrils that moved with even the slightest muscular twitch.


    [Rifleman Blightfiend]


    My eyes widened as it lifted its arm with the rifle in it, aiming at us.


    "Shit!" I yelled out as I dove out of the way. Bullets started to rain down on us, as I assumed it to be something akin to small fireworks just going off rapidly.


    I turned my head to see my father using the fiend he held as cover as he moved his way behind the cover. I tried to stand up to see where the fiend was, only to feel a bullet smack my shoulder. I fell over immediately as a sharp, stinging pain throbbed throughout my shoulder. Clutching it tightly, I realized there was no wound, to my surprise.


    A gun doesn''t hurt me?


    Hurt isn''t the right word to use. It hurt a lot, like getting punched hard, which would leave a big bruise.


    "Will? Are you good?" My father yelled as he shot the fiend with his bow. He fired another arrow, and I heard the ground rumble quietly.


    [Rifleman Blightfiend slain]


    Still clutching my shoulder, I stood up, my breath still shaking. "Ya, I''m fine, Dad," I sighed exaggeratedly.


    "Good! Come over here quickly before more show up!" Curious about what my father had planned, I quickly fled my position and went to where he was, standing on the dead rifleman fiend. "Check this out."


    I watched my father start to poke at the dead rifleman''s arm as I heard the sound of flesh being cut apart. I almost felt sick.


    "Dad, is this necessary?" I looked away, using my free arm to cover the view. "We have more issues to deal with."


    "If we head back home, we need some extra firepower."


    Firepower? How is he going to acquire more firepower?


    I hear lastly a loud crack, almost gagging from the sheer thought of what my father was doing. "What did you do?"


    I decided to turn to my father when I realized he was holding the rifle in the fiend. The rifle''s frame was covered in moss and dirt, chipped all over, and covered in strange fluids.


    "It''s a magic weapon from Perin," my father explained as he cleaned off the grime, tossing it to me as I caught it with one arm. "If you remove the magazine and channel magic into it, it will restock itself with bullets."


    [Acquired Old Homemade Magic Rifle]


    I looked at him in shock.


    Is he serious? Is he giving me this? It''s gross but still incredible.


    I put the long sword back into its sheath on my back, took the rifle into my hands, grasped the cold, wet metal of the unfamiliar gun, and felt its solid weight.


    It feels weird to have another weapon in my hand that isn''t a sword.


    Moving cautiously, I raised the rifle and braced the stock against his shoulder. The unfamiliar shape and balance made this basic firing stance rigid and uncomfortable.


    My finger hovered hesitantly over the trigger mechanism as my other hand approached the forestock. My father suddenly jerked the gun upward.


    "It''s going to be weird at first, but if you''re going to hold it with your finger on the trigger, aim it at your target." I listened to my father''s words, nodding as I understood what he meant. This wasn''t a toy, nor was it a sword. "I''ll get you something so you can switch rifle and sword on the fly, so don''t worry."


    "Yes, Father," I replied as a few Blightfiends appeared.


    "Target practice!"


    I nodded as I aimed the fiends, looking down the makeshift scope and seeing what appeared to be a trident down the site. I tried to line it all up with one of the fiends. Unfortunately, I kept swaying back and forth until I just gave up, pulled the trigger, and fired.


    I almost fell backward from the sudden recoil of the rifle. A thunderous boom erupted from the rifle''s barrel. After adjusting my stature and footing, I attempted to aim again and fired as best as possible.


    Thunderous cracks rang out as I fired¡ªwild, panicked stray shots kicked up dirt every so often. The nearest fiend''s ropey sinews flexed as it pulled itself another lurching step closer, unholy shrieks reverberating in my skull. I forced myself to breathe slower, my sights wavering until finally finding their mark on the horror''s gaping maw. The rifle''s strong buck pushed back against me; this time, I was ready¡ªputrid matter exploded outward as the thing''s jaw distended grotesquely. It dropped like a stringless puppet.


    [Blightfiend slain]


    [Basic Rifle Skill Level 1 Acquired]


    Did I acquire another skill?


    I stared at the words for a moment, trying to understand them. I saw it as a flat ocean-blue board with white letters. I had no idea what it was.


    "Are you ready to continue?" My father said to me. Looking over at him, I see that same concerned look he''s been giving me all day.


    As my father said earlier, I took the magazine out, giving off a loud click, and pulled out the rectangular object, channeling my mana into it.


    [Channeling Skill increased from Level 41 to Level 42]


    Level 42? That high?


    After looking back at the magazine, I noticed its contents seemed filled with a glowing blue light. I slammed the magazine back into the rifle, where another click went off. I saw one of the handles on the side of the rifle was now forward when it wasn''t before. I instinctively pulled it back as a magic bullet flew out of the rifle''s side, startling me.


    "Ready."

 Chapter Eleven

    Fight for Survival


    <hr>


    William''s perspective


    My father and I ran through the city, or what''s left of it, as pieces of the buildings were scattered around. Maneuvering around the city took a lot of work. Massive chunks of collapsed walls blocked many of the city''s roads¡ªthe corpses of the people lay bare for all to see.


    My heart ached each time I saw a corpse, either of an animal or people, Blight or not. They were all dead. I was grateful that my father was there to snap me out whenever I froze.


    However, with each turn we took, a horde of Blightfiends was at the ready. Luckily, my father gave me his storage ring, allowing me to put the rifle away when I needed to use my sword.


    I held my rifle up and began firing at the fiends, slowing them down as my father shot them with his bow.


    [Blightfiend slain]


    [Blightfiend slain]


    [Blightfiend slain]


    [Blightfiend slain]


    I felt a tingling sensation across my mind as the messages appeared in my head and vision, but I blocked them out.


    My rifle clicked, telling me I needed to reload. I pulled the magazine out and channeled magic into it, causing it to glow. Slapping it back into the rifle and doing what my father calls racking it, I started to fire once more, killing more Blightfiend.


    [Reload Skill increased from Level 1 to Level 2]


    Seconds felt like minutes as the sound of the rifle echoed through the collapsed buildings, the air reverberating from each bullet that was flung out of the barrel.


    I pushed back the words as a blightfiend swung an axe at me, forcing me to jump back. My father told me to think of the item I wanted from the storage, and he would give it to me. Doing so, I felt the gun vanish from my hands.


    [Old Homemade Magic Rifle has been stored in storage]


    Reaching behind me, I brought down my sword in time to collide with one of the blights. Sparks flew as our blades clashed. I''ve gotten used to battling these fiends by now, taking good care of them as I cut off one''s leg and then another''s head. My father covered my back, making sure no fiend either snuck up on me or charged at me.


    [Blightfiend killed]


    I spun my blade back around to the fiend that I crippled, finishing it off.


    [Blightfiend slain]


    [Basic Sword Skill Level increased from 13 to 14]


    I had no time to rest as more fiends ran at us. I kept swinging my sword over and over again, decapitating all that got close until more eerie screams filled my ears. I looked to the destroyed building to my sides as more fiends lept out, charging at me.


    Bringing my sword over my shoulders, I focused my magic, channeling even more than I had before. Remembering my father''s teachings, channeling my magic into my limbs.


    My muscles tensed as magic started to spread across my body. As the fiends approached me, I felt power and strength radiate from my arms, legs, and sword. I steeled myself, staring down at the newly arrived fiends. Their eerie snarls and screams would leave anyone scared. But I''m not. I''m ready. This time, I am.


    I braced myself, gritting my teeth as I pushed off the ground, ignoring the road cracking beneath my feet. My grip around my sword tightened as I flew at the fiends, the world fading away as my vision narrowed until all I saw was them as I swung my sword as hard as I could. As my vision returned to normal, I saw three of their heads come clean off, while the last one was sent flying, hurling back towards the building.


    [Sword Skill: Slash]


    [Three Blight Fiends Slain]


    Ignoring the notification in my head, I dash past the newly dead bodies, approaching another wave of fiends as my vision becomes narrow once more, focusing on my targets. The world around me shrinks again, leaving only the fiends and the path to them in my sight. I swung widely at them, watching their heads roll in front of me and their blood splatter across the ground. Those who weren''t killed were hurled back into the building they came from.


    [Sword Skill: Double Slash]


    [Four Blight Fiends Slain]


    Another horde of fiends approached me as my sword finished cutting down. They all screamed as they rushed at me.


    I didn''t have time to move myself back into position. My heart slammed into my chest as I felt my face scowl. Gripping my sword tighter, I focused my magic into my arms and sword, feeling my muscles tense and tighten up even more, rippling beneath my skin like steel cords becoming fully taut. It felt like my hand would break the handle of my sword as power surged through my veins; my arms became more dense and filled with magic.


    Letting out a bellowing shout, I swung a wide arc around me, using the momentum from my previous attack to guide me. With my enhanced strength, I followed my sword''s momentum, taking another leap toward the fiends as they came into range of my attack. I watched as my sword connected with the first fiend. I felt no resistance as my sword cut clean through its body, severing its torso from its legs. Not letting up, I continued to drive my sword through every one of them until I was back where I was before.


    [Sword Skill: Cleaver Strike]


    [Six Blight Fiends Slain]


    [Basic Sword Skill Level increase from 14 to 38]


    Fourteen to thirty-eight? That was fast.


    I finally let out a long and heavy exhale, my heart throbbing as I felt the adrenaline still pumping through my veins. The magic strength that once flooded my sword and arms slowly dissipated into the rest of my body, achieving equilibrium. This is due to constantly channeling magic throughout my body. My magic usually remains channeled across my body, making it easy to focus it on other parts of my body.


    Looking up at the collapsed building, I saw one of the fiends I struck start getting up. Sheathing my sword back into its scabbard on my back, I summoned the rifle that had been stored back in my hand.


    [Old Homemade Magic Rifle has been removed from storage]


    With the rifle back in my hands, I pressed its stock against my shoulder as I took aim at the fiend and approached, firing at it. Each shot rattled my body, pushing back against my shoulder. I tried to steady my breathing, but I couldn''t. Each step I took made it harder to aim at the fiend. But that does not matter.


    I got closer and closer, littering the ground with its blood. After getting close enough, I decided to vent off steam by kicking its head, which came off surprisingly easily. Letting out another exhale, I reloaded my rifle, snapping the magazine out and channeling mana into it, then slapping it back into the gun.


    "Will! Move!"


    I turned quickly at my father''s voice, only to be engulfed by a deafening shockwave as yet another building crumbled behind me. The impact was like a physical blow, sending me sprawling across the ground.


    When the world finally stopped spinning, I lay still on the ground, my back pressed against the cold concrete. The air was thick with dust and debris, obscuring my view of the street.


    Before I could stand up, a wailing sound came farther down the street. It was a fiend charging at me. I crawled back to buy time, but it leaped onto me. Its grotesque form pinned me down, and its decaying flesh filled my nose, making me nauseous as I stared at its deformed face.


    My eyes widened as I saw it raise a sword, bringing it down to stab me in the face. I felt my heart skip a beat as I moved my head out of the way as its sword plunged into the ground. Dust from the road sprayed across my face, almost blinding me, as the fiend lunged its face at me.


    Out of fear, I threw my arms up to shield my face, only for pain to take place as I felt its disgusting teeth clamp down on my arm.


    I howled out in pain, clenching my eyes tightly closed as I tried to fight off waves of pain. Continuing to howl out in pain as my arm is jerked around, the fiend wraps its cold, dead fingers around my arm, dragging me across the floor.


    I felt like a chew toy as the fiend savagely gnawed relentlessly at my arm. I tried to regain my balance, but with each attempt, the fiend threw me off.


    "Will!" My father shouted.


    I looked over to see where my father was, only to see him struggling with his own group of fiends, making him unable to help me.


    Gritting my teeth, I smacked the fiend with my other arm, freeing my arm from its nasty, slimy mouth. It recoiled off of me as I watched its teeth fall out of its mouth and onto me.


    Despite having no teeth, it lunged right back onto me, snapping at me, but I was able to grab its face. I looked straight into its lifeless pearl eyes as I struggled to hold it back.


    I managed to snake up one of my legs, kicking the disgusting fiend off of me. It tumbled backward, smashing into stuff I didn''t know existed. Taking the moment, I sat up as fast as possible as I saw the fiend ready to charge at me.


    Damn, this thing just doesn''t quit!


    Before I knew it, I watched a sword slam into the fiend''s back. The sword belonged to one of the soldiers who defended the Hearthglen. The soldier wore standard, steel-plated armor, covering every vital organ, while leather armor covered everything else. His steel helmet was impressive and looked like the helmets knights in children''s stories would wear. The soldier kicked the now-dead fiend as he rushed over to me.


    "Are you bitten? Are you infected?" He yelled out as I gazed up at him.


    My heart was still pounding, and my head was dazed from being tossed around. I lifted my arm up, the one that had bite marks. Luckily, the fiend''s teeth didn''t puncture my shirt, and even more lucky was my skin. Revealing to the soldier that there was no blood, he sighed in relief.


    I can''t blame him. If my skin was punctured and appeared to have blackened, it would mean I was infected. Which also means he would have to kill me.


    As I attempted to catch my breath, I was relieved that the soldier had saved me and didn''t have to kill me. Taking advantage of the moment, I looked back to see how my father was doing, only to watch him cut down the last remaining fiends he had been dealing with. Looking back in front of me, the soldier grabbed my hand and pulled me off the ground.


    Being pulled off the ground, my legs were incredibly shaky, so much so that I thought my knees would give out. My arms were exhausted as I failed to calm down my breathing. The soldier held me up, supporting me as I tried to stand. My father came over, pulled me into his arms, and held me close.


    "Oh, thank Gods, you''re ok!" My father said, hugging me tightly.


    "I''m fine, Dad. Get off of me," I replied, still gasping for air as I pushed him off of me.


    As my father looked me over, ensuring that I was unharmed, a horde of blight fiends suddenly cried out from the other side of the alleyway, running towards us. My father stepped in front of me and the soldier, bringing up his bow, and fired a magic arrow that erupted on the ground, burying the horde and blocking their path to us.


    We all sighed in relief, taking the time to recover. The soldier finally turned to us and said, "Mr. Hunter, we could use your help with the evacuation."


    I took the moment to regain my composure as my heart started to be steady. It was no longer trying to burst out of my chest but still rapidly beating, and my breathing slowed down enough to relax for the moment.


    "No, do; we are heading to the East Gate."


    "The evacuation is to the South Gate. Why are you heading east?" The soldier looked at us, stunned, but he shook his head. "It doesn''t matter. People throughout the city need help, and we can''t help them all. If you are heading to the East Gate, can you assist the citizens you find?"


    My father looked at the soldier doubtfully, unsure if we could help. But before he could speak, a dragon suddenly collapsed through the building. We braced, covering our heads, as we all saw the now-dead dragon. Luckily, it was a dead, blighted dragon.


    But once we thought it was over, a building was seen flying over in the distance as the Titan continued to assault the city. Moments later, the ground shook beneath us, making us stumble slightly.


    Turning to my father, I quickly said, "Father, we should help!" I spoke out of turn. Standing back up, I soon realized what I had said. It wasn''t intentional. I just blurted it out like it needed to be said.


    Letting out a sigh, my father finally spoke.


    "Fine, but only on the way," my father said irritatedly.


    I smiled as I finally managed to control my breathing; my heart was no longer pounding.


    The soldier nods as he guides us to where the rest of the soldiers are grouping up. "We currently have a blockade for civilians to head to and seek help! But we need time!" the soldier yelled to me and my father. The soldier proceeded to rescue fellow citizens and guide them down south.


    As we followed the soldier, I watched more of my city burn in front of me as people ran toward the soldiers. Hearing them cry was heartbreaking.


    Before I could feel more for them, more fiends approached us. My father and I took the brunt of the attack as I swung my blade at the fiends, taking their limbs to immobilize the ones running past me, buying time for the citizens to run. I watched as the soldiers protected the civilians.


    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Watching the soldier''s battle was inspiring. I swung my sword even more, killing more fiends as they rushed at me.


    Each time a fiend tried to flank me, the soldiers were there to back me up. This allowed me to attack much more frequently and not worry about being overrun, especially when my father''s magic arrows took out almost twice as many fiends as I was killing.


    My father was our backbone; his arrows thinned out each horde of fiends.


    Each minute, as we fought, the soldiers planted a device. But as each minute passes, I watch a few of the soldiers start to fall. Their bodies are being cut down strangely when my body can take the hit.


    I ran over to one of the down soldiers, killing whatever fiend got in my way. Kneeling down to the soldier, I took off his helmet, praying for any life that remained in his body. My heart ached as guilt kicked in as I saw his lifeless eyes.


    I could''ve done more. I must do more. I can take a hit from the fiends. Being tossed around like a doll, stroked by a fiend, and left with nothing but a scratch told me so.


    Tightening my grip, I lashed out in anger, slicing through fiends'' bodies like a hot knife through butter. Ducking underneath the fiend''s sword as I cut down its ally''s, only to spin back around to take the previous fiend''s head.


    "Fall back! The device is ready!" A soldier cried out.


    I look back to see the so-called device they planted in the middle of the road. It looked like a massive generator. But I looked back down the road to see a few injured soldiers.


    Are they planning on leaving them behind?


    "Wait!" I yelled back. "We still have injured people out here!"


    I leaped towards one of the soldiers whose leg was cut off. I grabbed him and threw him with the inhuman strength I knew I had. His body was flung towards the generator, allowing other soldiers to perform first aid on him.


    A soldier''s cry pierced the air behind me as my eyes locked on a fiend, dragging him away. "Noooo!" Without hesitation, I dashed towards the fiend, but the ground suddenly shook beneath my feet, propelling me towards the generator. I stumbled forward, landing on my hands.


    I turned my head to see my father looking at me as the ground that had dragged me finally stopped. "What are you doing?" I snarled at him, angered that he had prevented me from saving one of the soldiers. "I could''ve saved him."


    Before my father could reprimand me, our attention was pulled to the device as the ground erupted, forming a wall that took down a few of the buildings, blocking the path towards us where the fiends were coming from. I walked over to the wall, touching it, as all I could think of were the soldiers and civilians on the other side.


    A hard slap at the back of my head, I turned around to see it was my father. "You couldn''t save them." I snarled more at him, knowing he could''ve helped. "Now, come before the soldiers leave."


    I glared at my father as he turned to run up the road with the soldiers who were escorting the civilians. I turned around and pressed my arm against the wall, eventually punching it. My breathing was heavy as guilt was hitting me hard. "I''m sorry."


    If only I were a rider, I could''ve saved them.


    Knowing I had a dragon egg at home doesn''t mean I was a rider. I don''t even know any of the training Barren does.


    With the wall now placed, the area was secured, allowing us to move back up the road, where many people were huddled together. I soon realized we had ended up on Main Street.


    Main Street was a four-way intersection that led to every gate in Hearthglen. It was central to travel and trade throughout the city. If the Blight Horde had full access to this road, it would be a straight shot to each gate.


    The soldier''s taking out of a small portion of the southern path will force the Blight to take alternative paths. Buy time for everyone to flee.


    "How is the evacuation looking?" My father asked a group of soldiers.


    Running over to my father, the highest-ranking soldier spoke out while tending to the wounded: "Not good. Most of the roads were destroyed. Civilians trapped farther down south were lost to the Titan and the Blight. The riders are too busy dealing with the Titan and the Blight Riders."


    I got closer, looking at the wounded. I grimace at seeing this horrible sight. Hope faded from me as I saw their blood and missing limbs. Even the civilians were among them.


    I saw an elderly woman weakly reach up with her fragile hand, trying to grab hold of something. She was mumbling something very faintly and weakly, making me run over to take her weak, fragile hand into mine.


    "It''s ok, ma''am; you aren''t alone," I stuttered weakly. "You''re safe; you''re almost at the South Gate." My heart raced, and my stomach twisted at the painful site.


    "Samantha?" The elderly woman mumbled weakly. I looked at her, grimacing at her words. "Is that you?"


    The weak, frayed woman''s hand softened, and her eyes darkened as she exhaled one final time. I gasped out loudly, heartbroken after seeing her death.


    Samantha? Was that her granddaughter? Was she killed before she was found, or something?


    My thoughts ran to the idea of what could''ve happened. I gulped, my hand shaking as I let go of hers.


    A loud scream echoed throughout the sky as everyone saw a rider fall down and slam into a nearby building. The impact sent debris flying, and shockwaves sent everyone tumbling back.


    Catching my breath, I managed to sit up as people started to scream as fiends came down the eastern path. The path my father and I were going to take.


    I pulled out my rifle and started shooting down any fiends that tried to come at us. We even saw a few used-to-be-tamed monsters turned into grotesque beasts. The road was riddled with gunfire as every soldier who had a gun fired along the route.


    The battle seemed to continue as my father, the soldiers, and I mowed down any foes that came our way. The sky lit up like fireworks as we battled.


    Eventually, I brought out my sword and cut down any fiend that got past the gunfire, yelling out in anger as I used more sword skills to thin out the horde.


    My father was busy erupting the earth to build a barricade for the eastern path, forcing the fiend to take alternative paths.


    Taking a quick glance at the south path, I saw that a good chunk of the streets connected to the main road were blocked off.


    Wouldn''t that force civilians to take alternative routes, just like the fiends?


    More people continue to run for their lives down the southern road, heading to the South Gate. Many soldiers regrouped and formed a line towards the east and western districts, while the remaining soldiers took guard on the southern road, ensuring that the road was clear of any blighted creatures.


    It wasn''t a perfect plan, but it bought time and safety for everyone along the southern road. As much as I don''t like abandoning those who don''t make it.


    The Titan eventually came into view in the far northwest area of the city, heading towards the western district, where the mountain was.


    That Titan really is destroying everything.


    The Titan let out a terrorizing roar, sending more buildings flying. I looked up to see the massive debris coming right at us. Soldiers and citizens took off in panic, running away to not get crushed.


    A child tripped over before me; luckily, I was there in time. I managed to grab them, tossing them over my shoulder as I ran away from the incoming debris.


    With a loud, earthshaking crash, I turned to see the path on the western road being blocked off. The soldiers proceeded to take the wounded and lead the civilians to the South Gate.


    Setting the child on the ground, the kid ran to her parents, where they followed the soldiers leading the group.


    "Will, we are leaving!" My father yelled out.


    "What about the others?" I yelled back.


    "The soldiers have them," he answered. "Come on, let''s go. We won''t get a chance like this again!"


    I sighed upsettingly, nodding as I gave the soldiers one last glance.


    "We''ll take the rest of the citizens from here; if you find anyone else, send them our way! Take this!" The soldier tossed a small square device towards my father. My father caught it without much of an issue. "Use it to block off pathways up the eastern road. We cannot let Main Street be utilized. If the Blight gets full access..."


    "They get a clean shot to the South Gate, I know," my father replied, glaring down at the device as he put it in one of his pouches. "Let''s go, Will."


    Grimacing at what the soldier asked us to do, my father nodded to the soldier as he ran down the eastern road, making me run after him.


    Buildings were destroyed everywhere else. Fires bloomed across the area we ran by, and many civilians rushed down towards Main Street. Bodies littered the road as we heard screams down each alleyway.


    "Hurry, get to Main Street!" My father bellowed, much to my surprise. "The path to Main Street will be blocked off soon, so head there now!"


    With those words echoing throughout the area, many people limped out of hiding and did their best to head down towards Main Street. Even a few soldiers appeared.


    But then another horde of fiends attacked us.


    I charged at them with my father watching my back, cutting down three of them in a single swing. My father prevented any of them from overwhelming me as I kept dicing them down.


    A family came out of hiding and took off towards us. "Over here!" I waved them down as a father held his daughter in his arms. Rushing over to them angrily, I cut down a fiend as it tried to attack them.


    I sigh in relief as the father thanks me. I turn back as I decapitate another set of fiends.


    Many stray fiends came down at us through either the buildings or alleyways. I kept them back with each swing, kicking one back from lunging at another group of people.


    As we finished the remaining fiends, two more erupted from the alleyway, spraying debris and dust clouds everywhere.


    One behind me, one in front of me.


    I didn''t have time, so I took my rifle and aimed at it.


    I sprayed into the cloud until a large black tongue lashed out at me, grabbing my rifle.


    Before I could react, the rifle was jerked out of my hand. "Gun!" I yelled out accidentally as the tongue disappeared into the cloud of dust, taking my rifle with it.


    Soon, another tongue came at me, ducking in time as I brought out my sword. I saw a large reptile-looking fiend the size of a horse. Its body was now twisted and contorted, its once-sleek scales now mottled and decayed, and its limbs elongated into jagged, misshapen appendages with an unsettling hand meant for grabbing. Its mouth opened in a twisted version of a hiss, revealing rows of sharp, jagged teeth stained with dark, viscous fluid. Its elongated tongue flickered out. It let out a rasped roar as its tongue swung down from its jaw.


    I scowled in disgust, but its tongue lashed out at me before I could take in more of its disturbing sight. I swung my sword, deflecting the attack as blood sprayed from its tongue.


    Not grabbing me.


    Rushing towards it, against my wishes, I roll to the side, evading its mouth as it tries to chomp down at me. Spinning around, I used all of my strength, making a large gash on its neck. The monster hissed out as it swung its massive arm at me. Ducking in time, I proceed to chop off its arm, blood spewing as I leap onto its back.


    Channeling my magic, I slammed my sword into its back. I jerked my arms forward, then back, and then forward, treating the sword like a lever as I cut deeper into the monster''s dead flesh.


    Status magic goes off once more in my head.


    [Weapon Art: Impaling Lever]


    The monster roared as my sword went deeper into its body, blood oozing as it tried to shake me off. My sword went farther up and down, and I could almost fit my whole arm into the wound now. Eventually, I pulled the sword out and channeled more magic into it, swinging my sword up like an uppercut would.


    [Sword Skill: Upper Slash]


    I watched as my sword cut through the monster''s back, up towards the neck, as it stopped moving. It finally collapsed to the ground as I jumped off of it.


    [Blight Lizard has been slain]


    "Will! Get this..." My father shouted, annoyed, as he dealt with a massive-looking monster akin to an elephant. It continued to swing its deformed trunk at my father. "Guy! Off My Ass!"


    I ran over to him, not caring what the monster looked like, jumping to a wall as I leaped off it. Bringing my sword over my shoulder, I brought it down to the monster''s neck. Praying that my strength and sword would go through its hide, just like I did with the bear, my sword made contact. Luckily, my sword went straight through the neck.


    The status magic continued to go off with every kill, but I was too busy with everything to care about what it said.


    After killing the massive elephant fiend, I finally let out a gasp. I didn''t realize I was breathing heavily. I drop to my knees as I try to catch my breath. "How much farther?"


    "Couple blocks left," my father answered, helping me onto my feet, noticing he wasn''t exhausted, surprising me.


    "How are you not tired?"


    "Practice," my father chuckled as he led on.


    Each building was crumbling, bodies littered the streets, and windows were broken. Screams are crying out as people run to the main road, heading south.


    Guilt continues to strike me, wishing I could''ve done more to help them.


    Our attention was drawn to a woman screaming.


    "Help!" A woman''s cry echoed out in front of us. I soon saw a woman buried underneath the rubble of a collapsed building.


    "We''re coming!" I shouted out immediately, rushing over towards her.


    Leaping over a few huge pieces of debris, I saw the woman trapped under a destroyed building. Some chunks of the ruined building that kept her pin were bigger than me.


    The woman sobbed as she took my arm. She must have thought no one was coming to save her.


    "Don''t worry, we''ll get you out of there," I said, determined to save her.


    Panting rapidly, I desperately tried to remove the debris out of the way, letting go of her hand. My father, however, wasn''t digging, but was looking out.


    "Father! Help me!" I yelled at him as I finally saw a bruised-covered arm.


    "We got company!" He yelled back.


    I glared down at the debris as I yelled out, moving the debris with even more determination.


    Hearing the eerie cries, the woman mumbled in fear. Luckily, my father called out as a few soldiers arrived farther down, assisting my father. This news sparked hope in the woman''s eyes.


    With the soldiers'' timed arrival, my father jumped over to me, helping me move debris out of the way. Eventually, we freed the woman, and she reached up to hug me, thanking me sincerely.


    I held her tightly as the soldiers came to take her with them. Sighing in relief, my father grabs me, pulling me away from the soldiers.


    "Get back!" My father yells as he pulls out the device, sending the soldiers running back to Main Street with any surviving civilians they had acquired.


    My father threw the device to the ground, and it erupted, forming a massive wall in front of us, separating us from the main road. The wall took out a few buildings, blocking side roads and alleyways. Everyone who didn''t make it to the other would have to find other routes, including the fiends.


    I grimaced over the idea of everyone who fled safety, praying to Omara to keep them safe.


    My father grabbed my arm, saying, "Come on, let''s go. We are almost there!" Pulling me along with him, we took off farther down the eastern road.


    We ran down the road, seeing the gate in sight.


    That''s when a massive bug-like fiend landed in front of us, blocking our path.


    The giant bug looked similar to a praying mantis. Its towering form loomed over us, casting a shadow on the distraught road. Its exoskeleton was disformed, appearing to have been moved away from its vital areas to support its head and limbs. The limbs were elongated and twisted, no longer nimble appendages but twisted weapons, each joint reinforced and bound with the blight-twisted, blackened veins.


    My heart skipped a beat as fear kicked in. I wasn''t usually afraid of bugs, but I knew I wouldn''t be sleeping well for a few nights.


    My father and I readied ourselves as the bug approached, flaring its mandibles at us as it charged. Its contorted limbs, moving unnaturally, sent shivers down my spine, making me tightly grip my sword. Each of its joints made a gross crunch, as if the legs struggled to hold up its new contorted form despite its modified body.


    As it got closer, I exhaled heavily and fast. Only to see the bug crushed by debris. A loud, thunderous sound came towards us as we covered our faces. Clouds of dust covered the road, and I sighed in relief.


    "That was anticlimactic," my father chuckled out.


    "Yeah, wooooh," I said, cracking a smile as I chuckled with him. "I know I won''t sleep well now."


    That was terrifying. I never wanted to see a giant bug zombie, but my father and I laughed it off.


    "Good riddance," my father said as he patted my shoulder. "Come, let''s find another way around."


    I nodded to him as we both turned around to find another route. But then we heard the rubble behind us start to move. We immediately turned around and saw the dust begin to clear up.


    My heart plummeted when I saw a lone figure standing by the wreckage, donned in ominous black armor. The tattered kilt draped over the man''s form swayed eerily. A chill ran down my spine as my eyes locked with his helmet. A creature stood out behind him.


    A dragon stood there, a twisted abomination of its once majestic form. Its deformed body emanated a sickly aura that choked the air with decay. This was no ordinary dragon; it was a Blight Dragon, a monstrous beast corrupted by the Blight, an undead creation.


    Dread tightened around me as status magic activated, showing me what I knew to be wrong but was the truth.


    [Blight Rider]


    The figure clad in black armor was a rider¡ªa Blight Rider, an undead creation of a Drakelene warrior lost to the Blight''s power, a soulless husk bound to kill and infect all that exists.


    "Oh shit," my father mumbled as we both hunched over, looking up at the dragon that now towered over us. We slowly stepped back as the blight rider and his beast approached us. The dragon wasn''t as big as Lady Elrid, but it was big enough.


    My heart pounded as I struggled to breathe. I couldn''t tell if we were dreaming or not. What stood before us was what I wanted to fight, stop, and kill. But now, I''m unsure if I could kill it.


    "I''d rather take the bug," my father mumbled.


    "Now is not the time," I responded, my voice faint as I almost choked on my own words.


    The rider stepped forward, the air silent as if mocking the world. The chaos in the sky went quiet as all the destruction in Hearthglen vanished. The one actual threat to me and my father stood before us.


    F?????????i??????????????????g????????????????????t????????????


    What?


    F?????????i??????????????????g????????????????????t????????????


    Who said that?


    A voice rang in my head as the status magic activated again, making me wish to wake up soon and leave this nightmare behind.


    [New Objective has been assigned]


    [Defeat the Blight Rider and its Blight Dragon]

 Chapter Twelve

    Rite of Courage


    <hr>


    William''s perspective


    My mind was a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty as I tried to accept the weight of the task at hand. The words, stark white against the black screen, seemed to mock my unease.


    [New Objective has been assigned]


    [Defeat the Blight Rider and its Blight Dragon]


    The screen abruptly disappeared, leaving me and my father to confront the Blight Rider and its Blighted Dragon. Its armor, once formidable, was now a testament to decay, covered in a network of blackish veins. Its kilt swayed ominously¡ªa chilling sight. The dragon''s eyes contorted with an eerie white pearl eye, blackish veins covering its ripped-apart body.


    As the rider approached us, it unsheathed its sword, revealing a singularly edged longsword reminiscent of a katana my father told me about, yet distinguished by its broader blade. Unlike the backside of a katana, the backside of this sword was completely flat, extending to the hilt. Near the hilt, the flat edge sharpened into a point, then seamlessly curved, blending into the blade''s sharpened edge as it met the hilt. I thought to myself that such a thing would be a design flaw. But this was a Rider''s blade, so I don''t think such a design would take away the sword''s strength in any way.


    The rider aimed its sword at us. In response, my father swiftly snapped his bow into two, transforming it into hook-like blades, ready for the impending battle. I, too, readied my own sword, despite my trembling hand. My heart raced, my breath short and quick, as my body screamed to run away. I clenched my teeth, gripping the hilt with both hands as it wobbled in my grasp, knowing that this thing would never let us go.


    I wish I had gone to the South Gate.


    The building next to us erupted as another rider crashed into it, momentarily distracting me. I instinctively covered my face, only to realize my mistake as the Blight rider lunged at me, his sword aimed at my chest. I reacted swiftly, pulling my sword over me and using the flat edge as a shield. Our blades clashed, sparks flying, but I held my ground. Despite my strength, my legs protested, forcing me to stumble backward from the rider''s pure might. With a quick sidestep, I moved the rider to dash past me, his sword missing me by just an inch.


    My body relished the release of tension from the rider''s attack. As relief flooded through me, I saw the rider twist its body, using its momentum to turn as it raised a foot towards me.


    My vision went black for a moment as the rider''s kick connected to my face, flinging me away towards the ground. I saw stars enter my vision as I collided with the destroyed road.


    I could taste the iron in my mouth, inhaling the disgusting smell of sweat, my heart pounding in fear as adrenaline pumped into me as I looked back up at my adversary. Before the rider could finish me off, my father swung his blades at the rider. The weapons clashed as the rider was stuck on the defensive, and my father pushed it back, managing to leave a long slash on its helmet. The rider retaliated with a big swing, but my father blocked it with the blade in his other hand as he countered with a kick to the gut. The rider scooted across the ground as my father charged at it.


    Before my father could strike again, the Blight Dragon snapped its massive jaws at him. Luckily, my father evaded at the last second, only for a black, eerie flame to erupt from the dragon maul. I felt a wave of warmth from the flame, but it wasn''t welcoming. My body jolted off the ground at a speed I never knew I had.


    The rider stood back up, turning to me.


    "William!" my father shouted as the rider and the dragon stood between us. "Take care of that rider!"


    My body protested, my heart raced in fear, and my breathing was erratic. I gasped for any decent air, but none was found. I can''t do it.


    "I can''t beat it!" I yelled in protest.


    "Yes, you can!" my father yelled as the dragon hissed at him. "I know you can!"


    I can? I''m not a hero! I''m just a regular person. I can''t even capture a heraraptor, let alone join the Order.


    Before I could think, the rider charged at me, swinging its sword at me. I was too slow, barely blocking in time, only to be met with more sword strikes. The metal clashing echoed through the demolished street, sparks flying off our blades as I frantically swung my sword to block each attack.


    I tried to remember my father''s teaching, but I was too busy not dying as my body refused to calm down.


    I watched as the rider swung his sword at my legs. Luckily, I slammed my sword into the ground, using it for support as I successfully stopped his sword. I soon realized my mistake as a fist flew towards me. The rider backhanded me, sending me sprawling across the floor.


    I groaned out loud, grasping hold of my aching jaw. Coming back to my senses, I rolled across the ground away from the rider, using my momentum to get back on my feet. As I crouched on the ground, I recognized the rider''s attack. It looked identical to what I had done to the fiends earlier.


    That''s when the status magic kicked in, as a black screen hovered over the rider''s head.


    [Sword Skill: Triple Slash]


    I stood back up immediately after realizing what the rider was about to do. I channeled magic back into my sword, arms, and legs as I got ready to counter their skill with my own.


    [Sword Skill: Rebound Blade]


    The skill surged through me, tightening and expanding my muscles, making me feel lighter, faster, and stronger. I pulled my sword close to me, aiming it at the rider as they lunged at me.


    Our sword skills slashed, blades colliding into one another as we battled over who was superior with the sword. The first attack was quick and decisive, but I could see it clearly as I deflected it easily. As the rider''s sword rebounded off of mine, it quickly came right back down to me, only for me to deflect it once more.


    The last slash came down at me as our swords locked in place.


    I stared into the rider''s slit in its helmet, believing I was looking into its eyes. Grinding my teeth, I could smell the rider''s decaying flesh, making my sinuses burn. My heart pounded in pain, and my lungs felt like they were being stabbed as I breathed fanatically. It was like someone jabbed a knife into my rib.


    But I didn''t let up.


    Explosions erupted in the sky like fireworks as we struggled to overwhelm each other. The ground shifted underneath us, holding us up as we pushed back and forth. Our arms shook and trembled as our blades screeched against each other. Taking in the moment, I slowly let one of my hands go off the hilt, focusing on holding the rider back with just my right arm. I poured more magic into my arms and legs, and to my surprise, it was working.


    With this discovery, I lunged my left arm forward toward the rider, pushing him back as our swords broke away. But I wasn''t done yet. As the rider stumbled back, I lunged forward at him, using my [Sword Skill: Upper Slash]. Swinging my sword up at the rider, they managed to block the attack, but the knockback was still there, sending them hurling in the air.


    I smirked at the rider, realizing I was holding my own against them.


    Maybe I can do this. No, I can do this!


    Before I could take in the moment, the rider spun like a ballerina as their body pulsated with blackish energy. I didn''t know what they were doing as I watched the riders reorient themselves and land on their feet. Everything slowed as I watched the rider slam their fist into the ground as they landed.


    The black energy surged, crackling with power, as it flowed down the rider''s arm and into the ground. Before I could react, I felt a shockwave approaching me, and suddenly, I was hurled into the air. I yelled loudly as I saw a bolt of black energy shooting towards me.


    I was helpless to do anything as the energy passed through me, feeling as if someone had punched my gut, knocking all the air out of me. I was sent flying back, smacking into a building, and I slumped onto the ground. My lungs refused to let me breathe as my head spun. Forcing myself to stand back on my feet, I took a greedy breath, looking back up at the rider as he slammed more black energy into the ground.


    Unlike before, black orbs sprouted out of the ground near me. Not wanting to stay around and find out, I dove out of the way as the orbs descended near me, sending debris and dust into the air. It wasn''t big enough to destroy a building, but it was big enough to send goosebumps up my arm.


    If I get caught in that, I''ll lose this fight.


    Luckily, I can maneuver past each orb due to the circular radius on the ground, which tells me how big the explosion is and when it will detonate. The magic energy would form a circle around the orb, expanding for three seconds until it collapsed back into itself, causing it to burst.


    Running past a couple orbs, I charged at the rider recklessly. My heart raced as I ran closer to it, slashing at it. Our blades clashed once more as I tried to force it back to get the upper hand. Much to my surprise, a black orb floats up next to me. Our swords lock as the rider intends to keep me close to the orb, clearly not afraid of hurting itself.


    Shit!


    Sweat ran down my back as I pushed back their sword, only to faint, hoping they would buy it. Luckily, the rider bought it, swinging their sword towards my head. I quickly dove with little time to spare as I focused and channeled my magic into my legs, propelling myself towards the rider. I deftly maneuvered around him, using my momentum to position myself behind the rider as I held him down in front of me, separating myself from the orb with them in the middle.


    If I can''t evade it, I might as well have you take it with me.


    A flash of black hits my eyes as the orb detonates. Both the rider and I are thrown back by the blast. Fortunately, I was not hit directly, but I still felt the explosion''s impact. My back hits the ground as I roll back up onto my feet. I notice that the rider takes a moment to get back up, allowing me to charge at him. I land a straight hit, cutting into the rider''s armor padding as black blood seeps out of the armor.


    Another orb appeared between us, making me jump back. My heart slammed in my chest as my muscles ached from countering the rider''s skills. Fatigue was getting to me as my body screamed in pain. Apparently, that explosion did more damage to me than I assumed. The three seconds were up as the orb detonated, blocking my view briefly as I glared at the rider.


    I wasn''t afraid anymore. I was determined to win this battle. My father believes in me, and I can see why.


    I must try. I have to try.


    I calmed my breathing and rushed at the rider, ignoring my pleading body as I lunged my sword like a lance at them. They managed to sidestep away from my attack as they tried to slam their sword down on me. Blocking their attack, I felt my legs protest as the ground tried to support me. Heck, even my arms trembled from the pressure. But I didn''t let up.


    Luckily, no more orbs appeared as the battle raged on. I blocked out all outside noises, focusing on the battle before me.


    The dragons, the riders, the blight, my father, even the Titan. Just me and the Blight Rider in front of me.


    Once more, our swords clashed, each collision vibrating my sword and rippling into my hands. I swung faster than before, harder. Gritting my teeth as I spun underneath the rider''s sword, narrowing and avoiding a quick decapitation. My heart raced out of physical exertion as the rider swung back around with their sword. Time slowed as the sword approached my face, making me move my head as far back as possible. The skin on my cheek sizzled in pain as the sword made contact, leaving a small cut. I howled as I charged at the rider, their sword stuck in motion. I used another [Sword Skill: Upperslash], but not at the rider, but at their hand.


    I closed my eyes tight and swung with all my might, pulling as much magic as possible into the attack. I opened my eyes back up to see the rider''s hand severed from their body and their sword sent flinging up into the air. The rider, however, showed no pain or discomfort. They thrust their hand forward at me as swirling black energy appeared in their palm. Without thinking, I spun to the left of their arm as a swirling black orb shot past me.


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Letting out a gasp, I looked up and saw the rider''s sword coming right back down. Reaching out to it before the rider did another attack, I wrapped my hand around its dark silver hilt. I swung it straight over my hand, turning around as I cut down the rider.


    I felt resistance as the sword slashed directly through the rider''s armor and into their chest. Yanking the sword out, I watched as they eventually fell to the ground with a loud thud. I wheezed softly as I stared at the newly dead body.


    Is it truly dead?


    Walking over to it, placing a hand on my side as I started to get my breath under control; my throat dried and became coarse. Standing over the rider''s body, I decided to kick it.


    Nothing happens.


    I sighed in relief as I fell to the floor. I felt like chains were dragging me down. I wiped my cheek where I was cut, noticing that it was a more severe cut than I wanted to have, as blood ran down my cheek.


    Wait? Father!


    My eyes widened as I jumped back onto my feet and turned to where I last saw my father. A bellowing roar erupted as I saw my father atop the blight dragon. Multiple shots of magic arrows were embedded in the dragon''s head, and blue vapor sizzled out of the wounds the arrows penetrated. The dragon tried to shackle off my father.


    I stood there in awe.


    He''s holding his own against a Blight Dragon?


    My father continued to balance himself on the dragon''s head, ensuring he didn''t fall off as the dragon tossed itself everywhere, crashing into buildings in desperate attempts to crush him. I watched as he rapidly fired off multiple arrows into the dragon. The dragon howled out as it thrashed around, and my father leaped off in a backflip. He landed a few feet away from the dragon as it turned its head at him.


    "[Weapon Art: Detonate]!" my father cried out, holding his bow out in front of him.


    Before I knew it, the arrows on the dragon''s head exploded into a fiery flame. Smoke covered the street as a loud ringing noise flooded my eyes. Shaking my head, I ran over to my father''s side, carrying both the long and rider''s swords in my hand.


    Huffing laboriously, I prepared both swords. I never used two swords at once, but how hard could it be?


    The smoke cleared slowly as the dragon''s head came into view¡ªor what was left of it. Where the dragon''s upper forehead would be, an enormous hole exposed the remains of the skull. The eyes and eye sockets were gone, along with the dragon''s horns.


    I slowly turned my head toward my father as sweat dripped down his face. "Holy sh*t, you just killed a Blight Dragon!" I shouted. I knew my father was powerful, but I wasn''t expecting to be able to beat a blighted dragon. Sure, it wasn''t a real dragon, but it was still close enough.


    "You doubt your old man?" My father chuckled, gasping, as he approached me and placed his hand on my shoulder. "Look at you, though. You killed a Blight Rider."


    "You doubt your own son?" I retorted. He responded by brushing the blood off my cheek. We laughed out loud, exhausted and sore, as he set his hand on my back. We stood there for a moment, taking everything in.


    I eventually decided to return my long sword to the storage ring.


    [Long Steel Sword has been stored in Storage]


    It''s better to put that guy somewhere safe. Hold up! Didn''t father have a bracelet to store items in? Where did he get this storage ring?


    Before I could say anything, a bright explosion erupted in the distance. Like thunder rattling the sky, a tornado of fire lit up the night sky, burning all that crossed its path. The flames flickered as the massive beast bellowed out. It looked like a feathery dragon that lacked legs but had its arms remaining. Its feathers were on fire as more flames flickered on its head and down its spine.


    I stared in disbelief, seeing another massive monster in my home. But then I saw its name due to the status magic. Above its head, a black window appeared with two words.


    [Titan Narric]


    Titan Narric? As in the Titan Rider narrative? He''s here?


    My mind raced with assumptions. Was Narric here to save us, or was he here to kill us?


    Before I could say anything, my father grabbed my arm. "Come on! Let''s go!" He yelled out, pulling me as we ran down the street. "Let Narric deal with that Titan!"


    The world was in utter chaos. Death was all around us. My world was being turned upside down. My home was being destroyed. I wish I could do something about it. I wish I could stop it.


    "Come on!" my father yelled, snapping me out of my head. I ran right behind him as we moved around each demolished building.


    We finally made our way to the gate. It was surprisingly intact. I kept looking back, staring at all the destruction behind me, begging that it wasn''t true. But that wish never came true.


    Once we crossed through the gate, a bridge linked to the open field littered with the dead bodies of blight riders and dragons, riders I once looked up to. I thought they were unstoppable.


    But how wrong I was!


    We ran across the bridge, which was breaking apart. Chunks of the railing were missing, and a few bodies were hanging on the side. I gritted my teeth, ignoring the awful sight as we entered the field. As soon as we got across, we went north along the wall.


    On the way, a few more blight fiends attacked us, but they didn''t stand much in our way. We carved our way through them as we made our way. Magic fell from the sky from the constant battles as the two Titans battled each other in the city. Buildings and debris were flung everywhere and descended upon the land as we kept ourselves from hitting them. Each piece of debris was lit on fire, and flames burst out as it collided with the ground.


    The once green field I used to walk with my father when I was young is now nothing more than withered grass. Everything I once loved is now demolished. I wanted to cry, but I couldn''t. I was too busy running for my life.


    "Holy hell." My father mumbled silently as I saw him looking off into the distance.


    At the forest''s edge loomed a colossal behemoth, a grotesque figure standing twenty feet tall with arms elongated and sinewy, dragging alongside its legs. Its torso was human-like, however grotesquely distorted; the stomach twisted inwards, with thick black veins pulsating around the cavity where the heart should beat. The face, hauntingly human in shape, sends an uncanny feeling, making my body shiver in goosebumps. Heck, I could see the flesh torn apart near their hands and torso, exposing the jutting bones.


    "It''s a giant," I mumbled in shock as we continued to run towards it.


    Wait? Aren''t we running toward it?


    We are!


    "It''s near the house," I yelled, snapping out of it. I grabbed my father''s arm and pulled him towards me, and we ran east. "We can''t face that!"


    "Go around it!"


    We took off from the wall while keeping a close eye on it. We saw more blight creatures fly over the city as magic shot out of it. Turning back to see the mountain, I saw the two Titans pummeling each other, destroying everything in sight. I grimaced to myself, wishing I could stop it.


    "What is it doing?"


    I looked up at the giant. It ripped a tree from the ground, tearing its roots away as it wrapped its massive hands around it, ripping off the branches to form a large makeshift spear. But it wasn''t looking at us. It was looking at the sky, where all the riders were. I watched as it threw its makeshift spear into the air. The tree twirled in the air, whistling as it struck a dragon.


    Coming to a halt, my heart sank as I watched a dragon''s agonizing cries plummet from the battle-filled sky. The dragon spiraled down toward the grassy field adjacent to us. The impact was catastrophic as the dragon slammed into the earth, scattering debris and uprooting swaths of grass. The rider was sent hurling off of their dragon. They were dressed in shiny navy-blue armor similar to what Barren had. The tree pierced the dragon''s wing. The giant approached them with another tree-shaped spear.


    My eyes widened as I realized who that rider was. It was Lord Dimmal. He slowly stumbled onto his knees as the giant started to sprint at him.


    I gritted my teeth as I regrettably turned around and ran to him.


    "William!" my father yelled out. "Get back here! Will!"


    I ignored him. If I can take down a Blight Rider, I can handle a Blight Giant. I was afraid, but I was more scared of doing nothing. Being helpless.


    I sprinted straight towards the giant as status magic kicked in.


    [Blight Giant]


    [Level 54]


    Level 54? I don''t care. I got to get to Lord Dimmal!


    I pushed as much magic into my legs as the [Skill: Sprint] went off in my vision. Pushing those words away, I felt my feet move faster, my vision blurring as everything skimmed past me as I made a mad dash toward Lord Dimmal. I felt the wind hitting against me, pushing me back, but I moved forward as Lord Dimmal and his dragon figures got bigger.


    But luck wasn''t on my side as the giant approached Lord Dimmal''s dragon. The giant was faster than I could be as I yelled out to Lord Dimmal. "Dimmal behind you!"


    Lord Dimmal locked eyes with me, unaware of what was happening. His dragon was slowly getting up, shaking its head.


    They didn''t know; my voice left me as the giant slammed the tree into Dimmal''s dragon.


    Lord Dimmal and his dragon let out an agonizing scream so painful that I could practically feel their despair, misery, and fear. Dimmal¡¯s eyes were bloodshot, something I had never seen. The once sharp look in his eyes was substituted with dread and pain as he grasped at his chest as if he could feel the spear that went straight through the back and into the front of his dragon. The dragon slumped onto the ground, motionless, as Lord Dimmal collapsed with it, his navy-blue armor fading away.


    I howled in anger as I charged at the giant, running past Dimmal as I readied my newly obtained rider sword I claimed from the Blight Rider. Running underneath the giant, I sliced at its leg, making it roar out in pain. I continued to hack and slash at its legs, cutting through its skin with ease as it tried to step on me. I rolled out from under it as it got a clear sight of me, throwing a fist. I rolled to the side again, swinging my sword at its arm, leaving a massive gash. It pulled back its arm, stumbling backward. Anger guided me as I grew more confident with each laceration I made.


    I stared at the giant as it slammed its hand into the ground. I prepared myself to dodge, but before I knew it, it swung its arm at me, hauling the ground into its hand.


    I noticed the ground started to turn back. The same blackened earth protruded towards me, hurling large chunks of rocks the size of grown men at me. I held up my sword, using it as a shield, as the rocks collided against me. Everything went black as I shut my eyes tightly and as pain meandered throughout my entire body. Muscle spasming pain as the rock crumbled away after hitting me. I tumbled on the ground as my body ached, and the cut on my cheek started to seethe fiercely, making me grimace, but I didn''t let that stop me.


    I rolled back over, using the pain to motivate me, but by the time I got up, the giant was already above me. I tried to move, but my foot slipped on a piece of rock that crumbled away after hitting me.


    Shit.


    I raised my arm and sword to cover me as I watched the giant reel his fist back. Gritting my teeth as my heart banged in my chest, grimacing as I prepared myself for the worst.


    I wasn''t ready.


    A magic arrow slammed into the giant''s eyes, making it howl out as it tried to regain its sight. "You''re reckless and impatient!" My father came to my side, pulling me up off the ground.


    "Father," I said pathetically, exhaling in relief. I almost lost my life there.


    "Slow down and focus!" my father demanded, turning his attention to the giant.


    I took a deep breath as I prepared my sword once more. The giant shifted its attention to my father, giving me time to run behind it as he shot more arrows to distract it.


    "Take out its ankles! Cripple it!"


    Charging at its left leg, I swung straight at its ankle, leaving a massive gash. The giant body begins to wobble as it loses its balance to stand. I went directly to the other ankle, slicing at it, making the giant collapse onto the ground. It rolled around, wailing its legs wildly all over the place. Eventually, it turned around to face me as it attacked me. Luckily, I ran back out of its reach in time as my father sent bolts of arrows at its back, making the giant howl in pain.


    The giant turned its head back to my father. I gulped nervously as I thought of a crazy plan. But it wasn''t the time to think; it was time for action. I sighed regretfully as I leaped at the giant, slamming my sword deep into the beast''s body. The giant wailed as it tried to grab me.


    "Will, what are you doing?" My father growled at me, but I ignored it.


    I pulled myself up, launching upward out of the giant''s reach, pulling the sword out at the last second, and slamming it back in. Continuing to climb up the giant''s body, every so often out of reach. My father backed me up, shooting the giant''s arms out of the way. Finally, I reached the neck of the giant''s neck, which I gladly wanted to cut off. I yelled out as I cleaved the head straight off.


    Jumping off in time, I landed on my feet, my body aching from the earlier attack as I moved out of the way. Letting out a gasp of air as I fall onto my knees.


    Hell ya! I just did that!


    I shook my head as I forced back the pain and soreness, and my body suddenly started to shiver, as if I were cold all of a sudden. I ignored it as I turned back to Lord Dimmal. Coughing slightly, I ran over to him, sheathing my sword. I was surprised to see the magnificent armor he wore was gone, leaving him in the navy blue leather padding he had worn earlier.


    My father came over to me as he touched Lord Dimmal''s neck. "He''s alive, but barely." Lightning began to rain down in Hearthglen, sounding like the sky would tear open. "Help him up with me, Will!"


    "Right!" I nodded as we grabbed Lord Dimmal, wrapping his arm around us as we lifted him. He was out of it, dazed, eyes fluttering, and mumbling mindlessly. I managed to grab hold of his sword in the process.


    We rushed to our home as quickly as possible. Surprisingly, it is intact. The world smelled like dirty iron and decayed flesh. It was awful and heartbreaking. As we dragged Lord Dimmal, I started to cough harder, with mucus coming out of me as snot ran down my nose. Soon, fatigue was slowly getting to me. I felt like someone was pulling me down as my feet started to drag.


    "You good, Will?" my father asked.


    I looked over to him. "I''m fine, just fatigued."


    I saw his face. He wasn''t convinced.


    We managed to get to the door. My father kicked it open without question, flinging it open. "Basement!" my father shouted. We dragged Lord Dimmal into the kitchen and into the living room. "Hold him."


    I nodded as my father lean Lord Dimmal onto me, grabbing the rug on the floor and yanking it out of the way. He then revealed the basement door to us. He went over and opened it, jumping down. "Bring Dimmal first."


    Grunting in understanding, I brought Lord Dimmal to the basement hatch, slowly lowering him to my father. But I didn''t join him. I remember there was something I had to get in my room.


    Mom.


    I quickly ran back to the stairs as my father called out to me. Bumping into walls as I started to get drowsy, I barged into my room. Next to my bed, I see a photo of my father and mother resting on a worn-out table.


    Just as I left it.


    Quickly, I ran over and grabbed it. Right when I grabbed it, my body edged over as I felt myself about to be sick as I hacked up mucus and snot.


    Dammit, not now!


    After regaining control of my body, I clumsily ran downstairs from my room. My father caught me before I made it to the kitchen.


    "William! What the hell are you thinking?" He yelled angrily at me.


    "I''m good now!"


    "Let''s go!" My father shoves me into the kitchen.


    That''s when I felt it¡ªsomething dangerous. My father felt it, too. I know he did. The world went silently as we made our way to the window that allowed us a view of the city. We slowly made our way over; everything went silent. I stared out at the mountain as I felt power beyond my dreams¡ªpower that I was terrifying, a malevolent power. There was a light in the mountain; it was small but big enough to be seen where we were. It floated up into the mountain.


    The world lights up pure white all at once, blinding us all as I gasp harshly. As moments followed a thunder so outrageous that it felt like Kalos, the world itself shook from its violent rumble. Finally, the light settled as my heart froze.


    The mountain.


    It''s gone.


    I saw debris from the very mountain that once existed being hurled into the sky. I was in complete shock.


    The mountain erupted.


    A faint noise echoed into my ears as I pulled away from the window. After finally coming back to my senses, my stomach couldn''t hold up as the vomit came rushing out of me. My throat stings as I cough more harshly than before, and my body starts to become even more sluggish.


    "Will!" My father yelled as he grabbed me, dragging me into the basement.


    Before I knew anything, everything went black.

 Chapter Thirteen

    Through the Storm


    <hr>


    Gwyn''s perspective


    Sorry.


    [Fire Starter]. The moment I used it, status magic kicked in as it displayed the skill in front of me. I scoffed in annoyance as the candle was now lit.


    [Infected]


    Where is it?!


    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Why isn''t it working?


    That blighted giant? It can''t. It cannot be. But he said if I bring Will here, he would live. It has to work. It can''t be true.


    He''s all I have. All we had left. I can''t lose him.


    I would rather die than kill my own son.


    He was right. He does live.


    Do it. I want to see you try.


    It''s going to be a rough night.

 Chapter Fourteen

    The World, The Memory, and The Dream


    <hr>


    Willliam''s perspective


    Where am I? I remember being in my house with my father after we had just saved Lord Dimmal?


    Sleeping.


    Sleeping?


    "Don''t worry, buddy, we were able to touch a Heraraptor with our bare hands."


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Sad.


    Sad? I''m not sad, but for some reason, I felt miserable. But it wasn''t my own sadness. It felt weird¡ªlike when you cry for someone else''s pain and not your own. Soon, another feeling emerged from me, but not my own. The voice ranged throughout the world once more.


    Confused.


    Confused? Confused for what?


    Wait a second. Is the voice conveying its feelings to me? Every time I feel an emotion that wasn''t mine, this voice says what emotion I''m experiencing. What is this?


    Pain?


    Lord Dimmal!

 Chapter Fifteen

    Deception


    <hr>


    William''s perspective


    ait, he wanted to go into the city? Really? What the hell?


    How convenient.


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    Others.


    Wait, they didn''t notice us?


    "I''m here for you." I felt more relaxed as I ran towards Lord Dimmal and my father.


    Wait. What am I saying? My father took down a Blight Dragon, I killed a Blight Rider, and we have a Dragon Lord. Or was a Dragon Lord, but his body should be much stronger than an average human. Hell, he should be able to go toe to toe with a Draconic.


    Turn the riders to Omara? What the hell is happening?


    Stay?


    I chopped a bear''s head off, I chopped down a tree in one swing, I killed a Blight Rider!


    Wait a second? Why didn''t the status magic thing go off? I thought it would go off whenever I killed something.

 Chapter Sixteen

    Weak Royalty and Prideful Warrior


    <hr>


    William''s perspective


    Minutes passed as my heart raced, and I felt uneasy about the results my father, Lord Dimmal, and I had just achieved. We had just killed two riders and their dragon without batting an eye. Sure, they were working alongside a Blight Fiend, but that doesn''t mean much now. We have more questions than answers.


    Soon, the two figures in the distance came into sight. They were absolutely dragon riders. One dragon was white, and the other was red, but that''s all I can make out from where we stand. My father stepped before me as the baby dragon hid behind me. I can see my father''s knuckles turning white from gripping his bow-staff. Lord Dimmal stood fast and ready.


    The riders soon noticed the dead dragons as they began to circle us. I could tell that the white dragon''s rider was a girl donning white padding armor, similar to what Lord Barren would wear but much thinner. The rider on the red dragon was wearing much bulkier armor that looked like he would be a walking tank.


    The riders dove down to us and landed with a massive thud that shook the ground.


    I tossed a leg behind me to brace myself as I covered my face from all the dirt sprayed into the air. Looking back up, both the riders and their dragons circled us.


    Their dragons were as big as the two dragons I just killed, which is a good thing if things go south.


    The red dragon had two massive horns connected to the snout, stretching over its brows and then back towards the nape with the rest of the horns. It also had rigid spikes along its jawline and frilled spine.


    The white dragon resembled Lady Elrid in many ways, except for its size, horns, and scales. Lady Elrid had three massive horns, while this dragon had one large horn and spikes under its chin. Its scales enlarged near the horn, covering the base and traveling along the spine. The upper body had large spiked scales, while the rest had regular-sized scales. The wings and limbs were similar.


    The rider on the red dragon had blonde hair, thick armor matching his dragon, and a noble appearance. He had thick eyebrows, a young yet stern look, and blue eyes. He had a clean face and a tattoo on his neck that looked like a sword sheathed into a crown.


    I soon realized his sword was in his hand. It looked very different from mine as he held it close to his dragon. The dragon showed no concern about how close the blade was to it, which told me how much they trusted each other.


    The girl, however, caught my attention. Her wheat blonde hair was very stylized, so that the side of her was braided, extending to the back of her head, overlapping the rest of her hair that fell past her shoulders. Her eyes were white like snow, alluring in a way that could make someone get lost. But what stood out were her ears. They were pointy, like elves. That would mean she is most likely a half-elf. But I don''t recall anyone in the Order of Elven descent.


    Her armor was light and almost leathery, matching the color of her dragon. Similar to the other rider, her sword rested on her dragon. The armor was practically identical to Barren''s.


    The snarling sound of their dragons pulled me back. Tensions were high as sweat went down my head. Sword in my hand, I readied to strike as my father held his ground before me, his bow-staff by his side. Lord Dimmal, though, didn''t draw his sword. Instead, he approached them.


    "Lady Azrael, Sir Thomas," Lord Dimmal said, shocking me and my father. "Nice to see you both safe."


    Maybe Lord Dimmal can get us out of this situation.


    "Quiet," said who I assume to be Azrael, furrowing at us in anger. "From what I see, there are two dead riders with their dragon''s heads cut off, and you three."


    Or not.


    "That tells us that you three murdered them," said the other rider, Sir Thomas.


    "They were speaking to a blight fiend as if they were working alongside it," I yelled. "That alone makes them traitors to Drakelene, according to the Order. Right?"


    "And Hearthglen was attacked by a Titan Rider," my father exclaimed. "That fought alongside the Blight."


    "That absurd," Azrael hissed as her dragon snarled even more at us as if it didn''t believe us despite seeing the dead fiend''s body.


    "Absurd?" I responded angrily.


    Can''t they see that a literal mountain is blown up?


    "There''s no way a Titan Rider would work alongside the Blight."


    "Then who do you think destroyed Hearthglen?" My father glared angrily, tightening his grip on his bow-staff. "Or blew up the mountain? You must be crazy to think us three could do such a thing."


    "Watch your tongue, old man," Thomas said threateningly, his dragon snapping towards us as Lord Dimmal stepped before it, glaring menacingly.


    "I''ll watch your tongue if I were you, Sir Thomas," Lord Dimmal responded.


    "Especially when they are coming from a guy sitting on top of a dragon," my father taunted, making me step back. "How about you say that without your backup."


    "You dare speak that way to us, even after all of this?" Azrael said, aiming her sword at us. "You speak to the two of the Royal Family. You will know your place, peasants."


    There was a pause. The only noise we could hear was the dragons'' heavy breathing and the wind. No one dared to speak. Tensions were even higher than before, especially after my father''s comment, which perplexed me¡ªuntil Thomas finally broke the silence.


    "Razarin does say this place reeks of the Blight,"


    I assume Razarin is his dragon.


    Lord Dimmal said, "How about we explore the city and see what we can find. Or do you all want to stay here and rip each other''s throats out?"


    Their dragons looked at each other, growling and snarling in different pitches, as Azrael and Thomas nodded.


    "Fine, we''ll explore the city, but if you do anything, we have your heads." Thomas'' threat felt more like a promise than a warning.


    Sir Thomas'' dragon turned away as Lady Azrael''s dragon did the same. "And Lady Azrael. Don''t boast about Thomas''s nobility again. It''s unbecoming treating him in such a way."


    Azrael turned her head back around, furrowing angrily. "His status begs otherwise, Dimmal," she said mockingly.


    I watched as Lord Dimmal rolled his eyes, "His bloodline is forced to serve your family. Or did you forget? Your Highness."


    Your Highness?


    I was dumbfounded. I didn''t realize Azrael¡ªI mean, Lady Azrael¡ªwas part of the royal family. That means she is Azrael Drakehart, and Thomas is a Lannister. They have served the Drakehart family since the second age.


    "He''s nothing more than a noble slave, forever bound to serve the royal family as your knight. Hence why he has that mark on his neck." I didn''t dare get involved. This was between nobles, and I sure hell ain''t one. "We will talk more in the city."


    Lord Dimmal gestures to my father, who then turns towards me and raises his hand as if guiding me.


    "After you, youngling," he said annoyingly.


    Scoffing at him, I could tell he looked relieved. His white knuckles regained color as I walked toward the city, and the baby dragon that hid behind me followed along. With my sword by my side, traversing the ruined city felt odd.


    It was eerily quiet. Something I never thought possible. Looking at all the blood stains on the floor, broken windows, and rumble all laid out before me made me feel uneasy.


    Distant. As if it wasn''t real. The only thing we didn''t see were bodies. But the decaying smell of dead flesh was still in the air. It was grotesque, but it wasn''t unbearable. Just sickening.


    A hand tapped my shoulder as my father came into view, swiping his bow staff around as if clearing for any dust. "It''s way too quiet and empty for a city destroyed by the Blight."


    I agree. Where are the bodies and undead?


    The baby dragon squealing came by, running along as if looking for something. I soon realized it. No, she was trying to help. Looking towards the sky, I can see Azrael and Thomas flying around. One would assume they were getting a layout of everything, but I was sure they were just watching us.


    "Let''s head to the Guild; it ain''t far from here," my father said out towards Lord Dimmal, who was a few paces behind us.


    "Why the Guild?" I asked. He always goes on, Guild this, Guild that. What did the Guild have that he was so interested in? Just thinking about it made me mad.


    "The Guild should have supplies that can help us out, destroyed or not," he answered. "Rather get supplies there than our here."


    "You don''t know if we will find anything there," I argued. "What could the Guild have that could help us?"


    "Whether you like it or not, it is better to have a place to regroup," Lord Dimmal said as he walked towards my father.


    I grumbled to myself. My father has been trying to get to the Guild since yesterday.


    He''s hiding something.


    Ya. Ya, he is hiding something. He has to be.


    Tagging behind both Lord Dimmal and my father, minutes passed as the once pristine mansion-sized building called the Guild was torn apart. Whatever was inside was for all to see.


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "Shit," my father said out loud. "Come help me see if they had a basement."


    Scoffing at my father, I ran over as I jumped over a few pieces of rubble and looked all over the wooden ground that was torn up or pierced by rock. Many weapons and armor pieces were tattered everywhere. It was almost like a shop. Armor and weapons were littered everywhere, but each was bent or crushed, no longer used.


    "Over here," Lord Dimmal yelled out.


    "Will, go help Dimmal out; I''ll signal the others," my father commanded as he started heading out.


    "Wouldn''t you give away our position?" I had to ask.


    "There''s nobody here, Will," was the answer my father gave me. "And if there were, the two dragons outside flying around would be lighting up the place." I couldn''t tell if he was annoyed or mocking me because of my question.


    Sighing, I ran over to where Lord Dimmal was as I spotted a handle on the ground. The hatch itself was blocked by a large pillar. Crouching down as I grabbed onto the pillar, I did what my father taught me to do when lifting heavy objects, keeping my back straight as I lifted with my legs. It was a slow and painful process as my legs ached from the weight, but I was able to lift up the pillar and move it out of the way as it landed with a loud thud.


    "You''re a lot stronger than you look, William," Lord Dimmal said, his long navy hair swaying in the wind. "Commander Barren always said you would make a good Dragon Knight."


    I was shocked. Barren talked about me?


    "Really?" I could feel my lips curving into a smile. My guilt and fears started to fade slowly as I made my way over to the hatch.


    "He never stopped talking about you," I smiled even more, looking down as I didn''t want Lord Dimmal to see me. He grabbed the handle to the hatch and opened it, revealing the Guild''s basement.


    When the basement door was open, a brilliant light flashed in the sky. It was my father signaling to the two patrolling riders where we were.


    "Does she have a name?" Lord Dimmal asked, drawing my attention.


    "Who?" I responded.


    "Your dragon, does she have a name?"


    I shook my head. "No, she doesn''t. Didn''t really have the time."


    Lord Dimmal patted my shoulder, "Better now than later."


    Before I can answer, Lord Dimmal proceeds to enter the basement.


    What should I name her?


    The baby dragon crawls back to me as I dwell on the idea. She stood on her hind legs and clawed at my shins, not in a painful way. Obviously, she wanted to be picked up, so I reluctantly grabbed her and carried her into the basement.


    The basement was huge, almost like a bunker. It had rows of food and equipment we could use. The floor was concrete, with multiple wooden pillars keeping the building from collapsing into the basement. There were about two levels to the basement. Each level is separated by a different purpose. The first level was for weapons and armor, while the second level was for food and supplies. Everything, though, everything was a mess, as if everyone was packing in a hurry.


    I made my way over to what appeared to be a white sink, still amazingly intact. Lord Dimmal was looking for something. Letting go of my dragon, I stood before a mirror above the sink as I looked at myself.


    I looked awful. Part of my hair was cut off, so my ears and neck were noticeable. A single scar was formed along my jawbone, approaching my chin. Dirt was smeared over my face. My eyes seemed dull and lifeless. Or that could be due to the lighting. In all honesty, I looked like shit.


    Sighing loudly, I looked at the bowl and saw a faucet. I was immediately perplexed as to how there was a faucet but didn''t care as I turned on the water. The water was cold to the touch as I splashed my face. The cold water gnawed at my face as it dripped down to my chin and back into the bowl. I took another look at my face.


    Taking in the moment, I started to think about what happened last night. The people that were killed. Aunt Sifle, Mister Turner, and everyone else. I can still remember the people''s screams. The smell of decaying and burning flesh. Seeing the Titan Rider on its dragon''s back. Thunder erupts everywhere. Leaving the guards to take care of the people. My home. Everything. Guilt and pain rose up in my chest.


    I should''ve done more. No! What could I have done? No, no, no! That''s no excuse. I should''ve done more.


    The pain gnawed more and more as I started to shake. My head shook increasingly until I gritted my teeth and slammed my fist into the mirror, shattering it. Tears began to run down as I slammed a fist into the sink, making a shattering sound as pieces of the sink broke off and crumpled the moment it made contact with the ground.


    Gasping loudly, I kept punching the mirror and, soon, the wall, blaming myself.


    I should''ve done more.


    I soon felt the same old heartbeat, which I assumed was coming from the baby dragon. Looking down at my leg, I felt her rub against my foot. Despite tears dropping, I gave a soft chuckle as I kneeled beside her. She was almost like a cat, standing upright as I petted her. She purred loudly as I felt some of the guilt and pain in my chest start to fade.


    It was as if she was making it leave me.


    I stared at her golden scales for a moment. Memorized by her beauty, I thought of something.


    "Aurum," I mumbled, voice shaky. "How about Aurum as your name?"


    A sense of happiness rose in my head, telling me she liked it.


    "Then, from now on, your name is Aurum," I said, wiping my face.


    Soon, after I collected myself, we all sat down in whatever chairs we could find around a torn-up table. There, Lord Dimmal laid out a map for us all to see. Lady Azrael sat down, resting her head on her hand as she looked at us angrily. Sir Thomas stood behind her with his hand on his sheathed sword. My father stood in the back, leaning on his bow-staff as I sat beside Lord Dimmal with the Aurum in my lap.


    Lady Azrael didn''t look pleased with Lord Dimmal''s report of Hearthglen.


    "You''re telling me that Hearthglen was assaulted by a Titan Rider, one of the most powerful riders serving the King of Drakelene for almost 1000 years?" Lady Azrael said, obviously not convinced, which bothered them. "If Titan Rider did assault this city, it would''ve been wiped off the map, not in ruins."


    "According to the two traitors we just killed, they weren''t trying to destroy Hearthglen," my father rebutted. "It was to convert the riders to Omara. But the Blight showed up, and they weren''t attacking the Titan rider."


    Sir Thomas yelled out, "That''s blasphemy! Are you saying that Omara is now siding with our sworn enemy? And is now trying to ''convert'' us?"


    "I don''t think it''s Omara that''s trying to convert us," Lord Dimmal said, rubbing his chin. "Will, Gwyn, do you two know the phrase, "Give Your Will To Me?""


    Give your will to me? I do know that phrase. Yesterday, on our way to the Guild, something happened I couldn''t describe. Something told me those exact words. All I know is that it hurts. A lot. Like something was forcing itself upon me. In a way that can''t be described. Thinking about it now, it felt like I lost all sense of myself, and something else was trying to take over, only to end up asking. But it came all at once in a very dreadful and painful way.


    "I do; at some point, it felt like something just¡­." I thought about how to describe what I felt. "As if someone was taking control over me. But I had a choice."


    "First time I''ve heard it outside of bed," my father chuckled. I let out a long sigh of disapproval as I could see Thomas and Azrael look at him in disgust. My father found it hilarious.


    "Then that supports one of my theories," Lord Dimmal said as my father approached the table. "Last night before the Titan rider attacked, every rider and their dragon was under the influence of an unknown entity entering our minds. It told us to give our will to it, like a demand. However, we all were given a choice. The " demand" left us all in great pain, causing mass confusion. Moments later, the Titan rider arrived."


    "I was wondering what happened to Will and the other dragon riders," my father added as I stroked Aurum in concern. I never thought that Aurum could''ve been affected. "Seems like whatever was happening was targeting you all and not the civilians."


    "What are you getting at, Lord Dimmal?" Sir Thomas asked.


    "Something tried to control us and sent Titan rider to do so, and only affected riders, regardless of the magic resistance we have while connected to the Dragon Force," Lord Dimmal said in a deep and serious tone as he furrowed towards Lady Azrael. "I believe a Kingdril is at work here."


    "Wait, wait, wait," my father mumbled, looking at Lord Dimmal in disbelief. Hell, even I was in disbelief. "You mean a Kingdril. Like A Kingdril, Kingdril?¡±


    "What''s a Kingdril?" Lady Azrael asked, looking quite puzzled.


    "How the hell do you not know what a Kingdril is," Lord Dimmal yelled out in confusion. "A Kingdril is the mark of a true King. With the power to bend reality to their will. Even the Demon Kings of the First Age all had Kingdrils."


    "Hell, I even knew what it was. Sigils, Eldrils, and Kingdril all have been spoken in legends throughout time," I added on.


    My father groaned in annoyance, "If the rumors are correct, Asgard has a Kingdril user, The King of Sacrifice."


    "These are just rumors," Sir Thomas spoke with a tone of confidence. "Drakelene hasn''t seen or dealt with anyone with a Kingdril. Sigils and Eldrils, sure. But literally, Kingdrils haven''t been mentioned in these lands since the 2nd age. Why now?"


    "Why? Because it ain''t true, there''s no way it''s a Kingdril!" Lady Azrael proclaimed.


    "The fact that it targeted every rider implies a powerful form of magic, Lady Azrael," Lord Dimmal proclaimed. "Either a powerful mage is involved, or we are dealing with a powerful Sigil."


    "What if it is Omara," Sir Thomas said, glaring at Lord Dimmal.


    Everyone went silent. The thought of Omara turning against us... well, it haunted my thoughts. She was our deity of life. Everyone in Drakelene worshiped her. I don''t want to believe that she is siding with the Blight despite my not worshiping her.


    "Then the Goddess has turned her back on us," Lord Dimmal said with a look of regret. "Omara is the reason why we can bond to our dragons. If she had turned against us, she would''ve stripped us of our dragons."


    I sighed, looking back at everyone. It was obvious that no one wanted to jump to conclusions. The only thing we all knew was that the Blight attacked us.


    "I have a question," I spoke up. "Regardless of what we are dealing with, why here? Why attack Hearthglen? It''s a military city. Why come here?"


    "Sounds like Asgard wants war," Lady Azrael said, scoffing as she rested her leg on top of the other one. "It''s a good reasoning and provides them straight access throughout Drakelene."


    "I didn''t see any Asgardian soldiers among the Blight," Lord Dimmal said as he rubbed his chest.


    I watched him do so in pity. He''s probably still feeling the death of his dragon. One of the cruel fates of being a rider is that they experience each other''s pain and death if I recall correctly.


    "Does it matter if Asgardian soldiers show up?" Sir Thomas spoke up. "We have been at war with Asgard since the 2nd age. Seems like they''ve been trying to wear down our military strength ever since the last five waves of Blight."


    "Asgard hasn''t nor will attack Drakelene; they haven''t even taken a single piece of land," my father replied. He makes a good point. Never heard of Asgard getting involved with Drakelene.


    "Do you think a kingdom named The Kingdom of Slaves would be peaceful?" Lady Azrael proclaimed, speaking in a snarky tone. I do agree with what she says. "If it wasn''t for our dragons and Omara, Asgard would''ve tried to take Drakelene."


    "You don''t know that," my father said, crossing his arms.


    "You''re calling me a liar!" Lady Azrael yelled back.


    Lady Azrael stood up straight and trouted towards my father with her sword out. I stood up out of concern as she raised her blade to my father''s neck. The blade was barely close, but I could see her hand trembling.


    Was the sword heavy?


    Sir Thomas stood behind Lady Azrael, ready to back her up as my father stood his ground, smiling. She was unhappy, sneering at him, trying to intimidate my father. As Sir Thomas readied his sword, I moved Aurum out of the way as I drew mine, aiming it at him.


    "You dare, child?" Sir Thomas hissed out.


    "Your move," I answered, keeping my blade aimed at him as I wrapped both hands around the handle.


    I thought this was crazy. We are about to fight the royal family and their personal dog. This was a little much.


    "Enough!" Lord Dimmal said, drawing us back to our senses. "We get nothing out of fighting each other right now."


    Distrust was in the air, but it was clear that Thomas and Azrael trusted Lord Dimmal, but my father and I didn''t trust them. The so-called princess was quick-tempered, and Sir Thomas was jumping to her side.


    After a few moments, Lady Azrael lowered her sword, making Sir Thomas and me stand down. It was clear that Lady Azrael wasn''t happy as she walked back over to her chair and dramatically sat down.


    "Good, now we can devise a plan," Lord Dimmal said with a reluctant sigh.


    Sir Thomas said, "Lady Azrael and I can fly back. It will be faster, and we can let the capital know."


    "The capital is south of here," Lord Dimmal responded. "You will be flying in Blight Territory if you do."


    Lord Dimmal and Sir Thomas argued as Lady Azrael sat there, almost looking out of place. A part of me thought it was just me. I looked down at Aurum scuttling around the lower floor. I could sense she was annoyed by being near all this conflict.


    Before I could head over to Aurum, Sir Thomas yelled at Lord Dimmal. "Where the hell do you expect us to do?"


    Looking at them again, my father commented, "I think I know what."


    My father approached the table, seized a random knife that had been lodged somewhere, and chucked it at the map on the table. Where it landed made everyone go silent.


    Everyone and everything was quiet, even the air went still.


    "You want us to go to Asgard?" Lady Azrael asked.

 Chapter Seventeen

    The Journey Begins


    <hr>


    William''s perspective


    My father stood tall and severe as everyone gawked at him¡ªheck, even I stared at him. His idea was reckless and a little bit stupid.


    Why the hell would we go to Asgard?


    "You want us to go to Asgard?" Azrael asked in a mocking tone.


    My father nodded in confidence, making a straight face. "Yes. It will provide great cover, and our enemies won''t even think we are there."


    "I hope you''re joking, father," I voiced my concerns, to which he responded with a big smirk and then a wink.


    God, I hate that wink.


    Azrael seemed shaken about the idea; her face itched with confusion and vexation, but Lord Dimmal had other thoughts. "Is there a specific reason we should head there?" Lord Dimmal asked to everyone''s surprise. More than anyone, Azrael was visibly taken back. I don''t think she was expecting a Dragon Lord to be open-minded about heading to Asgard.


    "Think about it," my father answered, tapping the floor with his bow-staff. "Most of the Blight is heading south to the Capital due to the evacuation. More people and riders, more bodies for the Blight. North would be much safer to travel across on foot."


    "No, no, no, we can''t just head north!" Thomas finally voiced his concerns, yelling out loud. He was tensed, shocked by the turn of events as he almost punched a hole into a wall. "If everything you said is true, Zarmen Forest is also Blight Territory up to the border. Then there''s Asgard. We haven''t been the most graceful neighbors with all the wars. They aren''t going to take the sight of a few dragon riders very well."


    Azrael stood up. "Especially with me there. What do you think will happen if Asgard gets ahold of the next ruler of Drakelene?" Azrael''s eyes widened, etched with worry. Of all the people here, she had every right to be worried. She was a princess heading into her people''s enemies'' territory.


    Looking down at my lap, Aurum slept peacefully. Her warmth made me feel relaxed. I wasn''t sure if I was feeling relaxed or her. Regardless, I am glad that I have her.


    My attention is pulled away as Azrael yells at my father. "I should kill you for thinking of taking me to Asgard."


    My father raised his voice, "Goddess, are you dense!" I was taken aback. I never heard him use the phrase, goddess, before. "Think about it. Who said anything about going to Asgard itself. I''m implying that we go to the nearest Guild Hall, which is in the Kingdom of Asgard."


    Turning to my father with a confused look, I looked up at him, "Why?"


    Lord Dimmal stood up slowly. "Wait? Are you thinking about what I am thinking?" He proceeded to approach my father, gesturing towards the map. "Utilizing one of the Guild Halls in the Kingdom to contact the one near the capital?"


    My father clapped his hands with a big smile of relief and satisfaction. "Of course. Each Guild Hall is connected to each other worldwide, in almost every city and kingdom. Each Guild Hall can send each other letters or resources if needed." My father made a smug look as he leaned on his bow-staff. I watched him run his hand through his hair, ensuring it was still slicked back. "We sneak to the border of Asgard. Find the closest town. We get into one of the Guild Halls and use my connections; we''ll send an emergency letter to the Guild at the Capital for the King."


    "How will that help us?" Thomas made a good point; there''s no way a letter can get the King to help us. "How does sending a letter to the king help our situation?"


    Lord Dimmal answered, "There is supposed to be a grand meeting for the kingdoms. If we are lucky, we can get the King to attend."


    "Then sneak into the king''s escort when the opportunity shows up," I said, still in disbelief about this plan.


    "And leave before anyone knows the difference," Lord Dimmal finished what I said.


    "That''s assuming nothing happens on the way," Azrael says, looking more uneasy by the minute. "What would happen if we were spotted?"


    Lord Dimmal sighs heavily. "I''d rather deal with people than the Blight. Besides, flying is dangerous with the Blight Riders around."


    "We didn''t see any Blight Riders nearby," Thomas argued.


    "Even so, if we are going to sneak into Asgard, we must stay out of the sky." Lord Dimmal exhaled heavily as if he were reliving an awful moment. "Asgard has artillery and magic that can take out flying monsters. It takes seconds for them to drop us out of the sky."


    I gulped silently, feeling myself tense up. The idea of getting shot out of the sky wasn''t a good feeling.


    "Even more reason to not go," Thomas spoke. Azrael remained quiet, looking down at her hands as she contemplated the right choice.


    Thomas soon went quiet. This was a hard decision¡ªhell, I don''t even think I knew what to choose. This was Asgard, not some backwater country or Perrin or Elaine. The weight of the decision was heavy on all of us, and the tension in the room was palpable. Asgard is one of Kalo''s superpowers, and we plan on sneaking across its borders.


    It''s Asgard, one of the superpowers of Kalos, and we are planning on sneaking across its borders.


    "If you want to go straight to the Capital, that''s one you. Gwyn, Will, we moving?" Lord Dimmal bellowed out with extra enthusiasm in his voice.


    My father approached me and responded, "Yes, we are." He pulled the map closer to me and tapped on it. "Will, how far?"


    I felt my brows furrowed as I glared at my father. "Really? Now?"


    "Yes, now."


    Scoffing at my father, I leaned over for a better view of the map. It showed the country of Drakelene and all the nearby countries and kingdoms. Luckily, Drakelene was surrounded by water but was trapped by Asgard and its mountain terrain from the north. The terrain was all over the place in the so-called country, Kingdom of Asgard. It had farmlands, extreme mountain ranges, lakes, and dense forests. If I recall correctly, the ether density there was thick as well. Which would make the wildlife and the environment more dangerous.


    Looking at our location, Hearthglen, right under the Zarmen Forest, just north of us, and the border to Drakelene and Asgard, I made a brief guess. "I say about a four-day run. Maybe two or three if we run through the night."


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    I remember my father teaching me how to read maps. But before I could find more information on the map, my father wrapped it up and put it away. "You heard him. Let''s grab up what we can here and head out. Will, grab some armor if you can."


    We are really going through with this, right under the enemy''s nose.


    With that, I did as my father said, following him as he and Lord Dimmal left this depressing area and prepared to embark on our journey. Or would it be a mission? I couldn''t really tell. All I know is that Azrael and Thomas stayed to think over what they would do.


    My father helped Lord Dimmal and me out of the underground room. "Lord Dimmal, see if you can find any camping gear around. There should be something left over," my father ordered.


    Lord Dimmal nodded. "On it. See if you can find anything else. Something that could ultimately carry everything, so our gear doesn''t slow us down."


    I grunted in shock and frustration, gritting my teeth as my father raised my arm and his hand to show off our storage devices: my freshly cleaned, rusted golden bracelet and his silver ring. "We got storage devices on standby," he said.


    "Oh, how convenient," Lord Dimmal responded as he searched for supplies.


    I pulled my hand away from my father''s grasp forcefully. I didn''t appreciate how casually he could be when he manipulated me as if I were a puppet.


    Time flew by, that was for sure. It was nearly morning when we left the destroyed home. Now, it''s almost past noon. Azrael and Thomas decided to join us on our journey to Asgard, but I have no idea why they chose.


    Lord Dimmal was setting up an area for us all to meet up just outside the destroyed Guildhall in the middle of the street. All sorts of bags were laid out on the rubbled-filled road, all being packed and prepped. A few were already attached to Azrael and Thomas''s dragons; food, water, tools, blankets, and camping gear.


    My father had me change out my clothes and equipment. Now, I was donning brown boots that reached past my ankles, and my black pants were slightly baggy; the right side covered my boot itself, while my left side had a bandage wrapped around my shin, keeping my pants from covering my other boot. My father was persistent about me keeping it on despite me trying to brush it off. He also ensured I got knee guards made out of silver-enchanted metal. My pants were tightened up by a brown belt as my new brown cotton long-sleeved shirt. It bunched up occasionally as I kept my sleeves rolled up. I equipped elbow pads of the same material to ensure my sleeves don''t unroll. Same as my new silver spaulders. Sadly, only one left was enchanted, so I had a mismatched set. I ensured my non-dominant arm got the most protection as I used a basic silver spaulder. I did enjoy my new leather fingerless gloves; they were nice and smooth and didn''t stick to my skin as much. Finally was my scabbard, still on my back as it held my Blight Rider Sword. The scabbard was held up by a new belt wrapped around my chest.


    Walking back to the group, Thomas argued with Azrael about joining us as they climbed up on their dragons. It seems that dragons didn''t care much about joining as much as their riders, but they were concerned with all the baggage they must now carry. So much so that Lord Dimmal has difficulty tightening the straps on Azrael''s dragon.


    "Will! Get over here real quick," Lord Dimmal shouted, making me sigh.


    Walking towards him, I could clearly hear the two nobles arguing. "We should just fly back over to the Capital. It''s stupid to think these peasants know what they''re doing," Thomas yelled out, tugging on the reins of his dragon, Razarin. The dragon rumbled a loud, high-pitched noise out of irritation, stomping its feet.


    "Lord Dimmal seems to be going along with them," Azrael rebutted as she struggled to keep her dragon still due to Lord Dimmal tampering with the saddles. The dragon constantly growls and hisses each time he pulls on its straps.


    Throwing his hands out, Thomas says, "He''s no longer a lord since he has no dragon! He''s no better than these peasants."


    Walking over to Lord Dimmal, my dumbass accidentally opened my mouth, "We are standing right here, less than ten feet."


    "Quiet peasant," Thomas hissed.


    I stood my ground, "Make me."


    Thomas'' eyes flared with anger as he hopped off his dragon. I hear Azrael telling him to stand down, but Thomas doesn''t care. He walked up to me, standing slightly taller, making me look up at him. "Know your place, peasant."


    As Thomas tried to shove me onto the ground, I gritted my teeth as I repositioned my footing so I could keep myself up as I grabbed his arm. Curling my fingers, I punched at Thomas''s good-looking noble face. All that was heard was a loud crack as I punched Thomas''s nose, sending him tumbling backward. His dragon hissed at me, but Thomas told it to stop.


    Thomas cradled his nose with both hands as he winced loudly, almost whimpering. Watching him like that, a noble, actually made me smile. As he looked up at me, It was clear as day that I broke his nose. "You broke my fucking nose."


    Thomas made me reach behind me for my sword when he went for his, but Lord Dimmal caught him before anything happened, shoving him toward Razarin. "Lady Azrael, control your servant, or next time, I won''t get involved." Lord Dimmal hissed as he pulled me towards Azrael dragons.


    Thomas struggled as he sat on the ground to tend to his injury as Azrael went quiet. She obviously wasn''t happy but didn''t want to make things worse. Or maybe she doesn''t know what to say, so she just goes along.


    "Will pull on this," Lord Dimmal said as he guided me to the strap he was struggling on. The dragon wasn''t pleased at the idea of carrying gear.


    Grabbing it, I pulled on the strap as the dragon roared in pain, startling Lord Dimmal and me. "Sorry," I said out loud as I turned to see the dragon looking down at me. Its eyes glared at me angrily, almost like a cat that didn''t approve of its master rudely waking it up. I slightly lowered myself out of instinct, concerned that the dragon may actually eat me.


    "You didn''t need to be that rough," Lord Dimmal says as he ties down the strap. I press my hand on the dragon, hoping to appease the great beast.


    The scales were smooth like an eggshell. It was obvious it took good care of its body. "Wasn''t trying to hurt the dragon, my Lord," I responded.


    "I ain''t a Lord, William," Lord Dimmal sighed as he tied the straps, much to the dragon''s whining. "Not anymore."


    Before I could ask why, I felt Aurum calling me through our bond as I turned to see her running over to me with my father.


    "As I expected, with no fiend in sight from our destination, if we are going to run, now is the time," my father explained. He proceeds to take the site of Thomas. "The fuck happened to you?"


    "I happened," I answered as Thomas finally stood up, using his dragon''s reins as support.


    "Making friends already," my father chuckled. "You all ready?"


    Lord Dimmal nods as he climbs up onto Azrael''s dragon. "Yes, unless someone says otherwise."


    "Good, let''s go," my father says as he turns around to lead us toward our target.


    Before I followed, I went over to Aurum and scooped her up. She squealed at me, complaining about what I was thinking. "Lord Dimmal, can you hold on to her for me."


    I can see that Lord Dimmal didn''t find being called Lord, but he said yes and took Aurum into his arms.


    With that out of the way, I followed my father as Thomas and Azrael dragons tagged behind us. Walking past the ruins of Hearthglen, we made it past the north gate. Approaching the hills that lead to Zarmen Forest, I halted.


    "What''s wrong," my father asked.


    Running over to the side of the road, I took out a sword from my storage. It was the sword that I spent my whole life using. "We honor the dead, right?"


    Lord Dimmal was confused, "thought you weren''t religious?"


    "We aren''t, but Cira was," my father answered, saying my mother''s name. "We honored the dead by leaving something to remember them by."


    I could hear the two annoying tag-along nobles sighing or groaning. My father patted my shoulder as I sank my sword into the ground. Time seemed to slow down as I let go of the handle of my old sword. It clearly showed that my home and everyone I knew were gone.


    Guilt started to rise as I turned around to head to Asgard. As everyone followed, an odd sensation¡ªa fast, soft, twitching beat¡ªrose in my head. Then, soon, a screen appeared before me.


    [Status Magic Activate]


    [Kalos watches over you]


    "What the hell?" I said out loud, confused about what I was seeing.


    "You got it, too," my father said.


    "Kalos watches over you? Ya," Azrael yells up.


    "Come, I''ll explain," my father says as he jogs. "It''s an old myth that Kalos is a living thing, capable of watching or blessing whoever or whatever it wants. This would cause Status Magic to activate."


    Following behind my father, I could hear the dragons making the ground shake behind us. I finally got the chance to ask about status magic. "What is status magic, father?"


    Before my father could speak, Lord Dimmal answered. "Status magic is a phenomenon that occurs when a descendent of Adam is affected by madness. Most people, if not everyone, is a descendant of Adam from the First Age."


    My father then butts in, "status magic will only stay active as long as the individual is experiencing madness. Once the madness goes away, it deactivates. No one truly knows why it activates in the first place. But let''s focus on the task. Will! Set the pace."


    I groaned very, very loudly. I didn''t want to set the pace, but we had no choice as we approached Zarmen Forest.


    It''s a four-day run to Asgard.

 Chapter Eighteen

    The Long Haul


    <hr>


    William''s Perspective


    It''s been a few hours since I led our little group into the Zarmen forest. The once-green forest I grew up running through was no longer the place I knew. The green foliage and the loud streamy water that echoed throughout the forest the deeper I went were long gone. The moss that ran across the torn-down logs, the leaves-covered hills, the clover-covered ground, and the beam of light that stretched across the forest, blocking the view, were now different.


    The forest was covered in a black-like gore, stretching across the trees and leaves like veins under my skin. Pulsating every often like a heart beating blood throughout the body left a sickening feeling in my gut. The streams were dried up as if someone or something drunk it all up. Moss were replaced with fungal pods; their tops were covered in sharp appendages stretching out towards anything that looked different from them. I ran past a few, and they seemed harmless for now. Trees seemed to be bleeding out this black goo into the ground. The once lively green color was replaced with a dark, dreadful blackish grey; the once elegant amber was now just memories of the past.


    It felt odd seeing everything gone. It was haunting and eerie, as I felt I had lost another piece of myself. I grew up in this forest, helping my father with his hunts. Even the smell of the forest was different. Anger rose up as I was reminded of Hearthglen. Remembering everyone and everything now gone, I couldn''t bear to lose anything else.


    Aurum''s emotions started to flow into me. I could feel her being uneasy and worried for me. I assume she already knows how I feel about this place and is responding to me. It''s nice to know I wasn''t alone.


    I shook my head as I returned to reality, running deeper into the woods. I felt my legs protest slightly due to fatigue as I slammed my feet into the ground. Sweat started to soak into my clothes as I pushed off the ground with every step. I could hear the rumbling footsteps of the dragons behind me. Their feet trampled any log or shrubbery that got in their way. The dragons had to jog to keep up with me and my father. Hell, they even tore down a few small trees.


    Talk about staying quiet.


    Continuing to leap over a few logs, I could hear my father tagging alongside me. He ensured that nothing was in front of us. He claims, "moving us away from larger hordes of fiends."


    I didn''t care, though. I wanted to let out my frustration, lingering anger, and guilt.


    Despite being the case, I knew it had to be me and my father to lead. We hunted in this forest. We know the layouts.


    Even so, I wanted the Blight to pay.


    Soon, to my luck, my wishes were granted. "Will, fiends up ahead," my father yelled, running beside me with his bow-staff. I''m even surprised he could run with that weapon in hand.


    I yelled back, "How many?"


    "Five, twenty meters!" my father yelled, his voice booming with urgency.


    From behind, Thomas shouted, "And how exactly does a peasant like you plan on taking them down?" His voice dripped with skepticism.


    I could already feel the weight of Thomas''s and Azrael''s gazes piercing the back of my head. Lord Dimmal, however, was quick to defend me.


    "Just keep moving, Thomas! Save your complaints for later!" Lord Dimmal commanded sharply.


    Less hostile now, Azrael asked frantically, "Are you sure about this?"


    Grinning excitedly, I latched my hands onto my sword, removing it from its scabbard. I changed my running speed to a sprint, but I couldn''t see what was in front of me as the trees and bushes blocked my view. Focusing my breathing, I kept my guard up, watching for anything. As I leaped over logs, I felt my heart start to pound in my chest.


    Soon, the familiar nauseating smell of dead flesh rushed up my nose. Right in front of me, one of the Blight-fiends came into view. Its grotesque body was more deformed, probably from age.


    But I didn''t care about what it looked like. I ran straight at it, ignoring the shouts behind me as I held my sword with both hands. My heart beat with anticipation. Without stopping, I spun around, using the momentum to cleave into the fiend''s body with a loud swoosh. I felt barely any resistance as I cut it in half.


    Adrenaline slammed into me as I was impressed by my own strength. My lips turned into a wide grin as I sprinted ahead. But the moment I looked forward, a sword came slashing at me. I narrowly ducked in time as I ran straight into a fiend, sending it flying over me.


    Hearing its body clattered, I saw a magic arrow finishing it off. I kept running forward as two more fiends came at me.


    My father bellowed out from behind, "Charge through them!" With those words ringing in my head, I slashed my way through the first fiend, taking its leg off as I swung my sword around like a dancer to take its head off. It reminded me of when I fought the fiends in Hearthglen. Turning to the next fiend, I decided to see how strong I was.


    Was it stupid of me? Absolutely. But no better time than now.


    I ran straight at the fiend and flipped my sword into a reverse grip, slamming myself into it with my sword pointed at it. My sword sank straight through its body as I lifted it off the ground so I could keep running. Chuckling loudly, I used my free hand to dig into the wound my sword made. Using my sword and hand, I tore the fiend into two, discarding its halves aside as I kept running. Flipping my sword back into the original grip, I swung up at the next fiend''s arm, sending its limb flying as I left it for my father. Seeing the last fiend in site, I bolted right at it, throwing myself at it as I felt its body fly away. Looking up, I saw it was impaled on a tree.


    My face was all covered in a big, satisfying grin. I felt jubilated to see how much strength I could exert. But that gratifying feeling left when I remember that second fiend that almost got me. I was utterly distracted. Something my father keeps telling me.


    Soon, I heard my father approaching me. "Focus, Will! Your recklessness will get you killed." His voice was harsh, filled with concern and anger. Before I could rebuttal, he shoved me forward, making me jog with him.


    Scoffing at him for killing my moment, my brows furrowed as I glared at my father. "I just wanted to see how strong I am," I said curtly.


    "Well, not here," my father responded with irritation. "You can test your strength when we are out of this mess."


    Azrael''s voice ranged over behind us as we ran. "Hey! How is a peasant like you so strong?"


    "I am curious as well, William," Lord Dimmal says as he rides on Azrael''s dragon alongside her, looking down at me with a strong, curious look. "Most riders, even Dragon Knights, wouldn''t have that much strength. And your time as a rider is too short for you to develop any physical enhancements from the Dragon Force. A skill, perhaps?"


    I was actually curious about that myself. I never really had a chance to understand why I''m strong. I just was, plain and simple.


    "Magic-enhanced body," my father answered as he looked around the area. "We can rest here for the moment."


    I sighed in relief. From what I guessed, there were no fiends in the area, which was good. All the running was getting exhausting, and my legs ached. Razarin trampled over logs and leaves as Thomas sat up straight, trying to look dignified. He would''ve succeeded if it wasn''t for his broken nose.


    "Magic-enhanced body?" Thomas spoke up as he looked down from his dragon. Razarin exhaled loudly as he slumped onto the ground. "You peasants really are stupid."


    Azrael furrowed as she jumped off her dragon, allowing it to rest. She guided it to a spot to lie down. "Especially for someone who wanted to be a rider," she said, backing up Thomas. "Everyone knows the only benefit a magic-enhanced body gives is increased physical abilities."


    My father pulled out a metal jug and handed it to me as he turned to Thomas. "How can two nobles be riders and be as dull as a marble?"


    I won''t lie¡ªit gave me a chuckle, but Azrael didn''t find it funny as I did. Back at the Guild, she walked up to my father''s face. Her face was seething with rage; I could almost see smoke coming from her. She is just as fiery as fire for someone with an ice dragon.


    "Say it again!" Azrael yelled.


    "Shut up," Lord Dimmal hissed out. "You want more fiends to hear us out here?"


    Azrael made a loud, almost bratty huff and walked away in defeat. As she leaned against her dragon, I noticed she seemed practically impatient. She crossed her arm and started frantically tapping it, looking around with wide eyes like she was nervous.


    I turned my attention back to my father. " You said I have a magic-enhanced body, ya? What does that mean? Why do I have one?"


    My father slumped onto the ground as he crossed his legs, gently placing his bow-staff onto his lap. Lord Dimmal crouched beside him, "I am curious as to why you wanted your son to have a magic-enhanced body rather than learn how to use magic like every rider does at a young age."


    "Call me a cautious father or whatever," my father chuckled outward as I sat beside him. I remembered how he always made me channel magic into my body, which helped me get a physical boost. "A magic-enhanced body grants increased strength, speed, stamina, and durability. But it also grants magic resistance to whatever magic the individual is attuned to. Due to its unique requirement of acquiring magic, most people don''t have one. But having one allows magic to flow more easily throughout the body. At the same time, mages can only move magic to certain points, which takes a moment. People with a magic-enhanced body don''t have that issue. Sure, they will have a harder time learning and using magic. Still, the tradeoff is fair. Especially when it''s a permanent effect." My father placed his hand on my shoulder. He shook it, "This little brat having one plus being a rider would give him an advantage over the other riders in physical combat. And I don''t even want to think about the benefits when Will becomes a Dragon Knight."


    I could feel my mouth drop in shock. I never knew any of this, but it makes so much sense. That''s why I was so fast, strong, and durable.


    "Fascinating," Lord Dimmal responded. "How did you make Will acquire one? I thought only adventurers, dungeons, and magic items could grant such things?"


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    "I had Will spend his childhood channeling magic throughout his body constantly, every day and almost every night," my father answered with a smirk. "Training did help, but at some point, his body would and did adjust itself to the strength of the magic being used."


    "That has to be the stupidest shit I ever heard," Thomas said in a mocking voice.


    "Maybe if you had one, your nose wouldn''t have broken so easily," Lord Dimmal hissed at him. This shut him up.


    My father winked at me. I laughed out loud as I took in the moment, starting to drink from the metal jug. Water flowed into my mouth as waves of satisfaction and relief came over me. It was as if the water pushed all the fatigue out of me, and I felt it enter my stomach with a splash of coldness.


    I placed my hand on the ground, and I felt the gross grass against my skin, writhing under my hand as dirt filled the crevices of my palm. I couldn''t feel the sun''s heat, but dawn would start to sink in in another few hours. The breathing of the dragons made the tree branches wobble around in the air. Black moss draped the trees like a dress, and black veins ran wildly across the forest floor.


    Looking over to Azrael, I soon realized I had overlooked her armor, probably due to everything happening back-to-back. I never had a chance to look at her or Thomas''s armor. Sure, it looked similar to Barren''s, but there is a crucial difference.


    The armor itself was very light, with white cuirass covering her chest. Unlike Barren, she had a leather-like combat dress with a scale-like pattern. The metal plating on the dress covered her arms and waist, ornate with a golden trim. Even along her legs, she was covered in armor, leaving areas like the joints free of restriction. All the armor plating was thinner and gave maximum flexibility. Sure, it doesn''t grant as much protection, but sometimes, having as much movement in combat is worth it.


    Thomas''s armor was similar but bigger and bulkier. He wore a cuirass that covered his whole torso and leather armor underneath. Two pauldrons covered his shoulder. His vambraces on his arm were heavy, and he looked ready to stab whoever he hit with his elbow. Thomas''s belt kept two long faulds, I assume, on him, reaching down to his legs. Finally, he had his knees down to his feet covered in armor.


    Before I could look at them more, a loud screeching howl echoed through the forest.


    More Fiends.


    My father came running back to us, standing on a log as he readied his bow. Pointing off somewhere into the woods. "Time''s up."


    Without a second thought, I put the metal jug into my storage device as everyone hopped back onto their dragons. I made my way to my father as he pointed the direction we needed to go.


    Taking off in a sprint, I could hear my father''s footsteps behind me, the rustling of grass and bushes being knocked over. Only for the dragons to completely trample on them. Their footsteps shook the ground as we ran farther and farther.


    "Are you sure you know where we are going?" Azrael yelled with concern.


    My father looked irritated. "I know these woods far better than you."


    "Only a peasant like you would know," Azrael retorted.


    Rolling my eyes, I looked back at her, flashing a grin. "Maybe you should learn yourself so you can lead." She didn''t find the idea comfortable.


    "Quiet," Lord Dimmal hissed. I have to give him credit; Lord Dimmal has kept us from killing each other.


    Before anyone could speak, more friends approached us, some of which were not human. This time, I saw a fiend looking more like a wrapped-up skeleton of green flesh with a gun embedded into its arm. It started to fire at us. Bullets rattled the air as they flew right at us. I took my sword in hand and used the flat side of the blade as a shield as I took the brunt of the attack. Part of me knew I was going to be okay, just that it was going to hurt.


    A lot.


    My body felt like I was getting hit by rocks, leaving an everlasting stinging sensation that kept coming one after another. I could hear the magic bullets collide with my sword with a loud clang. I barely felt much resistance, probably due to the gun that was being used as I moved toward the fiend. When I got close enough, I threw my hand forward, pushing the gun away from me as I swung my sword at the fiend.


    Feeling resistance against the fiend, I pushed through, not caring about bone or armor, as I cut and detached the fiend''s upper body from its legs. Looking onward, a few more fiends came at me. I quickly recovered, making sure not to drop my guard like my father said as I brought my sword down onto their sword. Metal clashed with metal, and sparks flew past us as we crossed swords.


    But I was stronger


    Pushing off the ground, I shove the fiend back, throwing it off balance just in time as the other fiend came at me. Ducking down under its sword, I countered back with my sword and sliced it to bits.


    Sweat started to drip down my face as more fiends began to rush at us from the sides. Luckily, the dragons were there to stomp or munch down on them. I got lost in the moment as I kept dicing my way through more fiends. I spun around to cut down two that tagged behind me, only to channel magic to my legs so I could dash forward. My sword danced with me as I mowed down a few more fiends, only to realize I took a tree with me by accident. I couldn''t help but grin as I watched their bodies get flung across the forest floor.


    "Watch it," Lord Dimmal yelled from behind. "We are drawing too much attention."


    Lord Dimmal was right. I was getting lost in the moment, relishing my own strength. So much so that my father had to take charge of the lead. Sure, it slowed us down, but he knew where to go. I could look at a map or find my way through a forest, but he was far better at navigating one than I ever could. Something I could never pick up from him.


    Whenever I got caught in a moment of victory or strength, I got hurt or lost. The Heraraptor, Blightfiends, and the Gravewalker. I need to do better. Fighting fiends like this is easy. But a group or a horde is far worse. I don''t want to lose anyone else to the Blight, like what happened in Hearthglen.


    Or to my mom.


    I won''t let that happen again.


    I felt my dragon''s emotion pour into me, almost like she was trying to encourage me. It worked.


    At some point during the run, everything went quiet. Night came upon us, and the fiends no longer charged at us. The forest was all black from the Blight''s corruption, and the moon was not out, so we couldn''t see where we were going.


    My heart soon started to slow down, no longer being attacked every so often. Able to catch my breath as my adrenaline started to go down. I wiped a mixture of blood and sweat off my face and gloves. My shirt, though, wasn''t going to be clean for a while.


    My father stopped after jumping over a log and running down a hill. "We rest here tonight," he said commandingly. I could hear his rapid and heavy breathing as I walked beside him, also exhausted as he wiped sweat off his face.


    Azrael led her dragon around my father, looking puzzled at him. Her dragon looked slightly tired and irritated. "Why don''t we just fly now while it''s dark?" Azrael said as her dragon collapsed onto the ground from all the running. Didn''t realize a dragon can get tired of running. Azrael leaped off her dragon as she went to check up on it.


    Lord Dimmal also hopped off the dragon, holding onto my dragon as he approached Azrael. "Flying at night in Blight territory is a death sentence. Gwyn, how are we doing camp?"


    Lord Dimmal soon let Aurum onto the ground as she ran over to me, rubbing herself onto my leg. Picking her up, she squealed in delight as I could feel the warmth of her golden scales flow into me. Any fatigue I was experiencing was starting to fade away. Her dorsal spines twitched in a wavey pattern as she purred. Her tail curled around my arm.


    My father turned to the hill next to us as he shot a magic arrow at it, and a massive hole appeared in it, making a cave. I never knew he could do that. But then again, he never had to.


    Azrael gawked at the cave, visibly disgusted. "I''m not going in there," she said, her face looking at us in abhorrence.


    Thomas was ready to defend her side. "Such a place is not an ideal for a noble. How do we know it will be safe?" His face said everything. He hated this. Or maybe he just hated us. I''m just glad that my father is the only one who knows about me stealing Aurum.


    Lord Dimmal entered the cave first. "If it grosses you out that much, why don''t you just cover it with your ice magic?"


    Ice magic? Even if she did, how would it even last? If we were going to eat or start a fire, wouldn''t the ice melt?


    Azrael huffed loudly and turned away as her dragon approached the cave. It pulled its neck back, ready to do something. Soon, a white flame burst from its mouth, and the cave walls started to be covered in ice. Soon, the dark cave was a crystalized cavern.


    With that, Azrael finally walked inside along with Thomas. Following in after them, my father entered last, shooting one final magic arrow that closed the cavern. Azrael''s dragon was soon breathing its ice all over the entrance.


    Thomas conjured fire into his hands, granting light to us all. He tosses a few of them out in place, giving us light. This would solve our problem with light.


    None of us spoke to each other much besides helping each other grab a few bags to make our beds. I was worried at first that we wouldn''t be able to breathe without some entryway to the outside or that we would just suffocate ourselves. But apparently, the ice Azrael''s dragon made is magical. I didn''t really know how else to understand it.


    I set Aurum on the ground as I overheard Thomas whispering to Azrael. "You don''t need to go through this, your highness. These people are beneath you, and their treatment of you would get them killed."


    "I know," Azrael whispered back. "But Lord Dimmal is far more experienced than us. Knows more. If he trusts them, then I''ll tolerate them for now." Despite whispering and glancing at her, I could tell she tolerated us. If she would have her way, she would''ve killed us. But something was holding her back.


    Thomas patted Azrael''s dragon, "Then trust me. All I want is what''s best for you as your knight." Thomas whispered, giving her a pleading look.


    "I do trust you. I just." Azrael looked down as if weights were pulling down on her shoulders. "I don''t know what to do or what the right choice is. But if Lord Dimmal, someone who has been around, falls longer than both of us, we can say this is the right choice. Then I''ll trust that choice."


    Thomas sighed as I went back to gathering food. Searching around, I found the rations that my father saw and stored for us to take on our way.


    Apparently, the Guild had a lot of canned rations. Small containers that hold quick food that can be eaten on the spot. My father had me pass them out to everyone as he pulled out massive carcasses of animals we hunted before. Watching him do so, it was easy to know he was feeding the two dragons.


    The dragons seemed to enjoy the massive legs that my father managed to store in the storage device.


    Looking down at my ration, it said "Rice and Chicken." I never cared much for food, mainly because I can''t cook for his life. I found a slot where I could open the can. Prying the lid open easily, the smell of chicken flooded my nose, rejuvenating my body as I almost drooled. To my surprise, the lid is also used as a spoon. Taking my first bite, the flavor was beyond elegant and savory as I nearly inhaled it. Maybe all the running made me desperate for food. The texture of the rice was nice and soft but not soggy in any way. I could eat this stuff for months.


    Aurum snacked on an extra leg my father took out. I could almost taste her food in my mouth. That confused me.


    Noticing everyone else, they all seemed to be enjoying themselves as well. Never realized the Guild had stuff like this. It''s way better than my father''s cooking.


    "How is it?" my father asked me, looking quite pleased with his food.


    I turned my head to him, giving him a smudged look. "Better than your cooking."


    His face changed from pleased to abhorred, and he opened his mouth as he held his hand against his chest. "My cooking is fine." He sounded very offended.


    "You don''t even season your food. You just cook it and leave it. At least sprinkle some salt," I bickered back.


    Azrael looked tense. Fidgeting her legs as she ate, she spoke up. "For peasant food, it''s alright."


    Grinning widely, flashing my teeth, I scoffed playfully at her. "If you don''t like it, you can return it to my father." I extended my hand forward in the act of taking her ration. I knew it was odd for me; I couldn''t help but tease royals and nobles. Especially out here where it is in danger.


    She immediately shook her head and whimpered sadly as her mouth was stuffed with food, preventing her from speaking. My face went from grinning to an apologetic look. I found her little whimper vexing.


    My father found it hilarious. Thomas glared maliciously at him. I worry about traveling with him. He takes his duties as "Azrael''s guard" too seriously. Just looking at her incorrectly would make Thomas go bloody murder. "That is the princess you are speaking to!"


    "Nobility won''t save you out here, Thomas. Remember that," Lord Dimmal confidently explained. Thomas clenched his jaw as he furrowed viciously at his food. If he clenched any tighter, he might break his teeth. Lord Dimmal soon turned to me with a curious look on his face. "William, how are magic spells for you with a magically enhanced body? I only know of its negative effects, but not their causes."


    My father raised his hand up, coming to my aid. Cause I don''t even know. "Magically enhanced bodies have a harder time manipulating magic outside the body due to the effect of channeling. When using magic outside the body, you must be able to shape and bend the magic you pushed out. However, enhanced bodies have a harder time because they would push magic out far faster and in larger quantities than originally intended. This would also make it harder to control. Even with chanting."


    "But if one could learn to manipulate magic outside the body?" Lord Dimmal questioned.


    "They would be able to cast magic outside their body far faster than a normal mage could," was my father''s answer. He soon crushed his now empty can ration and threw it into Thomas''s floating flame. "You should get your rest, Will."


    Gulping down a big mouthful of food, furrowing my brows as I look up at my father, "I''m fine."


    "You are taking the brunt of this journey; you need rest." That was the final word my father said to me. I scoffed at him, hating to listen to him when I knew he was right, so I made my way behind him. There, two quick-foldable beds were laid out.


    Laying on one of the beds, Aurum ran over me and crashed into my arms. I chuckled loudly as her dorsal spines slightly scratched my side as she spun around in my arm until she could get comfortable. As soon as she found the correct position, she fell asleep immediately.


    I suddenly felt drowsy, assuming it was Aurum that was causing it.


    I have to be ready for tomorrow.

 Chapter Nineteen

Greetings


    <hr>


    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    <hr>

 Chapter Twenty

    The Prophecy


    <hr>


    William''s perspective


    I was overjoyed. Aunt Sifle was alive.


    She looked different despite still wearing her brown corset. Her blonde hair was still curly, but this time, it had tresses that flowed down her back. Much to my own surprise, her chemise was very clean despite reaching the ground. I could see no blemishes or grime on her or her clothes.


    My heart pounded in my chest with relief as a smile formed on my face. I wanted to run over to Aunt Sifle and hug her. I was about to run over until I felt my father''s hand on my shoulder. That''s when I took a minute to think.


    How did she survive? How is she here? How did she get past the Blight?


    My heart squeezed as I started to worry. Markus said he wasn''t exactly here for me and everyone else but Aunt Sifle and two others. That''s when two individuals appeared out of the shadows.


    The one to Aunt Sifle''s right was a disturbing visage of a knight, covered head to toe in black armor. They were surprisingly short¡ªpossibly even the size of a kid. The armor, however, looked uncanny. As I took a closer look, I noticed a jagged row of teeth along the chest plate stretching from their left shoulder to the right side of their waist. A slimy tongue emerged from the bottom, wrapping itself around the left arm. The same unsettling design was on their other limbs, each piece glistening menacingly like it was grinning as drool dripped down their mouths.


    The helmet stood out the most, resembling a gaping maw, as a thick tongue wrapped around the neck like a sinister scarf. Even though it was short, the creature radiated a threatening aura, ready to spring into action at any moment.


    On the left was a much taller woman with black silky hair. She wore a simple black battle dress with leather belts and boots. On her belt was a massive blue leather book. Her face appears to have once held beauty but was covered in dirt and fatigue. The eyes, though, were something beyond understanding. They look star-shaped with an ethereal violet color, traced by a green line that gave it its unique star design.


    I could tell there was some form of magic behind her. Out of all three figures, she was the one that worried me.


    Before I could say anything, I felt a hand on my shoulder. Looking over, Markus was walking past me, pushing me towards my father in a gesture to get out of the way. My father moved in front of me, readying his bow staff.


    "Lady Sifle, it''s been a while," my father said, his tone sharper than usual.


    Aunt Sifle chuckled loudly, eyeing my father. "Mister Hunter, pointing a weapon at a lady is rude."


    "No mere lady can take the same path we took," Lord Dimmal said with trepidation. "And I have known you for a good while now."


    "That''s cute. A Drakelene noble knowing a commoner." The woman on the left spoke up in a sarcastic tone. "You wouldn''t know the difference between a commoner and a bag of trash if it stood right in front of you."


    "Easy, Liora," Aunt Sifle said with a very prideful voice as she moved her hand to stop the woman, Liora, from approaching. "I understand why you loathe these nobles. But let''s not forget why we are here." Aunt Sifle turned her head towards the other individual. "Same to you, no sidetracking." Her voice was very hostile towards the armored knight.


    My dad lowered his weapon, "Sifle, please. Let''s talk." He was a lot more sympathetic this time. I don''t blame him; I didn''t know what was happening. But this is Aunt Sifle.


    She is our friend.


    No, she''s not.


    "Fine, let''s talk." Aunt Sifle raises her hand towards me. "Little Will. I need you to come with us."


    The dragons snarled at Aunt Sifle. Razarin''s mouth radiated with heat, ready to burn them alive. Azrael''s dragon wings were perked up, ready to charge the trio.


    I can hear Aurum squealing in Azrael''s arm as I would dumbfounded. Why would Aunt Sifle need me? She must have a good reason for wanting me to go with her?


    "Why do you want a commoner to go with you?" Thomas said out loud. He sounded unconvinced of Aunt Sifle''s words.


    Aunt Sifle gave him a loud chuckle. "Oh, don''t worry, little noble, I am fully aware of who you are and your little darling princess. However, we weren''t sent for the two of you. Unless you want Liora to kill you now. She gets a real thing going for killing nobles, darling."


    Her words left me in shock, and my stomach churned in dismay as my eyes widened. Unable to move, sweat poured down my neck as my arms and legs started to tremble slightly. My father readied his bow staff at her.


    Something was wrong with Aunt Sifle. I didn''t recognize her anymore.


    "Mister Hunter, I''m hurt," Aunt Sifle said.


    "How about you show us who you really are?" Markus suddenly spoke out. His tone was serious as he pressed his hand to my chest, gently pushing me back. "Kingspawn."


    Everything went silent from Markus''s words. No one said anything. No one moved. I could clearly tell that Aunt Sifle was pissed. Then, a wicked grin formed as she reached for her eye.


    My heart sank as I watched her pluck out her eye and toss it to the side. My stomach curled up inside me at the site. What was left was a golden marble lingering in her eye socket. At the center of the marble is a faint golden light.


    "The name is Sif. The Goddess of Fertility." She said with a crooked smile as she glared at me. "How did you know what I was?"


    She''s a goddess? How? When?


    "I''ve fought a Demon King and the Wolf King. I think I would know how to sense a Kingdril," Markus explained. I gazed at him in utter bewilderment. Aunt Sifle has a Kingdril? "And you don''t have one, but I sense you are a byproduct of one."


    "Well, aren''t you clever," Aunt Sifle chortled playfully.


    My mind raced as I stared at her new golden eye in disgust. Unsure what to think or feel. I couldn''t think straight. But what should I do? Aunt Sifle raised me when my father left to hunt. She isn''t a warrior or anything evil.


    "Little Will, you have a few choices. Come with us, and we will spare everyone else here."


    "Why?" I asked, my face showing uncertainty and perplexity.


    Aunt Sifle smirked at me. "Because of the prophecy, my dear."


    "What prophecy?" Azrael finally spoke up, stuttering slightly. She was just as confused and worried as I was.


    "A child of noble birth said to be bathed in golden light may either bring about the destruction of Kalos or usher in a new era for Drakelene." Aunt Sifle''s response didn''t seem entirely genuine; it felt like she was telling us only what we wanted to hear. "I see three dragons and five strangers. Gwyn is not known for associating with dragon knights, while the other is a retired Dragon Lord. This narrows it down to the nobles and Will. Most likely, the nobles had dragons for some time. That leaves Will and the baby golden dragon."


    "Oh no," my father murmured.


    "Come, boy, or we will kill everyone here." said the armored knight.


    "You stay right where you are!" Markus yelled.


    "And who are you to tell him what to do?" Liora asked, furrowing her brows to make a sneering look.


    "Who am I? Who are you? You''re a dropout magic student from the Holy Empire," Markus turned to the one in creepy armor, "You''re a creepy knight." Finally, he turns to Aunt Sifle. "And you, Sif." He pauses to speak momentarily as if he were to spite Aunt Sifle. "Your just a fucking Kingspawn. Bound to your maker like a slave."


    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Everything went silent. No one spoke as if what Markus said was the final straw.


    "I believe we chatted enough," Aunt Sifle said in a much darker tone, leaving a sour impression on me. "After all, it''s that time of the month."


    I didn''t understand what she said. Markus did. "That''s fucking disgusting."


    Tree roots sprouted from the ground, breaking the tension as they lunged at Markus. I jumped back as he summoned a giant greatsword that resembled a katana with multiple interlocking blades. The blades shimmered with a silver hue as he swung at the roots, slicing any apart as they fell to the side.


    The massive sword looked heavy, yet Markus wielded it like a one-handed sword, swinging it with unearthly strength. This left me in awe and disbelief as he cut down any tree roots that came at him. Watching him, I noticed his sword curved with each swing, moving fluently like the wind. It was incredible.


    "Serisa, now," Aunt Sifle spoke as the armored knight charged at us.


    As Markus tried to jump in to block them, Liora shot a massive fireball at him. I watched Markus cry out as he swung his sword at the fireball, deflecting it towards the armored knight, Serisa, sending them tumbling back in smoke.


    Looking towards Liora, I saw Thomas''s dragon, Razarin, engage her as fire surged. The world appeared to darken from the flames. Raising my arm to shield my eyes from the searing brightness, I felt the intense heat flutter through my hair. Sweat trickled down my back, and I gasped when I saw Liora emerge untouched, a shimmering orange barrier deflecting the dragon''s onslaught as her dress wafted in the wind.


    My head raced in panic as I scowled in disbelief. That wasn''t ordinary fire; that was dragon fire. No one should be able to take a hit from any type of dragon magic and walk away unscathed.


    What if she can beat Thomas?


    He needed help; that''s all I needed to know, even if we didn''t like each other. As I took a step forward, a crackling roar erupted from Liora, tearing the air with violent force. The force came at me suddenly, like a powerful gust of wind, and I crashed into the ground, feeling my head spinning.


    My ears ringed as I sensed Aurum''s emotions flowing into me, telling me she was okay. Shaking my head as the ringing ceased, I saw Liora standing before me.


    My heart dropped. "Will!" my father yelled out.


    I reached for my sword, but that''s when a voice rang out. "William, move!"


    I saw Azrael on her dragon, diving down from the sky at us. Liora looked up with annoyance, giving me the chance to jump back away from her as the dragon released an ice breath, hitting Liora directly. My eyes shifted back towards Liora to see her encased in ice.


    Thomas and Azrael begin to fly away, heading to safety.


    "Will, let''s go," my father yells at me, bringing my attention back to him as he shakes my shoulders.


    Behind him was Lord Dimmal. "We must not linger here, William. We have to¡­" Lord Dimmal''s words stopped as we all looked back at Markus.


    Markus stood before Aunt Sifle as a massive tree root plunged through his body. Blood splattered across the ground, each drop of life rushing out of him. I watched in horror as Aunt Sifle, the woman who once cared for me, committed such brutality.


    I remembered her saying she hated violence. So why?


    Seeing this reminded me of Hearthglen. The screaming, the blood. It all rushed into my head.


    My eyes widened, hair standing on end as I grimaced in disgust and abhorrence when I saw Markus staggered forward, intestines trailing grotesquely with each step. When his sword arced through the air at the root, it burst into flames, sizzling into nothingness as the scent of burnt wood filled the air.


    I stood in disbelief as Markus''s gaping wound began to heal, steam rising from the flesh as his organs renewed, muscles knitted seamlessly under fresh skin. How could anyone survive this? (how is this?)


    It looked painful.


    "Stop gawking and start running!" Markus yelled out at us.


    I stood frozen in shock, unsure what to do or think. But I shook my head as I pushed my haunted memories away, taking a moment to think.


    Going back is too dangerous now. Going to Asgard now is better, especially with these people here.


    But wait. Aunt Sifle¡­ There''s so much that I don''t understand. She is a friend. She''s family even.


    Run


    My father pulled me as we started to run. My heart pounded in my chest as I rapidly exhaled. Our legs pounded into the ground as we fled, Lord Dimmal behind us. "Did you see that?" my father asked in shock.


    Lord Dimmal ran with us as I saw the dragons fly past us. "I wouldn''t have believed it if I didn''t see it." Lord Dimmal''s answer was nerve-wracking. "I now know why he is called the Immortal God of War."


    I couldn''t believe what I saw, either. He healed from a wound that wasn''t survivable. Is he truly immortal, as I heard and saw?


    I tried to collect my breath, but my mind was in shambles. I didn''t know what to believe. It felt like something was gnawing at my chest, and no matter how much I pressed my hand against or scratched it, it remained.


    Lord Dimmal and I followed my father as he led us toward the nearest town. We could hear the battle rattle the ground. Shockwaves rattled the trees, making us far over every once in a while. We ran farther and farther north until we saw buildings through the tree line.


    My father yelled at us, "We are almost there." I cracked a smile, relieved that we were almost safe. Sprinting past the trees, I could hear Lord Dimmal getting tired. "Come on, Dimmal, we are so close." That was the first time I didn''t call him Lord.


    As we approached the tree line, Lord Dimmal yanked my collar, pulling me towards him. My chest tightened up at the sudden act. A red blur flew down in front of me. A red blade narrowly missed me as the person called Serisa landed in front of me, this time with a massive, monstrous, teeth-like shield. Their red blade was connected to their wrist.


    They rushed at us without stopping, swinging their red blade in quick succession that rivaled Azrael''s tenacity. My heart thumped hard as we jumped back to avoid getting hit when Lord Dimmal engaged Serisa first. I watched in amazement as their swords clashed, trying to grasp how they fought.


    Lord Dimmal was quick with each swing. With each swift spin he did, his sword rushed with power, making each blow strike harder than each one. Transitioning from his left and immediately to his right in a quick spin, Serisa was forced to defend. It looked like he was dancing with his sword.


    Serisa was forced on the defensive, unable to block or parry with their blade. Getting a better look, I can see their blade forming out of a mouth.


    Is that sword a tongue?


    My father came in from behind, sweeping at Serisa''s leg with his bow staff. They countered my father with their sword and then pivoted so their shield blocked Lord Dimmal. Despite their lack of height, they were holding their own against the two.


    I rushed in as my father shot arrows at the ground beneath them, jerking them away from Lord Dimmal as they tried to attack. As they stumbled forward, Lord Dimmal seized the opportunity, infusing his sword with magic and swinging it upward in a powerful slash.


    The sword collided, sending Serisa flying back, but that didn''t stop them as they hurled her shield to the side. It sailed through the air and slammed between two trees, its monstrous mouth opening wide to release a grotesque tongue, which shot toward my father.


    "What the fuck," my father yelled out as he tried to slash at the tongue, but it wrapped itself around his bow staff, then his neck.


    With a visceral yank, it pulled my father closer to the open maw where its teeth were waiting. He struggled in vain, gasping for air, his situation evident in every strained breath.


    Without a single thought, I lunged forward, fear and adrenaline propelling me to my father''s aid. It was either death by choking or death by being eaten.


    I wasn''t going to let either happen.


    Serisa advanced at me, but Lord Dimmal stood in their way, giving me precious time. I gripped the vile tongue, ignoring its slimy texture. As I pulled, heaving and sweating, the shield pulled harder.


    My heart raced as sweat poured down my face. Looking up at the shield and taking a good look down its gullet, I was scared of what would happen if I didn''t free my father. The image of my father being devoured and swallowed whole entered my mind.


    My sword in hand, adrenaline rushing through me as the fear of losing my father flooded my mind; I attempted to cut the tongue off, but with one violent tug, my father and I fell onto the ground. I didn''t let go as we were dragged towards the shield.


    My father tilted his bow staff so it was pressed up the same trees the shield was against. I flipped my body over so I could push off the tree with my legs in a desperate attempt to pull some slack. It barely helped, as my father was pressed against his bow staff as his neck inched closer and closer.


    Rushing to my feet, I desperately pulled as my heart pounded harder with each beat as if my chest was going to explode. I gave up on pulling as I raised my sword up. Yelling in fear, I slammed my sword at the tongue, slicing it off and severing it from my father''s neck as he collapsed onto the ground, gasping, free at last.


    The shield flew away from us, and I saw it return to Serisa, using the momentum to bash Lord Dimmal back. I helped my father up as we immediately moved to Lord Dimmal''s side, surrounding Serisa.


    Serisa started to step back as we approached them. They were able to hold off Lord Dimmal and almost kill my father. This was an opponent that we needed to team up on.


    We pushed Serisa back. They didn''t dare to engage. I figured they knew they couldn''t take us all at once.


    The next thing we knew, the sound of a crow alerted us. The sound was out of place as all the noise from battle faded away. We looked at Serisa as they started to chuckle, sounding like a girl.


    She stood tall, seeming relaxed. The monster-like teeth on her chest plate opened up as she tucked her shield inside. "Seems like I am needed elsewhere. It was fun playing with you all." She sounded incredibly confident. I couldn''t believe she sounded so relaxed. "I''ll see you around, Will."


    Her helmet''s mouth opened up and proceeded to swallow her whole. I looked in disgust as a crow swooped down to grab it. As much as I wanted to stop it, my father caught me. "Let''s go," he said.


    Grunting as I ran north, following my father. I couldn''t think right. So much is happening that I couldn''t keep up. Lord Dimmal followed behind as we cleared the tree line. We saw the town gates ahead of us as we ran. My heart still pounded, and my chest felt tight. Hell, I felt like I was going to vomit.


    I didn''t care about the town''s appearance as we ran for it. There were guards there waiting, but the moment we got there, my body went stiff. I couldn''t move. Forcing myself to take a step forward with no luck, I realized I was frozen in place.


    "What''s going on?" I asked.


    My father spoke up from behind, "We are stuck." I realized we all were stuck in place.


    "Is it magic?" Lord Dimmal asked.


    "Don''t resist; it will only hurt," said a woman. It was Liora.


    Gritting my teeth, I used all my strength to move, trying to push back away from her as she approached me. My heart slammed harder and harder with each step she took. She grinned at me as I started to heave. I watched as if everything slowed down as Liora raised her hand to my face.

 Chapter Twenty One

    King''s Word


    <hr>


    Liora''s perspective


    I looked down at the boy named William, seeing him struggle. His eyes hinted at struggle¡ªbaffled, lost, and resistant. His muscles tensed as he struggled to break free of my magic.


    I took note of the golden magic emanating from his body¡ªno, not emanating, resonating within him, fused and molded to his body. It was odd. I have never seen anyone with such a perfect condition magically enhanced body. Markus and the boy''s father have one, but theirs were artificially created.


    But this boy, this child of prophecy''s body, is perfect. He will grow in strength the longer he lives. Even his magic affinity is odd. If I let him live, he will undoubtedly become powerful in the following months, especially with the Dragon Riders and the King of Asgard.


    A shiver of excitement went down my back. The idea of encountering and killing that King floods my mind. The vision of seeing his dead corpse lying before me was one that I couldn''t help but imagine.


    Years spent forging my Sigil to be an Eldril. I can see the Ether flow through the world. How it interacts, how it touches, how it influences everything. How it''s bonded to our bodies, mind, and soul. Like a mother caressing their child. Holding them tightly, pouring all the love into them. In ways that can''t be fathomed by logic or reason.


    Looking at the two men behind the boy, the Ether within them tells me everything. I''m still trying to process such power. I can see the Ether within their body just as I see the world. It''s already bad enough I can''t actually see them. My eyes can''t register color like my baby brother could. Instead, I see the Ether due to my Sigil, Sight of Magical Wisdom.


    Looking back at William, I saw the golden Ether within his body. "Any last words?" My voice was blunt and lacking emotion. They don''t deserve it.


    They did this to me. They did this to my brother. They all need to pay.


    I have ended prophecies before. I glimpsed how the world reacted violently to the act¡ªor the Ether did¡ªhow it became unstable, trying to correct the atrocity of what transpired¡ªlike I cared.


    Pain, hate, pain¡ªit''s all the same¡ªan endless loop. People, particularly nobles, never change. Greed plagues their hearts, driving them to seek what they desire, discarding ethics and morals for power. The common folk suffer, soon to resist, until hatred blossoms in both hearts. Commoners retaliate with fierce might, and once the nobles find their match, their desire for greater power grows, perpetuating the cycle of suffering all over again.


    With a flick of my hand, a metal vambrace materialized around my arm, cladding around my forearm and extending a trident-like spike past my hand.


    A Vambra.


    The boy, William, struggled against my magic. I could see my spell starting to crack. The Ether around him spasms, crunching as he tries to break free. I was startled at his strength, even if it wasn''t magical.


    No. It is magical. Magic is channeled into every part of his body, so much so that it becomes part of him. And then there is his bond. Him being a dragon rider, this only just makes him even more magical. If he is allowed to live, he could quickly develop a Kingdril. Even make it to godhood.


    He would be on par with master and the King of sacrifice. Even Ryu himself. I must correct this now.


    Gathering magic at the tip of my Vambra, a boiling blue orb formed, aimed directly at William''s face. His eyes held defiance, persistent despite the disarray surrounding him.


    "Then die," I spoke out. One of the individuals I restrained, William''s father, Ether, surged outward as he tried to escape my binding spell. It was futile. William easily surpasses him, but I doubt he knew that.


    More magic poured into my Vambra as it reached its peak. Watching the Ether bend to my will as it compressed into my spell. Feeling its presence filled me with relief and confidence. This was my magic.


    My Eldril''s power.


    The moment I tried to fire my attack, I watched as a hand grabbed hold of mine and jerked it upward as the spell flew out of my palm and into the sky.


    Looking to the side to see who dared interfere, I saw a young boy¡­. No, he was barely in his teens as he stood about 5 feet. His eyes glowed with magic in an orange light. His long black hair was pushed down to his sides, covering his eyes but never touching his shoulders. The front of his hair swayed down to the side, preventing loss of sight as it spiked back up near the top, almost looking like horns.


    His clothes were familiar to me. He wore a simple cotton shirt, but his left side was covered in a silver spiked gauntlet, while his right arm was very lean as he held my hand. His shoulders had three large, odd-looking, transparent, ghostly claws that stretched down his back like a cape. He had black pants that were slightly baggy but covered by silver armor that clad around his knees, down to his shins, and over his boots.


    I knew who he was. Just taking a glimpse at his Ether. It was unnatural. The Ether warped around him. Contorting all over as if it was waiting for him, yet disobeying natural law as it reorganizes to fit into something new. It wasn''t just the physical plane either. Any other Ether that resides in other planes did just the same. That''s all I had to know. He had a Kingdril.


    I can see the boy''s will alone taking form and warping the Ether. "It''s you," I said aloud as my binding spell broke away, allowing the boy, his father, and the noble to move as they fell to the ground. I smirked as I stared into the man''s orange eyes, magic emanating from them. "King Ryu."


    Ryu, the King of Asgard.


    "I should''ve known that you were near since Markus was around," I said as Ryu let go of my arm. He didn''t seem to be hostile or have any source of malice. Does he really think that lowly of me? "Where''s your other protege, the King of Sacrifice?"


    He glares at me, his brows furrowing up with clear intent of combat. But not out of anger. "You and your fellow Prophecybreakers have caused enough problems. Who is your master? Where is he?" He demanded. His voice held authority in a way that can''t be reasoned. It was as if the world itself was responding.


    I took a few steps back as my Vambra dematerialized out of sight. I confidently walked a few steps away, my dress pressing against my legs with each step. My eyes gleamed with excitement. I''ve been waiting for this moment. I even made a spell just for this moment.


    We strode away, making a decent ten feet distance from each other. "I''d rather not do this, Liora," Ryu said, pathetically trying to be sentimental.


    "But I do," I answered with a vicious smile. My heart thumped in my chest with anticipation, and my hand shook with glee as I stared at Ryu''s much smaller body.


    "Killing me or any noble won''t bring back your brother," Ryu said.


    Time slows down at his words. The once excitement that flowed through me was contorted into rage. Images of my younger brother''s body flashed into my head. His eyes ripped out, blood mixed into his tears, dripping down his innocent face. His voice trembles in fatigue and weakness as he cries out in fear. Saying he couldn''t see anything, only darkness and pain as death took him in my arms.


    I lost my patience. "You know nothing of what happened!" I yelled, furious at Ryu''s arrogance. How dare he mention him! How dare he even think of it! Raising my arm up, the Vambra reappears on both of my arms. "Time to die."


    Ryu sighed. "I really wish I was there to save him, Liora. If things were only different." The soft sympathy in his voice made me sick, and I gritted my teeth in anger. Ryu raised his own arms as we scowled at each other.


    The world held its breath as we stood our ground. The tension grew as I took deep breaths to keep my composure. We didn''t dare to move, waiting for the other to strike. The first person to cast a spell loses.


    I know he can sense my magic but can''t see Ether like I can. Sweat dripped down my brow as I waited. Staring at his Ether as it contorts and warps in and out of between the planes of reality. It scared me. Reminded me of my master.


    Soon, Ether instantly rose into his arms as he cast a spell. He immediately pointed at me as a glowing yellow ring formed around his fingers. I couldn''t read what it was, but it didn''t matter.


    My spell activated.


    The world froze, casting a grey pall over the land. The wind stopped blowing, the clouds ceased moving, and the Ether stood still.


    "Time magic," I chuckled as I walked?? o??ver to Ryu, anger still residing in me. "Not even you can use such magic, Ryu. All the power in the world. The power to change fate itself. And you lost to me." I closed the distance, eyeing him up and down. It was much harder to see the Ether due to my spell, but I could easily tell that the rumors of him not being human were true.


    Looking at his spell, I can''t tell what it is or does, even with time frozen. I can see that it is creation magic. Impressive. Creation magic takes on only one form and is on par with Eldril''s and occasionally Kingdril''s, depending on the user. Knowing Ryu, it''s something that would''ve killed me. Walking around the ring, ensuring I didn''t touch it, I stood before Ryu. His eyes looked at where I last stood.


    Appalling.


    Channeling magic into my Vambra''s tip, a magic blade formed in shimmering violet light. Raising it up to his neck. "Sorry, but you aren''t winning this battle. Let''s see if the rumors of you not being able to die are true." I said with confidence. A glistening smirk formed as I pushed the blade into Ryu''s neck.


    My eyes widened as I realized the blade didn''t move. I tried pushing it into Ryu''s neck even more but failed. It was indeed touching him, but it was cutting his skin. I figured it was due to him not being human. Gritting my teeth, I poured more magic into my blade, making it sharp.


    It still didn''t cut.


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    What the hell?


    Glaring at Ryu again, I poured even more magic into the blade. So much so that the time spell I used was starting to waver. Soon, Ryu''s skin split as my blade went straight through his neck. His head stayed on his body, but it would fall off when time resumed.


    I won. I bested Ryu. Who knows? Maybe I could always defeat him in combat. But now is not the time. William must be dealt with.


    Moving away from Ryu, I made my way over to William, still frozen in place as he lay on the ground. Placing my hand in front of his face, my magic blade ready to pierce him. It''s time to end this once more.


    Goodnight, Wil¡­.


    Blood spilled out of my mouth as I stumbled backward, buckling under immense pain. My face scrutinizes in disbelief and shock as my chest feels like it''s being torn out. Slamming my hand to my chest, feeling for any missing parts only to feel that my body is fine.


    Why does it feel like something is ripping me apart?


    Vomiting up more blood, my control over time vanishes as time starts to flow again. The blood that spilled out of my mouth landed on William''s face as I fell to my knees. William looked surprised and disgusted. Gritting my teeth, I tried to reach for him, my arm quivering as my body screamed at me to run. No, it didn''t want me to kill him. Why?


    As I slowly got closer to him once more, my chest radiated in pain as it felt like I was being ripped open from the inside. Warm liquid seeped out of my eyes and down my nose. Tasting it made me realize I was still bleeding. I clenched my teeth tightly as I felt more blood seeping out of my mouth as I tried not to scream.


    It hurts. It hurts. Why does it hurt?


    I immediately left William''s side as I looked down my shirt. I knew this was magic, but I needed to be sure. Looking at myself, I saw a massive ring-like shape buried into my skin. Ether radiated from it. But it was not the same as regular Ether was. I couldn''t interact with it.


    What is this? Is this Ryu''s magic? That spell from earlier. How did it hit me? I stopped time before it could¡­ No. It''s creation magic. It follows the law that is given to the spell that is created. It doesn''t follow casualty the same way that most spells do. When I stopped time, it must''ve responded in kind, and since I didn''t try to dodge it, it hit me anyway. Even if its physical form did stop.


    Looking at William, I could feel my body tingling in concern.


    The spell is a curse. So I can''t get William. Damn you, Ryu.


    Gritting my teeth in frustration, William attacked, swinging a sword at me. My body doubled over in pain as he approached, but I flicked him away with a simple wind magic. Pain surged from me, festering in my chest. The curse definitely was to keep me away and to harm William.


    I have to fall back. I must regroup with the others. Ryu won''t stay dead.


    <hr>


    William''s perspective


    My ears ringed as I sat back up, sword still in hand. The wind magic that Liora sent at me was rough, sending me flying back. Looking towards Liora, I sensed something was up, but I couldn''t put my hand on it.


    Liora, moments ago, was ready to kill me. I could tell she held no fear or concern. She truly believed she had won until she was interrupted. Shaking my head as adrenaline continues to flood my veins, making my arms shake. I smirked at the sudden change of events. Whatever happened, she clearly was vulnerable now.


    Lord Dimmal ran at her, his sword aimed at her head. She, however, was ready, moving out of the way in a quick sidestep. Lord Dimmal didn''t stop as he kept up with her. My father went to the flank. But the moment their coordinated attack would land, Liora vanished into thin air.


    Gone in an instant.


    This wasn''t the first time Liora did it. When she went over to fight that short guy, she ended up in front of me, vomiting blood.


    Looking around to see if she was trying to sneak up, my thoughts raced as my heart pounded in my chest, trying to regain my composure as I clearly remember how close I was to death.


    Angry at the idea of being helpless against Liora, gripping my sword tighter as I could hear the handle of my sword start to crack. I was still anxious as I looked over at the one called Ryu was at. His dead body lay there, and I could see the bone of his neck. Images of Heartglen flooded into my mind, seeing all those people.


    The sudden memory of Hearthglen made me nauseous. Hating myself for being pathetic as my stomach flipped upside down. Gritting my teeth as I resisted the urge to empty my guts, I swallowed my worries and stepped away from the sight of Ryu''s body. I needed to focus on the here and now.


    That''s what my father would tell me.


    Looking away to distract myself, I settled the once-pounding heart back into my chest, no longer threatening to come out. Exhaling deeply, I was able to regain my breath. Whatever happened to Liora, she was gone. Sheathing my sword back into its scabbard, I looked around where we were.


    I was able to take in the surroundings. The road we stood on was similar to that of Hearthglen but was kept nice and clean. There were no cracks anywhere to be seen. The buildings were all random. Some were made from stone, and others from wood. Each one was designed differently as if made by different groups of people.


    Platinum-clad armored knights surrounded us before I could fully take in our surroundings. My father and Lord Dimmal moved closer as the knights circled us. I couldn''t discern their appearance under their armor, but some didn''t seem human. Some had lower legs resembling snakes or bent in different directions, while others had helmets of various shapes. Some had tails or wings.


    I got nervous as they pointed guns and blades at us. "What now?" I blurted out in frustration.


    "Easy, there. They''re with me," a man yelled. I looked over past the guards to see Markus walking up.


    My mind drifted to Aunt Sifle. Did he kill her? My heart clenched at the thought.


    "Sir, the King has been killed! This is serious!" one of the knights yelled.


    "Give him a few more minutes," Markus responded. Was he not concerned for his King? The knight was just as confused. "Are you guys alright?"


    Markus pushed past the knights as Lord Dimmal stepped right up. "We are fine. We weren''t expecting anyone to ask about our location or that Asgard took notice of us." Lord Dimmal was calm and collected, but a hint of confusion and anger mixed into his voice. He was hiding it very well. "We do appreciate your assistance."


    Markus let out a loud chuckle as I relaxed. "Sorry. We got wind of a prophecy of someone coming from Hearthglen just a month ago." Markus smiled at us, leaving me utterly shocked. Maybe because I wasn''t expecting him to be an ally. He finally turned towards where the so-called King Ryu''s body was. "Master Ryu. You''re up?? ??yet?"


    "Ya ya, I''m up." My disbelief turned to awe as Ryu stood whole again, the injury somehow undone, erasing all signs of harm. What the hell? His head was cut clean off. "Wasn''t expecting that?"


    What the fuck?


    Markus walked over to Ryu. "What happened?" His voice was both concerned and confused.


    "Couldn''t even see what happened." Ryu responded as he sat back up. "next thing I knew, I was on the ground dead."


    "It''s not often someone can beat you. Any ways to counter what happened." Markus helped Ryu up off the ground. The cut that would''ve been on Ryu''s neck is long gone. Not even a scar.


    Ryu scoffed out playfully. "Only one way to find out. But we can discuss this later." Ryu walked over to me, making me worried as I held my sword tighter. "Welcome, I''ve been waiting for you¡­"


    Ryu''s words lingered as if he didn''t know what to say next. "William," Markus mumbled to Ryu.


    "William, thank you," Ryu said, sounding almost genuine with his thanks. You had me worried that the prophecy breakers got to you first," Ryu chuckled, leaving me confused.


    "Prophecy breakers?" I asked.


    "Later, let me take you to the guild first to discuss more," Ryu said. His voice was soft but firm as if what he said was the truth. Ryu turned away. "And you, my friend, can relax. If I wanted to kill you all, I would''ve done so already."


    Looking over to Lord Dimmal, I noticed he kept his sword ready. His knuckles were white from gripping the handle tightly. His hand trembled, and his once sharp look was now a furious glare of unimaginable hatred.


    "Why should we listen?" Lord Dimmal''s voice was hostile, which was very unlike him. He was usually open-minded.


    My father stepped between them, placing his hand on Lord Dimmal''s chest. "Dimmal, we should listen. We can''t talk our way out of this."


    Lord Dimmal didn''t like what was happening. Neither did I. I barely trusted this random guy. Lord Dimmal gave a profound sigh as he lowered his sword. "Very well."


    <hr>


    We all made our way to the guild. I was reluctant at first, but my father convinced me otherwise. I didn''t trust this Ryu guy, but we could not argue. My body ached with fatigue and soreness, and my heart was heavy. I wanted to go home.


    Reaching into my pocket, I took out the photo of Mom. Looking at her and my father when they were younger eased my worries, but not the pain of betrayal from Sifle. We should be fighting the Blight, not each other, over some stupid prophecy.


    We gathered around a large, gleaming oak table, the light reflecting off its polished surface. The walls were adorned with an elegant red and black striped banner, framed maps, and portraits of the King of Asgard. The table itself was imposing, clearly intended for important gatherings and discussions.


    I sat next to my father as Lord Dimmal stood behind us. Markus and Ryu sat silently across us; the female head, Luna, was present on the table. It was as if they were waiting.


    I felt so far away from the world I grew up. I wanted to be a dragon knight, fight the Blight, and avenge my mother. It all seemed so simple. How did it go so far off track? The memory of Lord Kevlar''s trial played out in my head right next to the destruction of Hearthglen.


    Mom. What would you tell me?


    My stomach squeezed in anticipation as I felt Aurum''s emotions flood into me, letting me know she was okay. With her well-being comforting me, I tucked the photo back into my pocket. Then the doors flew open, revealing Azrael and Thomas. Both looked displeased and angry as they made it over to the table, not bothering to sit down.


    Ryu smiled at us, making me nervous. He said he wouldn''t kill us, so that''s good. "Good, we can start."


    "We have no business with you," Thomas yelled. I looked at him, seeing the Azrael next to him taken back.


    "I assumed you came to this place to access the guild to message the royal family, correct princess?" Ryu grinned at Azrael. I could see her hand shaking behind her.


    She didn''t answer.


    "You have a lot of nerve coming here to my land." Ryu wasn''t being friendly to Azrael at all. His voice was no longer soft. It had a wave of authority. As if he could kill with just a single syllable. "Especially with the war with Drakelene. One I didn''t want."


    Lord Dimmal interjected. "But one that is deserved since you created the Blight."


    "The Blight originated during the second age, before our time," Luna said. "Since then, Drakelene has effectively kept the Blight contained without assistance. According to documentation, Asgard was never affiliated down south." Her face was serious, and words were spoken elegantly like the nobles I had heard of. "Drakelene has been at war with Asgard since the first Blight attack. Ever since, neither side has suffered any losses."


    "Thank you, Luna," Ryu responded, bowing to her. "I have been trying to be peaceful with Drakelene for a long time. But currently, my hands are full." I didn''t like where this was going. "''I have vampires in the far western continent. We are still dealing with the Isles of Carthan ever since the death of the Wolf King. Trying to keep the peace between the City of Narloca and its surrounding kingdoms, an elven country being discovered, a cultist group sacrificing innocents, demons running amok, and prophecy breakers." Ryu let out a big sigh. It seemed like he was under a lot of stress but was handling it well. "As much as I love to treat you all with great hospitality in hopes of fueling better relationships with Drakelene. My patients have run thin. So here''s what''s going to happen. A Bright nest has appeared twenty miles away from here. You''re going to go there and remove it."


    What?


    My stomach knotted in my chest. I didn''t trust Ryu before, but now I don''t trust him at all. I wanted to yell at him. We have been through a lot, and he wants more from us.


    "Like hell, we will!" Thomas yelled.


    "Why should we just do as you say?" My father stood up.


    "Cause if you don''t, I''ll kill each and every one of you where you stand." Ryu didn''t stutter.


    Everyone went quiet. I could hear my heart skip a beat. My body shook in a way I didn''t know was possible. It wasn''t fear but more like an instinct of preservation. He wasn''t lying.


    "No, you wouldn''t," Azrael mumbled softly. Her voice was uncertain as if she didn''t believe her words.


    Azrael stumbled back as Thomas pushed her to the side. "You dare threaten to kill the next line to the throne? I should kill you where you stand!" Azrael looked at Thomas angrily but couldn''t muster the strength to yell at him.


    "Her family has prolonged an unnecessary war since the second age, and neither side has made progress on winning. Your armies can''t get past our barriers and weaponry, and I never tried to push into your lands." I didn''t want to believe in Ryu. Everything I knew of Drakelene told me we could win against Asgard during the Festival of Souls, where the Dragon Knights demonstrated that they could handle Asgardian weapons.


    "Bullshit," I blurted out, furrowing my face in disbelief. I couldn''t believe what I was hearing. "And didn''t you say you wouldn''t kill us?"


    "Welcome to politics, kid," Markus said, shaking his head. "I hate it just as much."


    Before I could yell, my father touched my shoulders, calming me down slightly. "Why do you want us to go in the first place?"


    "The Blight has been growing stronger each and every passing day." Ryu tilted his head. "I need to know that the royal line hasn''t lagged behind." He leans back in his chair as if he knows he will get what he wants. "So let me sweeten the deal. I sent two assets to that Blight nest to investigate. From what I understand, that nest appeared directly after Hearthglen''s destruction. Go investigate the nest, and the princess can have those assets. One of them is my best tracker. Actually, the best tracker in all of Kalos. And once the task is done, I''ll let you all go free of charge and bring the princess''s father here."

 Chapter Twenty Two

    The Nest


    <hr>


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Fucking spiders. The way they scuttled across the ground is disturbing.


    Was it feeding?


    I soon saw the victim''s arms move, their hands clenching and unclenching.


    We can''t stay here.

 Chapter Twenty Three

Fall


    <hr>


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    His armored helmet was not a joke. That shit fucking hurt.


    What the hell?

 Chapter Twenty Four

Survive


    <hr>


    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

 Chapter Twenty-Five

Stand


    <hr>


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Next Chapter Twenty-Six Regret

 Chapter Twenty Six

    Knock, Knock on Death''s Door


    [Upper slash]</b>. My blade struck the shield from the bottom sending the knight flying back.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    I hate this¡­</i>


    Barren. My father. The people of Hearthglen. I need to win.</i>


    I just became a dragon rider.</i>


    I just talked to my mom, even if it was a delusion. I only regret that I couldn''t speak to her more.</i>


    <hr>