《Reborn into Another World As the Grim Reaper》


 Prologue - A Family of Orphans

    The woman carried with her a gentle step as she brought the boy into the light. A room stood before them booming with chatter, screams, and laughter vibrating through the walls with a chaotic excitement. However, with a single step, the woman brought a swift calming to the other children as their eyes flash to the newcomer.


    She watches as all their eyes begin to divert to her, then with a beaming smile, she chooses to speak.


    "Alright then everyone, sorry for the sudden announcement. However, starting today, we will have a new member in our family!" She smiles down at the boy beside her but is only met with his bowed head.


    The red balloon above him with printed words saying "Hello Everyone!!" floats almost still as the child remains rooted in place. With his shoulders drooped, and his gaze to the ground, he''s nothing like how a five-year-old should be, he appears more of a doll than a child.


    The woman''s smile diminishes as she watches the little boy''s state of being, a deep pain grabs at her heart as she pats the boy''s head.


    "This here is Axel, please, everyone, treat him nicely, and give him the space he needs right now. . He''s been through a lot these past couple of days," her voice graces everyone and they nod their heads in return.


    And with that, she gives Axel one more fleeting smile before leaving him within the crowded room. Alone, still clutching the balloon, he moves himself to a corner, silently sitting away from everyone else.


    The room is quick to return to its hectic state. Though through the commotion a boy chooses to rise with a sympathetic heart and walks towards the boy. His brown hair swishes to the slight sudden jerk of a hand on his shoulder.


    Another kid shakes his blond head at the chubbier boy. "Listen to what the lady says, give him some time."


    Although the chubby boy appears reluctant to do so, he eventually gives in and listens to the blonde boy.


    Lunchtime.


    Large umbrellas cast shade over the children as they happily eat outside. Giggles and chatter echo through the air breaching the silent table where Axel sits alone.


    The older kids keep the younger ones from pestering Axel as they know he needed the time to cope. Some still peak at the small boy staring into the sky with blank eyes, some question why he''d not bothered to get any kind of food.


    Yet at another table, two boys scarf down what they can before pocketing the remains of whatever is left of their meals.


    Nighttime.


    The sun vanishes into the horizon and the moon comes out to play. Just when the adults signal everybody to go to sleep the boys sneak outside of the orphanage. They''re the very same ones who had stashed their leftovers.


    They plop themselves at the end of the staircase leading back to the orphanage and in the light of an old lamppost.


    The two stare out into the distance watching the occasional flicker of light from the worn street lamps. The road before them hadn''t fared any better as trash was strewn along the sidewalks and several cracks left behind uneven patches of asphalt. And in the edges of darkness, a few people sleep with what little they have.


    Then, from out of the darkness of the streets, something approaches them. However, they both smile as they see the stray puppy approaching them. It''s small, gray, and one of its legs is wrapped in a thin bandage forcing a small limp from it. The boys pet the little dog as it happily barks and wags its tail. Then, they take out their leftovers and offer it along with a small cup of water for the little puppy to drink from.


    "There you go buddy, all for you," the boy with blonde hair states as he caresses the puppy''s ear.


    "Glad to see the bandage is helping you recover pal, you''re walking a little better now," the chubby boy points out with a hopeful grin.


    The two of them had found her injured while on one of their nightly ''looking up at the stars'' routine. The poor thing was at the bottom of the staircase, near where they sat now, with a bleeding leg and shivering to near death. The two boys just couldn''t leave it there, so instead, they went back into the orphanage, snuck past the adults, grabbed some bandages, food, water, and a blanket, before rushing back to its aid.


    At first, she was very afraid of the two, she barked and growled, but with an injured leg and barely having any energy left, she couldn''t get away. It was only until the two boys offered her food, did she let them get close enough for the boys to tend to her injury while she ate the food they offered. After she finished, the two boys wrapped her in a warm blanket and took turns warming her up throughout the night.


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    And now, she comes back every night to the orphanage with a happy trot as the two boys come back every night as well to give her food. They sadly couldn''t keep her in the orphanage, otherwise, they would have her inside. So they vowed to do what they could to at least heal her up before ultimately sending her off


    After that quick interaction, they say their goodbyes before turning to head back. By now, even all the adults were asleep so they just walk around the hallways until they find their room.


    Their room is cramped, even if there''s little within it besides the four bunk beds lining the walls. Light cast through a single large window at the farthest end of the room, like rays from heaven. It illuminates the withered wallpaper which clings half-heartedly to the walls. And as they enter the floorboards groan under their weight.


    Nevertheless, no one seemed to mind the circumstance and grew to adapt to them. And this room, in particular, belongs only really to these two boys, they could walk with no worry. However, before they could begin preparing their beds to sleep, an unfamiliar sound halted them.


    The room is enveloped in a heavy silence, punctuated only by the faint sound of stifled sobs, like a distant echo of someone''s heartbreak. Its origin remains a mystery until they turn their gaze towards the corner, where a small figure sits, shrouded in darkness. It''s Axel, the same boy from earlier, his tears painting a sorrowful portrait against the cold, indifferent walls.


    With cautious steps, they approach him, each footfall echoing the weight of the unspoken pain in the room. Axel''s quivering form becomes clearer as they draw near, his small frame huddled against the oppressive solitude of the top bunk''s wall. A deflated balloon lies forgotten on the floor, a symbol of fleeting joy shattered by the harsh reality of his despair.


    "I''m all alone now..." His voice is but a whisper, barely audible amidst the suffocating silence, a lamentation of a soul adrift in an unforgiving world.


    He curls into himself, arms wrapped tightly around his knees, as if seeking solace in the frail embrace of his own despair. Each tear that falls is a testament to the crushing weight of his loneliness, a silent plea for someone, anyone, to alleviate the unbearable emptiness that consumes him.


    "...I have no family..." The words hang heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the cruel hand fate has dealt him, stripping away the comfort of familial bonds and leaving behind only the bitter taste of abandonment.


    The boys tentatively tap on the cold, unforgiving metal of the bunk bed frame, a feeble attempt to bridge the chasm of sorrow that separates them from Axel.


    Axel startles at the touch, his shoulders twitching as he hastily brushes away the tears staining his cheeks, a futile attempt to conceal the rawness of his pain. He turns to face the two boys, a glimmer of fragile hope reflected in his eyes as they offer hesitant smiles, like flickering candles in the darkness of his anguish.


    "Hello, my name is Tom," the chubby boy speaks first, his voice a gentle murmur against the suffocating silence that surrounds them.


    "And my name is George," the blond-haired boy adds hurriedly, his words tumbling out in a rush of empathy. "We''re sorry for startling you... But we want you to know that you''re not alone anymore. Me and Tom, we''re here for you. Everyone in this building is here for you. We''re like family, just like the lady said."


    Tom nods in agreement, his smile tinged with sadness as he echoes George''s sentiment. "He''s right. You''re not alone anymore, Axel. We''re all here for you."


    But Axel''s response is a solemn shake of his head, a silent rejection of the solace they offer. The tears flow unabated, a torrent of anguish that refuses to be contained.


    "My parents... they abandoned me," he chokes out between sobs, his voice a haunting echo of the abandonment he has endured. "They didn''t want me. They called me the devil''s child."


    The weight of his words hangs heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the cruelty of fate and the scars it leaves on the soul. Tom and George exchange helpless glances, their hearts heavy with the weight of Axel''s pain.


    Then, in a fleeting moment of clarity, Tom''s face lights up with a tentative spark of hope. "Then let us be your first friends," he suggests softly, his words a beacon of light in the darkness that surrounds them.


    "...Huh..?" a sniffle erupts from Axel as he is caught off guard. His tears fade as he stares at Tom, confused.


    "That''s a wonderful idea! Ok, Axel, from now on, you can fill in our third slot! Together, we''ll become the three musketeers!!" Excitement explodes on George''s face and flails before the others.


    Even more, confusion rises in Axel, but at least he''d stopped crying. At this the two shoot another wide smile to help settle his mind.


    "You''ll see Axel! You''ll see just how wonderful our family is!! It doesn''t always have to be by blood that makes you family, it can also be through friendship and camaraderie!" Tom wraps an arm around George''s head as he speaks with glee.


    "Welcome aboard Axel, from today and onward, you''ll be one of us now," George states with a tone of sincerity.


    Axel just awkwardly stares at them, he''s at a loss. For all his life, he was alone, throughout the scorching days, and the shivering nights. He had just been surviving off of the streets, never had he ever been treated this way. He doesn''t know what to say, what to feel, but then, his heart starts to beat loudly. He clutches his chest with one hand as he senses an odd sensation, and yet, he doesn''t seem to mind it.


    Tom places something covered in napkins onto Axel''s bed. "Here, it''s the sandwich they served at lunch. I didn''t finish it and I noticed you didn''t eat anything. Don''t worry, this piece doesn''t have germs as I ate my sandwich in pieces." Though before Axel can attempt to respond, they both go to the opposite side of the room and hop onto their bed.


    As they are trying to sleep, they both hear Axel quietly eating away at the sandwich. This brought a smile to the both of them as they went to sleep with a peaceful conscience...


    Little did Axel know, something beautiful was about to bear fruit. With today marking the end of his troubled past. The three of them will forge a bond that could not be shaken. And this bond... is family...

 Time Skip - The Journey Called Life

    "Alright, everybody! Cuddle up next to each other, or otherwise we won''t all fit in the picture!" A voice comes from behind a camera before the lady rushes out to stand next to the children.


    All of the children stand in front of the orphanage as they all pose and smile for the camera.


    Axel, is at the very left of the frame, still unsure if he fits in with the rest. But before any of his doubts can take shape, George jumps in between Axel and Tom, pulling them in with a hug and a giant smile. Axel''s surprised expression and the "rabbit ears'''' Tom hid behind his head gave him a goofy contrast to everyone else''s genuine smiles.


    Everybody begins laughing except for Axel. And yet, upon seeing them laugh so much, a small smile began to form across his face.


    Though the night fell fast upon the child as he lay awake staring deep into the void of his darkened room. He didn''t know what to think. How could something, someone give him such joy so easily?


    What did he do to deserve to be rewarded?


    The questions bothered him, but who was he to answer them? However, the further his mind began to wander, so did sleep begin to consume him. He dreamt of nothing that night, not even knowing he fell asleep until he awoke.


    - The next week -


    *sniffs* *sniffs*


    Axel''s eyes hold shut as he holds out some leftovers as an offering.


    He''d been dragged out by his two friends to sneak past the adults despite him protesting not to go. Once they finally got him outside, they introduced the stray puppy. However, when she saw the unfamiliar face, she barked and growled which made Axel tense and flinch to each one.


    Though as soon as she begins nibbling on the food, and wags her tail, Tom grabs Axel''s other hand and places it on the puppy''s head. He resists at first, but upon opening his eyes and petting the puppy, he slowly opens up and keeps feeding the puppy with a happy smile.


    - Later that night -


    Axel''s body lurches forward to the sound of creaking floorboards. Tom and George stand before him wearing concern on their faces as they climb on his bed. Before he can even utter a response, the two gently hug him.


    "You okay?" Tom asks as he pulls away to see Axel''s face.


    Axel freezes on the spot, he couldn''t possibly know how to answer. He looks down at his own body, he is covered in a light film of sweat. His dream is still playing in the back of his mind, yet so distant he could hardly recognize it.


    He shakes his head.


    George squishes the two into another tighter. "We''re always here..."


    - The next month -


    "Alright then class, this is Axel, the new transfer student, please treat him nicely," the teacher gestures to him, encouraging him to introduce himself.


    He reluctantly steps up, glancing down at the floor, his whole body shakes uncontrollably upon having these many eyes on him.


    "H-Hi . . . N-Nice to m-meet . . . y-you." As soon as the words leave Axel''s mouth both Tom and George rush to his side and pull him into a hug!


    "This is Axel everyone! He''s extremely cool!" George shouts over Axel''s thumping heart.


    Tom nods in agreement. "Yup, he''s even beaten me at chess. And you all know I''m the king when it comes to chess."


    The entire class looks at him both surprised and intrigued. Everybody knows George and Tom, and to see them give someone so much praise, curiosity fills their minds. Their gazes grow stronger as Axel shivers upon noticing them.


    With the bell signaling the end of lunch, the kids rush back to class. Their teacher greets them with a collection of art supplies. And as the final student enters, she averts the attention of the children to the front board.


    ''Family Day'' is written across with an elegant grace to it. "So for today, class, we will be starting off the school year by drawing our families!"


    Although she gestures with glee, a cold sweat begins to overtake Axel. His skin goes pale as the rest of the class begins to cheer as they gather their utensils. He claws at his neck as his breaths begin to quiver. Then his nerves ripple as his eyes become possessed by the past.


    The thump of his heart matches the approaching footsteps. His breath grew cold as his world went dark. A pair of hands reach out from the void, forcibly wrapping long scraggly fingers around his throat. His jugular shuts tight, choking out his scream as his petrified eyes lay upon the hellish grin laughing out at him.


    Disfigured voices scream in his ears! And desperately he tries to cover his ears, but to no avail as they only grow louder in response!


    "YOU TOOK EVERYTHING FROM ME! stop it... YOU SHOULDN''T HAVE BEEN BORN! YOU SHOULDN''T HAVE BEEN BORN!! no... YOU''RE A DEVIL CHILD! YOU DESERVE TO BE BURNED! but... IF ONLY YOU HADN''T BEEN BORN!! WE COULD''VE LIVE A BETTER LIFE!! SO I''MA FIX WHAT I STARTED!! DIE-DIE-DIE-DIE-DIE-DIE!!" The hands crush his esophagus as Axel''s mind spirals into his own abyss. Then a somber cry echoes from within him, "but why dad...?"


    The other children watch as the teacher tries to wake the boy from his delusions. Though no matter what she did, he only responds in pained grunts and silent screams.


    "Get a nurse!" As soon as the order lands, Tom and George launch from their seats. With no time to lose they fly through the hallways to retrieve a nurse.


    After a prolonged moment, Axel is able to come back to reality. Yet, he remains within the nurse''s office until a caretaker from the orphanage receives him.


    - Axel turns six years old -


    Everybody at the orphanage pitches in to buy Axel a cake. Although it isn''t really a party, everyone enjoys it nevertheless. They all sing songs at night, play mini-games, tell stories, and lastly sing the happy birthday song to Axel.


    Once he blows the candles out, everybody encourages him to bite down on the cake. As soon as he does, Tom swoops in and gently pushes Axel, leaving his nose covered in frosting. The room erupts with laughter as Axel smiles and grabs a good handful of icing, before chasing Tom and covering his face in it. Once again the room erupts in laughter.


    Though after all of the commotion, Axel looks to the moon. Even though he has seen it countless times, yet today, the moon feels different. No longer will he gaze upon it with sorrow in those lonesome nights, for he has found a place he can call home.


    - Seven years old -


    The boys are caught sneaking at night. The adults scold them for sneaking out and secretly feeding a stray dog. However, just as they fear the worst, the adults take in the dog and give it a shower. Since that day, the dog has no longer been a stray, for she belongs to the family.


    - Eight years old -


    The bucket of paint sloshes as the kids plop whatever they can into it and slap the walls. The three of them laugh as they create silly shapes in paint. Their dog barks and wags her tail, encouraging them as she stands far enough away to not be in the splash radius. Her collar jiggles brandishing a silver tag with the name, Daisy, lying across it.


    Tom accidentally puts his hand on the paint in their room which leaves a hand-print. He apologizes, but the other two just laugh it off and put their handprints as well.


    - Nine years old -


    Their shoes clack softly upon the worn asphalt. They stop only for a moment as Tom drops what spare change he''d mustered up into a rugged man''s small can. Before the man could even notice, they pressed on. Confusion struck Axel, as for them, money was the hardest to come by.


    "It never hurts to help somebody in need. Just a small act of kindness can go a long way to helping the lives of others," Tom speaks over his shoulder to Axel as he notices his expression.


    - Two months later -


    Rays of light creep through the foliage and splash across the streets both Axel and George decide to roam. Neither of them spoke, only the sounds carried on the evening breeze went between them. However, they weren''t alone on this walk as Daisy strolls alongside them with little care for where they were heading. She was happy just to tag along.


    Though she wasn''t the small pup she used to be, her youthfulness is still shown through her actions. Barking and chasing any small critter that crosses her line of sight. She would constantly create a mess around the orphanage, but she would always get off the hook because of the puppy eyes she would make. She would also get angry with them if they forget to take her out for a walk.


    Yet, through all of that, no one found her annoying and only thought of it as a part of her personality. She always livens the mood wherever she decides to appear.


    As the three of them round a corner, George suddenly slams into someone. Yet, before he can smack the floor, Axel catches him and pulls him back to his feet.


    "Thanks for the save bro," George breathes out before they notice the girl rubbing her head while sitting in front of them. Without another thought, George reaches out his hand to her.


    "My apologies, let me help you up." George gives a grin before he catches the shock in the girl''s face staring back at him. Even though Axel didn''t personally believe in true love at first sight, he''s left second-guessing himself as George''s cheeks immediately flush red. His hand quakes as his mouth is left agape. Axel quickly masks his chuckle as he notices George becoming magnetized by her beauty.


    With an embarrassed smile, she looks up to George, and her eyes widened as soon as they land on him. Her face turns red as she timidly takes George''s hand which makes him quiver upon her touch.


    Axel lets out a cheesy smile as he lays his back upon the wall with Daisy next to him. A tug in his chest forced a deep sigh to pass his lips. He plays with Daisy as the other two stare at each other awkwardly and start up small talk.


    Despite being cringy and funny, Axel finds it quite cute to witness innocent love. By the time they go their separate ways, George leaves staring at the orange sky, smiling dumbly and love-stricken. Honestly, it''s as if he has been stricken by a cupid''s love arrow. Starting that day, George volunteers to take out Daisy for a walk and never misses a day.


    - Ten years old -


    "Tag!! You''re it," Axel shouts as he tags Tom.


    And although he chases every student around the school, it became apparent to him that he just wasn''t on the same physical level as everyone else. In the end, he didn''t manage to catch anybody.


    "Hold... up! Jesus... christ, you guys... are fast..." Tom huffs as he holds his knees.


    George comes back with a water bottle."Here take this."


    However, before George can react, Tom smirks. He pounces with glee as he takes the bottle and tags George!


    "Haha!! Sucker!!" Yells Tom as an angry George chases him down!


    - Back home -


    A click rings out as the boys drop what little change they could scrounge up into the small glass jar. A label ran across it with "Wonder Land" scribbled in a bolded marker on it. They repeated this action every night before bed, almost like a ritual.


    They''d learned about it after the adults had gotten a TV for all of the kids to enjoy. Though it was nothing more than a little commercial, it boiled their blood with excitement! Without patience, the three hastily made the pact to save up any money they could in order to go.


    - Eleven years old -


    A gulp dropped hard in their throats collectively, the three musketeers were now in uncharted territory. The first day of middle school had begun.


    Their seniors shoot disapproving stares causing their nerves to only tighten worse and worse.  Yet, this scary day soon changes once they notice that same girl that George likes is in the same class as them. They both blush upon noticing each other.


    A mischievous smile cuts across both Axel''s and Tom''s faces as they pier at one another.


    - A month later -


    "RUN!! TOM RUUUUN!!!!!" yells a laughing Axel as they both run away from an angry George across the hallway!


    They''ve played a prank on George by putting a camouflage fart bag on his chair. Luckily it''s morning, so nobody is there besides his crush, whose name is Samantha. And the only way he really figured who the culprit was, was due to Axel falling to the floor laughing.


    "Ahhhhhh!! Tom help me!!" shouts Axel.


    Tom keeps on running . . He has tears in his eyes as he looks back at Axel. . . and salutes.


    "You will be missed, bro . ." was his only response.


    Axel lets out a light smile as he salutes back . .


    "Get to the chopper . . brother," they both say their goodbyes as Axel bears the punishment.


    This was just one of the many pranks the three would play on one another, so this routine came as no surprise to them nor anyone else. They''re a weird bunch, so much so that the whole school started to pay attention to them. Not only due to their odd behaviors but the fact that they were also the only orphans in the school.


    - A month later -


    The sun bore down on Tom as his feet finally brought him across the finishing line. His time was worse than that of last year.


    Sweat dribbles down his arms and legs as his shirt was slightly damp. He takes a few deep breaths before sighing to his belly rolls. No one actually paid any mind to his increasing weight, but as he looks on to his friend, his brothers, his teeth clench. He knew what he needed to do.


    And although the night came quicker than he''d realize, he still forces the responsibility on his shoulders. Though the other two thought it somewhat silly, they watch on as Tom tightens a headband around his head.


    With a deep breath, he begins with squats with the others cheering him on while giving him the space he needs. Even Daisy chimes in with small barks of encouragement.


    However, he still only lasts for a few minutes.


    "Ugh... I give up..." Tom groans as he lays on the floor, already exhausted.


    Axel and George rub and pinch their nose as they watch him give in so easily. Though Tom doesn''t pay them any mind as he reaches for his chips. Yet, before he can even lay a finger on them, Daisy grabs them and darts out into the hall.


    A low grumble leaves Tom as he pushes himself up and chases after her. A chuckle rises within him as he realizes he still has to work for his luxury.


    - A week later -


    Axel sits alone staring out his room''s window. His brothers had left with their coop in betterment of themselves. George with his budding relationship with the girl he liked, and Tom with his newfound enjoyment of exercise. Yet, Axel didn''t have a goal he wanted to chase, and so he stayed behind.


    He could feel his veins slowly constricting, feeling the weight of things he didn''t want to face.


    His gaze fell from the window and to his curled knees. Dipplets dripped upon the floor without him even realizing, though as soon as the first few clatters he quickly wipes them away. He didn''t want to burden anyone else with his problems.


    A deep sigh left him empty.


    This was the first time in a long time where this room felt too big for him. And so, he turns away from it, back to the window, and back to the world that too felt too distant to touch.


    - Another week later -


    A grumble catches Axel as he makes his way towards his class. He quickly turns to find the owner, a small boy standing in front of a vending machine. They were shuffling around their pockets in search of any more coins they could use. A frown quickly takes over their face as they come empty-handed.


    Axel smiles as he instantly walks to the student and pats his back. This caught the kid by surprise, but Axel pays no mind and places three dollars inside the vending machine.


    "You can keep the change," says Axel as he walks away.


    The kid''s expression brightens as he shouts over the crowd."Thank you!!"


    Even though Axel didn''t do it to catch attention, somebody witnesses his interaction with the boy.


    - Twelve years old -


    "You have reached five miles!" says Tom''s phone. The sun barely hugs the sky as Tom stands in front of the orphanage. Sweat dribbles down his face as he huffs what air he can breathe in.


    The small chubby boy he''d been last year had faded into his past. A smile grows across his face as he wipes his forehead. After almost an entire year all his hard work was paying off.


    He now stood with a slim physique and a much stronger will. With his newfound passion, he was able to quickly become the fastest student, breaking all kinds of records in track and field for his school.


    With a deep breath, he goes to wake the others. Then the three of them start the day by brushing their teeth together in unison as they always have.


    "Hey Axel, can you toss me my--"


    Before George can finish, a shoe comes flying into his lap. Axel shoots him a grin and he gives a nod in return. Without another moment to lose the three-step out from the orphanage.


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    A smile lights up George''s face once he spots Samantha standing next to the gated entrance. She too brightens upon seeing him approach her. A shade of pink fills her cheeks as George takes her hand and she squeezes his in response. They''d done this every morning since they officially became a couple.


    And without notice, they walk steadily faster than the other two can casually keep up with. Yet, both Axel and Tom smile for them.


    "Oh boy, did he grow so fast," says Axel as he wipes a proud tear from his eye.


    "You know he''s older than you," Tom points out before stretching.


    - Later that night -


    "Ahhhhh!!!"


    "Runaway Axel!!! He''s too much for us!!"


    "No way!! We ride together!! We die together!!"


    The flashing lights resonate from the TV contrasting the three tense faces within the otherwise darkened room. They jam the buttons frantically while looking into each other''s eyes for help!


    "Quick!! I need healing!!" Panics George.


    "Ahhhhh!! We aren''t gonna make it!!" Screeches Tom.


    "Stay strong brothers!! We''ve come too far to give up!!" Screams Axel.


    The demon king howls as he slams a mighty wave upon the three! Even though the sun is beginning to dwindle, luckily, the living room is far enough to not disturb anyone.


    In complete unison, they launch one final attack upon the overlord. The whole room is quiet, the three of them are frozen in place as what happens slowly processes in their mind.


    "Did... did we win?" asks Tom.


    "I... I think...we did..." replies George.


    Soon, their victory finally settles in as they jump for joy!


    "WE WON!!" They all yell together, embracing each other in a group hug.


    - The next day -


    "We finally have enough money to go to Wonder Land!!" Exclaims Axel in excitement!


    After so many years of saving up, they finally had earned enough money to go to Wonder Land. They''d even gained enough for George to bring Samantha along with him.


    They finally settled to go next month. The three of them jump for joy, having the power to grasp the world in their hands. Though they now patiently count the days to come until next month arrives.


    - The next month -


    Coughs stifle Tom''s lunges as they escape into the cold room. Tom is bedridden with his temperature rising higher within the passing seconds.


    Today they''d planned to go to Wonder Land. However, over the last week, gradually Tom''s health began to drastically get worse within the passing days, developing symptoms of a sickness. They would''ve gone to a doctor if the orphanage could''ve afforded it, but luck wasn''t on their side.


    So all three of them can do is to just hope for the best and pray that the fever would vanish sometime before the planned day. But it only got worse. So bad that Tom began to have pain in his muscles, causing him to have many difficulties.


    Guilt eats away at him as the day they were looking forward to quickly descends upon them.


    Everybody circles around his bed, devastated. Samantha and Daisy are also here to support him. Daisy licks Tom''s hand, comforting him.


    "I''m sorry... everyone..." says Tom with a tear in his eyes. He clenches his blanket, wanting to scream at himself.


    Everyone smiles, shaking their heads at his apology.


    "Get better soon my friend, it''s not your fault." Axel places his hand on his shoulder trying to calm Tom''s rising nerves.


    "We can go some other time," George reassures him.


    Once they consult Tom, they wait for him to fall asleep before leaving him to rest. And as they go, they shatter their coin jar before heading to the pharmacy with the money to buy Tom medicine to combat the fever.


    - Thirteen years old -


    The final year of middle school. As Axel aids, another fellow classmate, a tap on his shoulder forces him to turn to the source.


    "Um... Hello, you''re Axel correct?" a feminine voice asks from behind.


    Axel turns around with a smile, but then quickly becomes in shock to witness Vanessa standing before him. She was hands down the most popular girl in school, talking to him of all people. And true to the rumors, she immediately stands out from the rest of the girls.


    It wasn''t due to fancy clothes or any jewels, on the surface she was just like any other girl. But it was her inherent beauty that couldn''t even be compared.


    Her genuine smile causes Axel to freeze in place. Heat immediately rises to his skin before he can even get a single thought within his head.


    "Y-Yes, haha... That''s my name," Axel stumbles on his words after a silent moment passes.


    "Axel... I believe you''re the first person I''ve encountered that has that name, I like it, it''s pretty cool."


    Vanessa''s cheerful words cause a lump in his throat.


    "Ah sorry, there I go rambling again. That was not why I wanted to talk to you."


    "What did you want to talk to me about?" Axel questions.


    She then closes her eyes and smiles brightly while putting a finger near her chin.


    "Axel, why are you the way you are?" She asks innocently.


    ''Utterly crushed!! She has basically questioned my entire existence!!'' The sudden thoughts rampage through his head as he falls to the floor in defeat. .


    Vanessa flails her arms around while shaking her head as she realizes the misunderstanding she has created.


    "No-no-no-no-no! Let me rephrase that better... I just notice how you usually go out of your way to help others so often."


    She explains as she then walks to the windows and stares at the sky, completely masking her face.


    "Don''t get me wrong, I know people can be nice. But you go the extra mile and help everybody, even if they are strangers to you."


    Axel follows her slightly, following her gaze. However, he falls just short of standing by her.


    "I''m sorry if this may come across as creepy... but I know that you come from a poor orphanage. People are nice, don''t get me wrong, but most of the time. That''s only because they can afford to be nice. It doesn''t hurt them as much as let''s say if a homeless person offers their hard-earned money to someone in need. It''s not because they are greedy per se, but because, more than anything, it comes down to the need to survive.


    People tend to help themselves first before they help others, even I am guilty of this. And yet..."


    Light catches Axel''s eyes as it flows off her black hair as she turns to meet him. His eyes widen at the sight and his chest tightens ever-so-slightly.


    "You choose to help others, other than yourself. Every time, without fail...


    From giving money to people who can''t pay for their lunches, to letting others borrow your school supplies, to always going out of your way to make someone''s day. Tell me, what is your reasoning?" Vanessa''s eyes glisten with curiosity as she questions him.


    Axel ponders for a moment, taken aback that he was being asked this question in the first place. He doesn''t think much of it, he just thought it was the natural thing to do.


    A brief memory flashes of his friends before him as he turns back at her. This time his words roll off his tongue naturally.


    "A great friend once told me. It never hurts to help somebody in need. Just a small act of kindness can go a long way to helping the lives of others. I''ve taken his words to heart and now... I act upon it every day." A confident smile splits across Axel''s face.


    Vanessa beams at his response, satisfied, she begins to walk out of the class.


    "Hehe~ you''re an odd one, Axel. Do you mind if I could talk to you later down the road? I would like to know more about you," a soft chuckle escapes Vanessa as she stops by the door and glances back at Axel.


    "Sure thing, come and talk to me whenever you want," responds Axel.


    She grins once more before she leaves, Axel lets out a sigh of relief. There they were, the two compadres, Axel''s face drops as both Tom and George smile mischievously.


    "Damn bro, aiming high I see." Tom nudges him with his elbow.


    "I''m so proud of you," George speaks like a proud father.


    Axel''s face flushes as he realizes he has committed the gravest of mistakes by not checking his surroundings first before he talks. But now, they aren''t the only problem, all of the boys in the class stare daggers into Axel. They felt like beams, melting away at him as if he were butter...


    - Later down that day -


    "Hey, can you pass me the soup cans now?" Asks Tom from on top of a ladder.


    "Here you go," replies George as he passes the soup can down to Tom.


    To make up for last time, the three of them began working at a grocery store in order to make enough money for the Wonder Land tickets. Axel mops the floor from aisle to aisle while the other two struggle to place cans at the very top of the shelves.


    "Urggh! Almost... there!" Tom grumbles as he tries his hardest to place the can.


    "Tom! Watch out!" Yells George as the ladder becomes unstable! Tom falls on top of George and they both tumble with a large thud!


    Axel rushes over there as fast as possible!


    "Are you guys alright!?" Panics Axel.


    The two of them are on the floor with a mess of soup cans all over the aisle. They both have stars in their eyes as their heads slowly spin around.


    ". .ehhhh . . . the soup aisle is on special offer . ." Murmurs Tom.


    " . . Buy one . . . get the second one for free . . ." George continues.


    Thankfully, both of them are not harmed. Axel lets out a light chuckle upon noticing that the boys remembered their lines.


    - A week afterward -


    Coins clatter onto the tiled floor and scatter amongst the people. The line disfigures to catch a glance at the quivering boy.


    With one hand, Axel squeezes his wallet and with the other, he cups his mouth. His eyes vibrate as he stares down at the counter. The barista observes his breaths beginning to grow harsh and violent.


    Tom and George immediately respond to the call to action and rush over to his aid! With worry coating their faces, they each take a shoulder.


    "Yo Axel! Snap out of it buddy! We''re here for you!" George thrashes him to his senses!


    "Please come back to us! Axel!" calls out Tom from the realm of reality.


    The two of them fight to win over Axel''s consciousness. The struggle seems endless, but they somehow manage to subdue him. His eyes revert back to their usual self, his muscles relax, and a long breath escapes him.


    His friends follow suit with their own sighs of relief, before George asks, "You good?"


    An awkward silence envelops the storefront, with everyone''s eyes laying upon the boy. The two of them take no mind of the crowd as their sole attention was on Axel, giving him reassuring smiles.


    However, their smiles fall flat as they witness their friend deteriorating before them. His shoulders droop as he turns to them with watery eyes.


    "I¨CI''m sorry..."


    His face is plagued with guilt as his words fall.


    "I''m so sorry for causing a scene again..."


    He averts his gaze out of shame, condemning himself for putting his friends on the spot again.


    "Don''t apologize," Tom cuts him off while patting his shoulder.


    George lets out a small chuckle to calm the tension.


    "It''s no big deal bro. Me and Tom will keep doing this for the rest of our lives if we have to. Cause that''s what families do," George states with a wink and a thumbs-up, "we''re family, and we''ll always be family."


    They pull Axel into a bear hug.


    Though after a moment, they remember where they are and hurriedly go back to ordering their drinks.


    - Three months later -


    "Hahahaha! You cried when you got your vaccines!?" Vanessa laughs hysterically.


    Axel told Vanessa of the time where all of the children went to the hospital to get their vaccines. Axel was the last child to get his vaccine, but after hearing all of his family shout in pain. He hid in the hospital and forced all of the staff to look for him. After getting captured, he made every attempt to escape and made every excuse under the book of excuses to not get the vaccine. He cried the loudest out of any child, and that was even before they even gave him the shot.


    "Hey, in my defense, vaccines hurt like hell," states Axel with a pout.


    Vanessa continues to mask her laugh with her hands, but to no avail. She snickers so hard that literal tears flood her eyes.


    "Vaccines aren''t even that painful you big baby! I didn''t even feel it when I got mine," says Vanessa as she punches him playfully.


    Over the span of a few months, the two grew closer, having their frequent encounters grow longer with every session. Though the first few times, Axel would lock up, usually not knowing how to respond. And Vanessa on the other hand, being oblivious, would always ask the strangest of questions.


    Like, "how''s living in an orphanage?" or "how do you entertain yourself when you get bored?". Though her question might have come across a tad rude, they stemmed from her curiosity due to Axel''s foreign life.


    Yet, when he saw that spark of naivety in her eye it warmed him to the idea of explaining himself. Even if it was quite weird for him to talk about himself, but to her, he was this adventurous teen who was able to have so many strange yet beautiful stories.


    And after months, she came to him far more often. Sometimes without anything specific, but just to enjoy his company. Axel didn''t honestly know why she''d singled him out, out of the entire school no less, but he gradually opened up to her company. Around him, she is able to forget her own popularity and just allow herself to relax. Though this didn''t stop the cold stares Axel would receive after their chats.


    - New Years, in Wonder Land -


    "Three!"


    The four are about five hundred feet (152.4 meters) up in the air. . The rush of the breeze has everyone shiver to the core as their heart drums in their ears, sweating bullets. They clutch onto the seat as hard as they can, but their worries only increase as it gives an uncertain groan . .


    " Two!" yells the announcer.


    Their feet dangle and the seats feel loose. Tom sees the ground is even further than he''d imagined. . Instantly pulling his head back and hugging the seat tighter than ever.


    "No god no, regrets were made," mumbles Tom as his heart beats so fast it was ready to burst at any moment! Their palms are slick with sweat as they try to control their breathing. However, the adrenaline rushing through them proved to be far too much.


    "One!!"


    "AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" -everybody.


    The seats suddenly drop! They all scream at the top of their lungs as the sudden rush of wind blows over them as if they were in a freefall! Everybody braces for impact!! But just at the last possible second, the seats slow and catch the people, gently lowering them down to the safety of the ground.


    "Please come again!" says the announcer.


    "I think I peed a little . . " Tom wobbles.


    Even though winter had already come, today was luckily a bright one. The group took this opportunity to hop on every ride and enjoy the park to its fullest.


    "AHHHHHHHHAHAHAHAHAHA," yells everybody as the coaster does a loop!


    Though dizzy they still make it to the game booths. With a shake of his head, George rids himself of nausea before picking up a dart.


    *Pop*


    "Congratulations!! Here''s your prize!!"


    George wins a cute teddy bear by popping five balloons in a row and offers it to Samantha. She gladly takes it and hugs it tightly.


    "Damn!! This is a really good burger!!" A cheery Tom diverts the group''s attention as he happily munches on a burger.


    They''ve stopped at a food stand for lunch, even though the food is extremely pricey (especially for them). But in the end, they have to admit, those were some good burgers.


    "Haaayaaaahh!" Tom smashes the sledgehammer into the wooden target!


    Baby, weak, mama''s boy, passable, ok, nice, great, awesome! muscle man! Hercules, superhuman! Though to everyone''s surprise, the top buzzer dings. Legend! However, of course, both Axel and George have full confidence in him.


    After the sun had finally set, the group decide to end out the day by riding the train which circles the theme park. With big, goofy smiles they lean into the windows, catching the last glimpses of the sunset.


    - Later that night -


    The group is located at Silly city, it closely resembles the early nineteen hundreds British cities with a Big Ben at its center.


    Snow begins to fall . . Everybody brightens as they reach for the sky. The entire city feels alive, but surprisingly, it was mostly quiet as the crowd patiently waited for something.


    Axel tries to catch as many snowflakes as he can, beaming as he turns to the others. They all return his smile with their own as they remember the journey they had together. To some people, they might feel sorry for the trio as they grew up poor and as orphans. But for the three of them, it was the best years of their lives. .


    The clock hits twelve, as the grand bell starts to ring. Many bright lights begin to rise from the ground and fly towards the sky! The mere sight of this leaves them speechless, their eyes sparkle brighter than the stars above as they clutch their hearts. .


    *Boom!*


    The fireworks illuminate the entire sky with dazzling colors. Enveloping the four in its magical aura.


    "Happy New Year!!" everybody cheers!!


    Both Axel and Tom spring into the air as they hug each other! George pulls Samantha close before embracing her in a kiss.


    From the loud fireworks in the background to their beating hearts... This is the highlight of their life. It''s perfect, almost like a storybook.


    - The night after -


    The moon bathes the room in a pale blue tone. Dividing what little shadows dwell within the cracks and crevices in the floorboards and the walls.


    Between the rustling of leaves and an owl''s call, a soft whimper echoes through the dorm. This forces a stir within Tom and George before they lurch off their beds. Bolting to Axel''s side, making sure he is okay.


    Sweat envelopes his face as it twists and distorts while he wrestles his bedding. And as his state goes worse and worse, George rushes up to his ladder.


    "Hold up," Tom whispers while tapping one of George''s legs.


    George raises a brow, watching Tom gesture to Axel. Turning his gaze to the boy.


    To their utter shock, Axel''s condition begins to dwindle. His tears of sadness gradually begin to convert into that of happiness, and his frown manifests into a beautiful smile. Leaving the boy breathless, the subtly within Axel finally clicked in their eyes.


    He''s... changing. Tom nearly cries as he witnesses the miracle.


    " A-Axel''s... actually having a nice dream... "


    - Summer vacation -


    Axel and Tom watch as George descends the stairs to meet his significant other. He walks forward to meet Samantha''s gaze as she steps out from a car with her parents inside. Silence greets him as he sees the back of the vehicle was filled with luggage.


    They are now out of middle school and are moving onto high school. Her parents found a more profitable job outside of the city and planned to move once she got out of middle school. Both George and Samantha thought of their future plans and ultimately decided to go their separate ways. Wanting to end on a happy note rather than to over-drag their relationship into nothingness.


    Nevertheless, it still hurt like hell.


    They both enlock in a hug, all while trying to hold back tears, however, failing miserably to do so. The smiles they wear falter as they bid their farewells, reluctant to let go of each other''s grasp.


    "If we meet each other in the future, will we hang around like old times?" asks Samantha.


    "You bet we will, we''ll have even MORE fun when we become adults," George answers while trying to hold up his smile.


    As they finally let go, Samantha pulls him by his shirt and into a kiss, completely catching him off guard. But with the sudden shock dissipating, he wraps her tightly in his arms.


    George watches his reflection bounce back to him as Samantha closes the car door between them. The engine springs to life before turning down the driveway.


    Once it vanishes off on the horizon, he turns around and finds his two friends. They''d been waiting for him with open arms. .


    "You guys..." George says as he runs towards them with tears streaming down his face.


    They don''t say a word as they pat him on the back and let him cry on their shoulders...


    - A month later, in the night -


    "Oh there you are George," says Axel as he walks out of the orphanage and down the stairs where both he and Daisy sat.


    Both Tom and Axel had been searching for him as he was nowhere to be found.


    "Haha, my bad, I was just thinking," replies George as he turns back at the night sky.


    Both Axel and Tom sit next to him. "About what?"


    "Tell me guys, what are you guys planning on doing once high school is over?" asks George. They both peer at each other as the question catches them by surprise. They hadn''t put too much thought into their future.


    "Umm... I guess perhaps start a gym of some sort," Tom gives a half-hearted answer, still unsure of how to answer.


    George chuckles at Tom''s typical response before turning to Axel.


    "How about you? Got anything in mind?"


    Axel ponders and reflects on his own life. His story flashes before his eyes as he recalls every memory, even down to the very first one he made with his abusive parents.


    "I just want to be with you guys throughout my life, but other than that, I guess I would like to make my own orphanage," Axel''s answer throws the two off-guard.


    He remembers the days he would be alone at night in the streets, praying to the moon that one day his hell would end. Enough though he had a bad start in life, he knew he wasn''t the only child who suffered the way he did. . That''s why starting an orphanage sounded like a good idea in his mind, so he can prevent as many kids from going through the same hell he went through.


    "How about you George?" questions Axel.


    He smiles and spreads his arms wide. "I want to explore the world. Go to all the continents and explore new cultures I''ve never seen before..."


    Both Axel and Tom come to an agreement by nodding to each other and both say.


    "Then how about we do all three together!" They both say and George laughs.


    "Hahaha! I knew you guys were going to say that. Bet, let''s complete our goals in life together brothers," George says as he outstretches his hand to them.


    They all unite hands and smile at one another. Then, at the same time, they all raise their hands up in the sky and shout.


    "Let''s do it!!"


    - Last day of summer vacation -


    "Alright then everybody!! Circle up or else we won''t all fit in the camera," says the lady. Throughout the years, her cheery smile still shown through her wrinkles and greying hair.


    Most of the orphans are newer faces, they have come and gone throughout the years, all the friends the three grew up with have been adopted. This time, the three are at the very center of the group, bent down since they''re now the tallest.


    Daisy comes to the three, though with age, slowness crept into her. Yet, still, she has a pleasant surprise in the form of four puppies.


    The lady rushes into frame as she starts the timer.


    3


    2


    1


    Axel smiles brightly as he pulls in his brothers just as the camera takes the picture.


    There they are, Axel smiling as both Tom and George made goofy expressions in the picture. Daisy sits below them alongside her puppies in the shot.


    With everyone''s happiness framed, this moment will be permanently ingrained within them...

 Chapter 1 - The Demon in the School - ( The Tragic Angel Arc )

    Across the hushed hallway, clattering steps echo through the corridor. Catching the attention of the crowd, they watch with scowls as the hooded figure makes his way through. The little noise that was present had all but disappeared. Leaving only his footsteps to hang in the palpable air. Hatred seeks through their eyes, watching, waiting for him to make a move so they could pounce on him and devour him whole.


    The hooded figure¡¯s eyes fall to the lanyard dangling around his neck. Axel didn¡¯t like the senior picture he was forced to put on it. He didn''t mind stares, he only wanted to make it to class where the only two people he knew as family would be.


    "C''mon baby, let''s go, the demon is here," whispers a boy as he takes his girlfriend somewhere else upon seeing Axel.


    "Look guys, it''s the savage sex ape," gossips a girl as she leaves with her group of friends, all while laughing behind his back.


    The others remain quiet, standing indifferent about the rumors, but would otherwise keeping clear of the hooded man. And as he walks, Axel can feel eyes digging into his back, crawling along his spine.


    According to the rumors, Axel had become a lustful scumbag who manipulated multiple girls into having his way. Though that one was still better than the one about him being responsible for imprisoning his parents.


    Other rumors say that he''s an academic fraud who only got this far by using others. And although these were just amongst the most popular ones spreading across the school; God only knows how just many more rumors had been spread about him throughout the years.


    Gossip tends to be like embers, most of them vanish as quickly as they appear. Most rumors stay relevant for only a few weeks, ending just how they started, as rumors. But someone has been making sure to feed this flame. Permanently fabricating the truth with falsities, and forever drowning out the quiet voices in favor of the loudest and hostile minorities.


    But not once has he let these rumors get the better of him. Not once has he folded and snapped under their weight; letting the world get the reaction they want from him. Because at the end of the day, it''s pointless trying to clear your name here. Within these walls, the truth will always be swallowed by the echo chamber of lies, people will practically make up gossip just for the thrill of drama. All without any form of repercussions, and without any real meaningful intentions.


    Though against all of this, Axel was fairly average, to say the least. Not even having been in a relationship, mainly in part to the rumors.


    A bell chimes as Axel slips within the classroom. And a sigh of relief escapes him as he realizes the teacher isn¡¯t in quite yet.


    "Good morning, Axel!" a joyful call reaches him before he can turn. The voice was both enticing and pleasant to hear, allowing a grin to form along his lips.


    Her beaming smile warms Axel¡¯s chest though he crushes down the butterflies in his stomach. Her beauty is still something he could never get over.


    "Hello, Vanessa." retorts Axel as he waves to her.


    She follows closely behind as they take their seats, causing some glares to spike from others in his class.


    And as much as Axel wouldn¡¯t like to admit it, mainly because Vanessa has no control over it, talking to her feels like a double-edged sword.


    As on one hand, she is one the kindest individuals he knows. Choosing to ignore the rumors about him and stay by his side, because to her, the one and only Axel is the one she¡¯s seeing right now. She also happens to be extremely fun to talk to, she''s quite innocent and goofy unlike most of the other "hot" girls in the school who are mostly self-centered.


    But on the other hand, he has pretty much made an enemy out of every guy in this school. Just adding more of a reason to hate on him, but he doesn''t have much of a choice. Trying to end the friendship would only cause hurt, on top of providing more fuel for the world to spite him. No matter how you look at it, it¡¯s a lose-lose situation.


    As the door slides open, every girl dazzles up with love-stricken eyes as they rush to the guy who has just entered, Blake. However, the only person who doesn''t bat an eye is Vanessa, due to both of them being already close friends. And arguably, Blake is even more popular than Vanessa.


    He was everything Axel wasn¡¯t, he was tall with short blond hair and deep blue eyes. He was practically sculpted like a god, being that he took up any active club the school threw at him. He''d become the captain, or leader, of many clubs and sports: drama, music, art, chess, soccer, basketball, martial arts, track, and whatever else he could find.


    But that''s only the brunt of it, he''s one of the highest academic achievers in this school with all A¡¯s spread across his grades. Having gained both the respect and admiration of his teachers and his peers, they would treat him as if he were a king, with Vanessa as his queen. After all, those two were both practically in a league of their own. Superheroes in a realm filled with ordinary people.


    However, against all odds and to everyone''s surprise, Vanessa would decline Blake throughout their golden years. If not even the most handsome and alpha person in this school is enough for her, God only knows what kind of crazy high standards she has for a man. It''s gotten to the point where everyone has just blatantly stopped asking her out.


    "Hey, whoa, you have a necklace?" asks Vanessa as her eyes sway innocently along with the shimmering dangling off Axel''s neck.


    He holds it tightly and squeezes it onto his chest, instinctively smiling as his eyes lay upon it.


    ¡°Oh, this? Just something I bought yesterday," Axel responds. The necklace isn''t valuable or good-looking. It hung from a thick, cheap string with a circular metallic structure attached to it, though the metal itself was just cheap nickel. Even though it probably cost like ten bucks, Axel held onto it like it was priceless.


    Vanessa''s cheeks turn pink at his precious reaction and lets out an adorable giggle. "It looks good on you!" Her words roll off her tongue so smoothly as she leans forward with a smile.


    Her remark leaves his heart skipping a beat as he embarrassingly lifts his head, returning her smile with his own.


    As the two bask in the moment, Axel instantly senses someone staring at him, the sheer magnitude makes his spine shiver as he can feel pure raw hatred facing him like death itself. He turns around to feel its presence instantly disappear in a blink of an eye.


    Blake takes a seat with Vanessa, which coincidentally means also sitting alongside Axel. Giving all the girls in this class a reason to hate Axel, not just Vanessa''s admirers.


    "What a lovely day, but my, it''s a little hot, is it not? Makes me regret not bringing a water bottle today," says Blake as he tugs his shirt while sweating, an innocent and normal response someone would give on a scorching day. And yet it comes off a lot like a beauty commercial as trickles of sweat slide through the cracks of his chiseled muscles, a fatal K.O. to any girl who bears witness to such a sight.


    They quickly surround him like greeting their idols, offering him their water bottles which makes him fluster a bit. Before composing himself and flashing them a smile.


    "Would you be ever so kind as to bring me a nice, refreshing water bottle from the vending machine?" asks Blake.


    Even though his gaze is centered towards one girl, they all hastefully agree and rush to the nearest vending machine to retrieve a water bottle!


    "Shit¡­Don''t tell me I fucking lost my pencil¡­" grumbles a classmate.


    Picking up on the distress, Axel searches for the origins of the voice and finds it belonging to the boy ahead of him, rumbling through his backpack to find a pencil. He instantly recognizes this man as the same one who suggested his girlfriend to leave as soon as he entered the hallway. But now he''s in a state of panic as the more he searches, the more obvious it becomes that he''s forgotten it.


    Axel instantly smiles at the person in need and searches through his backpack, finding two pencils. "Here, you can take it."


    The boy is finally able to let out a sigh that''s been stuck in his throat as he thanks the kind stranger and takes him up on that offer. Until his eyes landed on Axel and his hand abruptly stopped.


    His demeanor shifts, snapping from his trance of gratitude, he peers over his shoulders. Trying to see if anyone else was looking there way before leaning in close.


    ¡°H-hey¡­ Axel¡­ Can I ask you something?¡±This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    Axel leans in, trying to put the boy¡¯s nerves at ease. ¡°Yeah, what?¡±


    ¡°Is it true¡­ the rumor abou¨C¡±


    "There you go, pal." Blake offers his pencil the same way Axel did.


    The boy instantly snaps back, ending their conversation as he turns his attention toward Blake. He hastily nods, accepting the offer and giving thanks before turning away from the two. Although disheartening, Axel just sighs and lets out a shrug.


    With a tinge of sympathy coating her brows, Vanessa shifts in her seat to purposely catch Axel''s attention. Falling right into her trap, Axel tilts his gaze over to her; prompting her to let out a sly smile before turning to face the windows.


    Her eyes glisten to the sunshine flowing into them as she stares out into the world just beyond. She watches the summer breeze pass through the waving greenery, witnessing an almost painting in motion. The sight was all too familiar with her, and yet, this time¡­ She just can''t help but rest her head upon an open palm and admire the view.


    ¡°Hey, Axel¡­ isn¡¯t it crazy?¡± Her gaze doesn¡¯t move as if asking the world outside more than the boy watching her. ¡°Within a few weeks¡­ we¡¯ll be graduating¡­¡±


    The statement lingers between them for a moment, sinking slowly in Axel before he too turns to the window. It takes him a short moment to respond, and yet, all he can do is agree.


    "Yeah¡­ It would appear so."


    His words carry the same energy as Vanessa''s, not even realizing that he was smiling right along with her.


    Admittedly, it proved quite difficult to get a full grasp of the milestone they''re about to overcome. To have something so ingrained in them, something seemingly so essential in their lives to come to an end.


    It''s surreal¡­ terrifying almost, but there''s a sense of gratitude and accomplishment along with it. They were the ones that planted the seeds long ago, and only now do they turn back and witness the fruits of their labor, a mark of a new chapter.


    A gentle breeze slips through the window, enticing his eyes to follow along until he finds himself landing on Vanessa. And although unintentionally, his heart stutters before picking up a pace.


    Too busy to notice the spell she''s casting, Axel watches the sun rays shimmering through the class seemingly to only illuminate Vanessa¡¯s delicate features. There was just no way he could look away.


    ¡°In just a few weeks¡­ we¡¯ll all become adults and then we¡¯ll¡­ go our separate ways. And for the first time in our lives we¡¯ll get to choose what we want to do and who we want to be and¨C¡±


    She turns to the pair of eyes staring intently to her words. A smile still warm on both their faces. And for a brief moment, she hesitates. Her words collecting before finally allowing her to continue.


    ¡°Like Rick, he wants to become a firefighter, he¡¯s always said how firefighters are the true heroes of this world and how he wants to be just like them. Ashley wants to become a lawyer, mainly to get her dad out of poverty. Max wants to own a tailor shop as he has always been so crafty with his hands¡­¡±


    Without a second thought she continues to list out each individual classmate as if they were all one close knit family. Leaving Axel with a broader smile with each name she states.


    Her mind goes on and on, not even letting her words catch up with the many hopes and dreams she has stored inside her mind, to those she holds dear.


    With enthusiasm reflecting off of her eyes, the only thing Axel can do is sit there, and let his heart melt apart from the scene before him.


    Vanessa hasn''t changed¡­


    Has she..?


    Ever since their first encounter, to over half a decade later. She has stood true to her very nature, almost like a time capsule.


    His cheeks start to flush with red, causing his body to grow weak as he stifles his breaths. Unable to take his eyes off of her, a mild ache begins to manifest within his chest, causing his hand to instinctively reach towards the discomfort, but not seeming to mind it.


    So then, why does it feel like she''s completely changed? At least in his eyes, she''s no longer the same Vanessa he knew long ago, she''s something more to him now¡­


    It''s weird, because she brings the same happiness into his life as his family, but in a distinctively different way.


    All in all, Axel can say that Vanessa has now become the third most important person in his life¡­


    - End of class -


    With the bell ringing, everyone bolts out of their classroom and rushes onto the next. As Axel starts for the next class, Blake places his hands around his shoulders. Axel''s eyes widen in surprise as Blake flashes him a shiny grin.


    "Good morning, Axel, how''s it hanging buddy? Do you mind if I could talk to you?" Blake questions with a shine flickering behind his eyes. He cannot refuse, or else his life will end in the next twenty minutes.


    Axel nervously agrees as Blake takes him into the boys'' restroom with his two most loyal friends.


    - A minute later -


    Axel¡¯s body slumps to the floor as he grasps at his stomach. The lock on the door clicks as Blake turns with a wicked grin. The two others lift him up on his knees, presenting him before Blake. He peers into the fire burning Blake¡¯s eye as another fist smashes his jaw.


    Blake rubs his knuckles as Axel¡¯s head collides with the floor. A stream of red leaks down his face as the world spins.


    "How many times do I have to tell you¡­ Do. Not. Fucking. Talk. To. Her. A worthless nobody like you doesn''t deserve to be on the same level as her," Blake spits before gesturing to his lackeys with a simple flick of the wrist.


    They pounce on him like a pack of wild hyenas. And as soon as the first blow comes, Axel covers an ear and blocks his face. With every stomp and kick a shallow groan escapes his gritted jaw. Their faces split with glee as they continue to whale on him.


    Ever since being introduced to him by Vanessa, Blake has been non-stop making Axel''s life a living hell. Through either rumors or sheer force, he¡¯d single-handedly gotten rid of any and all potential competition for Vanessa¡¯s heart. The only one he¡¯d been having a hard time putting down was Axel. He¡¯d even gone to the lengths of making him an enemy of the entire school, and still, he¡¯d not succeeded.


    But what could Axel do? He¡¯d already run out of options. The principal ignored his pleas, calling the police was out of the question as a legal battle would be suicide, and didn¡¯t want nor could fight back. Blake could use Axel¡¯s retaliation as a means to punish him further with the excuse of ¡®self-defense¡¯. And Axel had too much of a soft heart to be a fighter.


    With a smirk, Blake spots the necklace hidden underneath Axel''s collar and rips it off of him! Axel catches his wrist in an attempt to stop him, however, Blake easily shoves him off with a kick.


    "G-Give it¨C back!" demands Axel as he reaches once more for the necklace.


    Blake waves it around like a prize. "Awwww¡­ you want this piece of junk? Here then, you can have it," says Blake as he drops the necklace.


    His uneven breaths wheeze through his bloody grimace as he crawls towards the dirtied necklace. Laughter vibrates the room as his buddies watch Axel drag himself to Blake¡¯s feet.


    Although before Axel can reach the necklace, Blake crushes his hand under his boot. His bones crack as he screams in pain!


    A grin only widens as he twists his foot around, causing skin to peel from off Axel¡¯s hand. Blood seeps into the cracks in the tile as Blake presses further and further into the flesh. Tears escape Axel¡¯s eyes as his shrieks empty the air from his lungs.


    The bell chimes, dissipating the smile from Blake¡¯s face as he releases a groan of frustration. He knew his fun was up.


    "Get out of Vanessa''s life, if you know what''s good for you¡­" The threat resonates within Axel¡¯s ears as Blake makes his leave.


    With all the energy he has, Axel slumps onto his back, staring at the ceiling. Unable to hold back his tears.


    He pulls the necklace to his chest with a sigh of relief while his bloody hand paints his chest. A smile crosses him as he sees it unharmed.


    - Lunchtime -


    Hurried steps rumble the tile floor as the newly formed crowd of students bombard the cafeteria. Occupying every crevice that dares to hog some space. Like having family dinner on a holiday, all the tables bend under the weight of the students. However, as if a miracle has been bestowed upon them, one rather lonely table has Axel''s name on it.


    "Axel!!" Shouts a voice from up above, snapping Axel from his mind. He peers up at the two boys descending the stairs to meet him. Though as soon as he raises his hand to wave, George leaps over the railing.


    "Hello there yo-"


    "Bwehhhhh!!!" His dirty blond hair spills across the table as he slams into Axel¡¯s table face-first. While his partner lands gracefully.


    ¡°Did you get tanner?¡± Axel turns away from George and questions Tom...


    ¡°You think?¡± Tom looks over his arm before taking a seat.


    - Five minutes later -


    The three shuffle through each other''s food, trading what they like and dislike from one another. Although their surrounding peers¡¯ stares have little effect on the group as they finally begin to eat in harmony.


    These two have been sticking with him through thick and thin, not caring for what his status was nor what the rumors said. They¡¯d been through much worse together as brothers in arms. As long as each other was happy, they were all happy


    - Last class of the day -


    Accompanied by his friends, Axel takes his last seat of the day. And to his joy, Tom and George are able to sit beside him.


    "Hey, did you understand the subject in math?" asks Tom.


    George lets out a proud smile as he nods to himself. Tom smiles as George flashes his teeth.


    "Does the pope shit in the woods?" George smirks, leaving Tom confused.


    " ¡­Umm¡­ No?"


    "There''s your answer," George replies, making Tom leap over his desk and strangles George.


    Axel laughs as the two goofballs brawl on the floor. Though the room settles as both Vanessa and Blake enter and take their seats.


    "Incantation complete," an unfamiliar old man¡¯s voice flows over the class. The students shift around looking for the disembodied voice.


    However, before they could find the source, the floor underneath their feet begins to rumble. Although before the panic ensues, Blake takes charge.


    "Under your seats everyone!" He commands. Without question, everyone follows the order and ducks under their desks.


    An unnatural glow illuminates from beneath them and gradually starts to spin throughout the room. Their eyes widen as some begin to realize what it was. Though before they can act, a flash of light consumes them.


    Dragging the students into an endless abyss.

 Chapter 2 - The Chosen Ones - ( The Tragic Angel Arc )

    Before they can even process what''s going on, the students fall onto the ground! Though to their surprise, none of them were injured. Only a tingling sensation courses down their spines, forcing them to shift uncomfortably. Their skin feels foreign as they try to settle the tension within.


    With a hush breath, Axel¡¯s eyes gradually open.


    With a rush of light piercing his pupils, Axel flinches. And with a grunt he slowly lets his eyes adjust to the environment around him. As the seconds go by, the area Axel is placed in reveals itself to be some sort of lavish stone hall. Instantly making him shrink by its grander and forcing a shiver out of him by the coldness looming in the air. This is only interrupted by sounds of the students also groaning along the floor, gradually picking themselves up while gasping at the scenery before them.


    The classroom they were all too familiar with vanished, replaced with grey stone being lit with the orange glow of candlelight. Huddling close to one another, they remain dumbfounded upon their foreign surroundings, standing on edge as they carefully examine the room. Axel solidifies, with his pupils shrinking before he staggers back up to his feet.


    With his heart pulsing within his ears, the games and books he¡¯s been reading flash before his mind. Only to be supported by the candle lit chandelier hanging over the group. It illuminates the stone work on the several pillars leading up to a gilded throne perched atop a set of stairs.


    A single man sits within it, his face grizzled with age and yet he still looks down upon the students with curious eyes. He rises with a smile, letting a luxurious cape flow freely off the seat. He was adorned with jewels of gold and gemstones, with thick soft linen holding close to his natural physique. Standing as the pinnacle of all the people before him donning sets of elegant robes and suits of armor.


    Without so much as a word, these individuals begin to divert into two lines on each end of the carpet before bowing to their king.


    The class recoils, taking a step back. Silence envelopes them, as no one dared to utter a single word. But with the evidence unfolding in front of them, the cold reality becomes all too clear to them. This wasn¡¯t a dream nor was it a prank, this was real¡­


    Boasting the many rings donned on his hand as he gestures his welcome.


    "We w¡¯lc¡¯m thee to Everglend! I, King Louis the IV, stand before thee. I beseech thee heroes. Whilst thou aiden my nation against the forces that deem it worthy to be destroyed?" His abrupt question booms over the group as to demand respect.


    His strange choice of language made it clear to both Blake and Axel that this isn''t just some banter, he was an actual king...


    With his words sinking into the minds of the students, the full weight of his implication falls upon the group, shattering their whole world apart. Several students begin to emptily cry as others collapse to the floor. Both George¡¯s and Tom¡¯s faces go pale as Vanessa gasps and hides her face within her hands. Axel stands unmoving, rooted by the king¡¯s implication.


    This is no longer their world¡­


    And although hesitation grabs at him, Blake still steps forward. Quickly, he kneels before the throne before any of the others can realize his actions.


    "Pardon, your¨C majesty, but we are just simply adolescents. May we¨C please return back to our world?" the question leaves him hopeful, however, worry still coats his lowered face.


    The king lets out a small grin upon witnessing the boy¡¯s boldness. He shifts towards Blake, narrowing his attention to him specifically.


    "My apologies, but that is not possible.¡±


    The king¡¯s statement sends shivers through the room. Blake solidifies in his kneel, the words easily ripping past and striking the others behind him. He didn¡¯t want to turn around as he could already hear the muffled sobbing of his classmates.


    Without another moment¡¯s hesitation, the king turns to the man on his left. And with only a gesture, the man steps forward.


    "My name is Melvis, I am the head priest of the church of Everglend. I was bestowed such a role by God himself to act as his messenger. As it is his divine grace that flows through me to show premonitions of futures yet to pass. And out of all the possible paths he has graced me with, only one had hope for mankind¡¯s survival.¡±


    As his words leave him, he points to where both Blake and Axel stand.


    "God must have answered our prayers. For he has summoned the messiah along with his companions.¡±


    Without hesitation, the pope gets on his knees and starts pleading.


    "Oh great hero, please save us from the terrible catastrophe that has befallen our kingdom! You here is a sign you all have been blessed by God¡¯s grace, and with it you must help save us. And if your wish is to return to your world, I¡¯m sure his grace will hear you after you fulfill the roles bestowed upon you. Protect us from the Demon Empire! Save us from our impending doom, and I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll find your way back.¡±


    To the shock of those who still stood, they find the pope bowing before Blake. A man stated to have such power, such grace, such prestige to kneel and grovel at the foot of someone with no renown. The group can only stare on, waiting for something to happen, waiting for Blake¡¯s response.


    He raises his head to meet the pope before shifting to where Vanessa stood. Then with a deep breath, he turns back. And before any of the others can object to him, he nods.


    Was this right of him¡­


    Some of the students nod in agreement to his decision, others weep. Axel and Vanessa just stare on, watching it unfold before them.


    "Well, it¡¯s unfortunate, but we don¡¯t really get a choice in this matter do we? You¡¯ve abducted us from our home and want us to put our lives on the line, what will you offer us in return?¡± Blake questions while rising to a stand.


    A smile reaches the King once more, a respect already beginning to bloom for this young man with a sharp tongue and cool composure.


    "Upon my father¡¯s name, thee will receive a handsome reward if my kingdom¡¯s threat is defeated by thine hands. Thou¡¯st all received the title of heroes within my castle, and thee shall be serve with the most delicious meals, trained with the best of my generals, and gain access to anywhere within these walls. Thou shalt be treated as royalty within my castle and my realm,¡± King Louis offers with opened arms.


    "I''ll take you up on that," Blake answers for the group, rivaling the King¡¯s grin with his own.


    ¡°Now then,¡± the pope gives a short sigh of relief before returning to his spot next to the throne, ¡°if you all would file into a line before his majesty we can get you all started and on your way.¡±


    The group looks between each other before Blake moves forward, being the first to stand before the king. Most of the others just watch, though a few begin to follow behind him.


    ¡°Now, approach one by one and state the word ¡®profile¡¯. It will show an in-depth analysis of one¡¯s self, showing both your abilities as well as your overall physique,¡± the pope holds his words for a moment to let them sink in before continuing, ¡°you will read out all that you see so that we may scribe it for our records. Now if you will.¡±This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    Blake steps up without a second thought as soon as the last word from the pope lands.


    ¡°Profile.¡±


    Blake


    Level: 1


    Race: Human


    Occupation: Hero of Everglend


    Hp: 100/100


    Mana: 100/100


    Attack:100


    Magical Attack:100


    Defense:100


    Magical Defense:100


    Mana res: 100%


    Speed:100


    Abilities: (Language comprehension), ( Super Strength [ I ]), (Super Speed [ I ]), (Natural Learner [ I ]), (Gifted fighter), (Enchanting cast nullification)


    (Language comprehension: Allows the user to understand foreign languages.)


    (Super Strength [ I ]: Gives the user a 10% increase in Attack stat for five minutes upon activation.)


    (Super Speed [ I ]: Gives the user a 10% increase in Speed stat for five minutes upon activation.)


    (Natural Learner [ I ]: Allows the user to learn a subject, skill, talent, or spell 10% faster than normal.)


    (Gifted fighter [passive]: Allows the user to adapt to multiple fighting styles and wield weapons with ease)


    (Enchanting cast nullification [passive]: Nullifies the requirements of chanting a cast first before you summon your spell)


    With an inquisitive tone, Blake lists off what he sees to the waiting knight. The knight in turn quickly jots down the information as the mages stare in awe.


    "H-he¡­ truly is the messiah¡­" the pope¡¯s words fall out of him before he can even realize he was speaking.


    The king sits down on his throne, sweating in disbelief.


    " ¡­T-to think¡­ A level one can have those types of stats?" he quivers under his own question.


    An awkward silence befalls the room, no one daring to utter even a single breath. Though as soon as the ticking of the clock pops the silence, the group erupts in another barrage of cheers! As the color begins to return to both the pope¡¯s and the king¡¯s faces, the students surround Blake magnetized by his magnificent power.


    However, the celebration is short-lived as the knights begin to record the rest of the students. Finding that on average the group excels far greater than normal humans. Most have stats higher than 30 in every criteria, impressive, but still not holding a candle to Blake. For the record, the highest stats ever achieved for a level 1 barely grazed 10.


    A light chuckle leaves the king as he realizes the bright future ahead of him. His vision for humanity no longer seems so impossible.


    With everyone achieving mind-boggling stats, Axel''s blood tingles with excitement. The countless games he''s played have prepared him for this moment. So this kind of theme wasn¡¯t too foreign to him, to be the chosen one and defeat a demon lord, such a simple story start. Perhaps now, he can make a name for himself and become the hero!


    "Profile," with a hesitant breath, Axel states the single word.


    Axel


    Level: 1


    Race: Demon


    Occupation: Hero of Everglend


    Hp: 10/10


    Mana: 6/10


    Attack:1


    Magical Attack:0


    Defense:1


    Magical Defense:0


    Mana res:1%


    Speed:1


    Abilities: (Language comprehension), (Slow healing [ I ])


    (Language comprehension: Allows the user to understand foreign languages.)


    (Slow healing [ I ]: Gives a small healing factor to the user; consuming mana as its fuel)


    Axel''s eyes widened, he can''t believe what was in front of him. He opens and closes them in hopes of magically tricking them into seeing added zeros next to his stats, but it''s to no avail. His stats remain the same, but that isn''t the worst part...


    His race... wasn''t human. Cold sweat runs down his face as he reads every dreadful letter of his race. Is this just a cruel prank on God''s part?


    A hard gulp sticks in his throat as he glances between the king and the pope. If they are to find out he is a demon, what would they do to him? A shiver slips down his spine, not wanting to imagine it.


    "Your profile.¡± The knight catches him by surprise as his turn finally arrives.


    All eyes lay upon him, feeling the king¡¯s eyes land on him. Though it¡¯s Blake who looks through Axel¡¯s small act of hesitation, birthing a new mischievous smile upon his lips. Compared to the rest of the students, his stats are borderline trash. Even if you multiply them by 10, he would still be the weakest by far. He tries to deviate himself to avoid telling his stats, but with the knight ushering him to hurry him up, he just has to accept the fact of his stats and move on.


    "M-My name is Axel¡­ And I''m a level 1 h-human¡­ With 10 Hp¡­ 10 Mana¡­1 Attack and no Magical Attack¡­ 1 Defense and 0 magical defense, m-my Mana res is 1% with 1 Speed. . My abilities are language comprehension and slow healing," Axel whispers while lowering his head.


    Silence stifles the air as Axel¡¯s statement lands into their frozen ears, creating an atmosphere to that of a funeral. Although this quickly dissipates as laughter quickly vibrates the space around him.


    Tom and George rush over to his aid.


    "It''s not funny guys!" Scowls George.


    As they embrace Axel, he sees within the glimpse of his eye a smiling Blake, his grin reaching from ear to ear as he stares down Axel like a predator stalking its prey.


    "A-Art thou sure those art thine stats!?" Retorts the king.


    Axel can only nod, ashamed.


    The king slumps down on his throne as he places a hand on his forehead in distraught. "How could this be¡­"


    "Your majesty, there still might be some hope for him," a voice echoes out from the right side of the throne. A man stands firm as he speaks, he was rather tall with brown hair, and unlike the other two, he only appears to be a young man. His entire body is covered in a thick, golden-colored armor that appears both badass and magnetizing. The king turns to him.


    "What dost thee suggest?" Questions the king, the knight-looking person steps forward.


    "Although it is rare, there might be a chance that Axel here gets reborn," answers the knight.


    The students'' heads tilt with confusion, including Blake who''s usually the most composed, the king notices this and introduces the young man.


    "My apologies, this here is Carnal. He stands before thee as the Grand General of Everglend and as the Legendary Hero of Glendwood. What''s being referred to is called ( Rebirth ). A rare, but natural occurrence that happens within living creatures including us humans. Rebirth, as the name suggests, allows one to be reborn again as a much stronger and more powerful version of themselves. Carnal is the living proof of that, before his rebirth, he was just an average soldier fighting in the battle of Glendwood. One of the most desperate and bloodiest battles in our history. We needed to win at all costs, no matter the means, but unfortunately the demons had the upper hand. Just as all seemed lost, Carnal, in his dying gasps, underwent a transformation that shaped the tides of battle. He was able to repel the enemy by himself to allow our forces to rekindle, and thanks to his efforts, we were able to win that battle." explains the king. A gleeful smile splits across Carnal¡¯s face as he bows to the students.


    "I''ll be looking forward to training you all!"


    Right as Axel starts to have some hope in his eyes, the king cuts him off.


    "However, a Rebirth typically only happens every century. We were lucky enough to get one by our side. So, as thee can see by Carnal, another Rebirth won''t be occurring for another century. Thou¡¯st can honestly throw a needle in the middle of the ocean, and thee will have a better chance of finding it than to undergo a Rebirth," argues the king, but Carnal sways his head.


    "We won''t know until we try, regardless, what do we have to lose your majesty?" Carnal''s response leaves the king pondering. But he quickly shakes his head as he sees the knight finally gather all the info of the students.


    "It matters not. Young heroes, as appreciation for aiding us and as well as a welcoming party. We will be hosting a banquet in thine honor!" Shouts the king as he rises from his throne.


    As Axel is left pondering about his current predicament, the king clasps his hand twice, and maids come rushing in.


    "Each of thee will be assigned an extra hand to take care of thine necessities while thee are training! Now allow my servants to show thou to thine rooms. Rest well, young heroes! Tonight shalt be¡¯ith a grander!!¡± exclaims the king.


    Just as the king''s words land, each student is acquainted with a servant. All the boys turn red upon seeing the cuteness as all the girls immediately start having conversations with their butlers.


    "Right this way, sir, Axel," a short maid gestures for him to follow.


    With no other options, a sigh slowly escapes Axel. That is until he gives a gentle smile before following closely behind her.

 Chapter 3 - The Life of Royalty - ( The Tragic Angel Arc )

    Axel¡¯s body plops, melting into the fluffiness of the bed. The events of earlier are still playing in his head. He still couldn¡¯t believe it, not only could he not return to his own world, but he was also now stuck living within a castle. How is he supposed to react to the changes? Happy? Because he''s now living inside of a castle and treated as a hero. Worried? Since he''s been brought to a foreign world and now has to live a new life. Or should he feel sad? Knowing that he''s leaving the world he grew up in and possibly not having a chance to come back to his home. Should he even be feeling something? During this entire experience, his emotions have just kinda been absent from him. He guesses they just haven''t settled yet.


    And what''s worse, is the reason why they''ve been brought here in the first place. No matter how you look at it, in the span of one day, they went from normal students to soldiers in training. They''ve been enlisted into the army for a war that they know nothing about nor really care for that matter. It¡¯s not their fight, and yet the kingdom is making it theirs. They¡¯re just adolescents, barely starting a life for themselves, but they¡¯re giving that up for their sake. What about their dreams? Their aspirations? Any possible futures they had planned when they grew up, do those not matter to them either?


    Axel¡¯s breathing pattern begins to get heavier as the grip he had around the blanket strengthens.


    There¡¯s a very strong possibility that some of the students will die in alien lands. Unable to see their loved ones or families back home. It¡¯s a sad reality, but that¡¯s the reality that they¡¯re living with. And out of all the students, Axel is the one who¡¯s most likely to die. There¡¯s not an easier way to put it, unless he significantly becomes stronger within the next week with training, he will basically be no less than an average soldier fighting the equivalent of this world¡¯s world war.


    Just as Axel buries himself in his thoughts, he snaps back to reality, as the bed still tries to slowly swallow him. He couldn¡¯t help but compare his old log of a bed back in the orphanage, to this new one that is as fluffy as a cloud.


    "I have brought what you have requested, my liege," says the maid as she places the food down on Axel''s mini round table.


    With the banquet happening much later in the night, she¡¯d offered to prepare him a meal. He¡¯d agreed to the idea, though didn¡¯t know she would have brought so many plates to choose from.


    She bows, presenting the platter before him with a beaming smile. He hadn¡¯t realized until now, she was almost an entire head shorter than him. The frills of the maid outfit did little to hide how slim her body truly was. And along with her shoulder-length orange hair that almost contrasted her pale skin, it only exemplified the freckles crossing the bridge of her nose. Lastly, his gaze falls to her sparkling green eyes.


    His heart flutters as only one thought cuts through his mind. Adorable¡­


    Choosing to put aside his thoughts for another time, Axel rises from his bed and puts all of his attention on the little maid.


    She elegantly curtsies as Axel takes his seat. She then excuses herself and steps back to the food cart, waiting patiently for his next orders. Axel sits in awe of the food before him, impressed by the various selections, but something doesn''t sit right with him. Despite understanding that she''s just following standard maid procedures, something about this just feels wrong.


    How can he just eat leisurely while somebody is just standing there and watching him. He knows now he''s considered as royalty, so he can practically do whatever he wants. But he shakes the thought immediately, Axel never wanted to develop that type of mentality.


    He taps at the opposite side of the table where there''s spare a chair.


    "Please join me, I can''t eat if I''m alone," Axel states, trying to invite her over.


    Her eyebrows raise as she is taken aback by his bewildering words. She stands frozen for a moment before trying to utter a response.


    "Thank you, my liege, but a maid such as myself doesn''t deserve to sit down with your grace," she replies, but Axel persists.


    "Please, it would be an honor for me to have you be the first guest I eat with," Axel presses, while once again gesturing to the empty seat.


    Although still hesitant, she finally gives in and sits down, facing Axel. She shifts awkwardly, with her cheeks turning a tinge pink and not knowing what to do, but Axel takes the initiative and starts serving her a dish. She immediately jumps in to stop him.


    "Please master, let me serve," she insists as she serves Axel a dish.


    Before they know it, they both serve each other. She blinks surprised when she notices what has just unfolded, but Axel smiles to ease her worries.


    "Have you eaten recently?" questions Axel, and she shakes her head.


    "We maids don''t take a break until sunset," she answers. Meaning it would be another three hours until she¡¯d be able to eat, according to Axel¡¯s estimates.


    She bows her head timidly as she picks up the utensils and quietly starts eating, all while hiding her mouth with her other hand. Axel can''t help but be amused as a smile slowly widens across his face. Although when he tries to eat as well, he''s quickly left puzzled by all the complicated-looking utensils displayed on the table. Since Axel grew up in a poor orphanage, the only utensils they had were plastic spoons, and it wasn¡¯t until they entered school that they upgraded to sporks.


    All the utensils present here are made out of metal, reminding him that he''s no longer poor. After noticing the food losing steam, he shakes his head, grabbing a fork and a knife to cut the steak.


    "Pardon me, but may I know the name of my personal maid?" asks Axel.


    "I-it''s, it''s Sage," she responds rather shyly.


    "That''s a beautiful name!" beams Axel as he starts cutting the steak.


    "T-Thank you," the way she speaks was soft and gentle, pleasant to the ear.


    "Ouch!" a yelp escapes Axel, as he nicks the tip of his finger. Sage jolts out of her seat, jumping to his aid! A trickle of blood runs down his finger, tapping as it drips upon the table. Though luckily the wound didn¡¯t look too severe.


    "Oh my god, I''m so sorry about this! Let me get napkins for you," Sage apologizes, frantically grabbing a handful of napkins to cover his finger.


    "Haha¡­ No, it was all my fault, that''s what I get for not paying attention."


    Sage pays him no mind, applying pressure to the wound. The pain almost instantly dissipates as he notices just how close she had gotten to him. Her scent was equivalent to that of sweet petals, the aroma caresses across his skin.


    His heart thumps loudly within his ears as he tries to pull his body away from her. Although her grasp only allows him to get so far. He covers his burning face as her soft, tender hands enwrap themselves around his.


    Her attention is solely focused on helping him, that she doesn¡¯t realize the situation she¡¯d put them in. And as soon as the bleeding stops, she lets free a sigh of relief, before it dawns upon her the position she¡¯s placed herself in. She quickly turns away trying to not let Axel see the red blossoming upon her cheeks.


    "A-Anyways¡­ I think the bleeding stopped," she fumbles her words as she lifts the napkins.


    In truth, the bleeding has indeed stopped, however, there are also no traces of a wound either. His hand appears unnaturally normal as if no injury had taken place, to begin with.


    "Amazing¡­" she mumbles in awe.


    Mana: 7/10


    They stay enamored, staring at the odd occurrence. Though after a moment both of them begin snickering at the situation that had just unfolded before them.


    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


    - Meanwhile, in Blake''s room -


    The glistening lights of the city shine in Blake¡¯s eyes as he peers out the lavish window. Though his room was the same for the rest of the students, it was still grand nonetheless. With a king-sized bed, multiple wardrobes and dressers, a private bathroom, and a mini table with two chairs.


    The doorknob twists as someone enters the room.


    "Here you go master, just as you requested," says his maid as she places a small bottle on the table.


    He turns around with a delighted expression.


    "Ah, good. I will reward you handsomely in due time. Keep this a secret between you and me ok. You are dismissed," replies Blake as he walks over to the table.


    The maid curtsies in response.


    "As you wish, master, all hail the destined hero of Everglend," the maid dismisses herself before leaving and closing the door.


    Blake sits down and picks up the tiny bottle, his grin reaching from ear to ear as he examines the capsule.


    "Forsooth, for the hero of Everglend . . ."


    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


    As the night dawns upon them, the banquet soon arrives.


    The creak of the grand ballroom¡¯s doors does little to be heard over the guests. From behind them emerges Axel, with his hair glistening and freshly bathed. He dons an elegant outfit, one Sage had chosen, fitting him perfectly and bringing out a charming side he never knew he was capable of.


    Nervously taking his first steps, Sage bows, and excuses herself, because she along with the rest of the maids are not allowed inside.


    As the doors close, Axel confronts the ballroom. His shoulders instantly slump to their absolute lowest as his eyes shrivel in awe. The room before him is absolutely massive! Bigger than even the throne room.


    Multiple luxurious glass-made chandeliers sparkle and bring the whole place to life. Along the walls are gilded carvings of beautiful, yet intricate, engravings that are pleasant to the eye. On the farthest side of the room lay a row of towering windows presenting an almost picturesque view of the glistening city. And beneath them lay numerous tables that hold delicacies varying from land to seafood.


    Just about everything just leaves Axel speechless, but the most jaw-dropping spectacle of them all is the number of people present here.


    Mainly consisting of nobles and royalty, they occupy almost every inch of the dance floor and sway along with their partners to the harmonic beat of the music.


    With the few exceptions of the students, everyone appears accustomed to these types of festivities. Babble fills the air as they start conversations with random strangers. Some casually invite members of the opposite sex out for a dance as the musicians play with their hearts on the strings.


    After a bit of searching through the endless waves of people, Axel locates his two friends chilling at a remote table.


    ¡°Room for one more?" Axel greets his friend while promptly taking a seat with them.


    ¡°Be our guest, there''s not really much for us anyways. All the women here are either middle-aged, taken, or are from our school and absolutely hate our guts," responds a bored George as he rests his head upon his hand with a dreamy expression.


    ¡°C''mon now, it''s not all that bad. We''ve never been to a party as big as this," replies Tom, trying to be optimistic.


    ¡°Hey, Tom¡­ Who''s a mouse and walks on two legs?" asks George as he looks upon Tom for an answer.


    " ¡­Uhh¡­ Wonder Mouse?" answers Tom.


    ¡°Correct, now who''s a duck and can walk on two legs?"


    " ¡­Uh¡­ Wonder Duck?"


    "Any duck you idiot," George states with a smirk as Tom gets furious and tries to strangle him.


    "Ahhhhh!!! Help me, Axel!!" pleads George as he''s fighting back an angry Tom.


    Axel lets out a laugh as he observes these two goofballs still acting the way they are despite the situation they¡¯re in. The uproar of the crowd grows higher than normal, causing the three to turn and catch a glimpse of the sudden commotion.


    A young lady around the same age as the students is being escorted by several knights across the ballroom.


    With her brunette hair fluttering against the wind caught on her shoulders and her silver eyes shimmering like beautiful pearls. Her smile can bewitch any man as her presence alone captivates the crowd. Her skin looks porcelain even from where Axel can observe. Her eyeliner and slender eyelashes serve to accentuate her alluring gaze. This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    They may not know who she is, but it''s obvious that she is this nation''s idol. It wouldn''t even be a stretch to say she rivals Vanessa in terms of beauty, who for the longest time was thought to be unrivaled.


    "The princess hath graced us with hire presence," says one of the nobles.


    After grabbing the whole world''s attention by her mere existence, she takes a seat and modestly observes the people resuming their dances. As the room returns back to normal, Axel manages to spot Vanessa not too far away sitting by herself.


    His muscles become at ease as his eyes widen in utter shock, mesmerized and forgetting to even breathe...


    With the dazzling glow of the moonlight gently gracing her body, Vanessa stands out from the rest like a majestic angel in human clothing.


    For the first time, Axel sees Vanessa outside the confines of their school, adorned in a stunning red dress that accentuates her elegance. The open-top design and delicate mesh sleeves only add to her allure, leaving Axel spellbound and unable to tear his gaze away.


    Overwhelmed by the rush of emotions coursing through him, Axel quickly averts his eyes, his heart fluttering wildly in his chest. Vanessa''s beauty has left an indelible mark on him, stirring feelings he never knew existed.


    George''s mischievous smile widens as he playfully calls out, "Vanessa!!"


    Axel''s panic is palpable as he quickly covers George''s mouth. "What are you thinking, you idiot!" he scolds in a hushed tone.


    "Just trying to hook a brother up," George retorts, his eyes sparkling with mischief.


    Attempting to calm the situation, Tom steps in, placing a hand on both Axel and George. "She looks a bit lonely, Axel. There''s no one around her that she''s familiar with."


    His gaze shifts to Vanessa, a hint of sympathy softening his expression. "You may think because she''s beautiful, she would have a line of men ready to ask her out, but in fact, it''s the opposite. Sometimes the most beautiful people are also the loneliest ones. So go on, do what you do best and make this girl''s night," Tom encourages, his support evident as he stands beside George.


    "Guys, seriously¡­" Axel mutters, but his words are drowned out by the sudden surge of excitement in the crowd.


    Turning to see what has caused the commotion, Axel and his friends are stunned to find Blake dancing with none other than the princess herself. In the blink of an eye, they become the focal point of everyone''s attention, capturing every gaze in the room.


    "Hey there, Axel~!" Vanessa''s cheerful voice catches Axel off guard, making him flinch as he scrambles to move away.


    Suddenly, he finds himself forgetting how to breathe, instinctively taking a step back. His mind goes blank, words failing to form as he remains frozen in place, utterly captivated by the sight of Vanessa before him.


    The crimson frills of Vanessa''s dress sway with each step she takes, appearing to dance around her legs in a mesmerizing rhythm. As she moves closer, Axel''s breath catches in his throat, his eyes unable to tear away from her captivating presence.


    The dress reveals the graceful curve of her delicate arms, the fabric cascading elegantly around her slender form. A leather corset accents her waist, emphasizing her feminine silhouette and adding a touch of allure to her ensemble.


    Caught off guard by her stunning appearance, Axel stumbles backward, only to be steadied by George''s quick reflexes. With a mischievous wink, George nudges Axel forward, prompting him to approach Vanessa. Despite their near collision, Vanessa effortlessly catches Axel before they can collide, her touch gentle yet reassuring.


    "Oh¡­h-hey," Axel''s words tumble out in a jumble as he tries to form a coherent greeting, his gaze nervously locking with Vanessa''s.


    "Hey¡­" Vanessa responds, her voice mirroring his own unease.


    Tom''s voice cuts through the awkward tension with a burst of humor. "There''s no return policy on him!" he shouts, earning a chuckle from George.


    "Yeah, you can keep him!" George chimes in, adding to the lighthearted banter.


    Axel''s expression turns deadpan as he shoots a questioning glance at his friends, silently wondering why he puts up with them. Meanwhile, Vanessa can''t help but let out a small giggle at their antics, the tension between them momentarily easing.


    The two find themselves at a standstill, unsure of how to proceed in the open space.


    Her mouth opens as their eyes meet, but she quickly bites her lip and looks away again, unsure of herself. Meanwhile, Axel can''t shake the feeling of awkwardness that hangs in the air, weighing heavily on his shoulders.


    Caught in the tension, Axel scans the situation, feeling as though he''s trapped between moving forward or retreating. The thought of facing his friends'' teasing if he backs away leaves him feeling stuck.


    Summoning his courage, he takes a deep breath and decides to take a leap of faith.


    "W-Would you like to dance with me¡­?" Axel''s voice wavers slightly as he bows down chivalrously, hoping against hope for a positive response.


    Vanessa''s eyes dart around the room, hesitant to answer, and Axel feels a cold sweat break out on his forehead as he waits for her response.


    "S-Sure¡­" she finally says, leaving Axel stunned.


    But her next words catch him off guard even more.


    ¡°...But the thing is..." The corners of her lips lift slightly, sending a shiver down Axel''s spine. He''d seen this coming from a mile away.


    She''s probably going to come up with an excuse to decline, he thinks. After all, no matter how kind she is, it wouldn''t look good for her reputation to dance with someone like him. As Vanessa opens her mouth again, Axel braces himself for the rejection.


    "I¡­I don''t actually know how to dance¡­" Vanessa confesses, her cheeks flushing as she turns away, twirling a strand of hair between her fingers and avoiding his gaze.


    Axel pauses, processing Vanessa''s confession. Then, he gently takes her hand, feeling her slight tremble as their eyes meet.


    "Haha¡­ I don''t either¡­ but we¡¯ll learn as we go. Is that fine with you?" Axel asks, noticing the sparkle in her eyes, reminiscent of the purest pearls, and the fluttering sensation, akin to butterflies, in his own stomach. A soft blush spreads across Vanessa''s face as she smiles and nods in agreement.


    Taking the lead, Axel guides Vanessa onto the dance floor. As they begin to dance, Tom and George watch with approving smiles.


    "My, my, when did he grow up so fast?" George muses aloud, a rhetorical question tinged with a hint of pride. Tom chuckles softly, his gaze thoughtful as he recalls a certain event from their past.


    As the music envelops them, Axel and Vanessa stumble over each other''s feet, their movements awkward yet endearing. Instead of dwelling on their missteps, they focus on syncing their footwork, finding a rhythm that feels natural between them. Despite being far from graceful, they begin to lose themselves in the moment, the joy of simply being together overshadowing any embarrassment. With each step, they grow more confident, their laughter mingling with the music as they dance their way into a newfound connection.


    With discreet glances, Axel assesses the atmosphere around them, using the surrounding crowd as a guide for his next move. Following his instincts, he delicately places his hand on Vanessa''s waist, then gently lifts her arm, a nervous energy coursing through him.


    Vanessa emits a small gasp, her body reacting to his touch with a subtle tremor. Axel immediately senses her discomfort and loosens his grip, his concern evident in his voice.


    "Sorry, am I being too forward?" he whispers, his own cheeks tinged with a hint of pink.


    She shakes her head, her face flushing a deeper shade of red, but she hides her embarrassment with a gentle gesture. Just as Axel begins to worry, he feels her hand squeeze his, a silent reassurance that puts his mind at ease.


    "It''s okay¡­ We can keep going," Vanessa murmurs, her voice softer than before, revealing a vulnerable side that Axel finds unexpectedly endearing.


    A chuckle escapes Axel at the realization. Despite her initial nervousness, Vanessa''s genuine warmth shines through, reminding him of the inherent charm that lies within every girl.


    The beating of his heart rung loud and clear within his ears as if calling out to her.


    Could it be how soft and gentle she feels? How lovely she smells? Or perhaps how dazzling she looks right now?


    Amidst their shared moment, they inadvertently collide with another couple, causing Vanessa to stumble. With lightning reflexes, Axel reaches out and catches her, instinctively pulling her closer to steady her.


    "De pardon~," the noble offers an apology as they seamlessly resume their dance, as though the mishap had never occurred.


    In the aftermath of the brief chaos, they find themselves locked in a silent gaze, each lost in the other''s eyes, the world around them fading into insignificance.


    As Axel''s realization dawns upon him, beads of sweat gather on his brow, his body temperature rising uncomfortably amidst the swirling chaos of the dance floor. The arms that encircle Vanessa remain stubbornly fixed, refusing to obey his silent plea to release her, ensnaring her in an unintentional embrace that sends his heart racing.


    Every inch of her, from the delicate curve of her face to the slender elegance of her arms, exudes an intoxicating allure that leaves Axel feeling both drawn to and overwhelmed by her presence.


    As he grapples with this newfound revelation, a searing heat courses through his veins, igniting an unfamiliar fire within him. The realization that he has developed feelings for Vanessa comes crashing down upon him like a tidal wave, flooding his senses with a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.


    In that fleeting moment of clarity, Axel understands the magnetic pull that Vanessa exerts on those around her, the captivating spell she effortlessly casts with just a single glance. Yet, it is only now, with her held so closely in his arms, that he comprehends the true extent of his attraction to her.


    With a heavy heart and a resolute determination, Axel gathers his resolve and takes a deep, steadying breath. In a swift motion, he breaks free from the intoxicating hold of her presence, tearing himself away from her warmth and the dizzying allure of her proximity.


    With each hesitant step backward, Axel feels the tumult of emotions swirling within him, threatening to consume his every thought. His mind races as he grapples with the weight of his newfound feelings, torn between the longing in his heart and the rational voice of reason urging him to retreat.


    Yet, just as he begins to pull away, Vanessa defies his silent resolve with a single gesture. Without a word spoken, she closes the distance between them, resting her head against Axel''s chest.


    In that moment, all thoughts of retreat vanish as Axel''s heart pounds in his chest, the rhythm of its beat echoing through the silence that hangs between them. With each rise and fall of her breath, Vanessa draws him in, her presence casting a spell that he cannot resist.


    Though his mind may wrestle with doubt and uncertainty, in the warmth of her embrace, Axel finds a sense of solace and belonging that he cannot deny. Surrendering to the pull of her presence, he wraps his arms around her, allowing himself to be swept away by the currents of emotion that bind them together.


    In the quiet intimacy of their embrace, words prove unnecessary as Axel and Vanessa find solace in the unspoken language of their hearts. And as they stand entwined, their shared connection serves as a beacon of hope amidst the uncertainty of the world around them.


    . . . . . . . . . . . .


    . . . . . . . . .


    . . . . . .


    "¡­ I¡­ I can hear it¡­ "


    Vanessa''s soft voice breaks the silence, her words like a gentle melody that resonates within Axel''s chest. With her head resting against his heart, she listens intently, a smile gracing her lips as she takes in the rhythmic cadence of his heartbeat.


    As the steady thump of his heart fills the space between them, Axel feels a sense of warmth and comfort enveloping him, like a soothing balm for his weary soul. And in that moment, the world fades away, leaving only the two of them standing together, bound by the simple yet profound connection they share.


    Before he can fully comprehend what is happening, Axel feels Vanessa''s arms encircle him, drawing him close in a tender embrace. Despite the flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks, her smile radiates with genuine warmth and affection, erasing any trace of nervousness that once lingered in the air.


    In that fleeting moment, Axel realizes that amidst the chaos and uncertainty of the world around them, he has found something precious and true¡ªa connection that transcends words and binds them together in a bond of shared understanding and mutual affection. And as they stand entwined, their hearts beating in unison, Axel knows that he has found a beacon of hope in the form of Vanessa''s love.


    "¡­Who would have thought that out of all the parties I''ve been to, this one would be my favorite¡­" Her words hang in the air, her eyes sparkling with a warmth that fills Axel''s heart with joy.


    In that moment, time seems to stand still as they stand face to face, their breath mingling in the space between them. The air is charged with an unspoken tension, a silent promise of something more.


    As their lips hover tantalizingly close, Axel feels a rush of anticipation coursing through him, his heart pounding in his chest. He can''t help but be captivated by the radiance of her gaze, drawn to her like a moth to a flame.


    And in that fleeting moment, with the world falling away around them, Axel knows that he has found something truly special in the form of Vanessa''s love.


    Both Tom and George watch with deadpan expressions as Axel and Vanessa continue their dance, oblivious to the two spectators. However, George''s mischievous spirit refuses to be contained, and he rises to a stand with a mischievous glint in his eye.


    Turning to the confused Tom, George bows dramatically before him, his hand extended like a true gentleman. "It would be an honor if you could dance with me, madam," he declares, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.


    Tom''s irritation is palpable as he shoots George a pointed glare. "Ain''t gonna happen," he retorts bluntly, crossing his arms over his chest.


    As the two friends exchange barbs, Axel and Vanessa continue their dance, their movements fluid and graceful. Vanessa rests her head against Axel''s chest, a contented smile gracing her lips as they move in perfect harmony, completely absorbed in the moment.


    "Do you think we''ll be able to go back home?" Vanessa''s sudden question pierces the serene atmosphere, her voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty as she remains nestled against Axel''s chest.


    For a moment, Axel is silent, his mind grappling with the weight of her inquiry. He understands the gravity of her concern; it''s a thought that has crossed his own mind countless times.


    Even if they manage to overcome the threat of the Demon Empire, a daunting challenge in itself, there are no guarantees that they will ever return to the lives they once knew. The reality of their situation hangs heavy in the air¡ªa precarious balance between hope and despair.


    As Axel considers the countless obstacles they face, a sense of unease settles over him. The road ahead is fraught with danger and uncertainty, and the prospect of returning home feels increasingly distant and uncertain with each passing moment.


    "¡­I honestly don''t know¡­" Axel''s admission is accompanied by a heavy sigh, his uncertainty laid bare for both of them to acknowledge.


    However, despite the uncertainty looming over them, Axel''s resolve remains unshaken. "But what I do know is¡­ I''ll be trying my best to make sure everyone comes back home safely."


    With those words, Axel makes a silent vow to himself and to Vanessa. He may not have all the answers, but he refuses to succumb to despair. Instead, he chooses to channel his uncertainty into unwavering determination, fueled by the hope of a better tomorrow.


    Having made his decision, Axel feels a weight lifted from his shoulders. He may not have all the answers, but he''s determined to do whatever it takes to protect those he cares about.


    As Vanessa meets his gaze, a smile tugs at the corners of her lips, a silent affirmation of her faith in him. In that moment, despite the uncertainty of their future, they find solace in each other''s resolve.


    "There you go again, always putting others before yourself," Vanessa giggles softly, her eyes reflecting admiration for Axel''s selfless nature.


    Their moment of levity is short-lived, however, as the sound of raised voices reaches their ears, pulling them back to the harsh reality of their surroundings.


    "Hey!! Get off of me!!" Tom''s shout echoes through the ballroom.


    "But I''m bored as heck!! I don''t give a hoot if we''re seen as a couple, dance with me Tom!! Dance with me!!" George''s voice rings out as he drags Tom across the floor, much to Tom''s dismay. The two create quite the spectacle, drawing all eyes onto them for a brief moment before chaos ensues. The laughter of nobles and students fills the air as the two friends stumble and start a playful scuffle.


    "You can''t have a party without those two stirring up trouble," Axel remarks to Vanessa with a grin, shaking his head at their antics.


    As midnight descends upon the castle, signaling the end of the banquet, Sage appears at Axel''s side, ready to guide him back to his room. With a quick nod of gratitude, Axel follows her through the labyrinthine corridors, the events of the evening still swirling in his mind.


    Once inside his room, Axel flops onto his bed with an exuberant sigh, clutching a pillow to his chest as if it were a prized possession. He can''t help but grin from ear to ear as he replays the moment in his mind.


    "I danced with her!!" he declares to the empty room, his excitement palpable in his voice.


    Though he knows he should be preparing for the challenges that lie ahead, Axel finds it difficult to contain his enthusiasm. Despite his best efforts, sleep proves elusive as he tosses and turns beneath the covers, his mind still buzzing with the memory of the dance.


    . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


    . . . . . . . . . . .


    . . . .


    Meanwhile, within the castle walls.


    "Thou is such daring, art thou sure this is what thee desire?" Questions a voice from out of the corner of darkness.


    Another silhouette silently nods, bestowing their partner with an item.


    "Of course, it is... for the sake of humanity. We can''t have a monster lurking within these halls. When the time is right, I expect thee to fulfill thine role and save the kingdom from disaster," replies the taller shadow.


    The first nods, before going their separate ways, filling the dark hallways with footsteps.

 Chapter 4 - Framed

    "Thou is such daring, art thou sure this is what thee desire?" Questions a voice from out of the corner of darkness.


    Another silhouette silently nods, bestowing their partner with an item.


    "Of course, it is... for the sake of humanity. We can''t have a monster lurking within these halls. When the time is right, I expect thee to fulfill thine role and save the kingdom from disaster," replies the taller shadow.


    The first nods, before going their separate ways, filling the dark hallways with footsteps.


    - A week later after the banquet -


    Axel starts writing down his experiences in a little notebook first thing in the morning.


    Day 1 of training.


    "When I fell asleep that night, I was expecting the worst for the next day. However, surprisingly, it was more of a study session than a training routine. They went into grave detail about the stats and what they meant. Hp, Attack, Defense, and Speed were pretty straightforward. Hp, otherwise known as our overall health; simply put when it runs out, you¡¯re dead. Attack maintains what¡¯s associated with primarily your physical damage. Like kicks and punches and anything really physically damaging. Defense maintains your physical endurance; punches, kicks, anything pertaining to getting hurt. And lastly, Speed which determines how fast you are; pretty straightforward if you ask me."


    "Mana, Magical Attack, and Magical Defense on the other hand, these were a bit more complicated. Mana is similar to Hp in the fact that they both had bars that signaled just how high or low you are in either. Mana is the fuel you use to cast and make magic. Remember to keep an eye on that bar, because if you drain it to zero, you''ll be out in the open with your pants down. Magical Attack is similar to Attack, only, although unlike physical hits, these go through your normal Defence. It also maintains how powerful your spells and overall magic is. The same is said with Magical Defense, only that it''s about how much your body can resist magical attacks."


    "Next lesson was about enchanting spells, and OH MY was it long. Who knew enchanting a simple fire spell would take two mouthfuls before you can even cast it. The enchantment itself didn''t need to be followed word by word, but you had to pray to God and describe what magic you were creating. Carnal said this was required as it was a sort of way to ask God for permission before he''ll lend you his power. The only person who this rule didn''t apply to was Blake. As he, and only he, had the (Chanting cast nullification) which allows him to skip the entire process of chanting and just summon his spell right away, talk about easy."


    Day 2 of training.


    "Man do I feel sore, it hurts just to write this, but I need to jot this down, or else I might forget something important. This was the day I was dreading the most. Today was just melee practice and sword practice, FOR 7 HOURS STRAIGHT!!! With only one lunch break, and two bathroom breaks. Like, I understand they have to get us to top shape and not to mention all the students had ridiculously high stats, meaning this 7-hour training was a lot less harsh on them, BUT ME!!! WHAT ABOUT ME!?!?!? Did they forget I have virtually no stats whatsoever!? I swear, while I was busting my ass off trying to complete a lap. All of my other classmates did like 20 laps within seconds!


    "Don''t even get me started on melee practice, or sword training¡­ Carnal assigned us all with training partners and switched partners every 10 minutes. While everybody managed to push their limits with their training partner. I was getting the ever-living crap beaten out of me!! And nobody held back either!! Such demons!! I swear, when training was over and Sage came over to me with a towel to wipe off my sweat. She let out a natural yelp as she thought I was stung by a hundred bees. Thankfully, my one ability healed me right up so I was able to be ready for tomorrow."


    Day 3 of training.


    "Today, one of the students was finally able to cast magic. And it was Blake¡­ again¡­ who would¡¯ve thought¡­ He learned how to cast fire, and within a couple of minutes, he managed to cast an even more advanced ball of flame. Honestly, if this keeps up, he''s going to catch up to Carnal in no time."


    "Today was also the day where we were summoned to the throne room by the king''s request. He had stated that he was preparing a few carriages for us as he wanted us to enter an easy dungeon and gain some experience. The only problem was, all of the carriages besides three were being used for the war. Meaning that only about half the class can go while the other half stay here in the meanwhile, we had until tomorrow to think about it."


    Day 4 of training.


    "Blake had learned multiple spells, ranging from fire to wind, and even learned a spell that wasn''t offensive at all. He learned how to nullify poison and prevent frostbite, you can''t be too safe now can you?¡±


    Today was also the day where the students had to choose whether or not they wanted to go. I was automatically disqualified because I was the weakest out of the bunch and because it honestly wasn''t safe for me. Even though it was an easy dungeon, I stood no chance against the monsters. Why? Because my stats were literally on par with babies, hell, some babies even have higher stats than me, that was how weak I was. Shockingly, Blake also volunteered to be disqualified from the expedition, his reason? Because he wanted to know more about the king and princess, and he honestly didn''t need the help as much as the others did. However, because Blake chose not to go, Vanessa had to go because she was the second strongest student and without her, the students would be at a severe disadvantage. And since I wasn''t going, Tom and George selected not to go as well."


    Day 5 of training.


    "The expedition crew departed at noon. Right after they left, we started to train again. Without Vanessa around, I was fearing for the worst. Blake would honestly have had nothing to stop him from attacking me. But to my surprise, he didn''t, even when the guards weren''t looking, he didn''t do anything, not even so much as a glare. In fact, he honestly appeared happy. Was it because he danced with the princess? He''s looked happy ever since. Who knows, I''ll just have to have my guard up in case he does plan to attack me. After our grueling training, finally some good news came out of it. On the weekends, we weren''t going to train, hooray!! I can''t wait for Saturday to come!!"


    Axel closes his notebook as Sage comes with his daily tea and breakfast.


    "Congratulations on surviving your training session master!" she says with a smile. Saturday has arrived, so he has today and tomorrow all to himself.


    With high spirits, he greets Sage and devours his food. Without wasting a single second, he tells her he''ll be gone for a while and wanders the hallways. Unlike Blake who''s usually followed by two other guards, Axel is free to roam the palace. This is more or less a benefit to Axel, since he''s never an attention seeker, or wants to be known. All the people who walk past Axel never greet him, even though he''s considered a hero, pretty much everyone knows by now that he''s borderline useless.


    He ventures and discovers many rooms he has never seen before. Such as the dining hall, the private library, and a flower garden with a huge elder tree in the middle, overseeing the whole garden like some sort of guardian. Entranced by its beauty, Axel comes outside and shields his face from the sun.


    The weather is perfect to say the least, clear blue skies with a few sprinkled clouds here and there. As he walks towards the center, he breathes in his astonishment from all the beautiful and colorful flowers surrounding him. The fresh air fills his lungs with a sweet fragrance, and as he slowly exhales, a smile rises on his lips.


    Never had he been in a garden this grand or elegant before. He lived in the urban side of the city where the skies were polluted with God knows what, the air constantly smelled like a cesspool, and there was hardly any life out of the pure grey city.


    Taking shade under the elder tree, he sprawls out into the soft grass. With the brushing of the breeze and rustling leaves, he closes his eyes and breathes in the tranquility.


    And without even realizing it, he drifts off into the realm of dreams.


    - Afternoon -


    "Well, looks like someone has already beaten me here," a voice whispers through the wind.


    Axel''s snot bubble pops as he jolts up. He lifts himself off the ground and rubs his eyes to get rid of all the sand.


    "Who¡¯s¡­?" Axel questions the figure before him.


    "My name is Veronica, I am Everglend''s princess."


    Although his eyes were a bit blurry, he naturally jumps as he realizes it was indeed the princess. He stumbles back and smacks himself against the tree, he falls to the ground while clutching his head in agony.


    Veronica lets out a tiny giggle by his actions.


    "Haha, I see thou art clumsy," she points out.


    "What gave that away?" asks Axel, while still in pain.


    She arches down and offers her hand."There''s nothing wrong with being a little clumsy at times.¡±


    If it wasn''t for Vanessa, who pretty much indirectly trained him for this moment, he might have fallen in love upon witnessing her angelic eyes.


    "Thanks for the help." Axel matches her smile and takes her hand.


    .


    "Don''t mention it," her words escape her tongue like a gentle melody...


    The dress she wears isn''t at all big or spongy like how princesses are depicted in kid''s fairy tales. Rather it¡¯s thin and simple, which in her case is extremely attractive as you''re given enough to imagine her figure, it makes Axel think of the phrase "less is more".


    "You''re Axel correct?" asks Veronica, he''s kinda surprised she heard his name.


    "How''d you know?" he retorts.


    Her eyes shift quite a bit as she doesn''t seem to know what to say.


    "You''re the infamous black sheep, art th¨C are you not?"


    Her words cut deep into Axel''s soul, she probably didn''t mean it as a rude thing, but she''s right. He''d been ostracized from the class, with the exception of three, and he''s the weakest out of all of them. And on top of that, he''s a demon¡­ He isn''t of the same flesh and blood as the others, he''s of the same race as the enemy.


    Maybe that''s why God didn''t give him any special power and op stats, because he''s a wolf hiding in sheep''s clothing.


    "Oh sorry! I didn''t mean it as anything rude, that''s just what the nobles call you," she elaborates in a fit of panic.


    Axel lets out a light smile and shakes his head. "No harm taken, that''s just how life is sometimes.¡±


    Veronica''s shoulders slump, before she lets out a sympathetic smile, believing that he''s just saying that to cope, but upon taking a closer glance at him. Her eyes widen in shock, Axel was being honest as he grins while gazing at the flowers, he doesn''t seem to have any traces of sorrow or jealousy in his eyes.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Her grin broadens, leaning over to him with an innocent expression.


    "Why are you the way you are?" her sudden words strike him, leaving him slightly baffled.


    Urrrgh!!! Deja vu!!! Axel grabs his head and spins it around like a madman.


    "Oh, I''m terribly sorry about the misunderstanding. What I was trying to refer towards your nature, you''re so calm about the situation you''re in. I know if I was in your situation, I would be panicking right about now. Would you mind telling me why?"


    She sits down with her back against the tree. Axel is honestly astonished by the sight, seeing a person sit on grass isn''t shocking, but the fact that she''s a princess. It''s another story entirely, from what he knows of medieval history class. It''s considered improper for any class of royalty to be visibly looked down upon. This is why most people have to bend a knee before greeting royalty, and yet there she is before Axel.


    Then before someone spots him, he takes a seat across from her.


    "I honestly don''t know what''s so wrong about that? I''m not quitting on my role to save this kingdom, but I''ve just accepted the fact that I''ll be the weakest. After all, someone has to do it to make the others look good," he explains.


    The princess is caught off guard by his comment, almost like she couldn''t understand where he''s coming from, but then, she begins to abruptly giggle.


    "Thou¡¯st a very funny way of seeing the world! I''m glad to see you''re still in high spirits," she remarks with a brighter tone than before.


    Her adorable grin makes Axel smile too. However, moments later, his eyelids start to feel heavy. With the breeze crashing over him and hearing the gentle sound of nature. The drowsy feeling gnawing at him grows increasingly harder to resist.


    "I must thank you, Axel¡­ I haven''t laughed like that in a while. My days have been vastly dull because of the constant politics and etiquette it takes to become a princess. You have my gratitude, Axel, for brightening up my day~!" she says with a jovial smile.


    "It''s my pleasure¡­ princ¨C¨Cess," Axel is more becoming sluggish with his body looking droopy. The princess laughs again before patting her lap.


    "Here, think of it as a reward for making me laugh," she said, signaling him to lay down.


    Axel snaps out of his sleepy state with a shake of his head, until his fatigue hits him right back like a sledgehammer. Seeing him trying to put up some resistance makes Veronica snicker.


    "My-my, you''re a strange boy Axel. I''ve never been refused before, by a guy no less. And you''re getting special treatment today. You''re sooo mean, Axel~. After all~ the courage it took for me to say all those words, you''re just going to refuse me?" She begins to put up an act of a teenage girl getting rejected by their crush. And before he knows it, tears begin to well up within her eyes as she forces out a sniffle.


    "Ok-ok!!" Yells Axel as he rushes down and puts his head on her lap.


    His head sinks down as he could feel the plumpness of her thighs. No word can better describe this other than heaven itself. Veronica snickers upon seeing Axel smile innocently like a baby. She gently strokes his hair, making him tingle with joy upon her soft touch.


    "You can sleep on my lap Axel, I''ll be here¡­ Protecting you¡­"


    She caresses his hair a bit more, before his eyes ultimately close on him, with all the energy he has in his body disappearing.


    "You''re such an odd boy Axel¡­ I would like to know more about you~¡­ " she whispers to him, leaving him to only nod in response as he drifts in and out of consciousness.


    A lullaby rolls off her lips, however, to Axel it sounds like a distant hum. This proves to be the final nail as her angelic voice puts Axel to sleep.


    And as the two are taking shade in the garden, a shadow observes them from inside the palace¡­


    - The next day, morning -


    Axel is writing down his thoughts of yesterday, Sage opens the door and comes with the food cart.


    "The food is ready, master~!" she says with a happy trot.


    Axel had to tell her countless times to just call him by his actual name, but Sage ended up refusing. It was a losing battle in the end so Axel just gave up and let her call him whatever she wanted. Though one thing he noticed is that whenever she would call him master, her smile would broaden afterwards.


    "Ahh, thank you for the food, Sage. I''ll be there in just a sec, mind if you could serve me a plate?" asks Axel as he still writes down in his notebook.


    "Your word is my command~" she responds with an elegant curtsy.


    Once she''s done serving, Axel closes his notebook and leaves it on his bed as he moves to their dining table. Sage sits down as well, she has already become used to eating with him. The two of them eat quietly, enjoying each other''s company as the awkwardness from their first encounter is all but a distant memory. Sage taught Axel how to use the several utensils properly and she would no longer be as shy as the first time they ate together.


    However, the abrupt knocking of the door prompts Sage to immediately stand up.


    "Coming!" she answers as she opens the door.


    Another maid enters the room. And unlike Sage, her black hair was pulled into a bun showing her deep brown eyes. The faint wrinkles present on her face immediately contrasted the youth of the maid welcoming her in.


    "Sir, Axel. Her grace has requested for you to meet her within her chamber as soon as possible," states the maid, ¡°privately.¡±


    Axel and Sage both instinctively glance at each other, before he turns back to the lady''s maid and nods.


    "I''ll be there as soon as possible," he responds, before shifting his gaze to Sage.


    "I''ll return as soon as I can Sage.¡± Before following the maid out from his room, Axel gives Sage a reassuring smile.


    Her mouth opens to speak, however, she didn¡¯t know what to say. Biting down on the impulse, she closes her mouth before rubbing her wrists.


    "O-Ok," is the only word she can think to utter.


    Axel can only respond with one last smile to comfort her, then gently clicks the door shut.


    - A few minutes later -


    With the lady''s maid opening the door for him, Axel enters the princess''s chambers. A pungent fragrance washes over him as he unconsciously gazes around the room.


    His eyes widen upon the size of the room. Complete with a royal aesthetic befitting that of a princess. With a grand, elegant bed emphasizing the room; the row of magnificent windows bring the whole chamber to life, while bestowing a view of the garden. A vanity rests on one of the corners, alongside an entire wardrobe set. And lastly, a white table sits before the bed, at the very center of the room.


    Veronica sits before the window, peering over her shoulder to the opening door. A smile splits across her face as she notices a familiar set of black hair.


    "My apologies, were you busy?" she asks before taking and offering Axel a seat at the small table.


    "I was just eating breakfast, but I was about done anyway.¡± He puts her worries at ease while sitting across from her. "Anyways, was there a reason for my calling, princess?"


    She simply shakes her and glances over to the red wine bottle on the table.


    "I just wanted to chat, Blake and the others are busy with the nobles. And since you were free I thought perhaps you wouldn¡¯t mind it if we talked over a couple of drinks?¡± she questions while taking hold of the bottle.


    Axel lets out an awkward chuckle, trying to hide the fact that it was another unconscious low blow from her. What she said was true, since they were considered heroes.


    Everyone wants to talk to the students since they were from a different world, with the exception of Axel, of course.


    "Sure we can talk, but I can''t drink wine¡­ since I''m a minor," states Axel which makes the princess giggle.


    "C''mon~ don''t be such a downer. What''s wrong with a li¡¯l bit of wine? C¡¯mon! Live a little!"," she insists as she serves Axel a glass of wine without his consent.


    He instantly flinches, trying to find any excuse to bail him out of it, "but it''s illegal at my age! I really shouldn''t be drinking it."


    Veronica continues to pour him a glass, before her eyes land on him.


    "It''s not~ in my kingdom¡­ Relax, this one is especially soft on the alcohol¡­ You''re gonna like it, I promise."


    He sighs again, the one excuse he has is thrown out the window, he reluctantly accepts her offer and takes the glass.


    Veronica raises hers before stating, "it''s much funner drinking wine when you''re with someone, don''t you agree, Axel?"


    Axel starts to sweat as he raises his glass to cheer while averting his gaze. They both cheer and proceed to drink, and from out of the corner of his eye, Axel spots a tiny bottle hidden below her bed.


    The shattering of glass pierces his ears as his eyes recoil back to the princess. He forgets to breathe as he witnesses the princess turn ghostly pale. Her eyes bulge, turning lifeless, as she grabs at her throat. Only a wheeze manages to escape her as her eyes begin to roll into the back of her head.


    "Veronica!!" Axel screams before leaping over the table! Just short of reach, she slams onto the hard floor!


    As he rushes to Veronica''s aid, the creaking of the door causes Axel''s heart to sink. He turns around to find Blake with his two knights, staring right back at him in shock. His back shivers as his heart starts to beat loudly, this was the worst time for anyone to enter . . .


    A smile creeps around Blake''s lips before he puts up a facade, pointing towards Axel.


    "CAPTURE HIM!!"


    "No wait!" Before Axel has the chance to speak, the two knights tackle him and pin him to the ground!


    Blake hurries past the room and kneels down to Veronica.


    "¡­She''s been poisoned¡­ " he states with a hand on her pulse.


    The knights shoot furious glares at Axel as they hoist him up, dragging him out of the room!


    "No wait!! I didn''t do it!! Check under the bed!!"


    A knight smacks him! "Shut the fuck up, you traitor!!"


    As Blake starts to cast his magic to remove the poison, a smile raises on his lips as Axel gets dragged out of the room.


    - The throne room -


    The king slams his fist against the armrest with all his might!


    "HOW DARE THEE!!" the veins on his neck pop! His screams vibrate the throne room as the knights shove Axel down to the ground, forcing him to his knees.


    "It wasn''t me king!! I swear on God!! It wasn''t me!!! Check the princess''s bed!!! I was framed!" Axel pleads to the king as the chains around his hands bite into his flesh.


    Blake stood beside the angered king, along with a few nobles and knights that surround Axel. Blake gestures to a knight to come forth, he presents himself before the king, kneeling down and reporting his findings.


    "Your majesty, we have thoroughly inspected the princess''s room, and found nothing suspicious. However, as we went to search in Axel''s room, we undercovered this," the knight takes out the exact same bottle Axel spotted below Veronica''s bed.


    "What!?" Axel''s heart plummets to his gut, he starts to sweat as his breathing becomes heavy. The nobles and knights look at him, disgusted. His heartbeat becomes louder by the second as his eyes slump toward the ground, speechless.


    Somebody had planned for this to happen¡­ it was too much of a coincidence for it to happen naturally¡­ his eyes slowly go to the one person he can think of.


    There he is . . . smirking from ear to ear with his sadistic eyes. Blake is the one behind the strings, he played Axel like a damn fiddle, and now, he has him where he wants him to be, under the mercy of his fingertips¡­


    Axel deteriorates as his head sinks ever lower. With his body shaking, his heart bleeds with betrayment¡­ The understanding that the princess must have been in on this stabs into his soul. He couldn''t help but feel as if his heart is breaking down. Why? He ponders to himself, why would she do this?


    "What doth thou have to say for thine self?" questions an irritated king. Axel¡¯s hands tremble as the king¡¯s stares almost burst with anger. The nobles stumble back as the king becomes scarier than death itself. Axel is backed up against the corner, it''s a losing battle no matter what he does. All he can do is pray and hope that his words get through to the king.


    "I am innocent, your majesty . . . I swear upon God and my life that I am not the one who poisoned your daughter . . I was set up . . By the one person who hates my guts," Axel shifts his gaze over to Blake, and all of a sudden, all eyes are on him. Even the king has his eyes on him.


    "What doth thou have to say for thine self, Blake," the king asks.


    Although the many eyes do little to faze him. He faints innocence as he slowly strolls over to the king, gathering as much attention as possible.


    "Shifting the blame onto others Axel? How pathetic of you . . .But then again . . . That''s what demons do," he says, smiling wryly.


    Axel''s heart pops as his body begins to shut down; his secret had been exposed. Blake smirks as he watches his plans fall into place...


    All the knights unsheathe their swords and aim at Axel!


    "He''s a demon!?"


    "Kill him!!!"


    "How could this be!?!¡±


    "Ahhhhhhhh!!!"


    "What are you knights doing? Kill him!!"


    "I knew he wasn''t a hero."


    All the nobles start talking and shift their eyes onto Axel with fury, their stares sink like daggers onto his back. The king''s face lowers, his hands shake uncontrollably before he clenches them tightly and stands up furiously!


    "HOW DARE THEE HIDE AMONG US DEMON!! I''LL GIVE THEE THE DEATH PENALTY!!!" The king erupts, silencing the whole room!


    As the shadows become louder, Axel is staring at the ground, hopelessly. . .


    He''s on the verge of crying as he realizes his end is nearing...


    There''s nothing else he can do, his death has now become inevitable¡­ He never thought his life would end this way¡­


    The doors to the throne room suddenly, harshly open, revealing Tom and George running with a platoon of guards behind them!


    "Your majesty!! Please reconsider!!" yells George.


    "Axel is not the enemy!!" shouts Tom.


    They fight and struggle, but in the end, the sheer amount of knights in the room overpower them, and they are pinned against the ground¡­


    Axel''s eyes begin to shrink as an ache builds within his stomach. His lungs burn as they hyperventilate upon seeing them. And tear well within his eyes as the thought crosses his mind, Why did they have to come at a moment like this...


    From out of the corner of his vision, he catches Blake smiling devilishly, a cold sweat runs down his spine as he realizes this was all part of his plan . . this was a trap...


    He doesn''t just want Axel killed, he wants to take away what is most precious to him¡­ his family¡­


    "Get out of here guys!!" Axel¡¯s voice breaks as his hands thrash against his chains.


    However, it proves futile as many more guards rush over and slam him to the ground!! Tears start rolling down his cheek as he bites his lip out in frustration!


    The king glares at the two intruders with the devil''s eyes.


    "Art thou siding with this demon?" He asks, challenging their bravery.


    "Axel is no demon!! He''s a kind-hearted boy who would do no harm to the princess!!" Tom shouts in response.


    "The only demon here is Blake!! He''s the one behind this!!" adds George.


    They both don''t back down despite having their heads slammed into the ground. They both stare right back into the king''s eyes with tears and anger. The whole room fills with tension, so much so that the nobles remain quiet by the magnitude.


    "Very well then¡­" The king gives the cold shoulder while starting to walk away¡­ "Those who support the enemy will be killed¡­ off with their heads¡­"


    Axel''s heart bursts upon hearing those words, and with all the might he has, he gives one final attempt to break free!


    "Please, your majesty!! Please reconsid-"


    "Shut the fuck up!" yells a knight as he slams his fist into the back of Axel¡¯s head, knocking him unconscious...


    The last thing he hears are the disappearing pleas of his two friends¡­

 Chapter 5 - Gods Punishment

    "Wake up demon!" Water slams into Axel''s face, forcing a thrash out of him with instant shivers engulfing his body.


    Cold . . . His hair dribbles as he staggers up to his feet.


    Light burns his retinas, forcing the surroundings to be blurred. A gradual sound grows louder and louder as the world seemed just out of reach for a moment. Though he could tell it was a roar, or something close to it from just how loud it was.


    However, to his dismay, he came to the realization that it was chanting. A cheer from hundreds surrounding him.


    A tight knot expands within his chest, threatening to explode, as a sharp ring rises over his beating heart. And although he tries desperately to shake it from his ears, nothing falls free.


    But once the noise comes, it unloads onto him like a tidal wave. Forcing his knuckles to whiten as he nearly bashes his head into the ground to silence the noise!


    "Kill them!!!"


    "They deserve to die!!!"


    "Burn the bastards alive!!"


    The voice of the masses digs into Axel''s mind, causing them to nearly burst to their screams. Every. Single. Voice. Violating his ears all at once!


    They drive Axel to insanity...


    His eyes jut open, finding himself to be in a colosseum of sorts. It''s intimidating... with so many levels to it that nearly covers the clouds. Above him sits the king, the pope, many nobles, the students...


    And Blake.


    Beyond them stand hundreds of angered citizens and common folk. Their aggression shouts over the arena as rocks and trash are hurled into it.


    And lastly, right in front of Axel are his two best friends...


    Being chained and getting placed under the restraints of the guillotine...


    All the air inside his lungs dissipates as his eyes shrivel at the sight. Blood begins to flood through his heart as it plummets to his gut.


    "Grrrr!! No!! Stop!!" Axel jerks towards the only family he''s ever known, however, the chains around his wrists snap him in place! They bite into his skin, holding him to the floor. And no matter how much he pushes...


    Axel remains powerless.


    The king rises from his throne and steps forward, gazing out into the roar of the crowd before raising his arms. Silencing his people so that he may speak.


    "Today, I beseech thee! These three have been brought before thou for their crime against the capital! For the attempted assassination against royal blood, I sentence them to the guillotine," the king states while pointing down upon the three boys, "what say I bring thou''st judgement upon these betrayers!"


    Axel yanks the chains again with all he could! Blood quickly finds its escape through his gritted teeth as the harsh and rusted metal slices skin from his wrists! Though even as his body flinches and tries to stop him, he continues to fight through the blistering pain.


    "No!! Please!!! They have nothing to do with this! Your majesty! Please!!!" the sharp screeches of metal intensify as Axel''s cries go unheard!


    Then, before his eye, the executioner commences raising the blade above Tom''s head . . .


    Axel thrashes, the chains cutting deeper and deeper into his wrists! The grind of his teeth puts a foul metallic taste within his mouth as his voice chokes within his throat. And though his eyes remain unmoved, tears cloud his vision as he desperately pulls to save them.


    His knees give way as the pain envelopes his body! However, he relentlessly pleads and begs for his friends- his family to be set free. Although in the end, his voice is devoured by the crowd.


    Tom turns to his two friends, a grin breaking across his face as tears run free. With death looming over his neck... his hands relax as he turns with a smile...


    "Stay strong brothers . . . We will meet each other again... soon..."


    He looks directly into George''s and Axel''s eyes appreciatively. The tears running down his face only cause his smile to broaden; the memory of when they''d met Axel playing in the back of his mind.


    The blade clicks as it reaches the very top . . .


    "Noooo! King!!!! Please!!! Don''t take them away from me!!!! They''re all I have!!!" Axel flails as his heart crumbles before him! Time seems to slow, his memories echoing before him . . dreams they had of traveling around the world together . . .


    "I plead guilty!!! I''m the one who''s at fault!!! So, please!!! Let them go! Just kill me!!" Axel shouts at the top of his lungs!


    Tom wishes them farewell for one last time as he flashes another smile...


    "I love you gu-"


    However, before he can finish, the blade slams through him.


    "NOOOOOOO!"


    Axel''s eyes turn blank as his voice leaves him...


    His mind comes to a halt, the despair separating his heart turns his body to stone. Not even his tears could be shed as they too seemed to freeze in place.


    The crowd cheers as they celebrate the criminal''s death.


    George clenches his fists while his muscles tense, staring daggers at the crowd surrounding them.


    "If this is how you treat the innocent . . . Then you can all rot in hell! Nothing but ruin will await this kingdom if you follow them!"


    The executioner begins to raise the blade up again...


    His eyes wander over to the broken Axel, George''s rage finally subsides before his tears begin to fall. A tremble reaches his hands... and yet, all he can do is put on a brave face.


    "Axel . ." he tries to call out.


    Axel''s body jumps upon hearing his name, forcing his fist to curl as his eyes gradually shift to meet George''s gaze.


    "Grrrrrrrraahhhhhhh!!!!"


    Axel growls through gritted teeth as he begins to pull with every fiber of his being! Blood begins to trickle down his jaw and hands before he screams over the arena!


    The knights behind him stumble back; their legs quiver as they witness the captive before them turning into something more, something unnatural...


    "GEORGE!!" Axel screams with a fire building within his eyes!! He thrashes harder and harder!! Even more, tears fall as the flesh around his arms begins to rip and tear apart!!


    This silences the crowd as they stare down upon the scene before them. The knights surrounding him almost vomit as they force themselves to look away.


    As George braces himself for the final moments, a torrent of emotions floods his heart. With trembling lips and teary eyes, he gathers the strength with a smile to speak, his voice choked with sorrow.


    "I never thought it would end like this¡­" His words quiver as he struggles to maintain composure. "But I''m glad I got to see my friends for one last time¡­"


    A heavy silence hangs in the air as George braces himself for the inevitable. With a heavy heart, he closes his eyes, steeling himself for the final blow. The blade hovers ominously above him, poised to deliver the fatal strike.


    But as he waits for the end, his resolve falters, and tears stream down his cheeks. His smile fades, replaced by a look of profound sadness as the weight of his impending demise crashes down upon him.


    "I''m sorry, Samantha¡­" His voice breaks with regret as he speaks the name of his beloved. "It looks like I won''t be keeping my promise after all¡­"


    In that moment of vulnerability, George''s world shatters into pieces, consumed by the agony of unfulfilled vows and shattered dreams.


    "Aaaaahhhhhhhh!!!!!!" Axel wrenches the chains despite the pain and lunges forward!! His bones shatter as he screams in agony!!


    "GEORGE!!"


    Then with one last jerk, Axel rips his hands free from the chain!!! Blood spurts from his wrists as he races towards the guillotine!


    "GEOR-"


    His voice is cut short...


    The blade dropped without a care, severing the poor boy''s life. Stealing away the only family Axel had ever known.


    Blood trickles down his face as he falls to his knees. A single scream echoing in the back of his mind as if the soul was leaving his own body.


    And it isn''t until the crowd erupts in cheers that the world falls on Axel. His body crumples against the dirt as he begins to cry out for what was already gone.


    The king rises to accept the praise being thrown towards him and Blake for discovering the traitors. And without a moment missed, Blake follows suit, standing beside the king with a smirk lying across his face.


    "As thou may know, death is seen as a mercy within this realm... So, after much consideration..." The king gestures towards his people before pointing down at the last criminal. "Axel, the traitorous demon, I sentence thee to the Eternal Death Maiden!"


    The crowd explodes in cheers as the knights hoist up Axel. And a wave of anger erupts out from him, pushing away the soldiers and pointing a still bleeding arm towards Blake! An unbridled rage lingering within his eyes!


    "I''LL MURDER YOU BLAKE!!!"


    Without restraint, nor hesitation, Axel storms through the knights with venom dripping from his words. However, before he can even get to the arena walls, he''s finally brought down as several more guards pin him to the ground.


    And yet, he still reaches out, his eyes burning as an unquenchable malice forms within them. Blake, however, remains still and only gives the demon a grin with pity floating in his eyes.


    "I''LL KILL YOU!!! I''LL KILL YOU!!! I''LL KILL YOU!!!"


    His words are drowned out by large reinforced doors as he''s dragged beyond them. And yet, all he can hear echoing back to him is a roar of laughter. Their mockery piercing his ears causing him to struggle against his captors harder and harder, needing to fulfill his newfound vengeance.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    - Inside the castle, the dungeon room -


    To the knights'' surprise, the wounded man they were trying to lead struggles harder than some of them can handle. That is until one of them finally bashes the side of his head with the pommel of his sword.


    While dazed he could see his feet pulling with him clots of moss. Though as soon as he''s able to raise his head once more, he''s greeted with a plethora of torture devices. Each looks more intimidating than the next as the hall slowly grows darker.


    Their stop is at the end of the hall, where a decrepit iron casket stands. It looked like an ancient iron maiden, however, a vile black mist oozes from the cracks and crevices, creeping amongst their feet.


    Even the knights tensed up as they try to cover their noses. Some even recoiling and trying to slink back down the hall, trying not to vomit into their helms. And although the other''s watch their comrades with annoyed, yet ill faces, they force open the contraption.


    As the doors open, Axel bears witness to the incarnation of his end. His heart tightens and swells within him, polluting his mind and freezing his nerves.


    "End of the line, demon," snickers a knight as they shove him within!


    Axel can only gasp a short breath before two other knights slam the doors! A glow erupts within the eyes of the maiden and the blackened mist begins to creep back into the bottom of the casket.


    "Serves him right."


    Without another look back, the knight makes their leave. Shaking off the unease which used to plague their shoulders.


    "He''s going to be wishing that he died with his friends."


    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


    . . . . . . . . . .


    . . . . . . .


    . . . . .


    . . .


    .


    - The Death Maiden -


    Axel


    Level: 1


    Race: Demon


    Occupation: N/A


    Hp: 10/10


    Mana: 0/10


    Attack:0


    Magical Attack:0


    Defense:0


    Magical Defense:0


    Mana res:0%


    Speed:0


    Abilities: N/A


    Just as the darkness from the abyss begins to enshroud him, Axel re-opens his eyes.


    He lets out a non-existing gasp upon seeing his profile staring right back at him, appearing without his command... Although it vanishes from sight as the world seems to flick on.


    Bright, the world around him burns his retinas on just how white it all was. The ground, the sky, the horizon, everything... it was all just so colorless.


    And as Axel begins to inspect the place around him, he finds his body completely intact, even from the events which had just transpired. Though as he looks at his newly healed hands, the sound of a water droplet echoes across the vast emptiness.


    "Commencing Sequence, Scenario No. 1: Death by blunt force."


    An ominous voice booms out across the void, ringing Axel''s ears.


    Axel can only furrow his brows before something smashes his face! Blood rushes out of his nose, dribbling upon the floor.


    His vision is dazed for a moment before he grabs his throbbing broken nose. However, as soon as his arms lift, another slam strikes his side! Forcing him to fully collapse holding what felt like several broken ribs.


    He gasps for air as he tries to push himself back onto his knees. And yet, all he gets in response is another bash to his spine! He slams into the ground before he can even realize!


    Blood pools into his mouth as he begins to cough violently! He curls around himself, trying to protect himself as much as possible.


    And in response, he''s berated by several hundred more invisible punches!


    His bones break with every strike, first his arms and legs, then the rest of his ribs, then finally his skull...


    "Scenario No. 2: Death by stoning."


    The voice chimes into Axel''s ears before his eyes jolt open. His breath comes in rapidly as he looks over his body.


    He was completely uninjured... completely unharmed.


    Before he can even begin to question why or how, a rock the size of his palm cracked upon his knee cap! And without hesitation, Axel drops, grasping at his busted and bleeding knee.


    A groan escapes him as tears begin to well within his eyes. Though that was only the beginning as more and more stones begin to fly at him! As if there was a crowd surrounding him, the void hurls them at the frail boy!


    Each stone bruises and cuts his limbs become more and more violent with every throw! The crowd around him seemingly growing restless and more powerful!


    He tries to cover his head with his hands, however, another rock only strikes them, breaking his fingers upon impact! A scream escapes him as his limbs gradually being to snap under the constant berating of stones!


    An anger wells within him, and through the pain, he pushes himself upon his broken knees. And yet, he only witnesses the empty void with floating rocks surrounding him.


    "Why..."


    Is all he can mutter before one of the stones flies straight into his head, shattering his skull and spatting the ground behind him in red.


    "Scenario No. 3: Death by stabbing"


    Axel jerks up again with sweat pouring down his face as his eyes dart around the room. His breathing becomes heavy as his heart rings in his ears, louder than ever before. He frantically searches for a way to exit this place, he runs like mad in any direction with tears in his eyes.


    "I don''t want to die! I don''t want to die!! I don''t want to die! I don''t want to die!"


    His eyes swell with tears as his mind echoes over and over and over again. His body trembles as it recalls every moment of pain and suffering he''d just went through.


    "I don''t want to die! I don''t want to die! I don''t want-"


    Blood splatters on the floor . . .


    A sharp pain shoots up in Axel''s brain as he slowly looks down with terrified eyes. He''d run head-on into the blade of a knife. And without hesitation, he reached down to the handle dangling freely out of his stomach.


    There was no way of avoiding it . . .


    There was nowhere to run . . . nowhere to hide . . .


    Axel''s fate . . . had already been sealed . . .


    His legs give up on him and he collapses to the ground. His body solidifies as two more knives fall out of nowhere and stab deep in Axel''s back.


    He tries to scream, but blood fills his lungs as another blade digs into it! A gasp gets caught in his throat as he begins to gag, then coughs blood across the white floor.


    It seems to glow in contrast as he begins to weep, but before he can even move, another knife jams through his esophagus!


    He gags for a few more seconds before the light leaves his eyes.


    "Scenario No. 4: Death by dehydration."


    Axel falls to the ground, grasping his throat as he gasps for air. With every cough, his throat only gradually begins to grow drier and drier.


    He lifts his head to see the vast void surrounding him. He could feel the thirst strangling his already hurt throat. A sense of relief still washed over him as he realized he wasn''t bleeding anymore, he could breathe with ease and...


    A cough grew within his lungs. He grabs at his chest as it goes dry and empty. He could almost taste sand as his body felt stripped of fluid. His eyes scan the empty horizon as only water begins to flood his mind.


    His legs began to move on instinct. He needed to find some, he needed it, he needed just a drop. Just a single drop.


    Though without his notice, his legs give before he can even react. Slamming him upon the hard ground, however, he didn''t care. He just needed water.


    The desire drives him to crawl against the textureless floor. He pulls himself endlessly before he can''t drag himself anymore.


    His breaths grow softer and softer as the time begins to slow. All he could think of was his family and how he wanted to see them. Just one last time before he withered away.


    And yet...


    He hears the same repeating chime echo overhead, before he awakens to meet another fate. And another, and another. Each one growing steadily crueller than the last!


    "Scenario No. 7: Death by getting crushed."


    Axel awakens flat on the floor, unable to move his limbs no matter how hard he tries. A scream escapes him before tears begin to well up within his eyes. He flails his head as a giant elephant comes stomping his way.


    "NNNOOOO!! GOD PLEEAASE NOOOO!!"


    The elephant closes the gap, and steps on Axel''s legs. All of his bones instantly shatter as the elephant fattens his legs like a pancake!


    "AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!"


    Nothing is left of his legs as the elephant lifts its foot, and crushes his torso. Killing him instantly . . .


    "Scenario No. 13: Death by hanging."


    "Scenario No. 16: Death by falling."


    "Scenario No. 20: Death by beheading."


    "Scenario No. 26: Death by drowning."


    "Scenario No. 35: Death by Suffocation."


    Axel wakes inside a coffin covered with an immeasurable amount of dirt. His body instantly realizes the lack of oxygen inside his lungs as he tries to breathe!


    Without hesitation, Axel starts desperately kicking and pushing on the coffin to try and get it open, yet it wouldn''t budge. His heart starts to beat erratically as his lungs burn. Then before he can do anything, his mind starts to drift in and out of unconsciousness. He tries one last-ditch effort by clawing his way out of there!!


    He claws and claws, ripping and pulling the wood apart! However, it''s all in vain as the wood buckles and breaks under the weight of the dirt lying upon it, filling the small coffin with Axel inside!


    And with only a few last moments, Axel''s body finally lets go.


    "Scenario No. 97: Death by freezing."


    "Scenario No. 136: Death by burning."


    "Scenario No. 158: Death by getting skinned alive."


    "Scenario No. 184: Death by having your organs explode one at a time."


    "Scenario No. 200: Death by getting boiled alive."


    Every time Axel dies, he would beg that it would be his last. Although he just kept reviving without a single injury, like a blessing had been cursed upon him.


    And each and every time, Axel would have to carry the memories of his last death for all eternity. . . All of his memories slowly being replaced with a torment beyond his control and a ravaging hatred for the one who condemned him to it.


    Each death only serves to bring Axel into even more despair and anger.


    Why me? He thinks to himself. "Why must I go through such hell in life if I never did anything to deserve it. My dream of living life with my friends was robbed of me. By that demon who calls himself the messiah! That psychopath who dresses up in student''s clothing, why must he be blessed by god!! Why must I go through this living hell!! Dammit god!!! Tell me why!!"


    "Scenario No. 251: Death by showering in acid."


    "Scenario No. 302: Death by walking on nails."


    "Scenario No. 379: Death by having your entire skeletal structure become blades."


    "Scenario No. 402: Death by having your heart ripped out."


    "Scenario No. 444: Death by puking your organs out."


    "Scenario No. 500: Death by getting eaten alive by lions."


    "COME GET ME!!" Axel yells while squirming around on the floor with a missing leg.


    The two huge lions follow Axel with one of them having Axel''s leg in its mouth. They slowly walk over to him in a leisurely manner, toying with their prey. . . As the two fight over his leg, three more begin to circle the boy.


    Axel''s heart beats louder as the sound of their growls gets closer. The scent of death looms around his shoulders as the lions close the gap. . .


    His heart begins to ache as the feeling of hopelessness surrounds him. He begins to cry as all he wants, is for all of this to end. All he wants now is to meet his friends in the afterlife. . . But he can''t, he knows he''ll just die and respawn here again and again. Only to follow the cycle for eternity. . .


    The lions surround him as saliva droops from their mouths. Axel clenches his teeth so tight that they start to bleed. . .


    In a fit of rage, he raises his head high and shouts, "DAMN YOU BLAKE!!!


    The lions pounce on him, forcing his body to slam on the ground! He tries desperately to fight back, however, they easily tear him to shreds within moments!


    "Scenario No. 579: Death by having your blood become acid."


    "Scenario No. 621: Death by impalement."


    "Scenario No. 692: Death by getting eaten alive by hundreds of rats."


    "Scenario No. 731: Death by having every disease known to mankind."


    "Scenario No. 757: Death by getting eaten alive by millions of roaches."


    "Scenario No. 799: Death by suffering all 7 deadly sins."


    "Scenario No. 823: Death by having no pain tolerance."


    "Scenario No. 866: Death by lava."


    "Scenario No. 897: Death by increasing gravity."


    "Scenario No. 919: Death by increasing everlasting pain."


    "Scenario Death No. 967: Death by the vacuum of space."


    Axel''s left side is instantly frozen by the vacuum of space, and his right side is instantly burned by the heat of the sun.


    Only two words come to mind over and over again.


    ". . . Help me . . ."


    Although he knows nobody is going to save him, he still calls out for help . . .


    "Scenario No. 999: Death by insanity."


    Axel slumps to his knees pulling them next to his chest and hugging them tightly. He''s all alone this time, there''s nothing out there that is set on killing him. And yet, Axel is crying . . . His mind was being forced to remember the memories of his childhood with his actual parents. The same ones who would belittle and abuse him. Those old scars, forgotten to time, reopen as he''s forced to relive those memories inside his head.


    His eyes are becoming pale as he stares onto the great beyond with an empty expression.


    "STOP IT!!!"


    Axel muffles his ears with his hands and starts crushing his skull! All the nobles, students, and everyone who looked down upon Axel suddenly appeared before him to laugh at his weak frail form. No matter how hard he tries to block the noise, their laughter rings within Axel''s ears, breaking him down brick by brick...


    Their laughter growing louder and louder while becoming more and more twisted. His mind slowly warping around their words as a scream erupts from his lungs!!


    "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"


    Thoughts of murder cloud his mind as the laughter stabs within it! His gaze turns inwards as his eyes begin to quiver against the encroaching thoughts.


    His hands start to move on their own and begin to pull on his ears! The laughter becoming too unbearable, as it loops over and over and over, again and again, invading his sanity. . .


    "Hehe . . . ."


    Axel''s frown starts to slowly curve upward. He begins pulling on his ears so much that they start to bleed! Hallucinations of the deaths of his friends and visualizations of all his deaths begin to play right before him. . .


    "Hahaha . . . ."


    Blood starts to dribble out of his head as his frown slowly turns into a creepy smile. . .


    "Hahahahahaha!"


    Tears flow out of his eyes even faster, his heart is beating so fast that it may possibly burst.


    "HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA!!!"


    Axel soon joins his hallucinations and starts laughing uncontrollably!! The last shred of humanity he has within him fades. . No longer is he his old kind-hearted self, in fact, he''d become nothing more than that of an empty vessel...


    "HAHAHAHAHHAHAAHAHAHAH!!" Axel rips his ears off!!! Then without restraint, he begins slamming his head against the ground, harder and harder!!


    "HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA!!!!!!!"


    Blood pours from his skull as he rams his head, over and over again!!


    "Scenario No. ???: The void"


    Axel wakes up for the last time, and although he could feel his eyes open, nothing happened. The world was black this time.


    Upon instinct, he reaches up to his face, however, he couldn''t feel it. He couldn''t feel anything. The only thing he knew was there was him, and his thoughts. As they seemed to float along within the never-ending black.


    His memories, or what was left of them, began to play like an endless loop. Again, and again, and again, and again, and again...


    The silence eats him.


    Minutes felt like they''d become hours, hours become days, days become weeks, weeks become months, months become years. And yet, not even a second had moved, as if time itself had finally failed him.


    There he remains.


    Tormented by the emptiness around him, and torn apart by the memories still lying within him. His everlasting screams were the only thing left of him to fade out into the silence...

 Chapter 6 - Awaken, Tragic Angel

    ¨C A week later after execution day ¨C


    An echo ripples through the corridor as water drips from cracks within the dungeon ceiling. The silent stillness sat within the darkened hall before several pairs of metallic clacks gradually began to invade. With the light from a single torch, the several stains of blood are illuminated


    The stench is the first thing to meet the knights¡¯ noses, making one gag as another pinches his nose. Their destination was once again at the end of the hall. One they¡¯d been dreading to return to.


    An old, almost ancient, iron maiden sat leaking blood out from the bottom, leaving a nasty puddle before it. The eerie black mist from days past had yet to return, and wouldn¡¯t do so until the victim within had been removed.


    "Alright, time to get this bastard out of there,¡± the group leader states before they grab one of the doors.


    The door creaks open to a single shriveled corpse. It looked like it had been decaying for several years within the iron box, however, it still sat within its own pool of red. None of them could even recognize who they¡¯d put in there, only remembering it used to be a traitor to the king.


    Without a second thought, one of them nudges the body with their boot. And yet, the only reaction it can give is to slump to one side, folding under its weight.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with,¡± another knight mutters as they and another hoist up the body. It almost breaks as they lift it out, however, they still manage to keep it together while carrying out the fragile corpse.


    The doors leading out from the dungeon groan open as the knights shuffle through it. And in a continuous movement, they throw the body atop a wagon of many other corpses.


    Then without another moment lost, the crack of reins erupts before them. The coachman had little care for wasted time, and they were already behind schedule. It would take a fortnight to get to the pit at this rate.


    And as soon as the lone gate to the castle ground rises, the carriage leaves with haste. The brick road of the inner kingdom made the horse¡¯s hooves echo into the gray evening¡¯s sky. Though the dull orange was dimmed by age, it still managed to contrast the tall stone brick buildings lining the currently empty streets. And as each almost identical structure passes they gradually grow closer and closer together, the alleyways tightening before ending altogether. A maze of passageways is hidden behind the looming wall of homes and markets.


    Another wall, another gate cut the inner kingdom from the world beyond. It rose in anticipation for the wagon, and when it finally passed underway, the steel bars dug back into the ground. Sealing off like a jailor.


    The coachman scoffs as they hear the clacking of the metal behind them. Though they cared little for the gate, more than they could have struck their cart, and they were already behind schedule enough as it is.


    A bump in the road rocks the wagon as the street below had shifted to cobble as soon as they¡¯d left from the inner wall. And it wouldn¡¯t be long until they¡¯d reach the edge of the kingdom itself, however, they still had to get through the slums for that. Although, thankfully not even the low lives would trifle with this carriage, as there was nothing but the rotting dead held upon it.


    Within no time at all, the cobbled streets gave way to nothing but a dirt pathway. Even the buildings seemed to slowly fall into disarray as they got further and further towards the last wall.


    From broken doors to fallen shutters, even some of the structures were leaning on one another. However, it was the people that made the coachman frown slightly deeper before looking away. They all wore almost only rags and muddied faces. And yet, most kept on ignoring the cart, not caring even for the smell as they all were active in trying to make it to their own lives on time.


    And if it weren¡¯t for the coachman already being used to the smell of the dead, they wouldn¡¯t have been able to stand it out here. But the pay was much too high to care about such trivial matters.


    That was until they got to the slums. They¡¯d always hated the slums.


    Everything looked dirty and bleak, its buildings, its people, its own little world, all of it disgusted them. And so they slap the reins again, getting the horses to move just a bit fast.


    Deformed malnutritioned children, muddied by playing in the street, laugh as they scatter into the alleyways of misshapen buildings. They all sat haphazardly on top of one another like a malformed puzzle. Most of them lacked any light even at this darkening hour, and several had collapsed since last the coachman had seen.


    Yet, they tried to just keep their eyes on the roadway, or whatever was left of it.


    Although the slums made that not an easy task. As men fought in the streets, just far enough that they could still pass by without running them over. And the coachman dared not look into the darkness of the alleys, not again.


    Then without warning, the coachman yacks on the reins to dodge a man as he flies out from one of the many buildings!


    A mother and her daughter rush out of the home to pull the man from the mud. However, a group of knights step out from the broken doorway and pull the woman aside. She pleads with them, watching the red drip from one of their gauntlets. And the mother can only shield her daughter¡¯s eyes as they hoist the man up.


    The coachman looks away before the first strike comes. They were just like everyone else here, whether or not they wanted to admit it. Everyone had a job to fill, a role to play.


    The next, and final gate showed through the crowded, windy street, giving them a sigh of relief. And as they passed under it, the thundering clack of iron was almost welcomed.


    It would be nothing but open grass fields for at least a day¡¯s ride. Though sadly they wouldn¡¯t be able to breathe the fresh air until then.


    Mana: 10/10


    It had taken another day of riding to finally reach the forest at the end of the green hills. And it would be another week''s ride till they would be out of it.


    The gnarled wood made them sigh as they shifted within their seats. A weight falls upon their shoulders as the sun is overcast by the canopy of shadowed leaves. Though the feeling was there, they knew nothing would come to disturb the cart. For its ward kept the creatures at bay lest they have an early death.


    Yet, they still couldn¡¯t shake the weight. Was it the shifting of the trees? Or the shuffling of the bushes? No, it was something other than that¡­


    Just beyond the path, red eyes slip in and out from the coachman¡¯s gaze. Almost as if hiding in wait for the perfect opportunity. Though all knew it wouldn¡¯t come.


    And even though the coachman couldn¡¯t let go of the tightening of their shoulders, they still let free a breath of relief. It¡¯d be a week until they could leave the carriage¡¯s seat, but they paid that no mind. They¡¯d been down this road far too many times for it to affect them any longer.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Mana:7/10


    The trees open up to an ever-so-short, patchy field before the path reaches its final destination. A dust-ridden, rocky land that appeared to stretch for miles. And if it weren¡¯t for the sharp cliffs and short mountains lying in the distance, it just might have extended indefinitely.


    However, it was close to these rock faces where the coachman¡¯s goal lay.


    Within the barren realm, a quarry sat, and within it sat an enormous pit. The cliff face hid the sun from even attempting to reach its bottom, making it appear bottomless. Just a black void staring back at the sky above.


    The coachman grumbles as they pull the bodies, one by one, from the cart. And although they drag them to the edge of the hole they dare not get close to it themselves. For a single slip could cost them more than just their life.


    Or so the rumors stated.


    And with one final kick, the coachman¡¯s job was done. Now it¡¯d just be the long ride back though gladly they¡¯d be able to take in the sights and especially the scents of it all.


    Mana: 6/10


    . . . . . . . . . . . .


    . . . . . . .


    . . .


    Though the fall was long, the corpses still meet a bottom.


    They crash and slam into a thick murky lake. No light could ever pierce down to the bottom of the pit, only the echo of splashes ripple up its walls. And yet, nothing but silence would reach the top.


    And at the bottom, bodies stack high upon one another. A mass gravesite for the unfortunate ones who were deemed unworthy of burial.


    Humans, demons, children, elderly, none were above the gaze of the kingdom. And any who opposed, or were thought to oppose it, ended up here. Creating a red sea made up of their own caresses.


    This was a graveyard¡­ the final destination for Axel¡­ Hell itself¡­


    . . . . . . . . . . .


    . . . . . .


    . . .


    Amongst his rotting corpse, a wretched aura begins to spew from out of him. Encapsulating his body, and cradling his heart similar to that of a mother holding their child¡­


    . . . . . . . . . . .


    . . . . . . .


    . . .


    Like a vengeful spirit, his broken, black heart stores his unbridled rage¡­


    Mana: 2/10


    . . . . . . . .


    . . . . . .


    . . .


    A pulse begins to arise from one of the corpses, gradually becoming louder, and louder¡­


    It takes over the silent voice of the abyss, emitting a profound somber amongst the sea of dead¡­


    Then, one of the corpses begins to move¡­


    Pain embraces him like a blanket, as Axel starts to open his eyes¡­


    Hp: 1/10


    Through the lens of a newborn, he bares witness to the end of his journey. Initially numbed to the world at first, but as the seconds go by, the pulse of his heartbeat begins to rupture his ears as the pain consumes him. His blood begins to boil, while the gentle wind grazing his body takes a stab at his fresh wounds.


    It hurts¡­


    But he¡¯s powerless to do anything, as he floats along with the rest of the dead. He has become nothing now, stripped away from his title, his family, his life¡­ Everything has been taken away from him¡­ And he¡¯s nothing more, but an empty shell¡­


    It hurts¡­


    And even after all he¡¯s been through¡­ what ultimately causes him to cry was the void inside his heart. He felt¡­ Nothing. Not the thumping of his heart, nor the pain it must be enduring. There¡¯s nothing left, the world has wrongfully taken away from him what was once¡­ his soul.


    The pain begins to cripple him, slowly eating away at his body as his eyes gradually adjust to the great abyss. With a breath caught in his throat, his trembling pupils witnessed the horror before him.


    So this is where he¡¯s dying¡­ a giant cesspool made up of other people¡¯s bodies¡­


    Hp: 2/10


    Mana: 1/10


    Once his mana runs out, he¡¯ll be able to finally join his brothers in the afterlife¡­ The corpse underneath Axel begins to submerge into the deep, taking him along with it. His tears flow faster than before, as he reflects upon his life, and the events that led up to this. But amidst his despair, something catches his eye, floating along with the rest of the bodies.


    His brothers¡¯ heads¡­


    "AARRRRRRAAHAHAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"


    Shredding his heart, Axel tears his voice apart! He grieves for what he has lost as his body sinks further and further into the abyss. His lifeless eyes become fueled in rage, resurrecting the corpse as it thrashes violently!


    ("CAPTURE HIM!!")


    His tears drop onto the red sea below, falling quicker and quicker as a surge of memories invades his mind!


    ("He''s a demon!?")


    ("Kill him!!!")


    He clenches his teeth tightly, causing his gums to bleed as all the muscle fibers in his body begin to pull and tear! Engulfing himself in his rage while his inner demons possess him!


    (" HOW DARE YOU HIDE AMONG US DEMON!! I''LL GIVE YOU THE DEATH PENALTY!!!")


    ("Those bastards deserve to die!!!")


    His eyes become something that¡¯s not human¡­ Burning in lust as they rupture his mind! All of his tears start to turn red, turning his vision crimson as the blood trickles down his chin.


    ("I plead guilty!!! I''m the one who''s at fault!!! So, please!!! Let them go and kill me!!")


    His heart is beating faster than ever!! Ringing in his ears like an uncontrollable beast!


    ("Stay strong brothers¡­ We will soon meet each other on the other side¡­")


    Axel boils under the pressure surrounding him as his heart burns within! ANGER!! DESPAIR!! RAGE!! He becomes a prisoner to his own emotions!


    Hp: 2/10


    ("I never thought it would end like this . . . But I''m glad I got to see my friends for one last time . . . This is the end of the line for me buddy . . Goodbye")


    His eyes grow to a pitch-black!! His heart shatters and crumbles to dust as his carnal desires erupt from within him!!!


    "AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"


    His eyes dart above trying to find a flicker of light!!! Trying to find a way to get back to him.


    "DDDDAAAAAAMMMNNN YYYOOUU!!!"


    ("Get out of Vanessa''s life, if you know what''s good for you¡­")


    He growls and shouts to the world above him!! His body on the verge of death still screams out to the one who¡¯d wronged him!


    And yet, he¡¯d already begun to sink. The mire dragging half of his body before he could realize it. However, his thirst for revenge is stronger!!


    "I WON''T DIE!! NOT YET!! NOT UNTIL I HAVE MY REVENGE!!!"


    Right before his body is entirely consumed by the red sea, he screams before he¡¯s completely overtaken.


    "I WILL TAKE THEIR SOULS!!!!"


    Hp: 1/10


    A couple of seconds later, the blood calms down once again, no more air pockets rise to the surface¡­


    [ Requirements Achieved ]


    [ Now commencing ( Rebirth ) ]


    Ripples form underneath the blood before erupting like a geyser!! The rotting corpses lying within it fly freely up the pit walls before falling back down to the violent current below!! The stream rumbles faster and faster as the sea rapidly transforms into that of a whirlpool!


    Centering around Axel.


    An unknown force gradually begins to hoist up his corpse above the spiraling crimson waves. His body begins to heal at a rapid pace as he consumes the red sea! Not only mending his wounds but also regenerating the muscle and tissue of his once removed limbs!


    His eyes flash open as his chest throbs over his beating heart!


    [ Initiating transformation process . . ]


    Axel''s eyes shrivel as he clutches at his chest. His breath lies heavy as he collapses to his knees. However, before it can all sink in.


    His bones shatter once more!! His spine snapped under the sudden pressure, forcing him to look to the sky! He silently screams as his eyes roll back, and blood begins to trickle down from them. Tearing his muscles one by one to rebuild stronger than ever!


    Blood continues to circle him as his body absorbs every last drop¡­ All of the corpses dissolve into tissue as they penetrate his body, using the dead to create his new vessel.


    Axel stands.


    He grabs at his face as the skin begins to bleach itself! The voice of his screams begins to change, growing deeper and deeper! Leaving him to sound dreadful, inhuman, monstrous.


    [ Transformation... Processing ]


    A new set of teeth push out his human ones, replacing them with a row of razor-sharp fangs! His normal brown irises erupt into bright golden ones!!


    Though Axel only grabs the sides of his head when it begins to throb as if wanting to explode! He screams as his head begins to open!! Two trails of blood escape his forehead as twin horns emerge from within! His mind snaps as the pressure escapes his head!


    All of his emotions force everything being held within him to explode! The floor breaks underneath him, as a massive wave of heat pulses out from within him! Vaporizing anything and everything still left at the bottom of the pit!


    The ground quakes as gusts of heavy wind begin to leave him! The uncontrollable storm enlarges as his screams echo across the abyss!! The world starts to go mad as if Axel himself was breaking reality!!


    [ Rebirth completed ]


    It was at that moment¡­


    Where Axel had died¡­


    And an Angel had sprouted its wings in Hell¡­


    [ Congratulations!! Thou has become ]


    [ The Grim Reaper ]


    Everything comes to a halt, and the explosion vanishes. And so does the pit become consumed in darkness. However, there are now two glowing yellow orbs staring off into the distance with an eerily still air surrounding them. . .


    Filled with pure malice and vengeance, a burst of uncontrollable laughter rises from the darkness as something jumps onto the wall. He digs his appendages into the stone before climbing up like that of a spider! The laughter becomes louder by the second as the vision of Blake flashes before Axel''s eyes. His grin stretching from ear to ear.


    Now that the world has made him into a monster. He will show the world just how terrifying he can be!


    He will not die! Not until he gets his revenge!!


    The angel of death¨C has awoken¡­


    [

 Chapter 7 - What lurks inside the forest...

    - A month after Execution Day -


    ¡®Welcome to Lunic Forest¡¯


    Alongside the rugged pathway lies a worn old road sign still clinging half-heartedly to a withered tilted post. Its lettering, although faded, points deeper into the woods trying desperately to help lead out of it. And through the holes in the canopy, and past the blinding rays, one could see flocks of birds soaring through the skies above. Letting out squawks and chirps to any wanderer venturing below.


    But from out of the stillness of the forest, a shout rattles the leaves.


    "Ruuun!!" A woman bursts from the bushes! Followed suit by a pair of young men holding a fresh kill.


    An earth-shattering roar erupts through the trees before finally crashing upon the three hunters! Their hearts jumping to the explosion causing them to press their heels harder into the dirt! Achieving impossible levels of human speed while frantically running around like headless chickens.


    "Gosh darn¡¯t Mark!! How many times do we gotta tell ya to keep ya¡¯r voice down when we''re huntin¡¯!!" the girl screams as tears roll off her face.


    "Ahhhh!! I''m sorry sis!! I promise I ain¡¯t gonna ever happen again!!" the youngest of the three, Mark, apologizes in panicked squeals as the boom within the trees grows louder!


    "Save your breath and keep running!!! It''s gaining on us!!" a shout escapes the eldest brother as he struggles to keep hold of the rabbit in his arms.


    The animals surrounding them make way, hiding into whatever nook they could squeeze themselves into. Trying their hardest to avoid the approaching threat. For all in these woods knew to fear its guardian.


    For this forest¡¯s guardian, in particular, was a Sigma Tiger, said to be the biggest and most ruthless out of their species. Known for killing adult grizzly bears for sport and slaughtering entire villages'' worth of people to satisfy their hunger; these beasts were born to dominate the food chain.


    Banking on the chance that the tiger might just be territorial, the three siblings attempted a mad dash to escape the trees.


    And with death close behind, the three dodge and weave through the maze of obstacles with expert precision. The tiger¡¯s cold breath running down their neck causing their hearts to pump into overdrive. Giving them the adrenaline needed to make it out!


    And as it would seem, their God is still watching over them after all.


    "We''re out!!" exclaims the woman as they finally reach the open field. The tears streaming down her cheeks grow warm as she jumps with joy. They¡¯d made it.


    "Ahhhhh!!" a scream escapes Mark.


    The sister¡¯s euphoria quickly dissipates as she turns to the outcry.


    Her little brother falls, the tiger standing over him with saliva dripping onto his clothes. He¡¯s solidified under its gaze as he stares into the unending abyss of its jaws.


    "MARK!!!" His sister breaks into a sprint to reach him! Yet the eldest brother catches her before turning them in the opposite direction.


    "He¡¯s a goner!! There''s nothing we can do for him!!" His stern voice conflicts with his actions and the grief dwelling within his own tears.


    There was no time to think, no time for a plan. He just needed to get at least one of them out. His brother would sadly have to be a diversion as he was already within its clutches. No matter the amount of pleading his heart could give would change the outcome.


    The cold reality he wanted to turn away from was that there was simply no way they could stand a chance again that kind of a monster. Even if to just get his brother out.


    And even with the choice already made, he can¡¯t help but feel the guilt his sister must be enduring.


    Would they have been able to save Mark?


    If the two jumped in there?


    Before his body can begin to hesitate, he pushes onward despite his sister''s protest. All he can wish for now was that his siblings could one day forgive him.


    Unable to turn away, the sister utters her brother¡¯s name as her body gives up on her. Losing the will to keep on struggling due to her shattered heart.


    With Mark¡¯s eyes glued to the jagged fate of death¡­ his heart halts¡­


    His mind freezes as his body accepts its fate, forcing his eyes closed¡­


    His body tenses and braces for impact, already twitching wildly by the anticipation of just how painful his death will truly be.


    Unconsciously holding his breath, he awaits for the angels to guide him through the path of darkness, ultimately sending him to his final resting place.


    ¡­


    And yet, no matter how much he waited, to his surprise nothing occurs. Not the spilling of his blood nor the angels'' arrival; he just sits in utter darkness. Waiting for fate to take its course, or so he told himself.


    Though before he can begin to question the circumstances as the seconds go by, a faint light appears off in the distance. A calmingly gentle warmth that welcomes him to put his mind at ease. Rather than suffering the bone-crushing grip that is death, his body is rewarded with tranquility and peace of mind, truly worthy enough to be called enlightenment.


    A new man, the alluring glow makes his body gravitate towards it. His heart dances to the soothing voice of the light, melting away all his fears and rational thoughts with a sense of nostalgia behind the tone. But as he got closer, he couldn¡¯t help but realize the traces of sadness within the voice.


    ¡°MARK!!¡±


    Within a single moment, Mark snaps back to reality.


    His body recoils as his sister wraps her arms around him. Soaking his shoulder as she lets free another wave of joyous tears. He stares at her for a moment as he¡¯d never seen her like this before. Even his brother, a person he aspired to be, tries to hide his crinkled face as he shifts himself away.


    Was this a miracle? Is he still dreaming?


    His body remains lifeless, forgetting to even breathe as he stares at what was supposed to be his death. The cries of his siblings still sounded distant despite how close they truly were.


    Mark hesitates on his words, however, finally asks a simple, "what happened?"


    His sister, still weeping, tries to contain her emotions to form some words.


    ¡°Th¡¯ tiger¡­! It¡­ It ran away¡­! It ran away Mark!!¡± She buries her face into Mark¡¯s chest, causing a sense of warmth to flow back into his heart.


    Shedding tears of his own, he hugs her back.


    Even if it were only for a second, during that near to death encounter, the one thing he missed more than anything in the world was the warm embrace of his siblings¡­


    He tightens his lock as if to say ¡®I missed you too¡¯ before holding their hug for as long as he could. Thanking God subconsciously for allowing him to live another day.


    As their heart-felt reunion comes to an eventual close, his sister ends the hug and greets her brother¡¯s bittersweet smile. ¡°Welcome back bro¡­ I¡¯m glad you¡¯re unharmed¡­¡±


    Her words bring a sense of relief over his soul, serving to reassure his mind that he had indeed not moved on to the afterlife. Stolen novel; please report.


    But as the wave of comfort vanishes, the thorns of doubt surround his heart, a new sense of worry begins to plague him. A question festering in the back of his mind grows far to strong to resist.


    ¡°Thank you sis¡­ But how did I survive¡­?¡±


    His question lingers in the air, unable to be answered by both siblings which only furthers Mark¡¯s concern.


    Remorse grows from within his heart, but this question needed to be brought to light. No matter how you look at it, whether it¡¯s pessimism or denial, moments ago, he should have died¡­


    The beast was mere seconds away from ending his life, there was no reason for it to spare him. This was a Sigma Tiger after all, cold-blooded killers with unquenchable hunger and aggression.


    Did it feel pity towards him? No, that can¡¯t be it, they¡¯re known for eating their own young if given the chance, these monsters don¡¯t know the meaning of sympathy.


    Did it just give up? No, they¡¯re notorious to chase down prey to the ends of the world. Once they set their sights on their prey, they¡¯re as good as dead.


    Throughout his years as a hunter, only one plausible explanation comes to mind, and that¡¯s when a predator abandons their prey when they sense an even bigger predator nearby.


    But that still doesn¡¯t explain it, as Sigma Tigers are supposed to be the top, they are the apex predators of these lands. And to top that, this one was supposed to be the Forest Guardian¡­


    So then, if it wasn¡¯t an animal that scared it off, could it have been perhaps nature itself?


    An in-coming natural disaster... that¡¯s the only sensible reason that pops to into his mind. Being the Forest Guardian means you¡¯re connected with the forest itself, both in body and soul: Like an extension to one¡¯s own vessel, they experience what the forest experiences, they see what the forest sees; an attack on the forest would be an attack to them. And as such, they are able to sense when a natural disaster is about to occur, even if it''s miles away.


    Taking a single glance at his sister, it would appear she arrived at the same conclusion. Kneeling completely still in anticipation for the inevitable. They unconsciously solidify, forgetting to even breathe while they stay wary of their surroundings.


    Seconds fly by, and nature has yet to take its course. The hold they have around each other only strengthens for what felt like an eternity. Nothing so much as a gentle breeze came to greet them, no sound arose from the forest; furthering the degradation of their nerves.


    Ironically, the painful silence to pollute their minds with endless strings of unanswerable questions. Driving them away from reality leaving only their grasp on each other to be their tether back.


    What¡¯s lurking in the forest¡­? What caused the beast to flee¡­? What is out there¡­?


    But it didn¡¯t take too long for them to snap back, for they felt their brother¡¯s tremble¡­


    Their eyes slowly gravitate towards him, with a wretched sensation burning inside their guts as they hesitate to reach his eyes. The butterflies of nervousness began to thrash within, causing their stomachs to turn. An anxiousness they couldn¡¯t escape from gradually worsens as their eyes get closer to his.


    And before they had no strength left to give, they manage to lift their heads up to meet their brother¡¯s.


    Which they would soon begin to regret¡­


    Their eyes constrict as their jugulars shut tight only letting a short gasp free. Trickles of cold sweat run down their chins, clawing at the roaring in their hearts.


    With all color washed from his face, their brother appeared like a corpse frozen; staring off in the distance with intense fixation. The soul from out of his eyes has been noticeably stripped away, leaving behind only echoes of what he¡¯s been moments before. And his face had been contorted to the extreme, pulling and stretching the skin into a horrific spectacle.


    In all their years, they¡¯d never seen their brother portray such an expression; flabbergasting them by the almost alien sight.


    Traumatized by what he saw¡­


    Shivering, his hand lifts to point back into the woods¡­


    Waving against the wind like a cradling ship, a vague premonition begins to creep along their shoulders. Almost reluctant to do so, the siblings gaze their eyes follow the direction the brother seemingly involuntarily points to¡­


    In the skies¡­


    Hundreds of crows loom within the skies like vultures. Their screeches echoing throughout the forest like sirens, flying and thrashing violently as if in response to something under the canopy¡­


    Their hearts pound in their chests as the whisper in the wind spells only devastation lurking beyond them¡­


    A cold sweat rolls down the nape of their necks as they stare at the scene before them. Their knees buckle under, and their limbs become unresponsive outside of their quivering and twitching muscles. They wanted to break free, to escape, to run, but something held them, rooted them to the earth.


    Like witnessing a murder¡­ this was a bad omen¡­ an on-coming disaster¡­


    The sister shifts for only a moment, grabbing at her chest trying to reclaim the breath that had been stolen. Mark could only watch as his own lungs clamp up on what little air was left. And yet, all they could do was stare, like mice caught in a trap, they could no longer move.


    ¡­Why¡­?


    ¡­Why is this happening¡­?


    Only one question lingers in the mind of the three, and only one answer stands before them¡­


    With thunderous cries, the crow zero in on something below. Enveloping the sky with frantic movement, their frenzy warps into a tornado of sorts as they funnel into a downward spiral.


    With the need for answers overpowering their nerves, the sibling¡¯s eyes begin to descend towards the root of the cause. And as if being assaulted, an overwhelming pain strikes their vision with their hearts coming to a complete halt!


    Their pupils instantly constrict, focusing in on what may lay beyond. However, this only causes their throats to swell as nausea erupts within their guts! They try to avert their trembling eyes, but even as their tears burst down their cheeks, they couldn¡¯t do it. No matter how much they wanted, they couldn¡¯t look away!


    Then from within the horde of crows, directly within its center, lies a single figure¡­ a single person caught amidst the vortex of black¡­


    The frantic crows sway around him, causing the tips of his black, rugged cloak to flap against the air currents.


    Veiled in utter darkness, the figure steadily treds across uneven terrain, revealing his muddied boots through the cloak within every step of his uninterrupted, narrow path.


    Each time his foot buries itself against the mire, the more of what looks to be two sharp objects protrude through the hood, devouring the light from the sun with its bottomless shade of black while impaling the cloth even further.


    Despite finding out that the creature in question was ultimately just a man, it still did little to calm their nerves.


    Like a breaking dam, the blood that was once trapped floods their veins with a scorching heat. Turning their bodies red and lighting them in an invisible flame. Sweat erupts down from every pore, slipping down their faces as they watch.


    And with one final constriction, their bodies revolt as the urge to vomit finally takes over.


    A shaky breath escapes Mark, however, before he can gasp for another, his brother cover¡¯s his mouth. In that moment, he could see the reflection in his brother¡¯s eyes. And the tremble in his pupils told him all he needed to know.


    He wanted to run, he wanted to escape, he wanted to vomit again. His eyes couldn¡¯t move from the forest. From the man moving between the trees.


    Something about the way he looked, something about the way he moved, something about him just being there. It was unnatural.


    With fists at his sides, his feet seemed to glide over the roots and shrubbery. Making not one misstep as if knowing the forest in detail. He was swift, yet seemed to be on a normal leisure stroll.


    The feeling still gripped them, the thought of the man turning his sights on them.


    It yanked at their veins, clenching their skin to their bones. Lighting a fire to run, but being rooted by the fact they knew they wouldn¡¯t make it very far. Just the presence told them all they needed to know.


    Death had them if they ever-so-slightly moved.


    And still, Mark had to grab at his chest, trying desperately to stop the overbearing beat writhing his chest. The heat that had already risen to his head made it pound with every step the figure made. He wanted to scream, but knew if he did, it would be his last.


    He could feel his insides churning, constricting under the pressure. And with another heave his body tried to expel whatever remained within, however, nothing was left to give. Only air and dust as his throat had long since gone dry. Only then did he catch them.


    The burning yellow orbs which floated within the sea of black under the man¡¯s hood. They simply just floated over the three as he peered over his surroundings. Seemingly eyeing the presence of the three but not acknowledging them as anything more but scenery.


    And yet, with just a single glance brought the eldest brother down and Mark had to watch his sister wither before him. He wanted to reach out, but the pain welling within him crushed his ability to move. His body collapsed without his command, as he held his chest trying desperately to calm the violent thumping within it.


    Then as his veins shot flames through his body, a breath entered him.


    Something changed, something had stopped the feeling. He stares at the ground motionless for a moment, thinking he¡¯d just finally gone numb. Hoping that was the case, he waited for the feeling to resurface. However, nothing came.


    He finally lifts his gaze to his sister. She was still trying to regain what breath she could, but her face was no longer contorted as it had been. Then he turns to his brother as he was already picking himself up; even if a grimace still sat over his face.


    They turned to the woods searching for the figure. But like a ghost, he was gone as quickly as he¡¯d arrived. Or so it had seemed to the three.


    ¡°Is¡­ it over?¡± the sister¡¯s question breaks the silence.


    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t know¡­ but I don¡¯t want us here to find out,¡± the eldest brother answers before reaching out helping to lift Mark.


    ¡°Let¡¯s uh¡­ let¡¯s promise to not choose these woods next time¡­¡±


    ¡°Sounds good to me,¡± Mark answers quickly trying to lighten the mood.


    ¡°Then we¡¯re in agreement,¡± the eldest brother lets a sigh free before giving another glance back to the woods.


    Whoever, whatever was there, it thankfully was seemingly long gone now. But the feeling left behind lingered within. What would have happened if they¡¯d caught his attention?


    The eldest brother shook his head before turning back to the others. ¡°Let¡¯s get back.¡±


    The other¡¯s nod before turning their backs on the forest. Wanting nothing more than to leave it behind. And with one last peer over his shoulder, the eldest brother follows suit.

 Chapter 8 - NorthRade Town

    ¡®Welcome!¡¯


    ¡®To NorthRade!¡¯


    (Intimidation: off)


    The man¡¯s boots were already worn from the walk here, and the grime of the main street only helped in trying to pry them from his feet. Yet, he cared little, his focus was ahead of him.


    And although the air reeked of alcohol and piss, there were many different fragrances trying desperately to mask it. Vendors shout out their wears, hoping to grab hold of the attention of the fast moving mob. The desperation waning at their voices was a clear distinction against the common rabble.


    However, behind the tattered cloth roofs of the stalls sat the more prominent buildings of the town. Yet, they too weren¡¯t in any state that would be considered ¡®well off¡¯. These ones were mainly just owned by merchants and nobility that no longer had the option to leave.


    Within a moment, the man is almost slammed into as two bodies just barely brush past him. One pummeling the other into the stone of a small pub-like restaurant, chipping rocks from the wall. It rattled the building, shaking the shutters open and rattling the rickety wooden roof which sat like a wobbly lid on the establishment.


    Crammed in between the buildings were several groups of people struggling to hide from the elements. And although the alleyways granted some kind of protection, there was still the lack of good food and water. Not to mention the denizens that called the passages their home.


    Rats the size of domesticated cats roamed the shadowed paths, sneaking away with food. And if ever so unlucky, even the feeble were dragged within the hidden burrows.


    Despite the conditions surrounding him, everyone kept their eyes on the newcomer.


    ¡°Is he¡­ Who wears a fuckin helmet with no armor?¡±


    ¡°Best stay away from him, man gives me the creeps.¡±


    With every step a new statement, every breath a new gaze.


    ¡°Come children, don¡¯t stare at strangers.¡±


    ¡°Keep it movin, nothin to see here.¡±


    Even if the man had quickly become the center of attention within the town, everything remained as lively as it was before. The pace at which people moved was quick and sporadic. The care for a new stranger was mostly found in the shop keepers as they see a new potential customer.


    Though there was something different about the streets before him, his mind was tugging at the answer but it loomed just out of reach. Within the crowd there were such diversity with wealth that nobles seemed to walk alongside peasants. Kids playing with one another with the elderly watching over. Though still something felt amiss to him.


    And although he hardly cared to actually find a reason, a small glint still hit his eye as he peered over the people passing him.


    His steps remain steady even as his eyes break away from his otherwise narrowed path. It turns to the sudden, unusual behavior of the people mumbling before moving way for an in-coming wagon. Though their words are too small to be heard.


    And upon closer inspection, the man notices the coachman is oddly equipped in heavy armor.


    In contrast to his rather luxurious metal suit, the wagon for which he was riding in appears to be an old beaten down tumbleweed carriage. Scorched by the endless days basked in sunlight, and getting dragged around against the mud like a beaten dog by two sluggish horses. It was like night and day, but the one thing that connected the two was the similar emblem hung from the knight¡¯s pauldron placed on the side of the carriage, and along the knight''s shoulder.


    A mighty shield painted in the darkest shade of black with a sword piercing right through it.


    The knight ushers the horses to keep moving, disregarding the townsfolk stumbling out of its way. They lower their heads and avert their gazes. However, their grimaces told the newcomer all he needed to know.


    With a scowl crawling along his face, the knight passes the mysterious figure with a mighty death stare. Though only to reflectively flinch as the hooded man glares right back at him.


    However, it was short-lived as the man breaks eye contact, prompting the knight to shift in place before giving a groan. He then swings his head forward trying to show that he was of higher standing than the man before him.


    Though unbeknownst to the knight, the man in black had already averted his eyes to focus on the carriage itself.


    Beyond its corroded bars, it was tight. Not even enough for the sun to find room. And the people who stood close enough to be seen within the darkened space were obviously ragged and terrified.


    And more, he finds the people who have been noticeably absent from the streets.


    Young women, all with different backgrounds and ethnicities, but with similar age ranges, and haunted by the same expression.


    Their heads hung low, any resemblance of life had already been devoid from their eyes. And long discolored scars crawl along fresh bruises upon their shriveled skin.


    The hooded figure can only watch on as the wagon creaks past him. Although not before catching the eyes of a young girl.


    Her face remained unmoved, probably due to lack of energy, and yet her eyes still managed to drift to the stranger just beyond her incagement. And for a fraction of a second, their eyes glimpse each other.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    Squeezed in her little corner, knees tucked against her chest, she peers out. And from just beyond, his boots come to a halt.


    A thousand words pass between them without either uttering a sound.


    However, the carriage still moves towards the outskirts, killing their fleeting moment. Then with a single tear rolling off the girl¡¯s face¡­


    . . . . . . . .


    . . . . .


    .


    " . . .Help us . . ."


    Her faint and feeble words disappear off into the wind. The weight not being enough to carry it farther than the bars holding her in. But even as the crowd resumes their usual behavior, her words linger behind the man¡¯s darkened shroud.


    Then ultimately, he disappears from her sight. Fading into the masses.


    A stutter reaches the man¡¯s step as he makes his way into the darkness of an alleyway. A group sitting within shoot him concerned gazes before skittering away at the sound of shouting further in.


    ¡°Ya¡¯re new here ain¡¯t ya?¡± a lanky man questions as a wry smile breaks across his face, ¡°let us give ya a tour around, if ya cough up a few coins¡­¡±


    They stand just a bit away staring the man, seeing if he would comply or try to resist. And yet, all he did was stop and stand still.


    ¡°Yo, ya deaf? I¡¯m saying you let us give ya a tour for some coin, ya hear me?¡± He leans his body forward before clicking his tongue. ¡°Not gonna say nothing? Alright, we got ways of making ya hear.¡±


    He draws a dagger for before tilting his head towards his lackeys. And in response, they too draw their own weapons.


    ¡°Let us teach this guy how to respond when he¡¯s bein talked to.¡±


    ¡°Look buddy¡­¡± a chubby one begins in a low tone while stepping forward first, ¡°if ya care for ya¡¯re life, then spare the conflict and just drop what ya got and be gone.¡±


    Although before he can take another step, the lanky one stops him with a yank to his shoulder. The group turns to where their leader glared, an irritated crooked smile hanging from his pale lips.


    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing!?¡± a shout flows between them as their eyes finally reach the intruder standing at the edge of the alleyway.


    The sun only held onto the knight¡¯s silhouette for a moment. Showing not only her feminine frame but the curvature of the armor she wore. Though what struck the hooded figure¡¯s gaze was the tail swaying behind as the knight make her approach.


    A scoff escapes a few of the goons, and the lanky one just clicks their tongue. ¡°Ya again¡­¡±


    ¡°Have I not taught you all to stop batter up the civilians?¡± the knight continues on.


    The figure remains still as they banter back and forth, only shifting his gaze every so often. A bewilderment hidden somewhere deep pulled him to look over her.


    She had mostly normal human features: a young barely tanned complexion, otherwise soft amber eyes though they had been narrowed for the moment, even her hair. Though her hair was still odd as it was messy, long, and a grey with the exception of only the strands running down her shoulders being seemingly dipped in ink.


    Yet, it was what sat atop her head that caused the figure¡¯s face to break slightly. They were ears¡­ animal ears¡­ He involuntarily looks back over her once more, yet it was still evident¡­


    With a slight shake of his head he look closer at the armor she wore. An iron breastplate, pauldrons, bracers, and greaves. It matched the knights from the carriage before, however, the insignia wasn¡¯t hanging where they others had theirs.


    It hung from a thick metal collar around her neck.


    ¡°Ya¡¯d better stay out of our way!!¡± the lanky thug states as he points his dagger towards the lone knight, ¡°unless ya wanna end up¨C¡±


    The thug grunts as the air leaves his lungs. Within a short breath, the knight had lunged forward, covering the distance needed to make a strike. She had plunged the pommel of her sword into his gut before he could finish.


    He collapsed with only a subtle wheeze of air.


    ¡°Get that bitch,¡± one of the other goons state and the chubbier one begins his advance first.


    Even with the large club and weightier body, he descends quickly upon her. The other two following quickly behind. A skinny junky with a jagged broken short sword and a taller brawler with dirtied gauntlets.


    The knight eyed their weapons, assessing their fighting styles before considering placing her hand upon the hilt of her sword. The longsword at her hip was nothing special, even with the pommel and guard being decorated with a gold covering. The blade was only made from steel, though it shined like silver within the darkened alleyway.


    As she takes her stance the only thing to move from her is the sternness of her eyes. They lock with the weapon of the junky as he dives in first.


    She dances her blade across his, not only breaking but cutting it in two. The motion drags him to her side where she easily follows it up with a bash to the back of his head. Without even a grunt, he collapses.


    However, she doesn¡¯t stop moving. Dodging a punch from the brawler before using him as a springboard to launch towards the club wielder. His eyes widen as her blade pins his weapon to the wall behind him.


    Then without warning, his mouth is forced closed as the knight''s knee connects with his jaw. He slumps unconscious just as the knight reaches for her weapon.


    Although as she tries, the brawler throws a punch. It misses by a mere inch as she lunges backward. He just gives her an irritated glare before throwing himself into another punch.


    She slips past it, wrapping her arm behind his neck before swiping her leg around his. And without losing momentum, she pulls his leg out from under him. His body slams hard into the dirt bellow him.


    A sign leaves her as she walks over to retrieve her blade.


    ¡°Sorry for the trouble, hopefully they won¡¯t be bothering you¡ª¡± she cuts herself short as she turns to find the man had seemingly disappeared. While scratching her cheek in confusion, she wonders just where he could have gone and how she didn¡¯t notice he¡¯d left.


    - Somewhere in the maze of alleyways -


    His stomach grumbles and groans angrily as he falls flat against a building. Energy quickly vanishes from his legs as his eyes begin to crawl towards his arms. A drool reaches his tongue as he stares on.


    He shakes his head, sighing in frustration. His body slumps and he pulls himself again the side of a barrel. Without a source of currency, he¡¯d just need to sleep to mask his hunger.


    His eyelids crinkle before creeping open. A scent reached his nose, waking him from his slumber. With what strength he had, he pulls himself from the crevice he¡¯d crammed himself in.


    The evening¡¯s sun bore on him as he steps out into the light. He was being driven by the smell coming from somewhere nearby. Or maybe it was just an illusion, he couldn¡¯t tell nor did he care. Though as soon as he rounds a corner, he finds it.


    A young woman sat stirring a rather large pot over a small fire. She happily serves the bowls of stew to any of the homeless that decided to come to her.The man hides behind the corner at first, eyeing the surroundings and the people around the woman. He watched to see if there was any kind of poison within the food. And yet, to his surprise, the people ate happily. Even returning the bowl without difficulty.


    Although he tries to remain hidden, the aroma was too strong. Luring him in like a trap. He couldn¡¯t help but grunt before moving forward.


    Driven by his hunger, he begins to approach the lady.

 Chapter 9 - May the Sinful have Salvation?

    Shadows gradually creep their way towards the man¡¯s back as he approaches the young woman. The sun was already beginning to vanish by the time he made his decision to move forward. Though thankfully, the last customer had already begun to depart as he steps out from the darkened alleyway.


    A sigh escapes her as she leans her weight upon the table, her legs needed whatever rest they could get. And her once perky smile dims as she lowers her head. Letting the brunette curls slip and hide her face from the dwindling light.


    Although as soon as her hands begin to quake, the sound of footsteps brings her head back up. Her brown eyes meet with the hooded figure before her. A smile immediately cracks across her face as she turns to reach for a new bowl.


    She had to of been not much older than him, somewhere in her young adult years. And yet, she wore almost rags around herself. A torn and far too dirtied gown with what seemed like linen shoes. But what grabs his attention was the black collar around her neck.


    The knight wore something akin to it.


    His gaze remains unwavering until she presented the bowl of stew in front of him. Satiating his hunger was more important for the moment.


    ¡°Here you go!¡± her voice was soft against his ears as he took the bowl. Slowly as to not break it.


    The warmth floods through his fingers, yet he disregards the feeling as he slumps upon a set of small steps. They lead to the establishment the woman had set up from. Her normal place of residence.


    The woman stares with a raised brow for a moment before shrugging her shoulders. Her eyes shifting to the fading light. A sigh escapes her before she walks past the man to enter the building.


    And in a few moments, she returns with a small candle-lit lantern. And before uttering even a single word, the woman takes a seat next to him.


    Clanks of metal perk his ear, yet he chooses not to react to her arrival. His focus was drowned in the sensations from the meal in front of him.


    Its scent greets his nose with an almost overwhelming fragrance. One that could only be of a fire-cooked meal. And the taste, there was nothing that he could compare to this single bowl of stew.


    He refrains from just drinking it as to somewhat savor what he was eating, even if he still ravages it with little restraint over himself. And with every quick scrape, the spoon in his hand struggles against the pressure of his strength and the speed at which it collides with the bowl.


    The woman stares at him with more and more questions running through her mind. Each clack making her more concerned for the bowl than his stomach.


    ¡°Is it really that good¡­?¡± she asks while giving him a worried half-smile. Then she turns slightly to the cauldron still sitting in front of them. ¡°I just made cabbage stew¡­ right?¡±


    She snickers to herself before turning back to the hunched man. Though the silence left her with questions swirling within her head. Leading her to stare at the man.


    That is until he reaches the bowl out towards her. Her mind takes a moment before realizing his gesture, although with a hesitant hand, she takes it.


    ¡°More¡­¡± a deep guttural whisper emanates from under the shadow of the man¡¯s hood.


    The woman stares for a moment before giving a half smile. And with quick movements, she returns to the cauldron before digging out the remnants of whatever was left.


    The man watches her movements as he waits, however, his eyes drift away rather quickly. Deciding to turn to the remaining reds and purples of a dissipating sky. The sun had already passed underneath the horizon, yet it still managed to brighten what little it could.


    Though in an instant his gaze is brought back to the woman, in anticipation of her return. And although she was glad he so readily accepted the second, half-filled bowl, a strange ache beckoned her to remain wary of him.


    ¡°Do I frighten you¡­?¡± another whisper escapes his hood, forcing the woman¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°N-no, no, it¡¯s¨C nothing like that¡­¡± she turns away while scratching the inner part of her forearm.


    She hesitates a moment before turning to the man, though he¡¯d already begun to finish what was left of his bowl. A slight smile pops on her face before a frown overtakes.


    ¡°You¡¯re not like the locals here¡­ something about you feels¨C off. Like you came from a distant land, maybe?¡± She half questions though halts as he lifts his hand.


    He points to the black metal clinging around her neck. It had the same symbol as the one the knight¡¯s had worn. The rising questions bothered him more than he was willing to accept.


    Her face dulled for a moment as she realizes what he wants to ask. And a hand instinctively rises to touch the cold metal. A breath held in her lungs as she stared back at the man.


    ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    The question makes her body flinch as it lands. How was she to answer?


    Her eyes freeze on him. Though they searched for an answer within the shadow of his hood. The darkened maw draws her in as her body tries to pull away.


    Then a quiver hits her lips, spreading through to her lungs, to her bones, to her heart. Fear rushes through her as the quick realization that this man already knew something she didn¡¯t want to say.


    However, through her restraint, she speaks, ¡°it¡¯s¡­ a slave collar¡­¡±


    She doesn¡¯t move, almost zombified by the gaze she could feel behind his veil. And yet, her words leaked out. Something was pulling it out from within her, yet maybe it was just the fear she couldn¡¯t hide from.


    ¡°It means¡­ I have to leave here¡­ I¡¯m being taken to Black Storm Castle in the morning¡­ I¡¯m being taken to¨C¡± tears erupt from her as her mind begins to repeat the message she¡¯d been given.


    Her life here would be overcome morning. And she¡¯d never see these streets again.


    Who would take her position here? She wondered. Who would take her role? Who would help the poor here? Would they still serve food to them? Or would they forget them? Would they forget her? Were all her good deeds just good-for-nothing actions?


    Would anyone even care to help her after it all?


    Her knees give way as she crumples her face into her hands. Though it isn¡¯t enough to stop the tears from leaking through.


    ¡°Oh, God¡­ I¡¯m gonna die¡­¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you run?¡± the words crackle in her head.


    ¡°...run¡­?¡± her voice was small, almost not even that of a whisper. Then as her hands fall, she snaps at him, ¡°and where to!?¡±


    She bites down on the sudden anger. Taking a breath before gesturing to the building the man sat in front of.


    ¡°The brothel here takes in slaves as workers¡­ so even if I wanted to run, I can¡¯t. They have a hex on me that keeps me from disobeying the masters here¡­ so until that, and this¨C collar, are broken¡­ I¡¯m stuck.¡±


    She sits back before curling her knees up to her chest.


    ¡°And it wouldn¡¯t matter anyway¡­ This entire area is owned by Lord Yokubo¡­ He owns the entirety of the Southern region with an iron fist¡­ I¡¯ll¨CI¡¯ll be heading to his castle come morning¡­¡±


    A small chuckle leaves her, though not one of joy.


    ¡°Ha¡­ I guess my job has been preparing me for my death all along anyway¡­ I¡¯m just a prostitute after all. How could there be salvation for me? I¡¯m no princess nor am I a daughter of some nobleman¡­ For people like us¡­ there are no heroes. No knights in shining armor, no gallant prince to save the likes of us¡­¡±


    The sun had sunken deep below, leaving the moths to seek out what little light came from the lantern hanging over their heads. Though the ones that get too close only get burned by the flame within.


    Silence stretches on between the two. The woman sat almost broken staring at the cauldron wondering if after all the help she¡¯d done, or thought she¡¯d done, why wasn¡¯t it enough?


    The man just watches her, no words flowing within the blackness of his hood. That is before his eyes wander to the darkened alley just a little ways away.


    ¡°Have you tried saving yourself?¡± his words lack sympathy forcing a tinge of anger to spike over the woman¡¯s face.


    But before she could even gather her thoughts to respond, the man rose from his seat, a silent indication of his departure. With an indifferent tone, he uttered the words that would linger in her mind long after he vanished into the darkness.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "Find someone who will actually care."


    Stunned into silence, she watched as he disappeared beyond the reach of the lantern''s glow, leaving behind a void that seemed to echo with his parting words.


    His statement seared into her soul, leaving behind a raw ache that defied words. All she could manage was a painful smile, a fragile facade masking the turmoil within.


    As the nocturnal symphony of crickets filled the air, and the night''s chill wrapped around her like a shroud, she found a strange solace in his words.


    "Thank you¡­" Her voice, barely audible, was a whispered acknowledgment of the bitter truth he had laid bare.


    With a heavy heart, she bowed her head, her thoughts weighed down by the weight of his admonition. A solitary tear traced a path down her cheek, a silent tribute to the emotions churning within her.


    In that moment of solitude, as the moon cast its ethereal glow upon her, she found herself grappling with a question that had haunted her for far too long.


    "He''s right¡­" she murmured softly to herself, a reluctant admission of the painful truth.


    And as she sat there, enveloped by the stillness of the night, she found herself grappling with the answer to a question that had eluded her for so long.


    ¡®Who would save me¡­?¡¯


    . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . .


    . . . . . . . . . . . . .


    . . . . . .


    From amongst the darkness¡­


    A dreaded silence hungered for their desperate cries¡­


    Drowned out by the void, the rising billows struggle to reach out towards the night sky only to be masked by the abyssal black.


    From within, an overwhelming stench of fumes invades the air and sparks loom over the empty nothingness. An obscure light that seeps through the darkness looms just above, yet somehow out of reach.


    Raging out of control, a huge burst of heat devours the lingering cold. Scaring the shadows away in its fiery blitz.


    Breaking through the silence, crackles emerge¡­ igniting along with the groans of the anguished¡­


    Echoing across the darkened skies, the beams burn asunder. Illuminating the crevasses beyond the flaming walls¡­ onto the poor souls trapped within.


    Bound by fear and pain, the scorching flame consumes them.


    It was a mosaic of dancing embers reflecting in her once bright and colorful eyes. Though they could only contrast the fury around them. As fear leaked out through tears which poured freely upon the little girl¡¯s trembling feet.


    She couldn¡¯t move and her breath was just a hair from choking up. Only staring onward, she couldn¡¯t stop the flames from rising around her. Devouring everything she had ever held dear.


    And yet, through it all, footsteps pound against whatever silence was left from the fire. The girl couldn¡¯t help but watch as seemingly hundreds of silhouettes began to overtake her once peaceful home. Fear ate at her as all she could see were the shadowy figures amongst the flames.


    Her eyes couldn¡¯t tell if they were friend or foe. Family or¡­


    Despair dug under her skin as she watches the approaching figures. The light of her home dancing across their armor. And the hint of grins hiding just under their helmets as they pull her people, her neighbors, her friends, from their homes.


    In a bolt, she tries to run, yet fire erupts before her feet. It stunned her only for a moment, however, before she could turn to escape she quickly realized her existence had been blocked by flame and by the attackers.


    Screams ripple through the air. There was nothing she could do, only watch.


    Anyone who tried to resist was dragged into the street before being promptly executed on the spot. A display to make the others fall in line. And yet more and more try to fight back. An attempt to avenge their fallen.


    Yet, the little girl could only watch they were dispatched in droves. The attackers'' weapons rendering flesh from bone quicker than she could blink. Their metal singing as each side took their role.


    One creating a song of metallic whistles while the other sings a choir of screams.


    The blood slowly encroaches upon the girl¡¯s feet, greeting her with a putrid odor. Though before it touches her, she tries to retreat only to be met with another puddle.


    And as she turns to the foul pool under her foot, her gaze falls upon the cold face of one of her people. A frozen expression of terror still lurks within their paled eyes. However, the gash just below the chin is what pulled her attention.


    A gag reaches her throat as she instinctively recoils away. She turns to run, and yet, it¡¯s only more of the same.


    Several hundred, thousands, she couldn¡¯t tell¡­ the streets around her were filled with the dead. A massacre unlike any other. And yet, when she blinks¡­


    The fire had taken form. Flooding in and swiftly feasting upon everything she knew. And yet, something within pulled her attention.


    A figure swaying with the swirls of reds and golds. Their presence was unlike anything she¡¯d felt before. Something instinctively vile, unyielding, wicked.


    The only thing she could do was try and avert her eyes. For whatever stood within those flames wasn¡¯t meant for her to see. However, the being didn¡¯t move. Only stayed in place, seemingly watching from afar.


    Though the girl couldn¡¯t feel its gaze, as if whatever stood there wasn¡¯t even there at all. As if it only cared for the carnage rather than the victims. The charred and burning corpses of her home, her loved ones, held its attention. Not that it seemed to be seeing any of it. Just relishing in the feeling.


    Drinking in the horrors and destruction of this little girl¡¯s home.


    The girl¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t leave the figure lingering within the flame. Her heart trying to claw its way out from her chest. She was waiting for it to turn to her.


    And yet, it didn¡¯t. Just wavers before shifting away, fading into the fire from whence it came.


    Though its departure left only an eerie absence.


    Her eyes couldn¡¯t peel away from the spot it¡¯d dissipated from. Even though she could feel it was gone, however, she could only wait for something to happen. Watching the flames as they dance across the now barren street.


    But something was now off, something felt out of place. Something felt like it was missing. Something had been taken from her.


    Her gaze falls to the scene around her. The guards, the soldiers, the warriors, her people¡­ everyone was gone. Just a decrepit burning scenery that felt more and more fake with every flick of her gaze.


    She took a breath.


    The flames begin to dwindle, leaving behind a greyed world where her home used to sit.


    This had never happened before. Usually, it always played out the same. A swelling relief rose within her, although it was brief, only being taken by a new sense of fear. Something was wrong.


    The sky had shifted, brightening into a cloudy grey. Ash begins to fall as quickly as the fire fades. It was swiftly hoisted up by a shift in the wind. It fell like snow, coating the deserted road and emptied houses.


    Within the middle of it all stood the lone little girl. It was all so empty, and yet it still managed to calm her.


    Then from the silence, a single word is uttered.


    ¡°Alice.¡±


    .


    .


    .


    A gasp for breath escapes her as she jolts out from her slumber. She clenches her fists to stop the shaking. Sweat clung to her skin even when the air around her felt otherwise cold.


    The eerie pitch still reverberates within her ears as she takes another breath, trying to still her beating heart. Her eyes locked out of focus on the hide sheet covering her lap. Her mind was still lingering on what had played out just moments before.


    What was that dream?


    A question arises within her, however, there were no answers to be given. Only more questions.


    ''Was it a premonition? What was that thing? I¡­'' She turns towards her hand. ''¡­How am I to even question such a thing? A dream is merely a dream, right?''


    Her gaze drifts to the setting moon.


    ''Not the time to question it anyway¡­''


    With a sigh, she pushes herself from her cot, turning towards her gear sitting in silence against the adjacent wall. Though before she can stand she pulls the dagger from underneath the cot¡¯s sunken pillow. Then with a quick hand, she returns it to its place alongside her bag.


    And with a huff, she dons her equipment. Before pulling free the parchment listing her report and running her eyes over it once more to make sure everything was in order.


    ¡°Yokubo won¡¯t be pleased¡­¡± her breath was an almost irritated sigh.


    ''The rate at which people are able to be taken to Black Shield has dropped¡­ significantly. And at this rate, I don¡¯t know if he¡¯ll get his fill in the coming months.''


    A vile grip held her stomach as she recalled the warlord¡¯s order. However, with a slow shake of her head, the thought dissipates.


    ¡°At least I¡¯ll have the trip back to clear my head¡­¡±


    Another breath leaves her as she turns to the fading silver of the moon. The light shines within her amber eyes.


    ¡°I hope you¡¯re safe, Annabelle¡­ Just wait a little longer¡­¡±


    .


    .


    .


    A full moon hung within a darkened sky, looming over Northrade. Everything sat still against the almost calming veil of night.


    And yet, something stirred just beyond the outskirts. A foul aura crawls along the shadows of the forest, where the moon¡¯s faint light couldn¡¯t touch. Its malice oozing from the cliffside overlooking the entirety of the unknowing town.


    The wind cracks as it shifts directions, startling the ears of the small rodents roaming the woods. Forcing them to flee in fear of what lay just out of sight . . .


    However, a single breath takes form just as the atmosphere becomes tense . . .


    Dead silence . . . .


    Laughter arises through the forest, leaking out as a smile splits across the figure¡¯s face. His heart beginning to beat along with the blood dripping from his fingertips. Trickling onto the almost charred black ground below him.


    The snapping of flesh gradually grows to overtake the man¡¯s laughter. And with every break, his laughter shifts, distorting more and more . . .


    A monster now lurked within these woods. . .


    Starring over the cliffside, gazing upon the town¡¯s people below¡­ Watching them like livestock.


    His neck clicks, twisting like an owl as blood drips from the newly formed wound. Pain splinters within him, and yet, he only laughs harder. His inner demons crawling around within his mind. Digging in. Taking hold.


    With every pound of his blackened heart, every pulse of tainted blood, his darkest desires begin to flow out from his wounds. He licks his lips as the smell of his own blood begins to leak down the cliffside.


    Another maniacal laughter breaks out as his heartbeat overwhelms his hearing. It rings louder than anything he¡¯s ever heard within his ears!


    The pain enraptures him as it fully consumes him. He never felt more alive than now. Being torn from all of his old emotions completely¡­


    A craving gnawed at him, the last shred of feeling to remind him he was alive¡­ And yet, within all the agony he so desperately sought after, he clings onto the necklace around his throat.


    For a moment, he pauses¡­ Opening the pendant showing a picture of his best friends and a dog¡­ sorrow stabs his heart at the memory of his family. The feeling twists, trying to tear at his heart. However, he couldn¡¯t cry¡­


    A smile lingers on as he clutches the necklace tighter than before. His gaze shifts to the town below him. His glowing, golden eyes radiate a craving for blood, for pain, for violence.


    He had been starving for far too long¡­


    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


    . . . . . . . . . . . .


    . . . . . .

 Chapter 10 - A Declaration of War.

    The sun bore down on the bustling town. Main street had become a hub of movement as people constantly pushed and fought their way through the crowded streets. The only reason someone might stop was if the knights patrolling the area were to step before them. As no one wanted to see a member of Black Shield towering over them.


    The clanking of their armor raises eyes from the other knights matching their emblem. And frantically they inform the others of a horrific scene just outside of town. One of the nearest cliffs had been drenched in blood and many other pools had been found nearby. However, he couldn¡¯t find any bodies, let alone any animals who seemed to have vanished alongside the incident. The only evidence of their departure was the twisted and broken trees leading either to or away from the pools.


    Hearing this, the knights begin to speculate at the possibility of a monster on the loose. And with the recent reports of the white tiger, the ¡°King of the Northern Forest¡±, running away from his domain due to some unexplainable force¡­ They didn¡¯t want to link the two but a creature who could rid the forest of its denizens could possibly be the same to frighten the tiger. Everything lined up too well for them to all be coincidence, which made them shake at the thought that a monster of that magnitude was far too close to the town.


    Quickly they dispatch a squad of rather reluctant knights to investigate. And as they set off, another wagon begins to roll into town. It was the same type of wagon from yesterday as both the coachman and the wagon itself had the same emblem as well.


    People diverted their paths to let the wagon pass, watching it with trembling eyes. A group of knights hop on as it starts to make its way from house to house. And without hesitation, they barge in and pull whatever young women they can find. This continues on as the hours sink past and the sun slowly scrapes into the horizon . . .


    Dusk.


    The wagon¡¯s wheels screech to a halt at its final destination. The people who could hear the awful sounds crept away as quickly as they could. Their last and final stop was at the brothel house.


    Multiple knights hop off the wagon, slathering their boots in mud as they set up to the door. Undenounced to them, something stared down upon them from atop one of the roofs¡­


    "We have come for Martha!!" The doors slam open as the knights force their way in. The female residents immediately retreat towards the very back of the room as the knights thrash around the room in search of their target.


    "I said¡­ Where. Is. Martha!!" A knight shoves a table over, knocking a round of drinks to the floor.


    The house itself was an old tavern, with lots of round tables scattered around the main room each with four chairs accompanying them, and a the signature wine bar tucked in one of the corners. But this tavern wasn¡¯t just a bar any longer, it had become a home for its residents. Drawings hung from the walls, flowers placed in jars sat on each table, and even most of the wood had been renewed. Yet the knights cared little for the decor.


    The girls huddle together, shivering with fear as they watch their own home being destroyed before their very eyes. All the drawings torn down! The jars smashed! Even their signature wine was taken by the knights.


    Yokubo¡¯s knights were in particular a very vicious bunch, they were notorious for having such arrogant and condescending attitudes toward their own people they were meant to serve. But even that paled in comparison toward how inhumanly they treated they slaves¡­


    A slave could do nothing but watch as their home was destroyed. They had no right to challenge a knight, even the tiniest of inconveniences toward a knight can result in severe punishment from their owner.


    Though the girls¡¯ nerves were already just about shot from the sudden intrusion, a single knight from their battalion stood high than the others. His armor was a bit more bulky, more plating covering his body with insignias showing his rank within and allegiance to Black Shield.


    A scoff escaped him as he stared down at the shivering women trying to hide themselves from his men. He knew his rank would shut anything they could attempt down with a single glance, who in their right mind would challenge a Grand Knight such as he. This gave him confidence, if not arrogance, as he knew the rumors of his title. Being able to take down a legendary class all on their own¡­


    With a laugh, one of his men tosses him a bottle of wine. He returns the gesture with a grin as he pops the cork and starts chugging down the precious alcohol. Others laugh while continuing to trash the place. And it isn¡¯t until one of his man grabs a prostitute by the throat does any of the girls¡¯ even dare to make a move. They happily begin to drink away the girl''s hard-earned alcohol as the one who grabbed a prostitute by her neck lifts her up off the ground. He begins to strangle the shit out of her as her face twists with agony as her legs twitch uncontrollably¡­


    The knight lifts the woman with little strain as he crushes her windpipe. Tears start flowing from her eyes as she desperately tries to get away, making the knight smile as he gets off from the pleasure.


    "That''s right whore, keep making that face for me."


    Desperation hangs in the air between where everyone stood. And as if prompted, the residents shift before moving in, trying their hardest to grab hold of their sister. Yet, before any can get even an inch close, the other knight moves to block them, their swords at the ready with devilish grins splitting their faces.


    "You sluts have no right to get in our way. We''re Yokubo''s men, we can do whatever the fuck we want."


    The tension in the air grows palpable as silence takes hold of the two parties¡­


    "STOP!!"


    Everything stops for a moment as a shout rumbles the stairs. The girl¡¯s footsteps were heavy with fear and guilt as she steps down from her hiding spot. It was Martha, the girl who tended to the homeless just the night before.


    She spoke with a weighted breath and teary eyes, ¡°I-I¡¯m Martha¡­¡±


    Her words calmed the tension in the air as the knight let the other girl go from his death grip. . They sheathe their blades as they step towards her.


    No hesitation struck them as they slammed her onto a table!! Almost shattering it before placing her hands behind her back with sinister smiles¡­


    "So¨C the bitch finally decides to come out from hiding¡­" a wicked hiss escapes the knight as his grip tightens around her hands. Tears begin flowing down as she clenches her jaw to the pain. .


    " ...Don''t hurt them¡­ Please¡­ I''ll go with you without any resistance if you don''t hurt them¡­ " she begs but to heartless ears¡­


    The knights begin to chuckle at her request, and one of them presses her face even further into the table, while getting uncomfortable close¡­


    "You''re lucky you''re my type. How about we make a deal¡­ we¡¯re in no rush here. So if you would take me to one of the back rooms, and have some one-on-one time with me¡­ I''ll consider letting the others go without harm¡­ " He says as he tries to smile perversely, tightening the grip around her hands¡­


    She remained silent¡­


    The seconds pass by as even more tears run down her face¡­ Her heart begins to pulsate immensely as her eyes wander over to the other girls¡­


    Fear runs down their faces, but they all shake their heads¡­


    Her body starts to tremble as she takes a hard gulp¡­ Still remaining quiet¡­


    The knight grumbles before grabbing a lock of her hair! He pulls her head up to his before shouting in her ear!


    "Speak up bitch!!"


    Her eyes close shut to the pain as the other women begin to rush in to her aid! But as they do, the other knights intervene, their swords at the ready¡­


    Panic begins to enter Martha¡¯s heart as cold sweat runs along her chin. If she didn''t answer now, nothing would stop the knights from converting the brothel into a bloodbath¡­


    She would have to sacrifice her own body in order to protect them¡­ She was willing to make it if it meant her sister could live. . After all, she was a prostitute, this is what she deserves¡­


    Although she was reluctant to say it, she took one last gulp¡­ and submitted¡­


    "...o-ok... " her voice was shallow, almost inaudible to the knight¡¯s ear. Yet he smiled at the break in her, at the sorrow pouring from her eyes.


    A laugh booms from the group of knights as he utters a single, ¡°good choice.¡±


    Despair fills the room as the girls watch the once bright Martha breaking under the knight¡¯s grip, binding her with one hand as his other lifts up her skirt while tracing the outline of her trembling thigh¡­ They felt powerless, helpless, hopeless¡­


    The main door slams open, the wood almost splintering under the force!!


    Everyone whips towards the sudden intrusion. The knight¡¯s grip on Martha is released as a surge of terror courses through him. Though upon looking at the intruder his eyes narrow, an almost sneer plastered across his face. The only pair of eyes to widen out of shock and not fear or repulse was Martha...


    A creak was the only think to break the silence between. The cloaked figure leisurely walks through the ravaged room, passing the knights without so much as a word. He only sits at one of the last remaining upright tables, his back turned to the stares drilling into the back of his head.


    Martha couldn¡¯t help the smile creaking at the edge of her lips. That same clock, those two horns protruding out from underneath the shadow of his hood. He¡¯d returned¡­


    A dumbfounded expression lines one of the knight¡¯s faces as they step towards the intruder. A witness could foil their plans of having their ¡°fun¡± wit one of the prostitutes. He would simply remove the problem by force if necessary so could resume.


    Veins gradually grow visible as they all begin to follow behind the first knight, leaving Martha to rush over to the other girls.


    They all begin to size the cloaked figure up and circle him, to their surprise, he didn''t react at all, he just continues to sit¡­ and stare.


    Something didn''t feel right....


    The atmosphere suddenly grows thick as an ominous aura radiates from the man¡­ The knights feel their armor grow heavy, their hands shaky, and whispers echoing within the air between them.


    They take quick glances at one another, unsure of what to do. Then, one of them steps up. The others watch as one of their companions, drunk of the brothel¡¯s booze walk up to the man. His body was slim in structure, and as alcohol kept fear at bay, he carelessly, and wobbly walks before everyone.


    " . .Ehhhh, *hiccup* . . look pal, who da fuck are you?" his words were slurred but they still manage to slip free from the drunken knight¡¯s lips.


    The man only tilts his head upwards in response.


    Something unnerving begins to set into the knight''s hearts. Even though they outnumber him and their swords were already at the ready¡­ Sweat still forms on their faces...


    "I SAID!! . .*hiccup* . . Who da fuck are you!!" the knight shouts while drawing a dagger.


    The man''s head slowly turns...


    All but the drunkard stumble back, their legs quiver as they witness the man¡¯s stare. His yellow, glowing eyes were the only thing to escape the abyss beyond the veil created by his hood.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    "I am... What awaits all things... "


    The knights all begin to cower before his words. The drunkard just laughs at his reply and places his hand on the guy''s shoulder.


    "Look pal... Don''t give me some edgy shit!*hiccup* Just get the fuck out of here!! Or you''ll have to deal with our boss, Yokubo, got it!? *hiccup*" he states while pointing the dagger at the man¡¯s throat.


    A smile emerges from the man¡¯s hood as it practically splits his face from ear to ear . .


    "Heh . . Hehehe . . .Hahahaha!Hahahahaha!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHA!!!"


    A laugh rumbles out from the man. It crawls across the floor causing a tremble to take hold of all but the drunkard. The knights¡¯ try their damnedest to keep a grip upon the weapons as they begin to skitter and attempt to pull themselves away from the man, no the monster before them.


    Before the drunkard can react to the sudden shift in his companions, something grabs onto his wrist. And with a twist, the bone shatters as the flesh almost tears free! He screams as his dagger falls free, and as if to keep him from running, the man slams his broken hand upon the table after catching and slamming the dagger through it!


    He frantically tries to grabs at the blade through a fit of screams and tears! And as he does, the cloaked figure grabs him by the throat before leaning in and whispering¡­


    "Good~¡­ Tell Yokubo that his days are numbered... Soon, Axel the Reaper, will be coming for his life!!"


    Another laugh escapes Axel as he lifts the knight, squeezing the life from him. Then with little effort, he throws the knight into one of his approaching comrades!! His hand is shredded by the blade as the table holds firmly in place and blood splatters across his comrade¡¯s helm!


    (Ability: Carnage Feast, activated)


    (Carnage Feast: Gives the user an increase in all stat categories upon the scent of blood, and will continue to stack when more blood continues to spill. Deactivates once the battle has concluded and stats will normalize.)


    (All stat boost!)


    "Die!! Hell spawn!!" A shout trails with one of the knight¡¯s swords as he makes an attempt upon the monster!


    Though Axel only smirks, a easy dodge and a punch to the stomach is all that is needed to send the knight careening through one of the window shutters!!


    "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!"


    Axel¡¯s laughter turns maniacal as another knight steps forward to meet their fate. Though before they can even make a proper attack, Axel grabs their weapon. He practically drags the knight with him as pulls them close enough to grab their helm. All the knight sees before his helm is crushed by Axel hand is a wicked smile and a hungered, burning yellow gaze.


    They couldn¡¯t even scream as blood began to pool around their feet. Their arms flail but to no help as the skull is crushed before their companion! And as soon as their arms drop lifelessly, Axel tosses their body to the side before leaping towards the next knight!!


    (All stat boost!)


    (Ability: Bloodbath, activated.)


    (Bloodbath: Makes the user go into a feeding frenzy upon killing, with every kill making the feeding frenzy urge even stronger.)


    (Ability: Soul Reaper, activated.)


    (Soul Reaper: Exclusive to the {Grim Reaper class} Allows the user to reap all of the stats and abilities from the dead.)


    Witnessing their friends being easily murdered causes the rest to attempt to flee!!


    "Aaaaahhhhh!!! It''s a monster!!!" They begin to retreat.


    Axel licks his lips and lets the knight run. Turning his gaze onto the remaining knights as his laughter only became louder!!


    "Get over here!!!" He growls as he inhumanly darts around the room relentlessly tearing through the ones not quick enough to escape him!!


    Their screams filling the building as he painted the walls with their blood!! The prostitutes can only cover their eyes at the horrific scene being created before them!


    (All stat boost!)


    (All stat boost!)


    "Noooo please!!! Don''t kill me!!!" A plea falls upon deaf ears as Axel catches the chest piece of his next meal!


    "Aaaahhhhhhhhhhh'''' a scream is all the knight can give as Axel bites through his clavicle!! He squirms as his screams turn to gurgles, however, his attempts at breaking free are extinguished as Axel takes another bite out from his throat!! The knight grabs at his missing esophagus as his lungs wheeze out in spurts of blood across the floor!


    (All stat boost!)


    (All stat boost!)


    "Watch out!!" Martha¡¯s yell catches Axel off guard, however, he still moves accordingly.


    A giant sword about the size of an adult rams into his gut! The grand knight only pushes further, piercing Axel¡¯s abdomen and slamming him against the wall!! Axel¡¯s body seizes as his blood leaks down the wall he¡¯d been impaled upon. A single cough is all he gives before his body goes limp¡­


    (All stat boost!)


    (All stat boost!)


    Though before the grand knight can free his blade... Axel¡¯s hand grabs the blade. His eyes flicker back to life as the adjust upon his new killer. A smile forms across his lips...


    (Ability: Undead Body, activated.)


    (Undead Body: Allows the user to receive minimal damage to their body''s vital areas. Also allows any body parts to automatically reattach itself)


    (Ability: Regeneration, activated.)


    (Regeneration: The highest form of automatic self-recovery. This ability will regenerate organs in mere seconds and gives the user a 50% decrease in Mana usage. Requires Mana as fuel.)


    The grand knight stumbles back, relinquishing his blade as Axel merely hangs against the wall by his sword alone. His body shivers as the man before him easily pulls the blade from his gut ...


    The floor boards groan as Axel lands. A smirk crinkles his face as his begins to casually walk over to the grand knight, his injury rapidly healing before him.


    ¡°What are you¡­?¡± the grand knight feebly questions as an aura of dread manifests around the monster before him.


    The air grows thick as blacken smoke starts to ooze out from him. His eyes glow brighter than the stars against the inky black void beginning to surround him. A smile reaches the furthest it can go just as the words leave him.


    "Your time has come..."


    The grand knight almost falls to the shear weight of the pressure Axel was exuding. Though with a quick reaction, he grabs hold of his fallen sword and takes a swing with everything he has left!!


    "Take this!!!"


    "HahahahahahahHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!"


    Axel bursts out laughing like a psychopath as he only punches the sword in response. It shatters in half on impact!


    His heart begins to race as he watches the knight''s face spiral down to the lowest level of despair upon witnessing his one and only chance at victory disintegrate before him.


    Without giving any chance to react, Axel lunges!!!


    The grand knight couldn¡¯t even react as his arms are tore free from his body!! He screams as he crumples to his knees!!


    (All stat boost!)


    (All stat boost!)


    Axel''s laugh echoes across the entire building as he grabs the pathetic man by the throat!! And with a simple squeeze and yank, he rips the grand knight¡¯s head from his shoulders!


    His body slumps as Axel pitches the head at the ceiling! The helm encapsulating the head only dents as it breaks through the roof!!


    "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!"


    Axel laughs at the display he is creating as he summons a fireball into one of his hands!


    (Enchanting cast nullification)


    And just as the head hits its apex and before it begins its decent, he chucks the fireball! It explodes in a dazzling display in mid-air!! The shock wave collides the with town, rocking it for a mere second and blowing the clouds away!!


    Blood dribbles upon him as he basks within the scene he¡¯d created. With a breath, he closes his eyes and bathes in it...


    The girls could only look upon the scene with mouths agape. A shiver had overtaken the group as they finally started peering around their home. The brothel had rapidly become a bloodbath with tables being overturned and some broken, and countless bodies¡­ or their parts strewn throughout the room. And yet, a collective sigh of relief washes over the girls.


    " ...Thank you... Young man... for saving us..." an almost whisper leaks out from the group as one of them steps forward.


    Axel opens his eyes, his smile still cracking his pale face. His gaze falls upon the small girl, then over the entire group.


    Pure malice and a lust for blood pour out from his golden gaze...


    A chuckle erupts from his lungs as his smile grows in an attempt to split his face it two...


    "...Who said I was going to save you...?"


    The atmosphere tilts as the prostitutes¡¯ eyes widen in terror! His laughter vibrates the room as two more fireballs form within his hands!!


    Death tugs at their hearts as they begin for the exits!! As they escape, Axel runs rampant, throwing fireballs at everything around him and not hitting any of the girls.


    Quickly, the brothel takes flame as all of the prostitutes turn towards their use-to-be home. They watch as the monster within hysterically burns everything they used to know.


    They watch as the building crumbles down in flames, consuming not only Axel but the memories within...


    The growing crowd almost stood mesmerized by the dancing embers. Although even as the smoke billows just before their feet, goosebumps crawl across their skin.


    They could only stare at the puffs of smoke arising into the sky with wide, trembling pupils. And yet, a single mutter breaks the silence. Then another, and another, sewing fearing with the distraught echoing of one another¡¯s words. As if to answer, the wind shifts over the crowd, gripping their hearts while warning them of the monster lurking within the fire.


    The prostitutes only watch on as the brothel burns to smoldering ash...


    Their hands shake uncontrollably as tears begin to swell in their exhausted eyes. Clicking reverberates between the girls as the collars clasping their necks fall free¡­


    Martha places her hand on her neck where the thick metal had once been. Her knees buckle out from under her as she buries her face into her hands and can only sob...


    Laughter falls onto the crowd as the debris begins to move. From beyond the thick black smog, something appears before them.


    (Intimidation)


    Like a hammer, their hearts nearly burst as a weight slams upon the crowd! Cold sweat trickles down their spine as many begin to hyperventilate, some even collapsing under the weight! Death cradles their heart as fear begins to claw its way into their minds. To them, their small world was about to come to an end, like they were nothing more than lambs that had been lured to their slaughter...


    Yellow eyes stared down upon them through the smoke. A gnarled grin sent a shiver through them before a single man dispersed the smoke surrounding him. He stood upon the rubble he¡¯d created.


    With a flick of his wrist, he removes his singed hood. Horror spreads through the people as his face is finally revealed...


    The wind gently caresses his pale skin as his radiant eyes stare deeply into the souls before him. His smile grows, slitting his face and revealing his razor-like teeth. And as the masses wouldn¡¯t dare pull their attention away, he speaks.


    "My name... Is Axel... Some of you may have recalled my name, as I am the traitorous hero who was killed about a month ago."


    His words sew fear into their hearts, as they try their damnedest to keep from even trembling¡­ Fearing what would happen if they made so much as a single sound.


    "I was falsely accused of poisoning the princess and had everything unjustly taken away from me... my title, my family, my own life... Nobody answered my prayers or pleading and chose to let me rot in the deepest, darkest pits of hell... "


    His tone shifts and stiffens as he points at the crowd. The grin cracking his face vanishes as he grits his teeth.


    "...But I couldn¡¯t stay dead... And I''m declaring war against the whole Kingdom of Everglend... Since you all took everything away from me... It would only be fair to treat you, people, the way you treated me, without mercy... Mark my words, I will engulf this entire kingdom in fear... "


    As his last word falls he relinquishes his hold on the crowd. Immediately they skitter and run into any alleyway or escape they can find. Most scream, some cry as they flee in terror!! Chaos consumes the area as he had made his presence known...


    Martha and the other prostitutes on the other hand only continue to cry. Martha weeps uncontrollably as she holds onto her chest. They all watch Axel with a grateful smile. Because in their eyes, Axel has performed the ultimate sacrifice...


    " ...Thank you... Axel..."


    She knew that now with Axel taking up the mantle of scapegoat and being hunted by the entire nation, he¡¯d also give the girls and her another chance to taste freedom. She could finally reunite with her family after so very long¡­


    "Hahahahahahahahaha!!¡± Axel¡¯s laughter booms above them as his eye try to pierce the woman, ¡°Your days are numbered!! Live peacefully while you still can!!"


    A smile almost breaks Martha as she watches Axel leap back into the black smoke. She would try to keep his words as a promise.


    Hysteria took hold of the town as riots and chaos broke what little peace the knights were trying to hold onto. Knowing that a Harbinger of Death had been announced within their limits did little to quell the fear the people already had.


    That night was the first Northrade had experienced such mass panic, and it wouldn¡¯t be the last as the word spread rapidly throughout the kingdom not long after. Alerting everyone that the Angel of Death has come out to play...

 Chapter 11 - The Embark of a New Journey

    The sun blazed relentlessly in the clear sky, casting its scorching rays upon the Earth below. Birds chirped cheerfully, seeking shelter in the dense foliage of towering trees, while blades of grass danced in harmony with the gentle breeze that swept through the forest.


    Amidst this picturesque scene, a lone figure traversed the forest road. Axel, cloaked in a dark robe with his hood drawn tightly over his head, trudged forward with determination etched upon his sweat-soaked face. The oppressive heat bore down upon him, his pallid skin glistening under the unforgiving sun, while the black fabric of his robe seemed to absorb even more warmth. Each step he took seemed to weigh heavier than the last, the path stretching endlessly before him.


    Since the tumultuous events of the previous day, Axel had departed from Northrade town under cover of night, embarking on a journey southward. His singular objective: to confront and eliminate Yokubo, the formidable Warlord of the South. Motivated by a dual purpose, Axel harbored vengeance against his oppressors and sought to attain greater strength. By absorbing the stats and abilities of his fallen foes, he aimed to expedite his ascent to power, enabling him to exact retribution upon those who had wronged him. Moreover, he harbored a desire to destabilize the kingdom, leaving its borders vulnerable to invasion by the demon race, sworn enemies of the realm.


    Though Axel''s plan seemed foolproof, there existed a formidable obstacle that threatened to thwart his ambitions.


    Axel''s frustration reached new heights as he stood at the crossroads, sweat pouring down his face like a leaky faucet. Veins bulged on his forehead like tiny earthworms desperately trying to escape. The oppressive heat only fueled his irritation, turning his irritation into a simmering rage.


    "DAMMIT ALL!!" Axel exclaimed, his voice echoing through the forest and startling nearby woodland creatures. Squirrels scurried up trees, birds took flight in a flurry of feathers, and even a brave rabbit dared to peek out from its burrow before quickly retreating.


    Since venturing into this forest, and even embarking on his journey southward, he had grappled with the same daunting challenge. The labyrinth of pathways stretched endlessly before him, some marked by barely legible signs, while others had succumbed to the ravages of time and nature. For over sixteen relentless hours, he had pressed on, traversing the shifting veil between night and day without respite. His last meal, Martha''s stew, lay a distant memory, a sustenance fading into the blur of exhaustion. Though his pockets bulged with ill-gotten coin from fallen knights, the prospect of utilizing it remained elusive without the refuge of civilization.


    What had initially promised escape now imprisoned him in a nightmarish reality. Axel''s once vibrant fantasy had soured into a tormenting nightmare, his disdain for this world kindled by an unrelenting flame. But perhaps the cruelest twist of fate lay in the irrevocable bind that tethered him to this realm, forever entwined with the very beings his peers sought to vanquish. Fate, in its capricious cruelty, danced upon his life, mocking his feeble attempts at defiance.


    Yet, propelled by instinct, he forged ahead, heedless of the agony pulsating through his limbs. Each step ignited a symphony of pain, sinews protesting against the relentless march. His calves convulsed with cramps, tearing at the fabric of his endurance, while a searing inferno engulfed his legs, as though molten lava surged beneath his skin. Despite the silent pleas of his tortured body, his countenance remained stoic, an indifference born of resignation rather than apathy.


    His breaths labored, each inhale a struggle against the oppressive weight of the thinning air. Like a savage beast, hunger gnawed at his stomach, while waves of dizziness threatened to engulf his already weary mind. Amidst the sweltering heat, even his own eyes betrayed him, blurring the lines between reality and the fevered delusions of his imagination.


    "Hello, Axel..."


    The haunting echo of a familiar voice sliced through the stifling air, jolting his entire being to a standstill. Slowly, he turned, his heart heavy with dread.


    There they stood, silhouettes from a lifetime past, his once cherished companions.


    Axel''s eyes quivered, a single tear tracing a crimson path down his cheek.


    "No..."


    His voice trembled, a feeble protest against the cruel specter of his memories.


    Tom and George beckoned to him, their smiles radiant but hollow, their outstretched arms a mocking invitation to a bygone era of innocence.


    "Let''s go play, Axel! Just like old times!" Tom''s voice, once brimming with laughter, now pierced through Axel''s soul like a dagger.


    George''s words echoed with painful nostalgia. "The three musketeers!"


    A dagger twisted in Axel''s chest, tearing at the fragile remnants of his shattered heart. His hand reached out involuntarily, a desperate yearning for the warmth of their embrace, but he recoiled, biting back the agony that threatened to consume him. Pulling his hood tighter around his face, he turned away, his steps weighted with the unbearable burden of grief.


    "You''re not here... You''re dead..."


    The words fell from his lips like a whispered prayer, a futile plea to banish the ghosts that haunted him.


    He knew these apparitions were mere illusions, cruel tricks played by his own fractured mind. Yet, the pain they inflicted was all too real, a relentless torment that gnawed at his soul.


    With each glimpse of his friends through the shimmering veil of his necklace, Axel felt the dam of his emotions strain against the weight of his sorrow. But no tears came, only an agonizing emptiness that threatened to consume him whole.


    Except for one emotion...


    In the depths of his despair, one ember still flickered within him, a solitary flame amidst the encroaching darkness.


    Suddenly, his friends'' screams shattered the oppressive silence, wrenching Axel''s attention with a gut-wrenching force.


    His eyes widened in horror as the grotesque tableau unfolded before him¡ªhis beloved companions, bathed in crimson, their lifeblood spurting forth as blades rent their flesh. They reached out to him, desperate pleas etched in their tear-stained eyes, before succumbing to the cruel embrace of death, leaving behind a pool of viscera.


    And there, amidst the carnage, stood Blake, the architect of his torment, a sadistic grin etched upon his face as he nonchalantly cleansed his blade of their blood.


    In a surge of unfathomable rage, Axel erupted from the depths of despair, his fury akin to a volcanic cataclysm, rending the earth asunder with each thunderous step.


    "BLAKE!!!!"


    Veins bulged like taut cords beneath his skin, his teeth ground together with an intensity that threatened to shatter bone. His fists clenched so tightly that blood oozed from his battered knuckles as he launched himself forward with reckless abandon.


    Blake''s smirk widened as he effortlessly danced around Axel''s onslaught, his words dripping with contempt.


    "Alive, are we? Your feeble power pales in comparison to mine, a mere flicker against the blaze of my supremacy. Your efforts are futile, like dust in the tempest."


    But Axel refused to relent, his fists raining down upon Blake in a relentless barrage born of desperation. Yet, with each swing, Blake''s mocking laughter only grew louder, a cruel symphony to accompany Axel''s anguish.


    "You may blame me, but remember, it was your weakness that sealed their fate," Blake taunted, each word a dagger plunged deep into Axel''s already bleeding heart.


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


    With a primal roar, Axel tapped into reservoirs of power he never knew existed, unleashing a torrent of flame that consumed the air around them. But even as the inferno raged, Blake remained untouched, his laughter echoing through the scorched landscape.


    As darkness enveloped Axel''s fractured mind, his body succumbing to the relentless onslaught of pain and despair, he knew one thing with grim certainty¡ªhis torment would continue, a relentless cycle of agony from which there could be no escape.


    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


    . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


    . . . . . . . . . . .


    . . . . . . . . .


    . . .


    Slowly emerging from the depths of unconsciousness, Axel felt a glimmer of awareness pierce the enveloping darkness. A faint light, like a solitary beacon in the void, flickered to life, casting tentative rays that gradually swallowed the shadows whole until he found himself cocooned in its blinding embrace.


    As his bleary eyes fluttered open, they were met with the mesmerizing dance of flames from a bonfire, its dwindling embers casting a feeble glow upon the surrounding foliage. Nestled against the sturdy trunk of a tree, Axel surveyed his surroundings, taking in the dense forest cloaked beneath a canopy of stars, the night sky painted in hues of deep purple.


    "You''re finally awake."


    The voice, soft and feminine, cut through the silence like a gentle breeze, causing Axel to snap his head in its direction, his senses sharpened by the adrenaline coursing through his veins.


    Despite the oppressive darkness that cloaked the forest, Axel''s Night Vision ability granted him clarity, enhancing his vision to pierce through the obscurity with ease.


    (Night Vision: Allows the user''s eyes to adjust to the darkness and see clearly by enhancing the amount of light particles that can enter his pupils.)


    Next to the crackling bonfire sat the familiar figure of the female knight Axel had encountered in Northrade town, her form illuminated by the dancing flames. Clutching her sword tightly against her chest, she greeted Axel with a warm smile, though her disheveled hair and faint bruises spoke of recent trials.


    Axel''s gaze remained fixed upon her, his expression vacant as he attempted to rise and depart.


    Yet, as he summoned the last vestiges of strength to stand, his legs betrayed him, buckling beneath the weight of exhaustion. He collapsed to the ground with a weary thud, the gnawing ache in his stomach a cruel reminder of his depleted reserves.


    Despite having just rested, Axel''s body remained dangerously depleted, a consequence of his harrowing existence as the Grim Reaper. Forced to sustain himself with his own arm, a futile attempt at staving off hunger and thirst, he found solace only in the bitter realization of its futility. In truth, consuming his own flesh offered no sustenance, merely a cycle of diminishing returns as his energy dwindled with each futile attempt at self-preservation.


    Hunting proved equally fruitless, the stench of death serving as a deterrent to potential prey, leaving Axel to wither amidst the barren landscape of his hunger-stricken existence. The fleeting nourishment of Martha''s stew, now a distant memory, offered little reprieve from the relentless march of time and torment.


    In the face of such adversity, Axel''s continued consciousness seemed nothing short of miraculous, a testament to the resilience born of desperation and despair.


    "Here you go. It''s a bit cold, though," the knight rummaged through her bag and extended a roasted rabbit leg towards Axel, an unexpected kindness.


    Axel''s stomach roared in anticipation as he eagerly accepted the offering, drool threatening to escape his lips.


    Snatching the leg, he turned away, devouring it with a voracity born of starvation, the savory meat disappearing in mere seconds.


    A look of surprise flickered across the knight''s features. "Woah," she exclaimed before delving back into her bag, producing more sustenance for Axel. "You can have some more if you''d like."


    Axel continued to eat, the sky gradually lightening with the promise of dawn, while the knight observed him with a mixture of curiosity and concern.


    "You''re the same person I found getting harassed by the thugs in the alley, correct?" she ventured, her head tilted inquisitively.


    The crackling of the fire filled the silence as Axel remained focused on his meal, yet he couldn''t ignore the weight of her question. Pausing mid-bite, he glanced at her, offering tacit confirmation of her inquiry.


    "Why are you here in this forest?" she pressed, her tone gentle but insistent.


    Setting aside his food, Axel met her gaze. ". . . I was heading towards Southrade town, but I got lost along the way," he admitted.


    To his surprise, her face lit up with enthusiasm, her wolf-like ears perking up with excitement. "No way! I was just heading there too! Hey, how about I guide you there?" she suggested, extending her hand in friendship.


    "My name is Alice! What''s yours?"


    Axel hesitated, the weight of his past experiences coloring his response. Accepting her offer felt like a vulnerability he couldn''t afford, yet the prospect of navigating the forest alone filled him with dread.


    After a moment of internal struggle, Axel reluctantly reached out, shaking her hand in agreement.


    "My name is Josh, and I accept your offer," he conceded, a sense of resignation lacing his words.


    Alice''s smile widened, genuine warmth radiating from her as they shook hands.


    "Great! We''ll go once I''m done cleaning this place!" she declared, and together they extinguished the fire and tidied up their campsite, preparing to embark on their journey.


    As they set off, Axel couldn''t shake the lingering sense of unease, but for now, he would rely on Alice''s guidance, knowing that survival in this unforgiving world often required alliances, even with strangers.


    .


    .


    .


    Three days later.


    Inside Black Shield Castle.


    A butler glided down the opulent corridor, his demeanor aloof as he passed rows of motionless knights, their stoic facades belying the horrors lurking within the Warlord''s domain.


    As he neared the colossal doors leading to the Warlord''s chamber, the muffled cries of a woman pierced the thick walls, accompanied by the sinister laughter of a man. Her desperate pleas echoed through the corridor, falling on deaf ears as the butler approached the source of the commotion.


    Unfazed by the woman''s torment, he reached the towering doors, just in time to witness her final, harrowing scream abruptly silenced by the cruel laughter within.


    With a sudden jolt, the doors burst open, hurling a broken and bloodied figure into the corridor. She lay crumpled on the ground, her body bearing the cruel marks of her ordeal, as two knights callously dragged her away, their indifference a chilling testament to the depravity within.


    Undeterred, the butler stepped into the room, where a monstrous figure loomed over the scene. Towering above ten feet tall, Lord Yokubo exuded a palpable aura of malevolence, his inhuman features twisted into a sadistic grin. Long, black hair cascaded over his monstrous form, and razor-sharp teeth gleamed in the dim light.


    "Master Yokubo, if you continue to break your toys in such fashion, soon there will be no young women left in the South," the butler remarked, his tone dripping with sycophantic loyalty.


    Yokubo''s laughter boomed through the room, reverberating with cruelty. "Hahaha!! Oh, Franky, that worthless wretch could never satisfy a man. Her screams were the only pleasure she provided, so I indulged myself by breaking her slowly," he chuckled, his satisfaction evident as he donned a shirt.


    Straightening up, the butler, Frank, delivered his message with practiced formality. "Master Yokubo, a knight from Northrade town awaits you in the audience room," he announced before swiftly departing, leaving Yokubo to his twisted pleasures.


    Yokubo reclined on his throne, a malicious smirk playing upon his lips as the castle''s knight ushered the trembling messenger before him, forcing the man to bow in submission. Under Yokubo''s oppressive gaze, the messenger seemed to shrink, his very essence withering beneath the Warlord''s malevolent aura.


    With a languid gesture, Yokubo beckoned the knight to rise, his amusement evident as he observed the messenger''s distress.


    "Haha, have you brought what I requested?" he inquired, his tone laced with thinly veiled impatience.


    The knight quaked visibly, sweat beading upon his brow as he stammered out an excuse, his voice barely above a squeak. "My apologies, sire... B-but we encountered an issue in Northrade town..."


    Silence enveloped the throne room as Yokubo''s smile melted into a scowl, his displeasure simmering beneath the surface.


    "What issue," he demanded, his voice a frigid whisper, his fists clenching at his sides.


    The knight''s words spilled forth in a rush, his fear palpable. "Axel the Reaper, sire... He was the hero that was killed not too long ago¡­ And he¡¯s hunting you my lord..."


    Yokubo''s eyes narrowed, a glint of fury flashing within them. "And your comrades?"


    The knight''s shoulders sagged, tears welling in his eyes as he confessed, "S-slaughtered, sire... I was spared..."


    With a swift motion, Yokubo seized the knight, his grip tightening around the man''s throat with an iron grasp.


    "You dare live as a coward in my presence?" he growled, his voice dripping with venom.


    As the knight pleaded for mercy, Yokubo''s laughter rang out, a chilling echo in the cavernous chamber. With a final, brutal twist, he silenced the knight''s cries, his mirth unabated by the man''s demise.


    The lifeless body was cast aside as Frank, Yokubo''s loyal servant, entered the room, awaiting his master''s command. Yokubo''s grin widened, a sinister gleam dancing in his eyes.


    "Things have indeed become interesting," he murmured, a surge of excitement coursing through his veins. A war was brewing, and Yokubo relished the opportunity to unleash chaos upon his enemies.


    As the castle knights dragged away the corpse, Yokubo licked his lips in anticipation, a new era of darkness on the horizon. With Axel''s betrayal, the stage was set for a cataclysmic showdown, and Yokubo would revel in the chaos to come.

 Chapter 12 - Cracks in the Heart

    Day 1.


    The forest exhaled tranquility, the gentle breeze weaving its way through the verdant canopy, caressing the leaves in its tender embrace. Squirrels darted among the branches, their nimble forms painting arcs of motion against the backdrop of greenery, while an owl observed from its lofty perch, its luminous eyes glinting in the dim light.


    Alice strolled ahead, a picture of carefree innocence, her hands lazily intertwined behind her head as she hummed a melody that seemed to harmonize with the forest''s symphony. Axel trailed behind, his countenance a mask of stoic indifference, his focus trained solely on the path ahead, ever vigilant.


    Veering off the beaten track at Alice''s insistence, they ventured deeper into the forest''s embrace, the canopy offering respite from the relentless sun. Alice''s confidence in navigating the woods was palpable, her ease a testament to her familiarity with the terrain, yet Axel remained wary, his gaze never leaving her form.


    Silence enveloped them like a shroud, broken only by the rustle of leaves and the chorus of frogs. Despite the proximity, neither dared to breach the silence with words, each lost in their own thoughts, the unspoken tension hanging heavy between them.


    Then, amidst the quiet, Alice stole a glance over her shoulder, a subtle gesture that grated on Axel''s fraying patience.


    "What!! Do I have something on my face!?" Axel''s voice sliced through the silence, tinged with irritation, a vein throbbing visibly on his forehead.


    Startled, Alice''s laughter bubbled forth, her tail stiffening in surprise as she turned to face him, her hand rubbing the back of her head in apology.


    "Haha, no... Sorry, I''m just not used to having someone walking behind me," she confessed, her laughter tinged with nervousness. "But if it bothers you, why don''t you walk beside me? That way, we can both be at ease."


    Axel''s abrupt halt sent shockwaves through the forest, his piercing gaze bearing down on Alice with an intensity that seemed to sap the very air of its breath. In that charged moment, even the ants scurrying along the forest floor scattered in panicked disarray, as if sensing the seismic shift in the atmosphere.


    Unintentionally, Axel''s mere presence seemed to ignite chaos in his wake, the tranquility of the forest shattered by his silent scrutiny. Yet, amidst the turmoil, Alice remained unflinching, her serene smile a stark contrast to Axel''s palpable tension. Her unwavering composure in the face of his penetrating stare spoke volumes, a testament to her inner strength.


    With a resigned sigh, Axel resumed his stride, allowing Alice to walk beside him. Despite his hesitation, her rational words resonated within him, and he begrudgingly acknowledged the logic in her offer. After all, being by his side granted her no advantage if he remained vigilant.


    As they continued their journey together, Axel remained wary, his guard never faltering. Yet, in Alice''s company, he found a semblance of reassurance, a flicker of trust amidst the shadows that enveloped them.


    Half a day later.


    The journey had been uneventful thus far, but as they emerged from the forest, a breathtaking vista greeted them. Walking through the valley as the sun dipped towards the horizon, they found themselves flanked by majestic mountains, their peaks piercing the clouds in a dance of light and shadow.


    At the base of the valley, a gentle river wound its way like a ribbon of liquid silver, its waters glimmering in the fading light. Though the winds tugged at their clothes, urging them onward, the landscape held them in a reverent stillness, each moment a masterpiece painted by nature''s hand.


    Axel''s gaze was drawn to the snow-capped peaks, pristine and luminous against the azure sky. As the cool breeze descended from the heights, it kissed their skin with a refreshing chill, invigorating their spirits with each breath.


    Above, a flock of birds soared gracefully, their wings outstretched against the canvas of the sky, disappearing into the golden hues of the setting sun. Meanwhile, a light mist hovered above the verdant greenery below, lending an ethereal aura to the landscape.


    As they traversed the valley, a group of deer approached the crystal-clear river, their movements elegant and serene. With a curious gaze, they observed the travelers, their presence adding to the enchantment of the scene.


    From the cotton candy clouds above to the fiery sun sinking into the horizon, and the emerald sea of trees below, the landscape unfolded in a symphony of beauty, each element weaving together to create a tableau of wonder and magic.


    Late at night.


    The sky above was a canvas ablaze with stars, each one twinkling in a symphony of colors against the velvety darkness that enveloped them. As Alice''s makeshift torch flickered its last embers, the encroaching darkness seemed to encircle the two travelers, casting long shadows that danced in the night.


    Now standing in a vast grass field, the blades of grass swayed gently in the breeze, their lush greenery reaching up to their knees and covering the landscape as far as the eye could see. Despite Alice''s desire to press on to a safer spot for the night, her exhaustion was evident, her body swaying with fatigue as she fought to suppress an onslaught of yawns.


    Her steps slowed to a crawl, much to Axel''s frustration, who eventually halted at the nearest tree, his resolve unwavering. No amount of coaxing from Alice could persuade him to move until she had received the rest she so clearly needed. Though she attempted to take on the night shift as a knight should, it was futile; her weariness was palpable, her body betraying her at every turn.


    Defeated, Alice let out a weary sigh, her fatigue momentarily overshadowed by a grateful smile. As she settled down on the grass to cushion the hard ground, Axel remained silent, his gaze fixed upon the star-studded sky, his back against the sturdy trunk of the tree.


    The gentle chirping of crickets filled the air, a soothing melody that disrupted the silence in a peaceful cadence, while the grass swayed in harmony with the soft caress of the wind. In this moment of quiet serenity, amidst the vast expanse of the night, they found solace in the simple beauty of the world around them.


    The stars shimmered above, a tapestry of colors painting the night sky. Pink mingled with blue, casting a soft glow that should have stirred wonder in Axel''s heart. But for him, it was just another reminder of the emptiness that consumed him.


    Throughout the day, he had wandered through a world that felt increasingly distant, disconnected from the beauty that surrounded him. While Alice reveled in the scenery, Axel remained untouched by its splendor. It was as if the vibrant hues of the world had been drained away, leaving behind a monochrome landscape.


    Since the day of his execution, Axel had felt himself slipping further into darkness. Emotions had become a distant memory, replaced by a hollow void that gnawed at his soul. He was no longer human, no longer capable of empathy or connection. Only the faint glimmer of reason remained, a flickering flame in the encroaching darkness.


    But even reason was slipping through his fingers, a fragile thread in the face of his cursed existence. With each passing day, Axel felt the weight of time pressing down on him, a relentless countdown to his own demise.


    He was racing against the clock, fighting a battle he knew he couldn''t win. And with each passing moment, the sinking feeling in his heart grew heavier, dragging him further into despair.


    Axel''s hand instinctively rises to his temple, fingers pressing against his throbbing forehead as a sense of unease settles over him like a suffocating blanket.


    The punishment of God, it seemed, was not yet complete. As if the weight of his sins were not enough to bear, there was one final twist of the knife awaiting Axel in the darkness.


    A chill sweeps through him, icy tendrils snaking around his heart, squeezing with a vise-like grip. It feels as though something unseen is tightening its hold on his chest, constricting his lungs with an invisible hand.


    The realization hits him like a thunderbolt: the curse of the Eternal Death Maiden. A sentence of torment, woven with malice and cruelty, intended to strip away the very essence of his being.


    In that moment, Axel feels as though he is drowning in despair, suffocated by the weight of his own fate. He gasps for breath, but the air is thin and suffused with the stench of impending doom.


    The curse hangs over him like a shadow, a specter of death looming ever closer. And as he struggles to draw each labored breath, Axel knows that his torment has only just begun.


    In the depths of Axel''s mind, memories of his past lives flicker like ghostly shadows, haunting reminders of the curse that has plagued him since his reincarnation.


    The curse first reared its head during his earliest days in this new existence, a malevolent force lurking beneath the surface of his soul. But it was in Northrade town, just three days past, that its full fury was unleashed upon him once more.


    With each activation of the curse, Axel is consumed by a darkness that devours his humanity whole. Reason crumbles beneath the weight of his inner turmoil, leaving nothing but a ravenous beast in its wake. He fights against it with every fiber of his being, but it is a battle he cannot hope to win.


    Day by day, the curse tightens its grip, squeezing the last vestiges of sanity from his fractured mind. Each outbreak is a descent into madness, a descent from which he may never return.


    And with each passing moment, Axel feels himself slipping further into the abyss, swallowed whole by the monstrous entity that resides within him. The curse is a relentless torment, a cruel reminder of the fragility of his existence.


    For Axel, there is no escape, no respite from the horrors that haunt him. He is trapped in a cycle of violence and despair, his very soul torn asunder by forces beyond his control.


    In the end, all that remains is the hollow shell of a man, a mere puppet dancing to the tune of his own destruction. And as he stares into the abyss, he knows that there is no redemption, no salvation from the curse that binds him. Only endless suffering awaits him in the darkness.


    The transformation was relentless, a steady erosion of his humanity, leaving behind only a hollow shell of what once was. Axel, once a man, now teetered on the brink of becoming a soulless automaton, a mindless vessel of destruction. The world''s damning judgment, once a mere whisper, now echoed loudly in his ears, a chilling reminder of his impending demise.


    As he clutched at his chest, a tremor coursed through his body, a primal fear gnawing at the edges of his consciousness. He felt the weight of inevitability bearing down upon him, a crushing burden that threatened to shatter him into pieces.


    The odds were stacked against him, a grim reality that loomed over him like a specter. Death lurked around every corner, its shadow stretching long over his path. The prospect of revenge, once a flicker of hope in the darkness, now seemed like a distant dream, slipping further from his grasp with each passing moment.


    Pain welled in his eyes, a silent testament to the agony that consumed him. In that moment of stark clarity, he realized the futility of his struggle, the inevitability of his fate. His death was not a distant specter, but an imminent reality, closing in on him with each fleeting breath.


    As despair washed over him like a tidal wave, Axel was left to confront the harsh truth: his time was running out, and there was nothing he could do to stop it.


    There seemed to be no escape from the clutches of the curse, a relentless force that threatened to consume him entirely. Axel could only muster the strength to resist its grip, knowing deep down that his efforts were futile. There was no point in attempting to start anew, to forge connections or build a life, for the curse would inevitably snuff out any flicker of hope or joy.


    As he gazed up at the stars, they seemed to mock him with their distant beauty, serving as reminders of the memories he held dear. Each twinkling light was a fragment of his past, a testament to the life he once lived. Memories of the orphanage flooded his mind, filling his empty heart with a bittersweet sense of nostalgia.


    He recalled the laughter of his friends, the playful pranks they would pull, and the bond they shared. Daisy''s sassy attitude, the jar of coins they had saved for their dreams of Wonder Land ¨C these were the treasures of his life, the moments that made it worth living.


    Despite the darkness that threatened to engulf him, Axel found solace in the memories he held dear. They were his final refuge, a glimmer of light in the encroaching darkness. And as he faced the inevitability of his fate, he clung to those memories, grateful for the life he had lived, however fleeting it may have been.


    ¡®Tom was right¡­ You can form a family without being blood related¡­¡¯


    Lost in contemplation, Axel grappled with existential questions that gnawed at the core of his being. His furrowed brows betrayed the turmoil within as an insistent tug at his brain pulled him deeper into introspection.


    What was the purpose of his existence if it seemed destined for naught but suffering and despair? Why be granted the gift of life if it was to be marred by endless torment and futility? Was he merely a pawn in the grand machinations of fate, a sacrificial lamb to further another''s ambitions?


    These thoughts swirled relentlessly in Axel''s mind, each question cutting deeper than the last. As he struggled to make sense of the inexplicable, a voice shattered the oppressive silence, jolting him back to reality. Startled, he turned towards the sound, his senses alert and his heart heavy with uncertainty.


    "Josh..." Alice''s voice broke the stillness of the night, laden with a weight that belied her usual cheerfulness.


    She lay upon her makeshift bed of grass, her gaze fixed upon the stars above. Yet, something was amiss. The usual sparkle in her eyes was absent, replaced by an unsettling emptiness. Clutching her sword tightly, she turned towards Axel, her demeanor tense and guarded.


    She shifted uncomfortably, struggling to articulate the words she wanted to convey.


    "I... I just wanted to tell you... that I get nightmares when I sleep," she admitted, her voice tinged with embarrassment.


    The background symphony of crickets seemed to hush, leaving an awkward silence in its wake. Axel''s expression remained stoic as ever, his gaze unwavering. A gust of wind stirred around them, as if echoing the tension between them. Unable to meet his eyes directly, she turned her face away, feeling exposed by the admission.


    "So what?" Axel''s response was curt, devoid of any sympathy or concern.


    "Huh?" She couldn''t hide her surprise, turning back to face him. His indifference caught her off guard. Despite baring a personal struggle, he appeared utterly disinterested. She considered probing further, but decided against it, mustering a small, grateful smile instead.


    "Thank you, Josh... Anyway, I''ll be going to sleep now. And just so you know, I won''t hesitate to cut you down if you try anything funny," Alice declared, positioning her sword within reach, prepared for any potential threat that might arise in the night.


    Axel simply shrugged in response, seemingly unfazed by her warning.


    "You may kill me right now if you''d like. I won''t fight back¡­" he offered, his tone resigned.


    Shaking her head, Alice found a strange reassurance in his words. Though she didn''t fully trust him, she sensed a sincerity in his willingness to be vulnerable. He wasn''t about to spring any surprises on her. With a cautious nod, she settled down, keeping a wary eye on him as she drifted off into an uneasy slumber.


    Alice''s experience with criminals ran deep. She knew they often hid in plain sight, blending seamlessly into the fabric of everyday life. They could be your family, friends, neighbors, or colleagues ¨C the ones you least suspect.


    To her, the most dangerous were those who wore a facade of cheerfulness. Behind their smiles lay hidden agendas and secrets.


    Yet, Axel was different. Mysterious as he was, Alice didn''t find him unsettling. Throughout their journey, he''d been upfront and candid, never pretending to be something he wasn''t. His honesty, stark and unfiltered, put her at ease. She found herself trusting him, his words carrying a weight of sincerity she couldn''t ignore.


    With her eyelids growing heavy and consciousness slipping away, she relaxed against the grass, her tail curling around her leg.


    "Goodnight," she murmured, her voice soft and drowsy.


    Turning to face her, Axel found her already asleep, her breathing steady and heart rate slowing. It was a peaceful sight, like a candle flickering out, leaving only serenity in its wake.


    (Enhanced senses: Upon obtaining, allows the user to enhance their senses to an extreme degree upon command.)


    She was truly crazy to entrust her life to him, but Axel couldn''t bring himself to care. What did it matter anyway? He wouldn''t see her again after this journey, and if by some twist of fate he did, he''d likely already be dead...


    Day 2.


    Axel''s gaze fixated on his necklace in the darkness, his hands trembling as he clutched it tightly. Suddenly, a noise shattered the silence, causing him to snap the watch shut and redirect his attention.


    Although the sun had yet to rise, Alice was already stirring, her arms stretching widely as she fought off drowsiness. With tousled hair and tired eyes, she turned to face Axel, finding him in the same spot where she had left him. Despite her disheveled appearance, she greeted him with a cheerful smile, unaffected by her less-than-ideal morning look.


    "Morning, Josh!" Alice greeted, waving at him cheerfully.


    Axel maintained his stoic gaze, struggling to comprehend Alice''s decision to entrust her life to him. Was she incredibly perceptive or simply reckless? Regardless, Axel wouldn''t even trust himself with his own life, let alone someone else''s. Moreover, he couldn''t fathom why she had woken up so early. It was barely 6 o''clock in the morning, the sky still shrouded in dark purple hues, and she hadn''t even managed a solid four hours of sleep.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Struggling to rise from her makeshift bed, Alice displayed clear signs of not being a morning person, her body yearning for a few more hours of rest. Suppressing a yawn, she stretched her arms and back before retrieving her sword.


    "Did anything happen last night? Any raiders?" she inquired.


    Axel gently shook his head. Nothing noteworthy had occurred overnight, just a few sporadic encounters with monsters that Axel swiftly dispatched. The only notable development was his newfound ability, Heat Resistance [I]. As its name suggested, it would provide him protection against fire-based spells and environmental heat sources like the scorching sun. Recognizing its value, Axel had deliberately sought out monsters possessing this ability, raising its level to Heat Resistance [VII] before they vanished with the approaching morning.


    (Heat resistance [VII]: Allows the user to absorb heat more efficiently and release back while protecting the user''s body from any form of heat. Currently up to 70%.)


    "I''ll be doing a bit of training not too far from here. We''ll leave once the sun rises up on the horizon, ok?" Alice declared to Axel, her voice laced with determination as she fastened her sword to her waist.


    He offered a simple nod in response before she disappeared into the tall grass. Left with nothing to occupy his time at the campsite, Axel closed his eyes, allowing the moments to slip by.


    An hour later.


    Alice had yet to return, despite the sun now casting its rays across the landscape. Axel''s suspicions that she had abandoned him were assuaged only by the strange noises emanating from the direction she had ventured off to. Curiosity nipped at Axel''s heels as he leaped onto a nearby tree branch, making himself comfortable by crossing his legs, reclining against the log, and interlocking his hands behind his head as he scanned the area where Alice had disappeared.


    "102 . . . . .103 . . . . .104 . . . . . 105," Alice counted between labored breaths, each word tinged with pain.


    To Axel''s astonishment, Alice was still in the midst of her training. She grappled with a massive boulder, easily twice her size, hoisting it above her and performing squats.


    Sweat streamed down her chin as her legs quivered uncontrollably, teetering on the brink of exhaustion. Her face contorted in agony, and her ears and tail twitched with strain. Her arms strained to their limits as she struggled to hold the weight. Even though Axel wasn''t the one exercising, he felt a sympathetic ache in his own body just from watching her. It was as if he could physically sense her pain from his perch atop the tree.


    Alice pushed herself to the absolute brink, her body nearly breaking under the strain. Yet, with sheer willpower alone, she summoned the strength to lift the boulder once more. Each descent elicited cries of pain from her limbs, but with each ascent, she gritted her teeth and powered through. Despite the excruciating agony coursing through her body, her determination blazed fiercely in her eyes, eclipsing even the rawest of pains.


    His eyes widened slightly in amusement. Even though she had called it training, this was clearly more than just exercise; she was deliberately pushing herself above and beyond, as if it were a matter of life or death. Axel had never seen someone so determined. She epitomized the essence of knighthood, unlike the cowards he had encountered before, who flaunted their titles for their own pleasure. What impressed him even more was that she was a woman. It wasn''t her gender that surprised him, but rather the fact that she was the only female knight he had encountered so far. Even in the palace, all the knights were exclusively male, as far as he had observed. In this world, women held lower job ranks compared to men and were generally regarded as the inferior gender.


    Yet here she was, a knight, and she wore her rank with pride. Axel couldn''t help but wonder why. From what he could tell, she was stronger than the Grand Knight he had encountered earlier, and yet she wore the attire of a regular knight.


    His pondering abruptly halted as the boulder came crashing down with a resounding thud, and Alice flopped onto the ground, utterly exhausted and in excruciating pain. ¡®What was her reason for training so intensely?¡¯ Axel questioned himself as he hopped down from the tree.


    Half a day later.


    A hawk soared the parched sky, its keen eyes scanning the scorched earth below for any sign of movement. Rattlesnakes sought refuge beneath sparse bushes, seeking respite from the merciless onslaught of heat. Coiled in a defensive swirl, they rattled warningly at any intruders who dared to draw near. Meanwhile, wild goats dared the perilous slopes of the steep mountains, their slender forms navigating treacherous paths that seemed to defy gravity. Each step was a dance with death, a single misstep could send them hurtling into the abyss below, their fate sealed by the unforgiving terrain.


    On the trail that hugged the rugged mountainside, Axel and Alice trudged onward. Today''s heat was unlike anything they had faced before, searing and unrelenting. Even Alice, who had seemed impervious to the sun''s rays in the days prior, was forced to shed layers of armor and shield her face from the scorching heat. Axel, however, seemed less affected by the oppressive sun, thanks to a newfound ability that offered him some respite from the blistering temperatures.


    Since yesterday, the two had engaged in sporadic small talk, with Alice taking the initiative each time, and Axel ending the conversations with as few words as possible. The only thing that kept him from shutting down completely was the need to pass the time and distract himself from the pain in his legs. So, he reluctantly responded to Alice''s inquiries, offering brief, guarded replies.


    "Why are you going to Southrade town?" Alice asked, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity.


    Axel continued walking without so much as a glance in her direction. "I have family in that town," he replied curtly, offering the first excuse that came to mind. Admitting the truth would have been foolish.


    To his dismay, Alice''s eyes lit up with excitement, her tail wagging eagerly. Axel immediately regretted his response.


    "No way! I''m headed there for the same reason! I have a sister who lives there. How about you?" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm undeterred.


    Axel sighed inwardly, mentally kicking himself for his lack of creativity. "I have two brothers that I''m visiting, that''s all," he replied tersely, hoping to put an end to the conversation.


    "How are they like?" Alice pressed, her curiosity piqued.


    Silence followed as Axel remained tight-lipped. It was clear he had no intention of continuing the conversation.


    Alice took the hint and lapsed into silence, her smile fading gradually. Her ears drooped, and the movement of her tail slowed as she walked on. Axel, lost in his own thoughts, maintained his stoic gaze ahead, seemingly oblivious to the disappointment he had caused.


    Tinged with both sorrow and empathy, her hand unconsciously tightening as she observed Axel. Despite his stoic facade, she couldn''t shake the feeling that there was a profound sadness lurking beneath the surface. It seemed to shadow his every move, weighing heavily on his shoulders. What kind of tragedy had befallen him to leave such a lasting mark? Was it the weight of his past, or the scars of some unfathomable event? Alice couldn''t say for certain, but she felt a pang of sympathy tug at her heartstrings.


    Their contemplation was abruptly interrupted as they encountered a ravine blocking their path. Its expanse stretched out before them, a gaping maw of darkness that seemed to swallow all light. It was a vast, yawning chasm, its depths unfathomable, reminiscent of the abyss from which Axel had once escaped.


    As they approached the ravine, Alice''s heart sank as she realized the only way across was a precarious, narrow wooden bridge that swayed with the slightest breeze. It was the kind of crossing that could induce panic in even the bravest of souls, especially those with a fear of heights.


    Her laughter came out strained and awkward as she rubbed the back of her head, a gesture that betrayed her guilt at having forgotten about this challenging part of their journey. "Ah, lord... I, uh, totally forgot about this," she admitted sheepishly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "But, um, I promise it''s perfectly safe. You''ll just have to take my word for it. Look, I''ll go first, and then you can g¡ª"


    Her sentence was abruptly cut off as Axel stepped confidently onto the bridge and began to walk across, leaving Alice at a loss for words. "Are we going or not?" he called back, his tone impatient.


    Reality hit her like a sledgehammer as she closed her mouth and shook her head, a mix of resignation and determination flashing in her eyes. "Wait for me!" she called out, hurrying to join him on the unstable bridge, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear and a new more admiration for the man before her..


    Late at night.


    As they reached the forest and settled in for the night, the crackling flames of their campfire cast dancing shadows among the trees. Alice and Axel sat close, the warmth of the fire taking the edge off the chilly night air.


    Tiny sparks danced into the sky, like fireflies bidding farewell to the day, as the two roasted a rabbit they had caught earlier in the forest. The aroma of cooking meat filled the air, mingling with the earthy scent of the woods.


    Amidst the flickering light of the fire, something caught Alice''s eye¡ªa glint of metal amidst Axel''s clothing. Her curiosity piqued, she couldn''t help but inquire. "What is that?" she asked, pointing toward Axel''s necklace.


    Axel''s body tensed, his expression shifting from one of calm to one of sudden outrage as she drew near. His face contorted with anger, his eyes flashing with an intensity that startled her.


    "Stay away from them!!" he shouted, his voice tinged with desperation, as he swatted her finger away in a fit of fury. The sudden outburst left Alice reeling, her heart pounding with a mixture of confusion and concern.


    She shrieks as her arms flail around, and she tumbles to the ground, her hands instinctively reaching to grasp her head as sharp pain courses through it.


    Realizing the consequences of his outburst, Axel fights to regain control, forcing himself to calm his breathing as the tension slowly seeps from his body, leaving behind his usual stoic expression.


    Clutching the necklace tightly, a pang of sorrow shoots through him, briefly softening his gaze.


    "This is¡­ very important to me," he says, his voice deep and tinged with a hint of sadness.


    Alice picks herself up, cheeks still flushed from the fall, and continues to rub the spot where her head met the hard ground.


    "That was very mean of you! I was just asking a simple question," she scolds, settling back down next to the fire with puffed cheeks. Axel remains silent, the crackling of the flames filling the awkward void between them.


    After a moment, Alice sighs, her gaze shifting to Axel.


    "I''ve noticed throughout our journey that you never smile. Now, I''m not trying to pry into your personal life, but you should smile more often," she suggests, offering a small smile of her own as an example. But Axel merely turns away, striding over to a nearby tree and gazing into the depths of the forest, lost in thought.


    "I''ll take the night shift again¡­ You can go rest up," Axel offers, his voice low but resolute.


    Alice''s eyes widen in surprise, and she quickly scrambles to her feet, shaking her head vigorously. "No way! I can''t let you do that twice in a row! It''s a knight''s duty to protect the people, and civilians always come first! Besides, I''m also¡ª" She cuts herself off abruptly, stumbling back as she realizes what she almost revealed. Her tongue feels heavy, unable to utter another word.


    Axel''s gaze fixes on Alice, his body swiveling to squarely face her. He strides toward her with purpose, his eyes flickering with an intense, unsettling light.


    "You''re also what¡­ a slave? Is that what you''re trying to say? That I should take priority because of that?" His voice is icy, laced with disdain as he gestures toward the metal collar encircling her neck. Alice''s shoulders hunch instinctively, her hands moving to conceal the damning symbol of her servitude. With each step Axel takes, his aura seems to darken, casting a shadow over their interaction.


    "Listen up," Axel continues, his tone cutting through the silence like a blade. "I don''t care if you''re a knight or a slave. A navigator is worthless if she collapses under the sun''s glare. I''ll watch over you at night, and you''ll guide me during the day. As long as you hold up your end of the bargain, I''ll do mine. Do I make myself clear?" With that, he strides past Alice, disappearing into the looming forest, leaving her to contemplate his harsh words.


    As Axel''s retreating figure disappears into the darkness of the forest, leaving Alice alone with her thoughts, a whirlwind of emotions sweeps through her. She feels as though she''s been silenced by his imposing presence, unable to voice her feelings or refute his cutting words. When the weight of his departure finally lifts, she finds herself gasping for breath, her chest heaving as she struggles to regain her composure.


    Turning around to find Axel gone, Alice''s face becomes a canvas of conflicting emotions. Shock, confusion, terror, wonder¡ªthey all vie for dominance as she grapples with the aftermath of their tense exchange. But amidst the turmoil, a glimmer of determination begins to take shape in her eyes.


    "Josh¡­ " Her voice is barely a whisper, but it carries a resolute undertone.


    Though she may not fully understand his past or the demons that haunt him, Alice is determined to make a difference, however small. She refuses to let his despair go unchallenged, resolved to bring a flicker of light into his dark world, even if only for a fleeting moment. With a determined smile playing on her lips, she gazes into the abyss before her.


    That, she decides, will be her mission from this moment onward.


    Day 3.


    Monkeys leaped agilely from branch to branch, their chittering forming a cacophony of sound that echoed through the dense jungle. Alice forged ahead, her sword carving a path through the thick foliage as she navigated the tangled undergrowth.


    In this vibrant biome, silence was a foreign concept. The air buzzed with the chirping of birds, the croaking of frogs, the hum of insects, and the rustle of leaves. Every step forward presented a new obstacle, with towering trees blocking their path and forcing them to constantly change direction. The canopy above was a dense tangle of greenery, so thick that only dappled rays of sunlight managed to penetrate through, casting shifting patterns of light and shadow on the forest floor.


    Competition was fierce in this verdant realm, with towering trees vying for precious sunlight. Some trees grew atop others, their intertwined branches forming a labyrinth of vegetation. Each leaf was a microcosm of life, hosting countless species of insects and providing sustenance for a myriad of creatures. In this teeming jungle, life pulsed with an energy that was both chaotic and harmonious.


    In the midst of this bustling jungle, Axel saw an opportunity to hone his hunting skills for future endeavors. With determination in his eyes, he set out to catch something for dinner while Alice settled comfortably on a tree root that seemed to have sprung from the earth just for her.


    With a determined leap, Axel dove into the dense foliage, chasing after any creature that crossed his path. Branches snapped, leaves rustled, and the jungle seemed to hold its breath as he stalked his prey.


    An hour passed, and Axel emerged from the jungle, his expression a mix of frustration and resignation. Despite his best efforts, all of his attempts at hunting had ended in failure. It seemed the jungle creatures were too quick for him, or perhaps they were simply too amused by his clumsy attempts to catch them.


    Despite his swift pace, Axel found himself clumsily navigating the narrow jungle pathways, as graceful as a bull in a china shop. With hunting skills that could rival those of a blindfolded squirrel, his attempts were more comical than effective. Nonetheless, Alice, ever the optimist, cheered him on with unwavering support for his efforts.


    For another 30 minutes, Axel persisted, his determination outweighing his evident lack of prowess in the art of hunting. But as frustration began to simmer beneath the surface like an overboiling pot, Axel threw in the towel, acknowledging that his jungle escapades were more akin to a slapstick comedy routine than a successful hunt.


    A few moments later, the two adventurers stumble upon a wide, unforgiving river blocking their path. With no way to navigate around it, Alice takes the lead and decides to brave the waters. She leaps in, navigating the strong currents with the grace of a seasoned river dancer.


    Axel quickly follows suit, attempting to mimic Alice''s movement. However, his efforts are less than graceful. As he tries to use boulders to block the currents, he ends up slipping and getting swept away.


    As Alice nears the other side, she turns to aid Axel, only to realize he''s nowhere to be seen. Panic sets in as she scans the river, and to her horror, she spots Axel being carried away by the relentless current. His expression remains stoic, as if he''s accepted his fate as a waterlogged wanderer.


    "Josh!!" Alice''s cry echoes over the rushing waters as she plunges back into the river to rescue her hapless companion.


    10 minutes later.


    They finally make it to the other side, both exhausted from the strenuous swim. Alice takes a moment to catch her breath, hands on her knees as she tries to replenish her energy. The sound of cascading water fills the air around them, a reminder of the treacherous journey they just endured.


    "Josh, are you okay?" Alice''s concern cuts through the sound of rushing water as she turns to him.


    Axel shrugs, but then notices something that has caught Alice''s attention. Her eyes seem glued to something, and then she starts snickering, trying to stifle her laughter. Finally, she bursts into a fit of giggles, collapsing onto the ground. Axel looks at her with a puzzled expression.


    "What''s so funny?" he asks, but Alice can barely contain herself. She points above him, and Axel follows her gaze.


    His eyes widen as he sees a fish flopping around, impaled on one of his horns. It seems he inadvertently caught their dinner. Axel grumbles, realizing that his horns did a better job at catching food than he did.


    Later that dusk.


    As night crept closer, they made camp in the jungle, and roasted the fish Axel had inadvertently caught. Alice savored the meal, her smile evident as she enjoyed the flavors dancing on her palate. Meanwhile, Axel remained silent, his expression unreadable as he quietly munched on the fish, offering no indication of whether it was to his liking or not.


    Glancing over at Axel, Alice couldn''t shake the feeling of sorrow that seemed to emanate from him like a heavy fog. It was as if she were witnessing a plant slowly withering away, drained of life and vitality.


    In Axel, she saw a man burdened by a weight that seemed too heavy to bear¡ªa curse, perhaps, akin to the black plague, spreading its tendrils through his soul.


    "Hey Josh," Alice calls out to him.


    His eyes drift over to her, she cracks a smile as she points over to the jungle.


    "I want to show you this, I hope you like it," she says as her smile turns bittersweet.  As night fully descends upon the jungle, a remarkable transformation takes place. At first, there is only darkness, the dense canopy overhead blocking out the light of the stars and moon. But then, as if responding to some unseen cue, the jungle begins to come alive in a symphony of light and color.


    One by one, tiny pinpricks of luminescence emerge, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the surroundings. Bioluminescent fungi, nestled among the roots and ferns, emit a gentle radiance, their delicate hues ranging from pale greens to deep blues. As the light spreads, it seems to breathe life into the foliage around them, illuminating the intricate patterns and textures of the leaves and vines.


    But it is not only the plants that awaken with light. Insects, too, join in the nocturnal spectacle. Fireflies emerge from their daytime hiding places, their luminous bodies flickering like tiny lanterns as they dance through the air. Their movements create swirling patterns of light, casting a mesmerizing glow over the jungle canopy.


    As the night progresses, the clear rivers that wind through the jungle take on an otherworldly radiance of their own. Beneath the surface, schools of fish dart and weave, their iridescent scales catching the light and shimmering like jewels in the water. The riverbed itself seems to come alive with color, as algae and other aquatic plants glow softly in the darkness.


    With the entire jungle now aglow with light, the effect is nothing short of magical. It is a scene of such breathtaking beauty that mere words cannot fully capture its splendor. In this moment, surrounded by the soft glow of bioluminescence and the gentle flicker of fireflies, it is as if they have stepped into a world straight out of a fairy tale.


    Nostalgia washes over Alice like a gentle wave, stirring memories long buried beneath the surface. Her eyes, once bright with wonder, now shimmer with a hint of moisture as she gazes upon the illuminated forest. It''s as if she''s being transported back in time, reliving moments of beauty and sorrow intertwined.


    "Mother nature can be scary at times; but she also has her beauty¡­ Just like life¡­ " Her voice is soft, almost reverent, as she speaks, her words tinged with a bittersweetness that tugs at the heartstrings. Despite the hardships she may have faced, there''s a resilience in her tone, a recognition of the inherent duality of life.


    As Axel steals a glance at her, he sees more than just a fleeting smile on her lips. There''s a depth to her expression, a complexity that speaks volumes. And then, he notices it¡ªthe solitary tear that traces a path down her cheek, a silent testament to the pain she carries within.


    In that moment, it becomes clear to Axel that Alice''s words are not merely platitudes meant to uplift him. They are borne from her own lived experiences, from the trials and tribulations she has weathered. She understands the depths of suffering, perhaps even more than he did.


    The tear glistens in the moonlight, a silent testament to the struggles she has faced and the resilience she carries within her. Axel''s heart aches with empathy as he realizes that they are more alike than he ever could have imagined.


    In that shared moment of understanding, he finds a newfound respect for Alice, a recognition of the strength it takes to endure hardship with grace and resilience. And as they stand together beneath the glowing canopy of the jungle, he feels a sense of kinship with her, a bond forged in the crucible of their shared experiences.


    Later that night.


    Perched atop a sturdy tree, Axel overlooks the sprawling expanse of the jungle, his vigilant gaze fixed on the slumbering figure of Alice below.


    Despite the outward tranquility of the night, Axel''s mind buzzes with an unsettling sense of unease. It''s a feeling he can''t quite shake, a nagging suspicion that something is amiss.


    His attention drifts to Alice, her troubled slumber evident in the faint tremors that wrack her body. It''s a sight he''s witnessed before, but tonight, it strikes a chord within him.


    Descending from his lofty vantage point with an uncharacteristic sense of purpose, Axel approaches Alice with measured steps. The wind whispers mournfully as it weaves through the branches, lending an eerie atmosphere to the scene.


    Standing before Alice, Axel''s expression remains inscrutable as he observes her tormented dreams. Without a word, he reaches out and gently rests his hand upon her forehead, a gesture both tentative and strangely compassionate.


    In that fleeting moment of contact, Axel feels a surge of empathy wash over him, a glimpse into the depths of Alice''s suffering. His hand recoils as if scorched, and a pang of sorrow tugs at his heart.


    "I see," he murmurs softly to himself, his voice barely audible above the rustle of leaves. "You''ve also suffered tremendously, poor thing¡­ "


    With a sense of resignation, Axel leans in once more, his touch igniting an otherworldly aura that envelops Alice''s form. As the ethereal smoke swirls and dances around them, Axel''s resolve hardens, a silent prayer to alleviate her pain however he can.


    And then, as swiftly as he came, Axel withdraws, taking the nightmares away along with him. With the quietude of the jungle enfolding them once more, leaving Alice to the sanctuary of peaceful slumber. The anguished lines of her face begin to soften, the lingering traces of her torment dissipating like morning mist beneath the gentle caress of dawn.

 Chapter 13 - The Night that Shall Forever be Remembered

    5 years ago


    Under the shimmering glow of the full moon, the night came alive with the symphony of nature. Crickets sang their nocturnal melodies while owls added their haunting hoots to the chorus. In the tranquil embrace of their village home, a weary Alice found herself being gently ushered to bed by her father, Merek, the village chief. Despite her heavy eyelids, Alice''s face bore a gentle smile, her eyes fluttering with a mix of sleepiness and anticipation. Merek couldn''t help but return the smile, his heart swelling with paternal affection as he kissed his daughter''s forehead.


    "Rest well, my dear, you¡¯ve done a wonderful job assisting your mother¡­ " Merek whispered, a note of expectation coloring his words.


    Alice nodded, her gaze lingering on her father with a mixture of trust and curiosity.


    "Okay, papa," she murmured, her voice soft and laced with affection.


    With a final caress of her hair, Merek rose from the bedside, his departure marked by the soft creak of the door. He left it ajar, allowing a sliver of light from the living room to filter into Alice''s room, banishing the darkness that threatened to envelop her. Peering through the crack in the door, Alice glimpsed her surroundings, her curiosity piqued by the events unfolding beyond her room.


    Meanwhile, in the adjacent space, Alice''s sister Annabelle remained wide awake, her presence a steadfast source of support for their mother, Alina. Gripping their mother''s hand tightly, Annabelle offered silent solidarity as Alina weathered the storms of labor. Her features contorted with pain yet imbued with strength, cradled her pregnant belly, her resilience a testament to her unwavering resolve.


    In the quiet embrace of the night, the air was filled with an aura of anticipation and love. Alina, her gentle features radiant with the glow of impending motherhood, had already completed her final week of pregnancy, and the arrival of their little one seemed imminent. The news that it would be a baby boy, revealed by the village doctor and nurse through their mystical insights, had brought tears of joy streaming down the cheeks of both parents. With hearts overflowing with love and excitement, the family eagerly awaited the momentous occasion.


    As the night deepened and the hours passed by, the doctor and nurse had long departed, leaving Merek and the sisters to wait with bated breath for the arrival of their newest family member. Despite the late hour, Annabelle remained steadfast by her mother''s side, her unwavering presence a testament to her devotion and love. Each passing second felt like an eternity, the tension in the air palpable as the anticipation grew.


    With a gentle squeeze of her hand, Annabelle felt the weight of the moment pressing down upon her, her tail swaying anxiously as she sought to ease her mother''s discomfort. Determined to help in any way she could, Annabelle rose from her seat, her resolve shining bright even in the dim light of the room.


    "I''ll gather some medicinal herbs from the nearby bushes to ease your pain mother," Annabelle announced softly, her voice filled with determination as she opened the door.


    "Be careful and don''t stray too far," Merek cautioned, his concern evident in his tone.


    Nodding in acknowledgment, Annabelle stepped outside into the cool night air, her determination guiding her steps as she disappeared into the darkness.


    Left alone in the quiet room, Merek scooted closer to his wife, enveloping her in a warm embrace. With a tender smile gracing his features, he placed a gentle hand on her swollen belly, feeling the flutter of life within.


    "I can''t wait to hold you in my arms, my little Author," Merek whispered, his voice filled with boundless love and anticipation.


    Alina''s smile radiated warmth as she leaned in to kiss Merek''s cheek, their tails intertwining in a silent gesture of unity and love. Together, they whispered softly to each other, their words a soothing melody in the stillness of the night. In that moment, surrounded by love and anticipation, the family found solace and joy as they awaited the arrival of their precious Author.


    As her eyelids grew heavy and exhaustion settled in, the allure of the cozy, warm bed became irresistible. With a contented smile gracing her lips, Alice surrendered to the comfort, closing her eyes in anticipation of the adventures tomorrow would bring.


    Little did she know, as the day drew to a close, that the events of that day would shape the course of her life in ways she could never have imagined.


    From amidst the tranquil silence, a deafening roar shattered the peace! The earth itself seemed to tremble beneath the force of the sound, jolting Alice from her slumber. Her heart raced in her chest, pounding like a drumbeat as adrenaline surged through her veins. Panic gripped her as she scrambled out of bed, her eyes wide with fear, scanning the room frantically.


    Without hesitation, she dashed to the living room, where her father was already in action, his expression grim as he armed himself with his spear. Alina''s urgent cries for Annabelle filled the air, adding to the chaos of the moment.


    "Dad, what''s happening?" Alice cried out, her voice barely audible over the commotion.


    Merek''s response was swift and stern, his words cutting through the chaos like a knife.


    "Stay inside, no matter what! It''s not safe out there!" he shouted, his tone leaving no room for argument as he hurried out the door.


    As the commotion outside escalated, Alice''s gaze fixated on the ominous orange glow seeping through the window shutters. A knot of dread tightened in her chest, suffocating her with a sense of foreboding. The once serene atmosphere was now thick with tension, sending shivers down her spine.


    Everything unfolded in a blur of chaos, leaving Alice bewildered and paralyzed by fear. She struggled to comprehend the unfolding events, her mind racing with unanswered questions. Yet, despite her confusion, an overwhelming sense of unease gripped her, refusing to let go.


    Alina''s sudden gasp drew Alice''s attention, and she turned to see her mother''s tear-filled eyes filled with horror. With trembling hands, Alina closed the shutters, shutting out the haunting glow that cast shadows of fear across the room. The anguish etched on her mother''s face mirrored the terror coursing through Alice''s veins.


    In an instant, Alina seized Alice''s hand, her grip firm with urgency as she propelled them towards the safety of the room. Her mother''s desperate voice pierced through the chaos, urging them to seek refuge and shelter from the impending danger.


    "We must hide, now!" Alina''s voice quivered with emotion as she closed the door behind them, her frantic search for a hiding place underscoring the gravity of the situation. Panic clawed at Alice''s throat as they sought sanctuary within the confines of their home, their only refuge in a world consumed by turmoil.


    Alice''s chest heaved with each panicked breath, her heart pounding in sync with the chaotic rhythm of her racing thoughts. The fear gripping her was suffocating, threatening to overwhelm her senses. She couldn''t bear the uncertainty of the situation, the dread tightening its grip on her fragile composure.


    "Mom, what¡¯s going on?!! I''m so scared!!" Alice''s voice cracked with desperation, tears welling up in her eyes as she clung to the last shreds of hope. Her plea echoed through the room, a raw expression of her terror and helplessness. But even amidst her own turmoil, the sight of her mother''s pained expression tore at her heartstrings, a silent agony etched upon Alina''s face.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    With trembling hands, Alina motioned urgently towards the closet, her silent plea a beacon of refuge in the storm of chaos. Alice obeyed without hesitation, seeking solace amidst the darkness of the closet''s embrace. But as she huddled amidst the musty scent of clothes, the weight of the situation pressed down upon her, threatening to crush her spirit.


    As Alina closed the closet door, sealing her daughter within their makeshift sanctuary, the muffled sounds of screams from outside pierced through the walls, a haunting reminder of the nightmare unfolding beyond their refuge. Alice''s fists pounded against the wooden confines of the closet, a desperate rhythm echoing the anguish of her mother''s tears. In that moment of darkness and despair, Alice clung to the fragile hope that this was all just a cruel dream, a nightmare from which she longed to awaken.


    "Mom!? What''s going on?" Alice''s voice trembled with fear as she pounded on the closet doors, her desperate attempts to break free met with the resistance of her mother''s firm grip.


    Alina''s tear-streaked face appeared through the crack, her expression wrought with anguish and despair. "Alice," she choked out, her voice quivering with emotion, "whatever happens, you must stay in there. Promise me."


    Tears welled in Alice''s eyes, mirroring the pain etched upon her mother''s face. With each passing moment, the weight of the situation bore down upon her, a suffocating sense of helplessness enveloping her. "Why, mother? Why?" Her voice cracked with the weight of her emotions as she struggled to comprehend the terror unfolding around them.


    As the knocking ceased, a deafening silence descended upon the room, broken only by the ominous clang of metal from beyond the walls. The sound of unfamiliar voices sent shivers down Alice''s spine, her heart pounding with the dread of the unknown. She clung to the darkness of the closet, her world reduced to the confines of its suffocating embrace.


    "Search the house!" The command echoed through the living room, a chilling decree that sent Alina''s heart plummeting with terror. With wide eyes, she tore herself away from Alice, her frantic gaze darting around the room in search of a hiding place. The approaching footsteps quickened her pulse, each beat pounding with the dread of imminent discovery.


    Before she could find refuge, a human knight burst into the room, his imposing figure casting a shadow of fear over Alina. With a forceful shove, he sent her crashing to the ground, her cry of pain mingling with the sharp impact of her pregnant belly against the unforgiving floor. Agony lanced through her, radiating from the vulnerable life nestled within her womb, as she clutched her stomach in a desperate attempt to protect her unborn child.


    The knight''s twisted grin sent shivers down Alina''s spine, his words dripping with cruel amusement. As he loomed over her, pinning her to the floor with an iron grip, a wave of despair washed over her, engulfing her in a suffocating sense of hopelessness. With each moment that passed, the weight of his presence pressed down on her, crushing her spirit beneath his ruthless control.


    Alice''s heart pounded in her chest as she watched the scene unfold before her, a helpless witness to her mother''s agony. Her instinct to intervene warred with the knowledge of her mother''s warning, leaving her paralyzed with indecision. Tears welled in her eyes, the pain of her powerlessness tearing at her soul, yet she could not tear her gaze away from the brutal scene playing out before her.


    The knight''s predatory gaze bore down on Alina, his menacing presence overpowering her feeble attempts to resist. Trembling under his scrutiny, she turned her face away, her tears mingling with the stains of her despair. Alice clenched her fists, her jaw set in a determined grimace as she struggled to contain the raging storm of emotions threatening to consume her. In that moment, as despair clouded her vision and dread gripped her heart, she felt utterly powerless, a mere spectator to the merciless cruelty unfolding before her.


    His gaze lingered on Alina''s face, a lecherous grin spreading across his lips as he appraised her with undisguised lust.


    "Quite the catch, aren''t you?" he remarked, his voice dripping with perverse satisfaction.


    As his eyes roamed down her trembling form, a twisted hunger gleamed in their depths. His gaze lingered on her curves, his breath quickening with the thrill of anticipation. His fingers twitched with the urge to possess, to dominate.


    With a low, guttural chuckle, he leaned in closer, his hot breath ghosting over Alina''s neck in a sickening parody of desire. His touch was rough and possessive as he grasped her, his intentions clear as he reached for his dagger with greedy anticipation, began tearing her clothes apart¡­


    But then, his eyes fell upon her swollen stomach, and his perverse desires faltered for a moment, replaced by a flicker of uncertainty.


    His body froze for a fleeting moment, but then a twisted snarl contorted his features, the dagger in his hand trembling with malice.


    "Damn it," he spat, his voice dripping with disdain as his brows furrowed in frustration.


    With a callous disregard for her humanity, he covered Alina''s mouth with one hand, silencing her screams, while the other hand aimed the dagger towards her chest.


    "Sorry, sweetheart," he sneered, his voice devoid of any remorse. "We have no use for pregnant women."


    The blade pierced her flesh, a sickening sound accompanying the gruesome act as blood began to spill, staining the floor crimson. Alina''s agonized screams filled the room, muffled by the knight''s hand as she fought desperately against him, her body convulsing with pain and terror.


    Tears streamed down Alice''s face, her heart breaking with each agonized cry echoing through the room. She could only watch in horror as her mother''s life was mercilessly snuffed out before her eyes, the brutality of the scene etching itself into her memory with cruel clarity.


    Alina''s screams faded into muted gurgles, drowned out by the rush of blood and the sound of flesh tearing. A pool of crimson spread beneath her, her life slipping away with each passing moment.


    With a final gasp, Alina''s body went still, her lifeless eyes staring blankly at the ceiling. The knight released his grip on the dagger, his gaze cold and indifferent as he surveyed the carnage he had wrought.


    As the knight''s ears caught the sound of approaching footsteps, he turned, expecting to see his comrades. But what he found sent a shock of terror through his veins.


    "The coast is clea¡ª" he began, but his words died in his throat as he beheld the enraged figure of Alice, her eyes blazing with fury as she lunged for his sword before he could react.


    "Wait!" he cried out in a futile attempt to stop her, but it was too late. With a swift motion, Alice unsheathed his sword and swung it with deadly precision, severing the knight''s head from his body in one clean stroke.


    A geyser of blood erupted from the decapitated corpse, painting the scene in gruesome hues as Alice recoiled in horror, her scream tearing through the air like a banshee''s wail. She stumbled backwards, her sword slipping from her grasp as the weight of what she had done crashed down upon her.


    Her hands trembled uncontrollably as she stared at them, now stained with the blood of another human being. The reality of her actions threatened to overwhelm her as she fought to steady her breathing, her chest heaving with each ragged breath.


    But amidst the chaos and horror, her gaze was drawn inexorably to her mother, lying lifeless on the ground. Tears welled up in Alice''s eyes as she crawled to her mother''s side, her heart breaking into a million pieces at the sight of her beloved parent.


    She clung to her mother''s lifeless form, her body racked with sobs as the full weight of her loss crashed down upon her. In that moment of unimaginable grief, all Alice could do was hold onto her mother and weep, her cries echoing through the darkness as she mourned the loss of the woman who had meant everything to her.


    Tears streamed down Alice''s face, each droplet a testament to the ocean of grief that threatened to consume her. But no amount of tears could bring her mother back. The warmth of her embrace, the sound of her laughter¡ªthose were now nothing but memories, forever out of reach. Alice had lost her mother, a pillar of strength and love, at such a tender age, and the weight of that loss pressed down upon her like a leaden weight.


    Outside, the world seemed to echo her sorrow, as explosions rocked the very foundations of their home. With each blast, cracks spiderwebbed across the walls, and debris rained down from the ceiling, threatening to bury them both. Though she desperately wanted to hold onto her mother, to keep her close and never let go, Alice knew that they were running out of time. Their home was on the verge of collapse, and if she didn''t leave now, they would both be buried alive.


    With a heavy heart, Alice hugged her mother tighter than ever, imprinting the feel of her presence into her memory. She pressed one last kiss to her mother''s cheek, tears mingling with the fabric of her clothes as she whispered her final farewells.


    Summoning every ounce of strength she possessed, Alice forced herself to stand, her back turned to her mother for the first time in her life. Each step she took felt like a betrayal, as if she were leaving a piece of her soul behind with her mother. But with each explosion, each tremor of the earth, the urgency of their situation grew clearer. She couldn''t afford to dwell in her grief, not when her mother had sacrificed so much to keep her safe.


    As another explosion rent the air, closer and more deafening than before, Alice took her first tentative step forward. It felt like walking on shards of glass, each movement tearing at the fragile remnants of her heart. But she couldn''t turn back. To do so would be to nullify her mother''s sacrifice, to render her final act in vain. So, with tears blurring her vision and sorrow weighing down her every step, Alice forged ahead into the unknown, carrying her mother''s love with her as a beacon of light in the darkness.

 Chapter 14 - The Horrors of War

    As Alice steps outside, the world collapses into chaos, her once serene village transformed into a battlefield consumed by an unrelenting storm of destruction.


    Massive fireballs descend from the heavens, each impact detonating with devastating force. Their explosions tear through the earth, igniting everything in their wake. Trees, once proud and full of life, stand as charred skeletons against a backdrop of searing flames. The air reeks of ash and smoke, a suffocating testament to the inferno consuming her home.


    Terrified animals dart past her, their cries mingling with the roar of the flames. Alice barely registers them, her eyes drawn to the houses she once knew, now engulfed in flames. Families spill from their homes in panicked desperation, only to be swallowed by the unrelenting violence.


    A tremor shakes the ground beneath her feet, and Alice stumbles, her knees buckling as another explosion reduces a nearby building to rubble. Her ears ring from the concussive blast, the world around her reduced to a cacophony of chaos.


    She freezes, unable to tear her gaze away from the apocalyptic scene. The streets she grew up on are unrecognizable¡ªeverywhere she looks, destruction reigns. Her mind struggles to process the magnitude of what¡¯s happening. This isn¡¯t real. This can¡¯t be real.


    Then, as if the horrors weren¡¯t enough, a horde of knights surges into the village, torches blazing in their hands. They storm the streets, sowing destruction with calculated cruelty.


    Men of the village rise to defend their families, wielding farming tools as weapons, but they¡¯re no match for the invaders. One by one, they fall, their blood staining the soil beneath them. The knights show no mercy, cutting down the defenseless without hesitation.


    Alice¡¯s breath catches as she sees a family run from their collapsing home, flames clinging to their bodies. Their anguished screams cut through the chaos, searing themselves into her memory.


    Before she can move, a knight grabs her, hoisting her over his shoulder. She thrashes, but her strength is no match for his iron grip. Panic overtakes her as she¡¯s carried farther from her home, her cries drowned by the devastation around her.


    "Alice!" Her grandfather¡¯s voice pierces the chaos, sharp and commanding.


    Through the haze of smoke, Alice glimpses her grandparents fighting their way through the carnage. Her grandfather¡¯s spear flashes with lethal precision, cutting down enemies as he calls out to her again.


    "Grandma! Grandpa!" Alice screams, her voice raw with desperation.


    "I¡¯m coming!" her grandfather roars, his every movement driven by determination.


    For a moment, hope flickers in her chest. He¡¯s so close¡ªcloser with every step. But then, a shadow emerges through the flames.


    The man with the crow mask moves with deadly purpose, his blade gleaming in the firelight. Before her grandfather can react, the figure slashes through his spear, the weapon splintering with a sickening crack.


    "No!" Alice¡¯s scream tears from her throat, but the masked man moves with chilling efficiency. A single, fluid strike sends her grandfather crumpling to the ground, his lifeblood pooling beneath him.


    The world narrows to that single moment as her grandfather¡¯s lifeless eyes meet hers. Time slows, the chaos around her fading into a muffled roar. Her body shakes as the reality of his death sinks in.


    Tears blur her vision as she watches her grandmother rush to his side, her cries of anguish cutting through the night. The masked man turns toward her without hesitation, delivering a swift, merciless blow.


    Alice¡¯s heart shatters. "Grandma!" she shrieks, her voice raw and unrecognizable.


    The knight carrying her doesn¡¯t stop. Alice thrashes harder, screaming until her voice breaks. But it¡¯s no use¡ªshe¡¯s powerless, forced to watch as her world crumbles around her.


    "ALICE!!!" The booming voice cuts through the chaos, and Alice''s heart leaps with hope as she recognizes the commanding tone of her father, Merek.


    With a mighty roar, Merek charges into the fray, his presence commanding and formidable. With each swing of his spear, he mows down knights like wheat before a scythe, his movements swift and deadly. The sheer force of his glare is enough to send even the bravest of knights quivering in fear as he shields Annabelle from harm.


    "ALICE!!" Annabelle''s voice joins the fray, a desperate cry that spurs Merek onward as he unleashes the full fury of the village upon their attackers. Every strike is precise, every movement calculated as he lays waste to the enemy forces, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.


    With a final surge of strength, Merek hurls his spear with unerring accuracy, impaling Alice''s captor and freeing her from his grasp. As she falls into his arms, safe at last, Merek''s gaze hardens with determination as he stands ready to face whatever challenges may come their way.


    "Papa!!! Sister!!" Alice''s cry pierces through the chaos, drawing Merek''s attention like a beacon in the night.


    Merek''s resolve strengthens as he grips his battle weapon with renewed determination, his jaw set in a firm line. Annabelle rushes to Alice''s side, her own eyes brimming with tears as she enfolds her sister in a tight embrace. Merek follows suit, wrapping his daughters in a protective cocoon of his arms, holding them close as if shielding them from the horrors of the world.


    "Are you alright, Alice?" Merek''s voice is gentle, his touch soothing as he strokes her hair in a comforting gesture.


    Alice''s tears flow freely as she struggles to find the words to convey the devastating news. "M-mother¡­ She¡¯s gone, daddy¡­ They took her from us¡­ As well as my grandparents¡­ " Her voice trembles with anguish, sending shockwaves rippling through Merek''s heart as her words sink in.


    His eyes widen in disbelief, his breath catching in his throat as a whirlwind of emotions crashes over him. Grief, rage, and disbelief swirl within him, threatening to overwhelm his senses. For a moment, he stands frozen, unable to grapple with the devasteing revelation in an almost denial consciousness.


    Annabelle''s voice quavers with sorrow as tears blur her vision. "No¡­ That can¡¯t be¡­ Not them¡­" Her words are choked with despair, her heart breaking with the weight of their shared tragedy.


    "My Alina¡­" Merek''s voice is a quiet, somber whisper, heavy with the weight of grief as he calls out his wife''s name one last time. The devastation and heartbreak are palpable in his words, a reflection of the profound loss he feels deep within his soul. But even as sorrow threatens to consume him, Merek knows that now is not the time for grief.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    With a heavy heart, he takes hold of his emotions, swallowing back the pain and tears that threaten to overwhelm him. The warzone surrounding them demands his attention, and Merek knows that he must prioritize the safety of his children above all else.


    Drawing upon his inner strength, Merek steels himself for the challenges ahead. Though his heart may be shattered, he refuses to let his grief paralyze him. In this moment, they need him more than ever, and he will not allow his own sorrows to overshadow his duty as their protector. With a firm resolve, he squares his shoulders, ready to lead his family through the darkness that lies ahead.


    "We have to go," Merek declares firmly, his voice carrying a sense of urgency that brooks no argument. In an instant, his demeanor shifts from that of a defeated man to that of an intimidating warrior, his eyes ablaze with unyielding determination.


    Feeling the weight of his words, Alice and Annabelle nod in silent agreement, taking hold of their father''s large hand. His grip is firm and reassuring, a beacon of strength amidst the chaos surrounding them.


    With a quick glance around, Merek assesses their surroundings, his mind already calculating the safest path to lead his daughters to safety. Spotting an area of the forest that has yet to be consumed by flames, he wastes no time in setting a course toward it.


    "To the forest, now!" Merek commands, his voice cutting through the chaos with authority. He quickened his pace, his weapon at the ready as he led his daughters through the turmoil. With every step, he is guided by a single, unwavering goal: to ensure the safety of his family at any cost.


    Turning their gazes away from the horrors unfolding around them, the sisters fix their eyes on the path ahead. Hand in hand, they run together, their hearts pounding with a mixture of fear and determination.


    Meanwhile, Merek moves with swift and decisive action, his weapon flashing in the firelight as he fends off any knights who dare to challenge him. With each blow, he demonstrates his skill and strength, ensuring that his daughters remain protected as they flee to safety.


    "C''mon! Keep on running! Don''t let up!!" Merek''s voice booms, a thunderous command cutting through the chaos. His gaze sharpens as he detects the enemy closing in, their numbers swelling with every passing moment.


    With the grace and ferocity of a snow wolf, Merek springs into action, his movements fluid and precise. Each strike of his mighty spear is like a lightning bolt, carving through the ranks of knights with effortless ease. His adversaries falter in the face of his unwavering wrath, their resolve crumbling before his unstoppable onslaught.


    As the village''s fiercest warrior, Merek''s battle cry reverberates through the air, a chilling reminder of his unmatched prowess. With every swing of his weapon, he creates a path of safety for his daughters to follow, shielding them from harm with his indomitable strength. Amidst the chaos of battle, Merek stands like a towering guardian, unwavering in his duty to protect those he holds dear.


    "Hurry, Alice! Keep up!" Annabelle''s urgent plea pierces through the chaos, her eyes wide with a mix of desperation and determination as she tugs at her little sister''s arm.


    Alice struggles to match her sister''s pace, her legs burning with exertion as she pushes herself to the brink. But the weight of what she''s seen weighs heavily on her shoulders, the memory of her mother''s death and the destruction of their home village haunting her every step. With each stride, despair and exhaustion threaten to overwhelm her, sapping her strength and leaving her feeling as though she can barely go on.


    Her steps falter, becoming weaker and slower with each passing moment, as if her body is pleading for respite from the relentless onslaught of tragedy. Alice fights against the overwhelming urge to give up, her spirit wavering as she struggles to find the strength to keep moving forward.


    "Come on, girls!" Merek''s urgent command echoes through the village as they near the safety of the woods.


    Before they could reach the sanctuary of the trees, a chilling sound tore through the air¡ªa metallic shriek that echoed with ominous finality. Merek froze, instincts honed from years of hunting blaring a primal warning. His heart thundered in his chest as he instinctively shielded Alice and Annabelle behind him.


    Then it struck.


    An invisible force slammed into him like a battering ram, the sheer power sending his body hurtling backward. He hit the ground with bone-jarring force, the earth cracking beneath him. His daughters were thrown from his arms, their small forms tumbling through the air before landing amidst the tall grass.


    Through the haze of pain, Merek forced himself upright, teeth gritted against the agony radiating through his body. His hands clenched around his spear, its familiar weight grounding him as he prepared for the danger that loomed unseen.


    ¡°Well done,¡± a gravelly voice mocked, thick with menace. ¡°You¡¯re the first wolvesmen to withstand my strike.¡±


    From the shadows emerged a towering figure encased in jagged black armor, its edges dripping blood that hissed upon contact with the earth. The man¡ªif he could be called that¡ªradiated an oppressive aura, each step exuding a palpable malice.


    ¡°If strength rules your clan, then you must be its chief,¡± he declared, brandishing a massive sword that gleamed with unholy light. ¡°I am Leonardo. Remember my name as this will be your final resting place.¡±


    Merek growled low, a guttural sound that reverberated with the raw power of his clan. His daughters whimpered behind him, their fear palpable, but his resolve only hardened. Gripping his spear, he slammed it into the ground, shattering the earth beneath him.


    ¡°Stand down,¡± he roared, his voice a thunderous command. ¡°Or I will make you wish for death!¡±


    Leonardo¡¯s laughter rang out like a death knell. ¡°Try, chief.¡±


    Merek charged, spear raised high, channeling every ounce of his strength into the strike. The ground trembled under his feet as he closed the distance, his weapon descending like a bolt of divine fury.


    The collision shook the air, a shockwave rippling outward and tearing through the surrounding terrain. For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath.


    But when the dust cleared, Leonardo stood unscathed, his blade effortlessly deflecting Merek¡¯s blow. ¡°Disappointing,¡± he muttered, his voice devoid of emotion.


    Merek stumbled back, his arms trembling as pain seared through his body. His daughters cried out, their voices piercing through the fog of exhaustion that clouded his mind.


    ¡°Run!¡± he commanded, his voice hoarse but firm. ¡°Into the forest. Don¡¯t look back.¡±


    Alice and Annabelle hesitated, but the fire in their father¡¯s eyes left no room for argument. They turned, their small hands clutching each other as they fled.


    Merek planted his feet, the spear trembling in his grip as he drew a ragged breath. ¡°For my family... my people...¡± he whispered, closing his eyes. The air around him grew heavy, shimmering with energy as ancient words rolled off his tongue.


    ¡°I call upon the blood of my ancestors. Grant me strength... the fury of the wolf clan!¡±


    A spectral wolf materialized behind him, its glowing form radiating primal energy. With a feral roar, Merek surged forward, his spear blazing with light.


    ¡°Alpha Slash!¡±


    The spectral wolf howled, charging alongside its master as the spear collided with Leonardo¡¯s armor in an explosion of light and force.


    As the chaos begins to settle, Merek emerges from the engulfing destruction. With his daughters clutched tightly in each hand and his spear secured on his back, he sprints towards the safety of the forest, his every movement fueled by a fierce desire to protect his loved ones from the dangers of war.


    Meanwhile, Leonardo rises from the dust, his formidable presence undiminished despite the wounds he bears. He clutches at the burning sensation in his chest, his gaze drawn to the blood seeping through the cracks in his armor, evidence of Merek''s powerful strike. Yet, instead of anger or frustration, Leonardo feels a sense of satisfaction wash over him, a testament to the intensity of their battle.


    "He was able to wound me and escape with his daughters," Leonardo muses to himself, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips as he reflects on their clash. Turning his attention to his sword, stained with fresh blood, he can''t help but feel a sense of pride in the exchange they shared.


    "But still," he murmurs ominously, his eyes narrowing as he peers in the direction Merek fled. "I believe I had the upper hand in our encounter." With a scoff, he issues a command to his men, a horde of cavalry riders ready to pursue their quarry into the depths of the forest.


    "After them," Leonardo declares, his voice carrying the weight of determination and resolve as he sets his sights on capturing his elusive prey.


    . . . . . . . . . . . . .


    . . . . . . . .


    . . .

 Chapter 15 - A Beautiful Nightmare

    The forest stretched out before them like a sanctuary, its towering trees a protective canopy that promised safety. Merek¡¯s breath came in heavy bursts as he sprinted deeper into the woods, Annabelle and Alice clinging tightly to him. Behind them, the shouts of the knights and the pounding of horses¡¯ hooves gradually faded, swallowed by the rustling leaves and whispering wind.


    Annabelle glanced back over her father¡¯s shoulder, her wide eyes scanning the woods for any sign of pursuit. For the first time since the attack, she felt the faintest glimmer of hope. ¡°They¡¯re not following us anymore,¡± she whispered, as if afraid to jinx their escape.


    Merek didn¡¯t respond. His jaw was clenched, his focus unbroken as he pushed through the undergrowth. Each step sent searing pain through his back, where the arrows from a lucky shot had struck, but he pressed on. He had to. For his daughters.


    Alice peeked up from where she clung to his chest, her tear-streaked face pressed against his tunic. ¡°Are we safe now, Daddy?¡±


    Merek forced a small smile, his voice soft but resolute. ¡°Almost, my little pup. Just a bit further.¡±


    The forest seemed endless, the shadows stretching as if to embrace them. Relief began to settle in Annabelle¡¯s chest, loosening the tight coil of fear that had gripped her since the attack. The knights¡¯ voices were gone. The danger was behind them.


    They had made it.


    But then, Merek faltered. His foot caught on an exposed root, and he stumbled, dropping to one knee. The sudden jolt startled both girls, their arms tightening around him instinctively.


    ¡°Father?¡± Annabelle asked, alarm lacing her voice. She scrambled out of his arms as he gently set her down. Alice followed, her confusion mirrored in her tearful eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Merek said quickly, his voice steady despite the strain. He planted a hand on the ground, steadying himself as he tried to rise. ¡°Just¡­ give me a moment.¡±


    But Annabelle¡¯s sharp gaze caught the tremble in his shoulders and the way his breath came in shallow, uneven gasps. Her heart dropped as her eyes fell to his tunic, now soaked in blood. And then she saw it: the deep, jagged wound slashing across his torso.


    It wasn¡¯t from the arrows.


    ¡°No,¡± she whispered, her voice shaking as tears welled in her eyes. ¡°No, no, no. You¡¯re fine. You¡¯re fine!¡±


    Alice¡¯s gaze followed her sister¡¯s, her small hands flying to her mouth as a sob escaped. ¡°Daddy, you¡¯re hurt! You¡¯re really hurt!¡±


    Merek pushed himself to his feet, leaning heavily on a nearby tree. His lips pressed into a thin line as he glanced back in the direction they¡¯d come. The faint sound of footsteps and clinking armor drifted through the trees. The knights were closing in.


    He turned back to his daughters, his expression softening. ¡°Listen to me,¡± he said, his voice calm despite the urgency in his eyes. ¡°You have to keep going. I¡¯ll stay here and hold them off.¡±


    Annabelle shook her head violently. ¡°No! We can help you! We¡¯ll find someone¡ªthere has to be something her¡ª¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no time!¡± Merek¡¯s voice rose, and the sharpness of it made both girls flinch. He softened his tone immediately, reaching out to cup Annabelle¡¯s face. ¡°Sweetheart, you¡¯re strong. You¡¯ve always been strong. And now you must be brave.¡±


    Alice clung to his arm, her sobs wracking her small frame. ¡°No, Daddy! Don¡¯t make us go! Please don¡¯t make us leave you!¡±


    Merek knelt before her, his hand brushing away her tears. ¡°Alice, listen to me. I¡¯ll be fine. I¡¯ll stop them, and then I¡¯ll catch up to you. I promise.¡± His smile wavered, but his voice carried the conviction of a father¡¯s love. ¡°But I need you to run now. I need you to stay safe. Can you do that for me?¡±


    Alice looked up at him with wide, tear-filled eyes, searching his face for the truth. But Annabelle saw it¡ªthe flicker of pain in his gaze, the unspoken words behind his reassurance. He was lying.


    And he didn¡¯t have much time.


    Annabelle clenched her fists, swallowing the sob rising in her throat. ¡°Come on, Alice,¡± she said, her voice trembling but firm. She grabbed her sister¡¯s hand. ¡°We have to go.¡±


    ¡°No! I won¡¯t leave him!¡± Alice wailed, trying to pull free.


    Merek caught her in a tight embrace, his lips pressing against her forehead. ¡°Be good for your sister,¡± he whispered, his voice breaking. ¡°And remember¡­ I love you. Always.¡±


    Annabelle tugged her sister away, ignoring her own tears as she dragged Alice into the depths of the forest. Alice¡¯s cries echoed through the trees, fading into the distance as Merek pushed himself upright, turning to face the approaching knights.


    The pain in his chest was unbearable, his breath shallow and labored, but his resolve was unshaken. He planted his feet firmly, gripping his spear tightly as the first knight emerged from the shadows.


    For his daughters, he would stand. For their future, he would fight.


    This was his final stand, and he would not falter.


    Merek steadied his breathing, the iron taste of blood lingering in his mouth as he tightened his grip on his blade. The world around him seemed to hold its breath, the faint rustle of leaves masking the distant sound of approaching boots. He refused to falter. His daughters were running¡ªalive and free. That was all that mattered now.


    But death came for him faster than he could prepare.


    A gust of wind preceded the strike, and before Merek could react, Leonardo was upon him. The knight¡¯s blade flashed like a streak of lightning, slicing through Merek¡¯s side with terrifying precision. He staggered back, a pained grunt escaping his lips as blood seeped from the fresh wound.


    ¡°You¡¯ve surprised me, Merek,¡± Leonardo said, his voice smooth and unhurried. He twirled his blade with an air of predatory confidence, his armor gleaming even in the muted forest light. ¡°That last attack of yours did quite sting¡­ too bad you weren¡¯t strong enough to capitalize on it.. Looks like this is the end of your run.¡±


    Merek dropped to one knee, his breath ragged. His body screamed in protest, his strength all but gone, but his spirit burned brighter than ever. Forcing himself to his feet, he stared Leonardo in the eye, defiance radiating from his every fiber.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t slain me yet¡­ best believe I won¡¯t go down without a fight¡­ ¡± Merek spat, his voice laced with venom despite the pain. He gripped his spear with both hands, the weight of it suddenly heavier but no less steady. ¡°Now let us continue from where we last left off...¡±


    Leonardo¡¯s lips curled into a smirk, his eyes gleaming with cruel amusement. ¡°Very well, then.¡±


    Merek let out a roar, summoning every ounce of willpower as he charged forward, his spear arcing toward the knight with deadly intent. Leonardo advanced with equal ferocity, and the clash of steel echoed through the trees.


    ¡­


    Annabelle didn¡¯t dare look back, her legs burning as she tore through the underbrush, her sister¡¯s smaller hand clutched tightly in hers. Alice stumbled, barely keeping pace, her sobs audible despite her labored breathing.


    ¡°Annabelle, please,¡± Alice whimpered, her voice cracked and trembling. ¡°We can¡¯t leave him¡­ we can¡¯t¡­¡±


    Annabelle¡¯s heart twisted painfully, but she didn¡¯t stop. She couldn¡¯t. ¡°We have to keep running!¡± she shouted, her voice breaking. ¡°Papa will catch up to us. You¡¯ll see!¡±


    It was a lie. A cruel, desperate lie, but it was the only thing keeping her going. The only thing holding Alice together.


    The forest seemed endless, each shadow clawing at the edges of Annabelle¡¯s resolve. The light ahead grew brighter¡ªa beacon of hope piercing through the oppressive darkness. Maybe it was a wanderer, a caravan, or even a village. Someone. Anyone who could help.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡°We¡¯re almost there, Alice,¡± Annabelle gasped, pulling her sister along. ¡°Just a little further!¡±


    The light flickered, growing sharper as they approached. Relief surged through Annabelle¡¯s chest, but the moment they burst through the clearing, it evaporated.


    Standing before them was not salvation.


    It was an intimmating man, and unbeknownst to them, they would soon come to find out that the man who found them, was none other than the leader who led the raiders to pillage their beloved home, the imfamous Yokubo, one of the Warlords from the human nation who¡¯s reputation spread fear into the heart of the Beast Clan.


    The towering figure leaned casually against a tree, his bloodstained blade resting on his shoulder. His scarred face twisted into a grin that sent a chill through Annabelle¡¯s soul. Behind him, a handful of raiders emerged from the shadows, their wicked laughter cutting through the silence like a knife.


    ¡°Well, well,¡± Yokubo drawled, his voice oozing malice. ¡°Looks like two little puppies tried to escape the den.¡±


    Annabelle¡¯s grip on Alice¡¯s hand tightened as fear threatened to swallow her whole. She stepped in front of her sister, shielding her with trembling arms, her mind racing for a way out.


    But there was none.


    ¡°Please¡­¡± Alice whispered, her voice barely audible.


    Yokubo¡¯s grin widened as he stepped forward. ¡°Let¡¯s see if you¡¯re as fun as your village was.¡±


    The sisters¡¯ hope shattered like glass, and the shadows closed in.


    . . . . . . . . . . . . .


    . . . . . . . .


    . . .


    ¡°I see¡­ You¡¯ve also suffered tremendously¡­¡±


    From amidst the darkness, from the enveloping pain of the ever consuming nightmare, a voice reaches out from the abyss.


    It was cold, rough, almost demonic, and yet, despite being a frightening voice, a voice that she couldn¡¯t find the owner of. It was soothing, like an angel¡¯s call, it brought a sense of relief that was nowhere to be found in this nightmare.


    ¡°Poor thing¡­¡±


    And as everything becomes comused in black, so too does her nightmares, and everything that it carried along the way. Her trauma, her fears, her sadness, everything felt as if it was slowly being sapped away from her, all her pain. Leaving only an empty slate, and a heart that can afford to breathe again, a sense of relief that she lost long ago from her dreams has returned to her once more, her tranquility.


    The blackness surrounding Alice ebbed like a receding tide, the suffocating void giving way to something entirely different. At first, she couldn¡¯t make sense of what she was seeing. Her feet, bare and trembling, touched down on soft, sunlit grass. The air was warm, fragrant with the scent of blooming flowers, and the sound of birds chirping drifted lazily through the air.


    Alice blinked, her breath hitching as she scanned her surroundings. It was the village¡ªbut not as she remembered it. Gone were the bloodstains, the charred remains of homes, the cries of anguish. In their place stood sturdy wooden cottages adorned with vibrant flowerbeds. A gentle breeze danced through the streets, carrying laughter and the faint aroma of baked bread.


    Her hands trembled as she reached out, touching a nearby tree as if to confirm its solidity. It felt real¡ªmore real than anything she''d felt in what seemed like an eternity. Her mind raced, unsure of what to make of it. Am I dreaming? Or¡­ am I reliving a memory?


    ¡°Annabelle, slow down!¡± a familiar voice called, light and full of mirth.


    Alice¡¯s heart skipped a beat as she turned toward the voice. There, in the distance, was her sister, Annabelle, no more than six years old, sprinting through a field of wildflowers. Her laughter rang out, bright and carefree, as she chased after a butterfly. Alice watched, wide-eyed, as Annabelle tumbled into the grass, giggling as the butterfly escaped her grasp.


    ¡°Careful now!¡±


    The voice was deeper, firm yet tender. Merek stepped into view, his strong frame silhouetted against the golden glow of the setting sun. He carried a wooden bucket in one hand, his other reaching down to ruffle Annabelle¡¯s hair. She laughed again, brushing herself off before taking her father¡¯s hand.


    Alice¡¯s knees buckled, her breath catching in her throat. ¡°Papa¡­¡± she whispered, her voice trembling.


    ¡°Alice, are you just going to stand there gawking, or are you going to come help your sister?¡± another voice chimed in. It was soft, melodic, filled with warmth.


    Her head snapped toward the sound. There, standing in the doorway of their family cottage, was her mother, Alina. She wore a simple apron over her dress, her auburn hair pulled back, and her smile radiated a love that Alice had forgotten she could feel.


    Alice stumbled forward, her legs weak beneath her. ¡°Mama¡­?¡±


    As she approached, her mother stepped forward and enveloped her in a hug. The scent of lavender filled Alice¡¯s senses, and for a moment, she simply melted into her mother¡¯s embrace. Tears spilled down her cheeks, though she couldn¡¯t find the words to explain why.


    ¡°Come on now, everyone¡¯s waiting,¡± Alina said, pulling back and gently brushing a tear from Alice¡¯s cheek.


    Everyone? Alice followed her mother¡¯s gaze toward the backyard of the cottage, where a large wooden table had been set up. Her grandfather, an older but still hearty man with a booming laugh, was setting down plates, while her grandmother hummed a tune as she arranged a bouquet of fresh-picked flowers in a vase.


    Merek approached the table, Annabelle skipping beside him with a handful of wildflowers clutched in her tiny fists. He lifted her effortlessly onto one of the chairs, his laughter rumbling as she insisted on adding her flowers to the bouquet.


    Alice hesitated. This couldn¡¯t be real. And yet, every detail felt vivid, from the warmth of the sunlight to the distant sound of a horse trotting down the village road. Her chest ached with the beauty of it all, a longing so profound it threatened to overwhelm her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there, Alice! Help me with the bread,¡± Alina said, already bustling toward the table with a steaming basket.


    Alice found herself moving without thinking, her feet carrying her toward the scene. She helped her mother set the table, her hands trembling as she placed down cups and utensils. The sound of her family¡¯s chatter surrounded her, their laughter blending with the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze.


    As they sat down to eat, the world seemed to slow. Annabelle regaled them with tales of her ¡°adventures¡± in the meadow, waving her arms animatedly and nearly knocking over her cup. Merek listened with an amused smile, his strong hands resting on the table as he leaned forward to hang on every word. Alina and her mother exchanged knowing glances, their laughter light and easy.


    Alice said little, too overwhelmed to speak. She simply watched, committing every moment to memory: the way her father¡¯s eyes crinkled when he laughed, the way her mother¡¯s hand lingered on her father¡¯s arm, the sound of her grandfather¡¯s hearty chuckle, the way her grandmother¡¯s hands moved gracefully as she poured tea.


    The meal stretched on, the sun dipping lower in the sky, painting the village in hues of gold and amber. As twilight settled, her father stood, raising his cup.


    ¡°To having everybody on this table this evening,¡± he said, his voice steady and warm. ¡°May we always have moments like this.¡±


    The words struck a chord deep within Alice, and she felt a lump rise in her throat.


    ¡°Cheers,¡± she echoed softly, lifting her own cup.


    In that moment, time seemed to freeze. The laughter, the warmth, the love¡ªit all enveloped her like a cocoon, shielding her from the darkness that had plagued her for so long. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, she allowed herself to smile, to feel the joy of simply being surrounded by the people she loved.


    For the first time in years¡­ Alice wished this dream would never end.


    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


    . . . . . .


    Light began to consume her vision, gentle and warm, chasing away the lingering shadows of her dream. Her body felt heavy, as though weighed down by chains, yet the sensation was far from unpleasant. Slowly, she stirred, her eyelids fluttering open to the sight of soft sunlight filtering through the swaying leaves above her. The gentle rustle of the wind whispered against her skin, nuzzling her like a tender embrace.


    Her breath hitched. Tears traced silent paths down her cheeks, and for a moment, she simply lay there, staring at the sky. Her fingers reached up instinctively, trembling as they brushed against her damp cheeks. The sensation was overwhelming¡ªreal, vivid.


    She sat up slowly, her movements unsteady but deliberate. Her hands wouldn¡¯t stop trembling, and as she pressed them to her chest, a choked sob escaped her lips. Tears flowed freely now, spilling over as a radiant smile spread across her face.


    It was joy¡ªpure, untainted, unburdened joy. A feeling she hadn¡¯t thought herself capable of experiencing again.


    ¡°Has a miracle happened?¡± she whispered, her voice cracking under the weight of her emotions.


    A rustling sound drew her attention, and she turned to see Axel leaning against a tree nearby, his arms crossed and his head tilted. His gaze held a mixture of confusion and curiosity, his brow furrowed as he studied her.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked, his tone gruff but not unkind.


    Alice¡¯s legs wavered beneath her as she tried to stand, the overwhelming tide of emotions nearly pulling her back down. She hastily wiped at her face, though the tears kept coming. She laughed, a soft, breathy sound that held no hint of sadness.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± she managed, her voice quivering but steady enough. She looked at him, her cheeks flushed and her eyes shining with the remnants of her tears. ¡°I just¡­ I just had a wonderful dream.¡±


    Her tail swayed behind her, betraying her efforts to appear composed. She pressed a hand to her chest, her heart thundering beneath her palm, and offered Axel a smile that was equal parts fragile and luminous.


    Axel scratched his chin, his gaze flicking between her face and the wagging tail. He huffed softly, turning his head away. ¡°Weird way of showing it,¡± he muttered, more to himself than to her.


    He pushed himself off the tree, brushing off his coat before starting to gather their belongings. Alice watched him for a moment, the peaceful warmth of her dream lingering in her chest. Then, with a renewed sense of energy, she stood and joined him.


    The two worked in tandem, their movements swift and efficient, though Axel occasionally cast a glance in her direction, his expression still puzzled. Alice, however, remained radiant, her smile unwavering.


    As they set off down the road, the sun climbed higher into the sky, its golden light bathing the world in a soft glow. Alice walked with a spring in her step, her heart lighter than it had been in years.


    For the first time in what felt like forever, the future didn¡¯t seem so bleak. And as her tail wagged behind her, she let herself savor the simple, fleeting beauty of the moment.